YouAlberta
Fall’s here, and with winter rapidly approaching, it’s the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors and the lovely colours that brighten the city for a few weeks.
Going for long walks and listening to audiobooks is one of my favourite self-care activities, and it’s even more special during this small window of time when the city transforms into a yellow and orange paradise.
Edmonton has so many incredible places to explore the fall vibes, whether you want to stay closer to campus or have an adventure a little farther away.
Here’s my list, along with photos I took of a few of my favourites.
Laurence Decore Lookout Walk
This area is very close to North Campus, accessible from Saskatchewan Drive. It’s a lovely path with boardwalks that bring you down into the valley, with great views of the city and the river. Perfect for an afternoon stroll after class or a quick study break. You can opt for a longer route by continuing down the trail to Emily Murphy Park — a great place to have a picnic.
Strathcona Railway Garden
Around 15 to 20 minutes on foot from North Campus, this lovely community garden is a whimsical place to spend some time reading a book or simply relaxing on one of the picnic tables. It’s full of colourful flowers and tons of sunflowers, which are sure to brighten your day.
Indigenous Art Park at Queen Elizabeth Park
The Indigenous Art Park is a wonderful place to explore, featuring a number of beautiful installations by Indigenous artists. It’s a peaceful place, with excellent views of the city and fall foliage. Check out this guide to learn more about the art installations. You can extend this walk by heading through Queen Elizabeth Park to the Walterdale Viewpoint.
Buena Vista / Hawrelak Park Footbridge
I grew up in Laurier Heights, so this remains one of my favourite places to enjoy a long walk — no matter what time of year. It’s easy to get to from North Campus; you can access stairs into Hawrelak Park from Groat Road and 87 Avenue. There are so many trail options in this area, with beautiful paths that go along the river, and you can even walk on the beach (if the water isn’t too high).
Plus, it’s a prime spot for dog watching as there’s a huge off-leash area, and the footbridge is a top-tier sunset viewing location.
Mill Creek Ravine
A bit further away from North Campus, but closer to Campus Saint-Jean and easily accessible by bus, Mill Creek Ravine has tons of multi-use trails that make you feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere. I love getting together with friends and packing some snacks before spending an afternoon exploring the area. We always seem to discover something new.