Wild Outings: 5 hikeable nature areas in the capital region

Edmonton's river valley is one of our city's best selling features, but there aremore nature trails, parks and adventures in the capital region.

Bunchberry Meadows Conservation Area

This 260-hectare track of land donated by five local families as a nature preservea few years ago sits southwest of the city limits in Parkland County. It boasts unique geological features like the Devon Dunes,a hidden gem in the capital region according to Rebecca Ellis with the Edmonton and Area Land Trust. As a bonus,theClifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary and the North Saskatchewan River valley in Devon with attractions like the Legs of Fire Stairs, are near by.

'It's a bit of a hidden gem'

4 years ago

Duration 1:39

Tag along with Rebecca Ellis of the Edmonton and Area Land Trust as she explores Bunchberry Meadows Conservation Area.

You can see more from Bunchberry Meadows on Our Edmonton Saturday at 10 a.m., Sunday at noon and 11 a.m. Monday on CBC TV and CBCGEM.

Riverlot 56 Natural Area

This little gem of green with access off Poundmaker Road can be found in St. Albert. According to Arielle Demchuk with the River Valley Alliance, it's a great place to get lost in nature, sometimes literally. She's had people get turned around in this space so make sure you tell someone where you're going and have a plan.

There's a 10-kilometre loop you might share with moose and other wildlife. With all the rain we've been having make sure you have the right footwear.

Larch/MacTaggart Sanctuary, Twin Brooks and District Nature Area

A particular highlight of the Whitemud Creek trail system is the Larch/MacTaggart Sanctuary south of 23 Avenue. It also connects to the Twin Brooks and District Nature Area.

• Larch Sanctuary: One of Edmonton's best kept secrets revealed

The Whitemud Ravine trail system is a true natural corridor running from Whitemud Drive and Fort Edmonton to south of 23rd Avenue. The Whitemud Creek natural area has some amazing tall, old growth trees, interpretive signsabout plants and animals, and chances to view wildlife. The primarytrail is off-limits to cyclists and thedirt pathmakes for a serene nature walk.

Our Edmonton: Twin Brooks

4 years ago

Duration 44:02

This week Our Edmonton host Adrienne Lamb explores the parks and green spaces in the community of Twin Brooks. This is the first episode in a series of programs highlighting the many parks in capital region.

Strathcona Wilderness Centre

Many people flock to Elk Island National Park and Beaver Hills Biodiversity Trail. Butin this direction you'll also find the Strathcona Wilderness Centre at 52535 Range Road 212 in Ardrossan. Cross-country skiers love this spot but right now the trails, disc golf course and outdoor fitness equipment are open. You will need to leave the dog at home.

Chickakoo Recreation Area

This is a bit of a drive at 1128 Township Rd 534 towardOnoway but worth the trip for the 11 kilometres of trailsfor walking, mountain biking, horseback riding and cross country skiing. There is a lot of water tooincludingKettle Lake, Sauer and Dog Leg Pond.At Chickakoo Recreation Area you'll also find picnic areas, a gazebo anda playground. Dogs are welcome on leash.

Have a park or natural area you want us to explore? Email us at: OurEdmonton@cbc.ca