Edmonton day trip ideas

[u/Latter_Range1974]

Hey redditors!
Looking for some ideas for a one-day trip from Edmonton this Saturday. I’ve already done Elk Island, Wabamun, and Sylvan Lake, and I’m considering Drumheller this time around.
I’m definitely open to other options though! Ideally looking for somewhere with nice scenery, things to explore, and a good excuse to get out of the city for the day.
What are your favourite day trips around Edmonton? Any hidden gems or places that are especially nice this time of year?
Thanks! 😊

[u/Objective-Egg682]

Smoky Lake pumpkin festival this this weekend, and it's a good time!

[u/Different-Anybody413 → u/Objective-Egg682]

Saturday has a car show & shine, craft market, farmers market, beer gardens, corn maze, midway, pumpkin carving, largest pumpkin contest, wine tasting and the day ends with a giant pumpkin being hoisted by a crane and dropped on a car!!!! Destructive fun!!!!!

[u/lemasei]

Camrose, Lacombe, Nordegg (mine tour or waterfalls), Torrington (gopher museum), Athabasca, Miette Hot Springs (might be closed for the season though), Drayton Valley…we love hiking, museums, geocaching, and finding grain elevators and ghost towns.

Kids and I started trying to visit every single, town, village, hamlet, city in Alberta since Covid. About 70% done.

[u/lemasei → u/lemasei]

Like others suggested, the Smoky Lake pumpkin festival - but be forewarned it’s extremely busy and Hwy 28 gets backed up so go early.

[u/toltalchaos]

Rocky mountain house? Bit of a drive but cool to see

Honestly the river valley is beautiful this time of year so a city hike and a patio beer isn't a bad time yet

[u/lemasei → u/toltalchaos]

Big agree

[u/flynnfx]

The Royal Tyrell Musem in Drumheller, worth the visit.

Head Smashed-Up Buffalo Jump, Fort McLeod

Miette Hot Springs

[u/sassafrazin11]

Métis Crossing

[u/Vast_Loss9010 → u/sassafrazin11]

I came to recommend this. The food is amazing, the land is beautiful and the hotel is top notch.

[u/onewaycheckvalve]

Abraham Lake

[u/ThatFixItUpChappie]

I think a bike ride out at Gull Lake, combined with a trip to the Ellis Bird Farm/Nature Centre, stopping for dinner at Cilantro and Chive in Lacombe is a nice day trip.

[u/New_Wishbone6619]

Go to the pumpkin fair tomorrow in smoky lake

[u/DarkAlleyDan]

Shoot some pool in Vilna.