A Day Outside of the City: Rediscover the Natural Beauty of Edmonton

Located on the vast northern prairie, Edmonton, the capital of Alberta, is both sophisticated and practical. Though it certainly houses a smorgasbord of artistic venues, upscale restaurants, terrific shopping and varied entertainment options, this city also provides relief from crowded streets and bumper-to-bumper traffic, as it is home to a wealth of outdoor sights and attractions that will make visitors stand in awe of the authentic beauty the region portrays.

Here, you can take a break from the ordinary day in the city and venture to its outskirts, where you can gaze at botanical gardens, people watch in parks and take wildlife tours or expeditions to view amazing plants and animals in Edmonton.

Parks

Fort Edmonton Park has an edge on the average city park. Instead of just benches and playgrounds, this outdoor venue has recreations of different eras in Edmonton's history. You can walk though a fort from the 19th-century fur-trading years, meander through the street replicas of the frontier era (1885-1905), and see what life was like during the year that Edmonton became Alberta's capital. Transportation among the time periods is set in the style of the day it represents; there are ponies, wagons, streetcars and trains. While you're there, be sure to enjoy some of the games and specialty shops, as well as the delicious food. It's an outdoor outing that will be fun for the whole family.

The River Valley Park system, which is comprised of several parks situated in the "green space" along the banks of the North Saskatchewan, is the go-to place for the city's best festivals and outdoor events. Thousands of acres in area, this accumulated land is the largest city park in North America, as well as a major source of pride and bragging rights for Edmonton. You can see everything here, from a concert or parade to people sunbathing by the swimming pools, playing tennis, picnicking in the recreation areas or participating in various sports activities. It's certainly a welcome break from the asphalt and concrete of the city.

Elk Island National Park is the perfect place to get a glimpse of several different animals living in their natural habitats. Created in 1906, this nature preserve protects a long, well-loved stretch of land in the Albertan wilderness that is home to more than 250 different species of birds, along with other animals like bison, deer, elk and moose. While you're there, take advantage of nature trails, camp sites, picnic areas and the golf course; you can also go canoeing or skiing, depending on the season.

Tours

You can take a personalized tour through Edmonton and the surrounding region through Out An' About Tours, which features the expert guide, Cameron Malcolm. Choose from a variety of different tour options; you can take a historic walking tour or enjoy a multi-day wildlife watching tour in the Lakeland region. Whether you're interested in a general city overview or specific topics like fur trade or the coal industry, you will find a tour to fit you. It's the ideal antidote for hectic city life.

Watchable Wildlife tours are given by the intelligent and experienced Wayne Millar, who is known for his contagious, congenial personality. You can travel with him on any tour from a 2-hour bird watching tour in Hawrelak Park (complete with breakfast) to a 14-hour trip to Jasper International Park. The 4-hour lunchtime excursion to Elk Island Park is popular, as well. But if you want to see the biggest variety of active animals, including birds of prey, then take the sunset tour–it's most visitors' favorite. Whatever you choose, you're sure to enjoy your time away from the hustle and bustle of a busy metro.

Outdoor Activities

If you're interested in taking an exciting river excursion, then you must contact the experts at Edmonton Canoe. They will not only rent you the best equipment you can get for your adventure, but they will also take you on a guided tour along the rivers of North Saskatchewan and Athabasca, as well as the placid lake that runs through Elk Island National Park. Pack your paddles and get your gear; canoeing is always an exhilarating experience, especially when the vast Canadian wilderness is the setting.

Valley Zoo houses a myriad of native and exotic animals, as well as endangered species like lemurs, peregrine falcons and even gibbons. You have the option of meandering through this popular zoo at your leisure or visiting the various demonstrations and talks that are given throughout the day. If you bring the kids along, let them play on the merry-go-round, check out the paddleboats and take a camel or pony ride.

Spend a delightful afternoon wandering through the immense beauty of the Devonian Botanic Gardens, where the flowers and plants are themed to display different types of gardens found in different parts of world; wooded sites provide the perfect juxtaposition to the perfectly manicured Japanese and alpine gardens. Other popular areas to explore are the herbs garden, desert garden and Native Peoples garden. You must check out the butterfly house and the orchid greenhouse, as well. If you're stomach starts rumbling as you gaze at tropical species of plants, then make your way to the delicious café, where you can get some great food and resume your afternoon escape from the ordinary Edmonton attraction.

With a plethora of fabulous city parks, interesting tours and entertaining outdoor activities, Edmonton if rife with things to do outside of the city. So pack your lunch, put on some of comfortable clothing and choose an activity that will give you a vacation from the mundane city life and restore your respect and appreciation for the splendor of nature and its creatures.