Northeast Alberta Trails Map West

390000
Special Interest Sites:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
I.R. 183
25
24
23
Calling Lake
22
21
as
ab
Ath
6120000
Calling Lake
813
ca
P ea
er
Riv
i v er
ce R
Calling Lake
Provincial Park
15
16
17
18
19
20
il
Tra
6110000
iver
26
25
26
Athabasca Heritage Tours
27
Bonnyville & District Museum
28
Jessie lake
29
Giant Angus Shaw
30
Cold Lake Museum
31
Kinosso Totem Poles
32
Dewberry Valley Museum
33
Giant Chuckwagon
34
20
19
Tawatinaw Valley Alpine and Nordic Centre 35
100 Foot Historical Mural
36
Toula’s House of Clay
37
Sturgeon River Historical Museum
38
Giant Perogy
39
Heinsburg Historic Railway Theme Park &
40
Water Tower Campsite
41
Innisfree Prairie Bank of Commerce Museum
Heart Lake Beach
Kikino Silver Birch Beach
McArthur Park
McArthur Place
Portage College Museum of Aboriginal
Art & Artifacts
Calling River
Spruce Point Beach
Young’s Beach
Giant David Thompson
Legal French Murals
Athab
asca
R
410000
420000
430000
440000
Legend - West Half
Paradise Valley Climb Through Time
The Barr Colony Heritage Cultural Centre
Mallaig Museum
Mannville Historical Telephone Exchange Museum
Musee Morinville Museum
Giant Sausage
Plamondon and District Museum
Redwater and District Museum
Saddle Lake Cultural Museum
Smoky Lake Pioneer Museum
18
17
The Great Pumpkin
Musee-St. Paul-Museum
Lyle Lake
Musee Historique de St. Paul Historical Museum
Two Hills and District Museum
Wandering
Vegreville Regional Museum
River
Vermillion Heritage Museum
Giant Mushrooms of Vilna
Primary highways
Secondary & gravel roads
All terrain vehicle
73
Campground
Rail
Cross-country skiing
Water
Cycling
Township
16
Urban
Breynat
Amesbury
63
Day use area
15
13
Equestrian
Indian reserve
Farmers Market
Metis settlement
Group campground
Natural area
Hiking
Provincial recreation area
National park
Historic site
71
Hospital
Provincial park
Information
Wildland park
Motorcycle
Green Area
Snowmobile
Watchable wildlife site
Staging area
70
Special interest site
1
6100000
21
22
23
24
400000
Trails
Poacher’s Landing
6090000
Deep
Creek
La Biche River
Wildland Provincial Park
Pleasant
View
Mixed Use
(motorized & non-motorized)
Trans Canada Trail
Non-motorized
Trans-Canadian
69
Snowmobile
Trail
Designated winter use
Legal
Poacher’s Landing
Provincial Recreation Area
Towns with trails
0
1.5
3
6
Richmond
Park
R
ou
te
Ri
ve
sc
a
ad
Atmore
ns
Big Island
55
Grassland
Tr
a
67
Quadding
Donatville
20 23
855
Amber Valley
55
Missawawi Lake
Hare
Island
Athabasca
Beaver Lake
Paxson
North Buck Lake
812
CNR
66
Venice
Hylo
Noral
Caslan
Colinton
Mewatha
Beach
663
Coolidge
Kinikinik
Boyle
Bondiss
Meanook
663
Long Lake
Provincial
Park
65
55
Halasa
827
Buffalo Lake
Métis Settlement
Long Lake
Prov. Park
Long
Lake
CNR
Larkspur
64
Long Lake White Earth
Ellscott
831
Alpen
Siding
63 36
855
Alpen
White Earth
Valley Natural
Area
Kikino
6030000
6030000
Métis Settlement
Danube
Rochester
Analta
62
Halcreek
Northeast of town, Poacher’s Landing
Provincial Recreation Area features
a network of trails on the south side of the
Athabasca River. (www.athabascacountry.com)
Métis
Settlement
6020000
Tawatinaw
Besides vibrant historic riverside paths, the town of Athabasca (www.town.athabasca.ab.ca) offers 17.5 km of
non-motorized trails in the wooded Muskeg Creek Park. In winter, its groomed cross-country ski trails are
considered among the best in Alberta,
with loops ranging from 1.2 km (lit at
night) to10 km, providing something for
Poachers’ Landing
all levels of skiers. From Athabasca, the
Trans Canadian Snowmobile Trail heads
west to Swan Hills and beyond.
