A Choose-Your-Own-Adventure Weekend for Curious Explorers, Nature Lovers & Day-Tripping Locals
There’s something beautiful about waking up in the city and ending your day on a quiet lakeshore or in a garden full of butterflies. One of the best things about living in or visiting Edmonton is how quickly you can escape it.
In under an hour or two, you can be surrounded by bison, strolling through a Japanese garden, or spotting pelicans over a prairie lake. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful Saturday or an ambitious Sunday road trip, this itinerary is built for locals and travelers who want more than just a destination—they want a story.
No, you probably won’t fit it all in one weekend. But that’s just another reason to come back.
Friday: Check-In & Map Out Your Weekend
Start your weekend by checking into one of Edmonton’s Best Hotels, perfectly placed to match whatever direction you’re headed.
- Going South or East? Stay at Sandman Signature Edmonton South—easy access to Highway 2 and the Anthony Henday.
- Staying Central or undecided? Matrix Hotel downtown keeps everything on the table, plus it’s close to local eats and cafes.
- Heading West? Best Western Plus Westwood Inn offers a quick launch pad to Wabamun, Devon, and beyond.
After check-in, grab dinner at a local spot like:
- Otto (Norwood): House-made sausages, rotating taps, and cozy charm.
- Café Amore (Downtown): Rustic Italian comfort food.
- Padmanadi (Central): Edmonton’s go-to spot for vegan Southeast Asian cuisine.
Wrap up your evening with a short stroll in Emily Murphy Park or along the trails near Kinsmen Park. The river valley is still one of Edmonton’s best-kept secrets—no matter the season.
Saturday: Choose Your Day Trip Adventure
Here’s where the fun begins. Pick your route and build the day that fits your mood.
Option 1: The Nature Lover’s Loop
Elk Island National Park + University of Alberta Botanic Garden
Morning: Elk Island National Park (45 minutes east)
Bring your camera—this is the only fully fenced national park in Canada and home to roaming herds of plains and wood bison.
What to do:
- Drive the Bison Loop Road—you’ll likely spot a few within minutes.
- Hike Beaver Pond Trail or Shirley Lake Trail.
- Paddle or picnic at Astotin Lake, with its islands and beachy shoreline.
Afternoon: University of Alberta Botanic Garden (30 minutes southwest)
Swing back through the city and loop west to the Devon area for a slower pace.
Highlights:
- Wander the Kurimoto Japanese Garden.
- Visit the Indigenous Garden and the seasonal Butterfly House.
- Grab a latte or snack from the on-site Greenhouse Café, or stop in Devon for a treat at Grounded Coffee House.
This loop blends Alberta wild with cultivated beauty—and it’s just far enough to feel like a proper escape.
Option 2: The Lakeside Leisure Route
Wabamun Lake or Pigeon Lake
Morning: Pick Your Lake
- Wabamun Lake (1 hour west): Classic beach day with paddleboard rentals and a yacht club that adds character.
- Pigeon Lake (1 hour south): Quieter, with pretty forest trails and a charming village nearby.
Afternoon: Refresh & Refuel
- At Wabamun? On your way back, swing through Stony Plain to explore the Pioneer Museum or Multicultural Heritage Centre, or stop by Angus Oliver Sheepskins for a quirky gift and a cozy road trip souvenir.
- At Pigeon Lake? Swing through the Village at Pigeon Lake for shopping, homemade fudge, or a bite at Eco Café, known for fresh, local ingredients.
Don’t rush home. Stretch the day and watch the sunset if you can!
Option 3: History & Small-Town Charm
Fort Saskatchewan + St. Albert for an Artsy Afternoon
Morning: Fort Saskatchewan (30 minutes northeast)
A little history, a lot of charm—and roaming sheep if you come in summer.
Things to do:
- Tour the Fort Heritage Precinct
- Walk the River Valley Trails
- Pop into The Atlantic Kitchen for a hearty brunch or fish and chips
Afternoon: Back to the City
Return to Edmonton and:
- Walk the Alberta Legislature Grounds.
- Visit the Art Gallery of Alberta (great for a chill afternoon).
- Grab a treat at Duchess Bake Shop or local gelato from Made by Marcus.
It’s a great way to combine Alberta’s past and present in one satisfying loop.
Sunday: One More Adventure
Option 1: A Geological & Nature Escape at Jurassic Forest + Elk Island Retreat Yurts
Morning: Jurassic Forest (35–40 minutes north near Gibbons)
No, not that Jurassic Park—but this outdoor adventure is packed with life-sized animatronic dinosaurs nestled in a real boreal forest setting. It’s especially fun for families, but quirky enough for adults who want something different from the usual museum stroll.
Why go:
- Walk shady trails with 50+ moving dinosaurs lurking in the trees (yes, even the T. Rex roars).
- Learn about Alberta’s prehistoric past in a surprisingly peaceful setting.
- Snap some fun, off-the-beaten-path photos that aren’t just mountains and lakes.
Local’s take: This place is part science centre, part nature park, and part giant photo op.
Afternoon: Elk Island Retreat – Yurts, Domes & Forest Serenity
After your dino detour, slow things down with a relaxing stop at Elk Island Retreat. You don’t have to stay overnight to enjoy it—walk the grounds, enjoy a picnic, or just sneak in a “soft escape” surrounded by tall trees and quiet vibes.
Optional add-on:
- Swing by the Town of Gibbons or Bon Accord on the way back for a bite at a small-town café.
- Visit Prairie Gardens & Adventure Farm if you’re into fresh produce, fairy tale gardens, and seasonal treats.
This Trip’s Vibe:
Cozy, quirky, and surprisingly calming.
A mix of playful prehistoric wonder and real “forest bathing” without driving deep into the Rockies.
Option 2: Devon + Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary
Distance: 25–40 minutes southwest
Start your day with brunch at Workshop Eatery (near South Edmonton Common) or grab a cozy table at Sunterra Market & Café in Lendrum. Then hit the road for something that feels a little bit like a nature retreat.
- Walk the boardwalk trails at Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary—quiet, bird-rich, and peaceful
- Visit the small town of Devon for a stroll along the North Saskatchewan River
- Stop at Devon General Store for ice cream or a little local browsing
You’ll be home before dinner—with plenty of fresh air in your lungs and dirt on your shoes.
Make It a Weekend Worth Repeating
Edmonton is the perfect jumping-off point for unexpected Alberta adventures—and no two weekends have to look the same. Whether you’re chasing sunsets on a lakeshore or sipping coffee beside wild bison, there’s always more to discover.
And when you stay with Edmonton’s Best Hotels, we make your getaway even more rewarding.
Book 1, 2, or 3 nights and receive up to $225 in FREE gas, food, or cash cards with our 1,2,3 Deal.
More nights = more rewards.
More adventures = guaranteed.
So go ahead—build your weekend your way. And if you can’t fit it all in? That just means you’ll have to come back.
Book your stay today and start planning your next adventure.
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