Best Fall Hiking Trails in Edmonton

If you’re looking forward to walking, hiking, or biking through Edmonton’s glorious fall foliage, the best time is rapidly approaching. To see the most of this season, aim to head out late September to early October. This way you’ll be sure to capture amazing photos and feel that satisfying crunch beneath your feet. 

For residents living in and around Jasper Place, the MacKinnon Ravine trail, found at Government House Park, is stunning in autumn. Explore the park foliage, then walk or bike along the paved 5km trail that follows alongside the North Saskatchewan River and enjoy the view. This season the trail is adorned with gold, orange, and red leaves making a spectacular background for the majestic North Saskatchewan River.  

Near the neighbourhood of Strathcona, you’ll find the Mill Creek Ravine trail which makes for a beautiful hike in late September. There’s a parking lot in the centre of the trail on 96 Street and opportunities to hike north towards the Muttart Conservatory or south to Argyll Park. In its entirety this is a 10.6km loop trail taking at least 2.5 hours to hike; but you’ll find it easy to shorten the distance if you’re pressed for time.

At Hawrelak Park in South Central Edmonton, you can stroll through the park, take a leisurely walk around the lake, or explore the forest trail. The forest trail is a 4.7km loop that weaves through dense trees and foliage. This trail travels alongside the park by the riverside and around the Royal Mayfair Golf Club. Plan to visit near the end of September to catch sight of the fall colours throughout the trees. 

Whitemud Park in Southeast Edmonton offers countless opportunities to walk, hike, or bike through the fall foliage. This massive recreation area features the Janzen Nature Centre and a trail that winds through the Whitemud Ravine Nature Reserve. With heavily treed areas and ample spots to view nature, this is one of the best places in Edmonton to go this autumn. 

Autumn weather can be unpredictable; so, dress in layers and wear proper footwear. Don’t forget a water bottle and keep Edmonton beautiful by always tossing waste in designated trash bins.