Kikino
Louis Bartel
Cross Country
Ski Trails
Newbrook
9
Just east of Highway 2, along the North Saskatchewan River near Fort Saskatchewan, is the start of the
Athabasca Landing Trail (www.albertatrailnet.com), part of the northern leg of the Trans Canada Trail. It
closely follows the historic overland route of the same name – between Edmonton and the southern loop of the
Athabasca River at the town of Athabasca – used by 19th-century fur traders, followed by missionaries, Klondike
gold prospectors and homesteaders. This 170 km route follows a patchwork of pathways, gravel and secondary
roads, sand tracks and railway beds as it winds through valley bottoms, open countryside and woodlands,
passing communities such as Waugh, Tawatinaw and Perryvale. Highlights include the scenic Sturgeon and
Tawatinaw River Valleys, pine-studded sand dunes and abundant wildlife. In spring, be prepared for some
boggy sections between Perryvale and Athabasca.
6040000
6040000
Perryvale
At
ha
ba
sc
aL
an
din
gT
ra
il
Black Bear
Grazing Reserve
Trails
To the northeast, and just south of Boyle in Thorhild County (www.thorhildcounty.com), Long Lake
Provincial Park sits in a spectacular remnant of ancient glacial activity, with steep, irregular terrain
harbouring mixed forests and willowy bogs – creating some of Alberta’s most productive moose habitat. A
lakeside hiking trail provides excellent views, while nearby to the north, the Long Lake Ski Area has
snowmobile trails. Directly south of Long Lake, White Earth Valley Natural Area offers fine wildlife
viewing and ideal terrain for hiking, mountain biking and trail riding, with snowmobiling and cross-country skiing in
the winter.
Mapova
Hanmore
Lake
A significant portion of the sprawling, 53,000 km2 area
covered by this map is lightly populated, and so are the trails.
One can often travel alone for long stretches of time – perfect
for quietly admiring the passing scenery, pausing at sweeping
vistas or stopping to scan the woods, marshes and skies for an
abundance of bird and animal life. Still, civilization intervenes
sufficiently for trail users to restock supplies, enjoy a
well-earned meal and sample the area’s rich, diverse culture
and history.
Alberta’s Iron Horse Trail, the Trans Canada Trail and the Trans
Canadian Snowmobile Trail figure prominently in the trails in
this map region. The Trans Canada Trail route includes some
connecting roads as well as portions of the Athabasca River
along its northern land and water legs.
The landscapes the trails on this map traverse are a pleasant
mix of rolling farmland, heavier, wetter forests, wandering rivers
and one of the largest concentrations of lakes in Alberta. Some
of the most magnificent terrain is set aside in national and
provincial parks, recreation and natural areas and ecological
reserves.
French Mural - Legal
Long Lake - White Earth
663
North Buck
Lake
63
Flat Lake
2
Pysanka Festival - Vegreville
This region embraces two primary natural regions. Aspen
parkland – the transition zone between grasslands to the south
and boreal forest to the north – reaches into the southern
portions of the area. It is characterized by open stands of
aspen with wildlife ranging from deer and coyotes to blue
herons and Swainson’s hawks.
