Guide to Snowshoeing in Edmonton
What's a Canadian winter without a snowshoe hike?
Snowshoe technology was mastered by Indigenous People in Canada as an efficient way to tread on snowy lands and continues to be extremely practical today. Snowshoes are wide platforms that attach to your boots which allows you to walk on snow much more easily. Its design distributes your weight, so you don't sink into powdered snow on your outdoor adventures.
Snowshoeing is an extremely fun way to explore the outdoors in the winter. This guide will help you dress warmly for snowshoeing, rent snowshoe gear in Edmonton, and plan which trails to explore this season. Embrace the winter wonderland as you tread through the beautiful sights!
What to Wear for Snowshoeing
Layers, layers, layers! The best way to prepare for a hike in the winter is to make sure you're wearing multiple layers of clothing.
Start with a long-sleeved base, then add one or two more layers, such as a sweater and an insulated vest. Depending on the weather, you'll likely need a winter jacket, parka, warm socks, hat, scarf, mittens, and warm winter footwear. Don't forget to bring a backpack to hold extra socks, your camera, water and snacks. You can visit one of Edmonton's many shopping centers to get all your gear!
Where to Rent Snowshoes
Need to rent snowshoes while in Edmonton? Not a problem! There are several options in Edmonton. The outdoor enthusiasts at each shop will be able to help you pick the right size!
- River Valley Adventure Co. has a variety of sizes and allows you to rent by the hour or per day.
- Rural Rivers is located north-west of Edmonton and also offers information on snowshoeing routes in the Edmonton area.
- Haskin Canoe offers group snowshoe rental packages for schools, families, and corporate events.
Snowshoe Tours
Participate in one of our local guided snowshoe tours to learn about the land and take you through the best routes!
River Valley Adventure Co. know the best Edmonton and area routes and will provide you with fun, historical and insightful information about the area. Don't be surprised if you discover some of Edmonton's locally famous hidden gems. Contact them through the RVA website to make a booking!
Embark on a snowshoe tour led by Talking Rock Tours at Elk Island National Park! Your winter geo-adventure begins at the Moss Lake Trailhead, through the winter wonderland of Elk Island, and ending with an indigenous sharing circle around a fire.
Elk Island National Park
Have your breath taken away by stunning landscapes in Elk Island National Park. Absorb the beauty of the pristine snowscapes, snow-covered trees, and the glistening, powdered ground below your feet.
Snowshoeing is a fantastic way to discover the serene nature that surrounds Elk Island National Park. If it’s daytime, you might get lucky and spot a bison dashing through the snow. At night, you'll have a chance to view the enchanting northern lights in the prairie skies. Elk Island National Park is part of the Beaver Hills Dark Sky Preserve and the Beaver Hills Biosphere Reserve and so it provides incredible spots to view the wonders of the aurora borealis with little light pollution.
Embark with fellow night sky enthusiasts on a guided snowshoe tour around Astotin Lake, then take a seat beside the crackling campfire to gaze up at twinkling sky with the Snowshoe and Stargaze Experience.
One thing is for sure - this will be a night to remember!
More to Explore
Edmonton's river valley is 22 times the size of New York City's Central Park and looks the most magical in winter. Here are some of the best areas to snowshoe in Edmonton:
John Janzen Nature Centre - Beside Fort Edmonton Park (corner of Fox Dr. and Whitemud Dr.)
Rundle Park - 29 St and 113 Ave.
Borden Park - 75 St and 112 Ave.
Terwillegar Park - West end of Rabbit Hill Rd.
Victoria Park - 12130 River Valley Rd.