In Alberta we are so lucky to have FIVE National Parks. I'll be honest and say I only knew about the four that I've spent time in. And then I learned that Wood Buffalo National Park is our fifth, and is Canada's biggest one - it is bigger in area than Switzerland. So now I have to make space for it on my travel bucket list. Its secluded location and lack of mountains means it loses top billing to the likes of Jasper, Banff and Waterton Lakes. Living in Edmonton, we are lucky to have Elk Island right in our area to explore and see wildlife often. Hiking in these parks have been some of my favorite memories. Have you explored these parks?
Banff National Park of Canada
I have a serious love of the Banff/Canmore area. If I wasn't living in Edmonton I would be living in Canmore or Banff.
This town is my favorite to explore, as
it had a bit more hustle and bustle than Jasper or Waterton. Restaurants like Park Distillery + Restaurant + Bar and ice cream shops like COWS Banff draw me in every time.
My favorite hike to do in Banff National Park is the Tea House trail up to Lake Agnes. This trail starts off at Lake Louise, which is a very popular destination. You can do the full Tea House Trail Loop as well, but it just depends how much time you have.
Below are some views you can have on the way up to Lake Agnes and the first Tea House. It's hard to get a spot at the tea house, but bring cash just in case you do!
Jasper National Park of Canada
While this town isn't as exciting to visit is has great spots like Jasper Park Brewing Company and Jasper Pizza Place to keep the tourists happy. If you are headed back to Edmonton from Jasper I highly recommend Folding Mountain Brewery for food, games and drinks. It is just outside the park gates.
Jasper has a good mix of family friendly hikes and those who are looking for a challenge. The Valley of the Five Lakes hike is great if you have a short amount of time or need one to enjoy with the whole family. You can also do Maligne Canyon and Athabasca Falls with minimal effort and maximum enjoyment of the views. Opal Hills, Bald Hills or Cinquefoil Mountain Trail all offer a bit more of a challenge.
Waterton Lakes National Park
As I am Edmonton based, Waterton is not the most accessible park for me. I did head there a couple summers ago and was blown away by the setting. My friend and I wanted to do Crypt Lake Trail and we were not disappointed. The lake was frozen, parts of the trail were covered by snow and we were still blown away. In order to reach the trail head you have to take a ferry. It's a fifteen minute trip and gets you excited to explore. You pass four waterfalls on the hike but the trail is known for the chains and tunnel. This hike isn't for the inexperienced hiker, but they sound more daunting than they really are.
Elk Island National Park
In the backyard of those who live in Edmonton, this underrated park is such a great place to explore. If you drive through the park on the highway, keep your eyes pealed for buffalo and deer which can be found in abundance here. You can see many more if you venture into the grounds. There are a lot of nature walks to go on in the summer and plenty of trails to snowshoe on in the winter. Astotin Lake is also the perfect place to spot the Northern Lights if you are lucky. There are also a couple of the National Park Red Chairs to be found which can be a fun adventure hunting them down.
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