(www.ironhorsetrail.ca or phone toll-free 888-645-4155)
1
Lincoln
X-Country Skiing - Elk Island National Park
Alberta’s Iron Horse Trail
6060000
6070000
Sunset
Beach
6060000
Gibbons River Valley Trail and Park Area
Long
Island
18 19
Cross Lake
6020000
Redwater Natural Area
Lac La Biche
South
Baptiste
6050000
Sir Winston
Churchill
Prov. Park
Lac La Biche
Mission
Whispering
Hills
Halach
non-motorized area
Near the junction of Highways 16 and 15, the Parkland Conservation Farm has hiking trails amongst its demonstration crops and
wetlands. Just beyond, Vegreville (www.vegreville.com) is noted for its amazing World’s Largest Ukrainian Pysanka (Easter egg),
historic train station and walking and cycling trails through town. Close to Innisfree, Wapasu Lake Conservancy Project is a
migratory stop for white swans and has 8 km of nature trails that pass bird viewing and native botanical sites.
(continued on other side)
6080000
Tr
a
31
Baptiste
661
Immediately to the south, Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Recreation Area boasts a sprawling, 170 km network of hiking, mountain
biking, equestrian, cross-country skiing and snowmobile trails – ranging from less than one kilometre to 25 km in length and offering
something for all levels of ability. The area hosts the annual Canadian Birkebeiner each February, (www.canadianbirkie.com) the
largest classic cross-country ski race in North America.
W
at
il A
rc
Plamondon
Charron Lake
C
an
Lahaieville
Cross Lake
Prov. Park
A bit further east along Highway 16, the 194 km2 Elk Island National Park of Canada (www.pc.gc.ca/elkisland, phone
780-992-2950) protects free-roaming herds of wood and plains bison, along with moose, elk and more than 250 bird species. The
park’s 100 km of trails feature 11 hiking and cross-country ski trails – ranging from short strolls to several in excess of 10 km – that wind
through aspen parkland and past spruce bogs and small lakes. A park pass is required.
68
Lac La Biche
a
Island Lake
South
Baptiste
Lake
Just north of Edmonton along Highway 2, Morinville
(www.town.morinville.ab.ca) provides 6 km of paved paths and a historic
downtown walking tour; more trails can be found in nearby Cardiff Park.
Further north, Legal (www.town.legal.ab.ca), billed as the National Capital
of French Murals, has trails in its Centennial Park.
Just east of the busy metropolis of Edmonton, refuge can be found in several dense systems of trails. The Strathcona Wilderness
Centre, on the eastern doorstep of Sherwood Park, has 12 km of hiking, cross-country skiing and snowshoe loops of varying difficulty
that wind through aspen forest and along Bennett Lake.
Northeast Alberta is blessed with an extensive system of
multi-use trails. These range from long linear routes along old
rail beds to networks of park paths and quiet strolls through the
region’s small cities, towns and villages. There’s something here
for everyone: hikers, cyclists, off-highway vehicle enthusiasts,
equestrian riders, snowmobilers, cross-country skiers,
snowshoers, dog sledders and even wagon trekkers.
er
ba
At
ha
Sawdy
White Gull
km
12
9
858
tic
6080000
Grosmont
Island
Lake
To the northeast of Edmonton, Bruderheim has new cycling trails and a
heritage trail, dotted with playgrounds, leading to a wetland interpretive
centre. Not far away, Gibbons (www.gibbons.ca) offers 2 km of walking
trails - part of the Trans Canada Trail’s (www.tctrail.ca) northern leg along
the Sturgeon River in Echo Glen Park. Trails can be found in nearby Lily Lake
Village Resort, north of Bon Accord. Further northeast, Redwater
(www.town.redwater.ab.ca) is home to North America’s largest oil derrick
and close to Redwater Natural Area, popular with both orienteers and
off-highway vehicle enthusiasts. Nearby, rustic trails – including a section of
the Trans Canada Trail – wind through tamaracks in Half Moon Lake Natural
Area.
