Whether you are new to the Edmonton area or are a long-time resident, you may be looking for more places to explore outside. Consider visiting an EALT Conservation Land this year! These lands offer a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in the beauty of Alberta's natural landscapes. No matter which direction you head from Edmonton, you can explore a rustic but beautiful place with interesting views. So grab your hiking boots and let's get ready to explore these hidden gems!
Find the Forest Amongst Farmland
In Sturgeon County, you can visit an island of forest amongst farmland. Boisvert’s GreenWoods provides a small but mighty punch to visitors. From the parking area, you can follow a 1.5 kilometre trail loop that takes you through an old growth forest with balsam poplar and aspen trees that are over 100 years old! You can spot many “bird condominiums”, tree stumps, that contribute to the wildlife habitat here.
Down South Where Dinosaurs Walked
You don’t need to drive all the way to Drumheller to find a paleontological site. In Leduc county, the Coates Conservation Land once held fossils including dinosaur footprints, skin impressions, and bones. These were removed by the Royal Tyrell Museum in the early 1990s, but you can still see the type of rock that contained these fossils in the creekbed. Feel free to explore, but please remember to take only pictures, and leave only footprints behind (just as the dinosaurs did!).
West for Birdwatching
The Lu Carbyn Nature Sanctuary in Lac St. Anne county was conserved with bird diversity and habitat in mind. Over 95 bird species have been recorded here. The donor of this land has led many nature hikes on these trails , including one intersection he affectionately calls “Redstart Corner”. At times when Lu Carbyn or EALT staff have mentioned this fact to visitors, we have seen or heard American Redstarts at that exact moment!
You can explore this remote site with over 4 kilometres of trails. It is not just a hotspot for birds, but for cougars and bears as well, so travelling in groups and carrying bear spray is recommended.
Photo: Lu Carbyn
Have a Look at Lily Lake
Not too far away from the Lu Carbyn Nature Sanctuary, you can visit JBJ McDonald, our newest conservation land. This site conserves a quarter of the shoreline of Lily Lake. This small lake is aptly named, as by mid-July and into August the lake is covered with the vibrant yellow flowers of yellow pond lily.
You can explore up to 4 kilometers of trails here, but be prepared for some wet and boggy conditions.
East of Edmonton
Just 2 kilometers east of Elk Island you can visit a spot in the Beaverhills Biosphere with similar views. The Smith Blackburn Homestead has 3 kilometers of easy trails that meander through a mixedwood forest, past beaver ponds, and eventually lead you to viewpoints of the lake to the north. This site is also home to an EALT achievement, an award winning pollinator garden! Check out the flowers in bloom and the bee hotel at this garden.
Before you go…
More information can be found about each of these conservation lands on our website. On each page, you can check out the location, trail maps, and visitor guidelines. Some of these sites do not allow dogs, so check the guidelines before you go!
Here are some other resources to add to your visit:
Read about spruce forests at Coates Conservation Land.
Follow the self guided tour
Use this Google Maps feature to learn more about the land’s conservation value.
Find a geocache
Many of our sites have geocaches that you can find and record your visit in its logbook. There should also be some EALT swag for you to take or trade.
We hope you enjoy these suggestions for places to visit on your next hike. EALT stewards and monitors these lands to maintain their habitat quality for wildlife and enjoyment for visitors. We are thankful for those who visit our conservation lands and support us in our work.
A view from the Smith Blackburn Homestead.
Here’s how you can support EALT:
Share your photos with @edarealandtrust
Bring a friend
