Kalyna Country…Awesome Trails!
Explore Over 1000 kms of trails throughout Kalyna Country in North East Central Alberta! Enjoy hiking, biking, equestrian, ATV & snowmobile trails across Kalyna Country.
Alberta’s Iron Horse Trail
This Trail is also officially a part of the Trans Canada Trail. This uninterrupted corridor of abandoned CN Rail Line weaves its way for 260 km and has been transformed into a multi-use recreational resource. All types of trail users are welcome to access this route. Along the trail you will experience views of the North Saskatchewan River, boreal forest, parkland, wetlands, grasslands, agricultural landscapes and historical attractions.
The Trail has three branches with Mile 0 being Abilene Junction, south of Ashmont. The western branch starts in Waskatenau, the eastern branch starts in Heinsburg, and the northern branch heads to Cold Lake. By exploring the trail you are witnessing scenery that is only seen by landowners or that would have only been seen long, long ago when passenger trains chugged along the tracks. Trailheads are located in all communities along the trail. Most have picnic, washroom facilities. ATV’s and snowmobiles are very popular along this trail.
The Trail is a fitting monument to the legacy of the railroads and an amenity that will be enjoyed by many generations to come. In Kalyna Country the trail passes through more than 12 communities where you can find camping, hotels, shopping, dining and unique attractions that will complete your adventure. For locations see our Kalyna map. Information on our communities, attractions and businesses are located throughout the Kalyna Country website.
For more details about the Iron Horse Trial please visit their website at http://www.ironhorsetrail.ca/
National & Provincial Parks
Elk Island National Park – 100 km
Offers 100 km in its 11 hiking trails ranging in difficulty from a leisurely stroll to a full day hike over rolling hills, through marshy forests and around many small lakes. Several of the trails, ranging in distance from 3 to 18 km, provide lookout points and rest areas equipped with vault toilets. Encountering a herd of wild buffalo or elk on your hike is not uncommon here. (780) 992-2950
Cooking Lake/Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area – 170 + km
Has 4 staging areas that act as trailheads for the 170 + km of total trail network of hiking, cycling, equestrian and cross-country skiing. Cycling is permitted on all of the 85 km of hiking trails, but is not allowed on the equestrian trails. The main Waskahegan Staging Area is located 45 km East of Edmonton on Hwy 16, south on R.R. 210 just past Twp. Rd. 524. (780) 922-3293
Provincial Parks – 100 + km
Hike, bike or cross-country ski on:
– 20 km of aspen parkland trails through Vermilion Provincial Park just off Hwy 16 & 41.
– 26 km at Long Lake Provincial Park north of Waskatenau.
– 20 km at Miquelon Lake Provincial Park south of Tofield.
– 35 km at Whitney Lakes Provincial Park east of Elk Point. Along the trails you will see a combination of pine, spruce, aspen and kalyna (highbush cranberries). Here the Whitney Lake Trails connect to the Iron Horse Trail, for even more that you can explore in this area.
Northeast Alberta – Pilot Trail Mapping Project
Download brochure/map under the Resource box or brochure/map can be picked up at the SRD Information Center in the bottom of the Great West Life Building (9920 – 108 Street, Edmonton or 310-0000), from Local SRD offices in the region, Visitor Information Centers throughout the province and through Alberta Trail Net (11759 Groat Road, Edmonton or 1.877.987-2457).
Other Recreation Areas
Alberta’s Waskahegan Trail – 235 km
The Waskahegan Trail is a 235 km long volunteer managed trail allowing day hiking, snow-shoeing and cross-country skiing. The trail begins in Edmonton and goes south to the Wetaskiwin area, then east to Camrose. North through Miquelon Lake Provincial Park area to Cooking Lake – Blackfoot Recreation Area & Elk Island National Park, then west to Fort Saskatchewan. A large portion of the trail crosses private property so we recommend contacting Waskahegan Trail Association for complete details before using this trail. For more information visit www.waskahegantrail.ca.
Strathcona Wilderness Centre – 12 km
Located 16 km east of Sherwood Park on R.R. 212 and Baseline Road. It is situated on 550 acres of wilderness with 12 km of trails for hiking & x-country skiing with Lodge & Visitor’s Centre.
Heritage Parkway Trail System – 50 km
Enjoy over 50 km of paved trails located in and around Sherwood Park.
(780) 467-2211
Turner Park – Riverside Trail System – 25 km
Located in Fort Saskatchewan & is part of a paved 25 km community linked trail system designed for year round activities. (780) 992-6231
Silverberry Recreational Area – 2000 + Acres
This 2000 acre area is popular for horseback riding with numerous equestrian trails and some hiking trails on its sandy soils. You can access the main staging area from Hwy41 south of Elk Point, head west on Twp. Rd. 550 12 km, turn south on R.R. 80. From Hwy 45 near Derwent only 4.5 km north to main staging area. Signs are posted on both highways.
Redwater Sandhills Natural Area
The Sandhills Area boasts one of the largest sand dune fields in the region, and can be found in the northeast section of Sturgeon County near the North Saskatchewan River. Its rolling sand hills are ideally suited for recreational vehicle day use, and the area contains numerous natural trails and habitat indicative of the region. It is used extensively by OHV riders, but is also environmentally significant and used for both conservation and recreation purposes.
To arrive at this area: Take the Manning Freeway or Highway 21 to Fort Saskatchewan. Continue east on Hwy 15 to the junction of Hwy 830. Turn left (north) on Hwy 830 to Hwy 38. Turn left on Hwy 38, cross the Vinca Bridge and continue west until you see the sign for Victoria Trail. Turn right onto Victoria Trail and follow the road for approx. 2 miles (3.2 km) to Range Road 205. Turn left onto RR 205 and head north approx. 3 mi (5 km) to the staging area.
There are also a number of other trails in parks and natural areas in towns & counties throughout the region.