Northeast Alberta Trails
r
Big
Coulee
Redwater
Trails Along Highway 16 (west to east)
Boardwalk - Elk Island National Park
6090000
Lawrence Lake
Trails Northeast of Edmonton
6050000
6130000
Fawcett Lake
380000
6130000
370000
6120000
360000
6110000
350000
6100000
340000
6070000
330000
320000
Alberta’s Iron Horse Trail is a superb, 300 km multi-use (except for two-wheeled motorized vehicles and four-by-fours) trail. Of mostly
moderate difficulty, the trail follows a former Canadian National Railway line through the heartland of northeast Alberta. Part of the
Trans Canada Trail (www.tctrail.ca) and Trans Canadian Snowmobile Trail (www.ccso-ccom.ca/transcan.html), it bisects a
mosaic of farmland, wetlands, and aspen and boreal forest – connecting many communities, attractions and even a few ghost towns
along the way. Shaped in a horizontal Y, this year-round trail branches at Abilene Junction, with one leg angling northeast to Cold Lake
and the other southeast to Heinsburg. With 15 roadside staging areas, travellers can choose any number of start and finish points to
design a short outing or multi-day trip. Snowmobilers riding between communities on the trail can also connect to hundreds of
kilometres of club trails for a pleasant detour.
Western Iron Horse Trail: Smoky Lake County to Abilene Junction – 92 km
The trail’s western leg starts just east of Waskatenau (www.waskatenau.ca), which has a paved, creekside nature path, a magnificent
1919 wooden railway trestle and a rare, working grain elevator. The trail heads east through level, open farmland dotted with sloughs,
passing through Warspite before entering the Smoky Lake Valley.
Noted for its restored CNR train station and Great White Northern Pumpkin Fair in early October, Smoky Lake
(www.smokylakeregion.ca) is also the gateway to Victoria Settlement Provincial Historic Site
(www.culture.alberta.ca/museums/historicsiteslisting/victoriasettlement) and Métis Crossing (www.metiscrossing.com) both to the near
south along the North Saskatchewan River. Victoria Settlement is the site of a Methodist mission and a Hudson’s Bay Company fort,
both established in the 1860s, and of a river crossing used for thousands of years by Aboriginals. Besides historic buildings and
interpretive facilities, these two sites have walking trails.
Victoria Settlement was also the eastern terminus of the old Victoria Trail (www.kalynacountry.com/victoriatrail)– part of the historic
Carlton Trail, a major nineteenth-century Red River cart and wagon route that connected fur trading posts situated between today’s
Edmonton and Winnipeg. A 57 km section of the Victoria Trail, including the Kalyna Country interpretive trail, has been preserved in
Sturgeon, Smoky Lake and Thorhild Counties and can still be roughly followed along country roads northeast of Edmonton.
Snowmobile trails can also be accessed from Victoria Settlement.
The ensuing section of Iron Horse Trail is an enchanting mix of hilly farmland and wet lowlands, crossing the winding White Earth River
on several trestles and passing ancient sand dunes covered in pines. The hamlet of Bellis features a 200 m trestle and good
late-summer blueberry and bog cranberry picking. 16 km to the east is Vilna (www.historicvilna.ca), boasting Alberta’s oldest pool hall
and barber shop, the World’s Largest Mushroom and a historic village walking tour on boardwalks. (continued on other side)
Poacher’s Landing
Provincial Recreation Area
Boreal forest is the region’s predominant landscape. Aspen
groves give way to dense forests of white spruce broken by
lakes and large areas of muskeg dominated by black spruce
and tamarack. This is one of Alberta’s most productive habitats,
home to such animal species as moose, black bear, snowshoe
hare, lynx, wolf and weasel.
Elsewhere, there are surprisingly extensive pockets of sand
dunes, often covered in jack pine forests. Many of these are
found in natural areas, provincial parks and recreation areas.
The 20,000 km2 Kalyna Country (www.kalynacountry.com),
which covers the parkland drained by the North Saskatchewan
River, has been declared the world’s largest ecomuseum. This
unique region promotes heritage, cultural and natural
attractions and outdoor adventures east/northeast of
Edmonton. Much of the area covered in this map is also
included in Alberta’s Lakeland (www.albertaslakeland.com), a
region with a rich mosaic of history, culture and natural settings,
featuring more than 250 lakes, spectacular boating, camping,
fishing and hunting opportunities and over 400 km of multi-use
trails.
