Edmonton – Unusual Attractions & Day Trips

Edmonton Off The Beaten Path

Edmonton is located in an interesting area that provides plenty of opportunities for day trips to see things that are off the beaten path. Here are some of the favorite things travelers have enjoyed around Edmonton.

River Valley Area

The North Saskatchewan River diagonally bisects the city of Edmonton. In the River Valley area, there are nice parks and the John Janzen Nature Centre, which is nice to visit especially with children. There are ducks and birds around Prairie Pond and nice nature trails to explore.

Elk Island National Park

This park is one-half hour’s drive east of Edmonton. There you can see the herds of wild buffalo grazing contently in the fields and have a picnic next to a charming lake.

Fishing in Rural Alberta

In the countryside, there are ample opportunities for good fishing. Drive about 70 km west of Edmonton and you will find the East Pit Lake, which is a reclaimed mining pit that is stocked with delicious rainbow trout.

Jurassic Forest

This theme park 3 km north of Edmonton has huge statues of dinosaurs that kids find fascinating. The replications of the dinosaurs are very lifelike. When you pass nearby, the sensors trigger them into action.

There are also excellent photo opportunities where kids can climb onto the back of a dinosaur for an interesting snapshot. This park is seasonal and not open during winter.

Devon Botanical Gardens

About 30 minutes west of Edmonton, you will find the Devon Botanical Gardens. This is a delightful place to visit for those interested in horticulture and others who simply like seeing beautiful plants and flowers.

Sylvan Lake

This lake resort is about one and one-half hours south of Edmonton. It has wonderful camping sites and a Wild Rapids Waterslide Park for the kids.

Prairie Gardens Farms

This farm is about 25 km north of Edmonton. It has 35 acres of adventure and fun with arcade games, greenhouses, a pumpkin cannon (and a corn cob cannon for the little tykes), u-pick berry areas, a petting zoo, a haunted house, wagon rides, a mini train, a seven-acre corn maze, and much more. There are over 50 fun farm activities for you and your family to enjoy.

Editor’s note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about things off the beaten path in Edmonton.