Escape Into the Forest
Hiking in the Athabasca Region is a world-class experience, set in the Mixed Wood Boreal Forest of Alberta! Some of these amazing trails are only 5 minutes away from Downtown Athabasca!
These listings are the main hiking areas, but many campgrounds and natural areas have trails for you to follow.
The Athabasca Region is home to many species that you may encounter on the trail. Be bear smart!
Muskeg Creek Park
Situated within the limits of the Town of Athabasca, the Muskeg Creek Park trails run through the Muskeg Creek Valley and surrounding plateaus. The valley is a steep sided, heavily wooded ravine located west of the downtown area and adjacent to Athabasca University. A total of 17.5km of trails are available for you to explore.
The park is open to all outdoor enthusiasts with opportunities to hike, jog, mountain bike, bird watch, and count butterflies.
The park is home to a variety of wildlife including deer, moose, coyotes, snowshoe hares, and the occasional bear.
Athabasca Landing Trail
The Athabasca Landing Trail is an historical trail used by klondikers heading to the Yukon and fur traders who wanted to access the Hudson’s Bay Company outlet in Athabasca Landing (known today as Athabasca). Today, the trail comprises part of the Trans Canada Trail and is being restored to its historic purpose. Eventually, the trail will be 150km long, connecting Edmonton to Athabasca and beyond.
The trail from Athabasca to Colinton is relatively flat and approximately 10km. Parking is available behind the SS Athabasca Car Wash in Athabasca. Once you reach Colinton, you can enjoy the best soft ice cream in the County at the general store or stop in the Colinton Hotel for something more filling before your return journey.
More information, including a map, can be found on the Alberta TrailNet website or at www.athabascalanding.com.
Peace River Trail
River Meadows
River Meadows RV Park is a private campground with some pretty amazing hiking trails! This is the trail system that the triathletes run for the Kapâwinihk Wilderness Triathlon.
Visitors are welcome to use the trail system for free, but please contact River Meadows to let them know you’ll be on the trail.
Visit their website for information.
Poacher's Landing Provincial Park
Just to the northeast of the town of Athabasca lies the La Biche River Wildland. This pristine natural area is only accessible through Poachers Landing.
There are over 17,000 hectares of undisturbed Boreal forest with trails throughout.
These are multi-use trails with no formal facilities.
The Poacher’s Landing campground has 6 unserviced sites and is a first come, first served campsite. There is a boat launch into the Athabasca River, a cookhouse and restrooms. It opens on May 20 and closes on September 20.
White Earth Valley Natural Area
The White Earth Natural Area provides a Boreal wilderness experience with the comfort of a campground nearby in Long Lake Provincial Park.
It is located about 110 km north of Edmonton on Highway 831, which is accessible from Highway 63 North. It’s about 20 km south of the village of Boyle, where you can stock up on supplies.
The White Earth Valley NA is adjacent to thousands of hectares of undisturbed Boreal forest which promotes great habitat for many Boreal species, including bears and wolves. Use caution around wildlife and be bear-smart with food storage.
Cross Lake Provincial Park
Cross Lake Campground is located in Cross Lake Provincial Park, 16 km south of Athabasca on Hwy. 2, 34 km west on Hwy. 663, and 6 km north on the access road.
There are many kilometres of trails around the campground and you can also hike around the lake to George’s Point Campground.