Northeast Alberta
Trail Map Boundary
W
E
High
Level
Fort McMurray
35
Peace
River
63
Slave
Lake
Grande
Prairie
2
Athabasca
40
Cold Lake
32
Kakwa Wildland
Provincial Park
43
44
2
Edson
Jasper
Hinton
16
EDMONTON
22
47
National
Métis Crossing Voyage
Wagon Trek on the Iron Horse Trail
North Sask. River from Iron Horse Trail
Park
2
22
21
11
Rocky
Mountain
House
11
12
54
56
61
21
27
Banff
National
Park
41
Red Deer
734
Hanmore Lake
Lloydminster
16
39
734
41
9
Drumheller
22
9
72
36
56
1
CALGARY
Clearbrook
24
23
Abee
2
22
Hollow
Lake
Elbridge
Weasel
Creek
827
18
Anton
Lake
18
Clyde
Sprucefield
829
857
38
Amelia
45
Andrew
C
R
Bruderheim
R
28
St Michael
830
Gibbons
CN
11 12
wa
R
CN
28A
Elk Island
637
55
831
Lancaster
Park
15
CN
54
Griesbach
iv
e
r
834
an
w
ka
tc
he
CNR
Warwick
16
CNR
R
Mundare
Queensdale
Place
Clover Bar
Lindale
16A
30
16
53
Ukrainian Cultural
Heritage Village
Ardrossan
216
CP
628
100
CP
14
R
330000
340000
350000
Strathcona
Wilderness
Centre
634
Royal
Park
360000
R
Vegreville
16A
Uncas
Half Moon
Lake
CN
370000
16
Beaverhill Lake
North
Cooking Lake
380000
390000
400000
410000
420000
39
430000
West of Athabasca, Cross Lake Provincial Park has extensive hiking trails that
pass through forests of pine, spruce and poplar that skirt bogs and marshy wetlands.
The park provides good opportunities for glimpsing deer, moose, beaver, loon,
nesting osprey and bald eagle, and perhaps a black bear.
Cross Lake
Cross Lake
Provincial Park
Just north of Athabasca at Sawdy is the start of the Old Peace
River Trail, (www.albertatrailnet.com) a historic route that
follows the Athabasca River north for 60 km to nearby Moose
Portage. A section of the Trans Canada Trail, this multi-use trail
travels on a natural surface through superb old-growth boreal
forest teeming with moose, elk, deer, wolves and black bears.
This is a remote trail with few access points, primitive campsites
and no services north of Athabasca. Use is not recommended
during hunting season. Except for steeper creek valleys, the trail
generally consists of gently rolling terrain with corduroy in some
wet areas.
Snowmobiling
Smoky Lake CN Station
Trans Canadian Snowmobile Trail
• Knowing and abiding by applicable regulations and trail
signs
• Staying on designated trails and restricting your use to
approved activities
• Sharing trails with courtesy and respect – Wheels yield to
heels; heels yield to horses. Motorized users should pull
over to the right side of the trail, turn off the engine and
remove helmets when horses are approaching
• Respecting landowners by leaving gates and fences as
found and avoiding livestock
• Leaving artifacts and natural features undisturbed
• Controlling pets and keeping them on leash
• Properly disposing all waste in provided facilities and
following the pack-in, pack-out philosophy
The Athabasca River is also part of the Trans Canada Trail’s
northern water route, heading downstream from the town of
Athabasca all the way to Lake Athabasca and then on to the
Northwest Territories. (Note: This is a challenging, dangerous river with significant rapids that require numerous portages.) Between the
river’s big looping bend, north of Athabasca, Calling Lake Provincial Park has a number of hiking trails, along with white sand
beaches, fine bird watching and some of the best large walleye fishing in Canada. (continued on other side)
Old Peace River Trail
Most of these winter trails are maintained, signed and groomed by the region’s local Alberta Snowmobile Association
(www.altasnowmobile.ab.ca) clubs, which often provide warm-up shelters along the way. These trails are supported through the ASA
Trail Pass Program, and passes may be purchased through local snowmobile clubs or dealers.
