Guide to Snowshoeing in Edmonton
It's true what they say, the best shoe is a snowshoe. Snowshoeing was a traditional mode of transportation for Indigenous people in Canada, and it's still a practical way to explore Edmonton. This guide will help you find where to rent your snowshoeing gear and which trails to cruise through! Now is the time to dash through the snow and embark on an epic winter adventure or tour!
Where to Get Snowshoeing Gear
Gear up! You'll want to start by layering your clothing. Begin with a base layer such as a long sleeve t-shirt and build from there. Depending on the weather, a thick sweater, parka, warm socks, hat, scarf, and winter footwear will be essential. Don't forget to bring a backpack to hold extra socks, your camera, water, and snacks.
Need to rent snowshoes while in Edmonton? Not a problem! River Valley Adventure Co. has a variety of sizes and allows you to rent by the hour or per day. Elk Island National Park also offers rentals. Bonus: children's sizes are free!
Snowshoe Tours
To get the most of our your snowshoeing adventure, River Valley Adventure Co will be your knowledgeable tour guides. They know the best 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.
Go walkin' through a winter wonderland with Haskin Canoe. Their tour guides will take you through the city's river valley trail system, where there is the perfect balance of big city views and forested pathways. This 1-2 hour trek can take place during the day or in the evening, and is complete with a maple taffy snack, hot chocolate and a bonfire with s'mores!
Elk Island National Park
Picture yourself crossing a frozen, snowy lake as the knock-knock-knock of a woodpecker echos from the forest beyond. Snowshoeing is a fantastic way to discover the beauty that surrounds Elk Island National Park. If it’s daytime, you might get lucky and spot a bison dashing through the snow. At night, there’s the prospect of northern lights.
Snowshoe and Stargaze
As part of the Beaver Hills Dark Sky Preserve and the Beaver Hills Biosphere Reserve, Elk Island National Park is an exquisite spot to view the wonders of the night sky. Join fellow night sky enthusiasts as you head out on a short guided hike on snowshoes around Astotin Lake. Take a seat by the crackling campfire and gaze up at a sky full of stars. It'll be a night to remember.
No Tour? No Problem!
Prefer to strap on your snowshoes and explore Edmonton all on your own? No worries! Edmonton's river valley is 22x the size of New York's Central Park and looks the most magical in winter. Here are some of the best areas to snowshoe in Edmonton.:
Fort Edmonton Park - Corner of Fox and Whitemud Dr.
John Janzen Nature Centre - Beside Fort Edmonton (corner of Fox and Whitemud Dr. )
Rundle Park - 29 St and 113 Ave
Borden Park - 75 St and 112 Ave
Terwillegar Park - West end of Rabbit Hill Road
Victoria Park - 12130 River Valley Rd
William Hawrelak Park - 9930 Groat Road