Attractions and Places To See around Parkland County - Top 6

Yes, Parkland County offers several family-friendly attractions. The Kurimoto Japanese Garden and the Indigenous Peoples Garden are both suitable for families. Additionally, Muir Lake is a great spot for quiet paddling and catch-and-release fishing, and the Riverside Campsite at Devon Lions Campground offers a secluded, family-friendly camping experience by the North Saskatchewan River. The Edmonton Corn Maze and Sassy G's Adventure Farm also provide fun for all ages.

Parkland County is rich in natural beauty. You can visit Muir Lake for fishing and non-motorized boating, or explore the vast North Saskatchewan River, which also has beach areas. The region is home to three provincial parks: Wabamun Lake Provincial Park, Pembina River Provincial Park (known for its gorge and tubing), and Lois Hole Centennial Provincial Park. Other natural areas include Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary, Wagner Natural Area, and Chickakoo Lake Recreation Area, all offering opportunities for nature walks and wildlife viewing.

Yes, Parkland County features several cultural and educational sites. The Aga Khan Garden offers a serene space for reflection with its unique geometric design. The Kurimoto Japanese Garden provides a traditional Japanese garden experience adapted to the northern climate, and the Indigenous Peoples Garden showcases plants used by First Nations. The Wabamun and District Museum Society also offers insights into local history and heritage.

Beyond visiting the attractions, Parkland County offers numerous outdoor activities. You can enjoy easy hikes on trails like the Chickakoo Lake Outer Loop or the University of Alberta Botanical Gardens loop. For cycling, routes such as the Kettle Lake loop are available. Running enthusiasts can explore trails around Chickakoo Lake or various loops from Windermere. For more details on routes, check out the guides for easy hikes, cycling, and running trails around Parkland County.

Yes, the Aga Khan Garden is designed with accessibility in mind, featuring geometric stone terraces and pathways that create a space for reflection and discovery for all visitors.

Parkland County is known for its lakes and rivers, offering various water-based activities. Muir Lake is popular for fly-fishing and quiet paddling with non-motorized boats. Wabamun Lake Provincial Park is a prime spot for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding, while the Pembina River Provincial Park is famous for tubing down the gentle Pembina River. The North Saskatchewan River also provides opportunities for relaxation and riverside activities.

For nature walks and bird watching, Parkland County offers several excellent locations. The Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary is ideal, featuring wetlands and forests. The Wagner Natural Area and Bunchberry Meadows Conservation Area also provide serene environments for nature appreciation. Additionally, the various provincial parks like Wabamun Lake and Lois Hole Centennial offer extensive natural areas to explore.

The best time to visit Parkland County largely depends on the activities you're interested in. Summer (June to August) is ideal for water-based activities, camping, and exploring the gardens when they are in full bloom. Spring and Fall offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and enjoying the natural areas with fewer crowds. Some attractions, like the Edmonton Corn Maze, are seasonal, typically operating in late summer and fall.

Yes, camping is available. The Riverside Campsite at Devon Lions Campground offers a secluded spot right on the bank of the North Saskatchewan River. Wabamun Lake Provincial Park and Pembina River Provincial Park also provide campgrounds, making it convenient to stay close to recreational activities and natural beauty.

Absolutely. Parkland County has numerous trails for hiking and biking. The Chickakoo Lake Recreation Area offers trails for both activities in a secluded natural setting. You can find easy hiking routes like the Chickakoo Lake Outer Loop and the University of Alberta Botanical Gardens loop. For cycling, there are routes such as the Kettle Lake loop. Explore more options in the dedicated guides for easy hikes and cycling around Parkland County.

Parkland County is home to several distinct gardens. The Aga Khan Garden features geometric stone terraces and reflective pools. The Kurimoto Japanese Garden is a 5-acre traditional Japanese strolling garden adapted for the northern climate. Additionally, the Indigenous Peoples Garden showcases plants historically used by First Nations for food, medicine, and ornamental purposes. These are all part of the larger University of Alberta Botanic Garden.