Be a leader and ambassador for your favourite outdoor
activity. Join the many hikers, cyclists, horseback riders,
cross-country skiers, off-highway vehicle users, snowmobile
enthusiasts and other recreationists who proudly take a
stewardship role by:
Snowshoeing
• Avoiding the spread of invasive species by cleaning
recreation equipment (vehicles, tents, packs, boots, etc.)
after every trip and using certified weed-free feed for
pack animals
• Minimizing the threat of wildfire by ensuring flammable
debris is kept away from hot exhaust systems, and by
keeping campfires small, contained and in designated
areas, and ensuring they are fully extinguished
• Respecting wildlife by observing from a distance and
properly managing food and garbage
• Avoiding recreation use during sensitive times (e.g. wet
conditions, wildlife mating and rearing seasons) and in
sensitive areas (e.g. watercourses, stream banks, wetlands
and alpine areas)
• Ensuring motorized vehicles are licensed and insured, and
that all vehicles and equipment are operated with care
Fitzallen
Cooking Lake-Blackfoot
Provincial Recreation
Area
Antler
Lake
824
627
320000
Wyeclif
Whitecroft
CN
I.R. 135
R
Sherwood Park
Hulbert
Crescent
Enoch
CN
5930000
N
or
CN
5940000
th
Sa
s
Akenside
Trail Etiquette and Safety
The area covered by this map contains more than 600 km of interconnecting snowmobile trails, supported by usually thick snowpack,
that traverse a scenic mix of parkland, boreal forest and rolling farmland. These range from networks of trails near and between towns
and villages to long rides along the 300 km Iron Horse Trail and the Trans-Canadian Snowmobile Trail, which on this map
stretches from Cold Lake west to beyond the Athabasca area.
Dog Sledding
857
Hilliard
830
R
CNR
Norma
R
C
EDMONTON
Chipman
R
NR
CPR
855
Elk Island
National Park
of Canada
CP
DND
Riverbend
Hairy Hill
Krakow
Joesphburg
Saskatchewan
CNR
28A
56
Beaverhill
Lamont
15 Lamoureux
CFB
Edmonton
r
Scotford
Fort
Namao
ive
645
Willingdon
Star
825
37
57
nR
Gaudin
Excelsior
CNR
5960000
Wostok
Beamer
643
Carbondale
5950000
he
Whitford
Whitford Lake
N
Morinville 29
Duagh
5930000
atc
645
Bon Accord
Volmer
sk
Skaro
Coronado
Cardiff
Sa
non-motorized area
Peavey
CFB
Cardiff
rth
5960000
CNR
Strathcona
Heights
652
No
855
803
642
Wasel
Hunka
CN
Fedorah
Snowmobile Trails
Lobstick
SMT.
Eldorena
644
R
CNR
Access to recreational opportunities on
public and private lands is built on a
foundation of responsible use. By focusing
your activities on managed trails, you are
contributing to the sustainable enjoyment of Alberta’s
magnificent natural landscapes.
58
Kahwin
5980000
32
651
5980000
Redwater
Victoria
Settlement
5970000
Redwater
Legal 24
5970000
Metis
Crossing
Delph
Opal
Big Lake
Respect the Land
Athabasca Landing Trail
6000000
Northbank
Kerensky
Lois Hole
Centennial
Prov. Park
Long Lake Provincial Park
5990000
Egremont
Waugh
St. Albert
White Earth Valley Natural Area
Warspite
5950000
6000000
5990000
Half Moon
Lake Natural Area
41 Vilna
59
Alberta’s Iron
Horse Trail
Radway
28
34 35
Waskatenau
Bellis
Edwand
Smoky Lake
Crippsdale
Vimy
5940000
60
Barich
4
41
656
Jeffrey
Medicine
Hat
3
Thorhild
Halfway Lake
1
23
Lethbridge
6010000
6010000
Nestow
52
440000
• Wearing an approved helmet for your particular activity
• Actively participating in local club and trail stewardship
programs.
For more information on responsible recreation and
stewardship opportunities, contact Alberta’s recreation
associations or visit www.srd.alberta.ca.