Go East of Edmonton for Summer and Fall Fun!

The Go East of Edmonton Summer Road Trip Adventure Game is wrapping up on September 3, but the fun doesn’t need to stop there! Late summer and fall are a great time to get out to enjoy the cooler weather and beautiful changing autumn colours throughout the region. Whether it is a daytrip or weekend away, now is the time to start planning a road trip adventure to discover more of the fantastic parks, attractions, events, dining, shopping, and recreational activities with Go East of Edmonton!

Métis Crossing

Travel Alberta’s Lakeland Northeast of Edmonton

Even though summer is fleeting, there is no need to pack up the camping and boating gear just yet! At this time of year, our family loves to squeeze in another weekend or two of camping and take advantage of the parks being a little less booked up and busy.

It is easy to find outdoor adventures throughout Alberta’s Lakeland Northeast of Edmonton. The popular Sir Winston Churchill Park in the Lac La Biche Region is a fantastic spot for time on the water, with boat and gear rentals nearby. Further north, the Bonnyville-Cold Lake Region has plenty to offer with one of the top 25 beaches in Canada (Kinosoo Beach) and the amazing Kinosoo Ridge Aerial Adventure Park. Plan a trip now to enjoy some extra time at the beach or to have some fun testing your climbing abilities!

Kinosoo Ridge Aerial Adventure Park

For more family-friendly adventures, Métis Crossing offers exciting indigenous tourism experiences in all seasons! Don’t miss your chance to paddle into the past in a voyageur canoe, learn how to hunt with a bow and arrow, or go on a wildlife park tour before the snow falls.

The Lakeland is also proudly home to the longest completed section of the Trans-Canada Trail in the province. Travel this historic 300 km route through the heart of northeast Alberta via ATV, horse, wagon or bicycle for some of the most breathtaking views in the province.

Perfect Picnics and Parks East of Edmonton

Find some of the most beautiful parks and pathways within a short drive from Edmonton! The Strathcona County Wilderness Centre is the perfect spot to spend a few hours hiking through beautiful forested hiking trails, playing disc golf, or enjoying a casual picnic. For a weekend getaway, the nearby Elk Island Retreat offers well outfitted glamping domes or yurts as the perfect place to kick back and relax in nature.

Elk Island Retreat

Another great road trip idea is to take a drive out to Vegreville to see the World’s Largest Pysanka, and enjoy some recreational fun with the family! The scenic Pysanka Park offers FREE borrow-a-bike and borrow-a-boat rentals, as well as a brand new Pysanka Putt-Putt mini golf course. While in town, don’t forget to make a pit stop downtown for a bite to eat and to explore some of the unique shops along main street.

Head a bit further down out to discover Vermilion and the neighbouring Vermilion Provincial Park and campground. You can pack your bike or hiking shoes to explore the extensive trails, hit another round of mini golf, and cool off at the spray park in the Provincial Park, then hit the town to discover shopping, dining, and playgrounds.

Roam to the Battle River Region Southeast of Edmonton

For those who love to eat, drink, and shop, you’ll feel right at home in Camrose. The quaint downtown offers a selection of unique shops and the brewery scene is hopping with 6 local breweries and distilleries, including Detention Brewing and Back 40 Distillery. Be sure to balance out your day of shopping and dining with a relaxing paddle at Rudy Swanson Recreation Park or a nature walk at the nearby Nature Conservation Centre!

Further East down Highway 14, Wainwright is another fantastic destination in the Battle River region. This friendly town is home to a historic downtown with unique shops and eateries, and scenic views at the Fabyan Battle River Train Trestle.

Battle River Train Trestle

For a more challenging hike we recommend you head out to explore the nature trails in Hardisty. It is hard to beat the scenic views of the spectacular Battle River Valley, especially amongst the changing colors of the fall!

Find a Fantastic Summer or Fall Festival

Every weekend brings a new and different festival, rodeo, or fall celebration on the Go East of Edmonton Events Calendar! Plan your next daytrip or weekend away to include one of these popular fall events:

Strathcona County Antique Tractor Pull & Show | August 26 & 27, 2023
See 100+ tractors competing in pulls, antique equipment demonstrations, a classic car show, food trucks, a farmers’ market, and bouncy castles and wagon rides for the kids.
St. Paul Lakeland Rodeo Association Finals | August 31 to September 3, 2023
Rodeo excitement plus more! Weekend events include daily pancake breakfasts, a vendors market, car show, chili cook-off, and Family Fun Zone with petting zoo and bouncy castle.
Cold Lake Feast at the Beach | September 1 & 2, 2023
Enjoy live music, food trucks, a Kids Zone, and beer gardens at this family-friendly summer wind-down at Kinosoo beach.
Wetaskiwin Reynolds Museum Harvest Festival | September 2
Spend a fun fall day learning more about farming practices and equipment through the decades while you watch some the museum’s impressive collection of vintage tractors and machinery at work. The kids will love the Family Fun Zone with carnival games and a petting zoo.
Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village Harvest of the Past | September 9, 2023
Experience the best of autumn from days gone by with an old-fashioned threshing bee, and farming demos from costumed interpreters.
Savour Strathcona | September 10, 2023
Celebrate the best local food, art, and music in Strathcona County at Savour Strathcona County.
Smoky Lake Pumpkin Fair | October 5 to 8, 2023
Find Pumpkin to Talk About at this year’s extended 4 day event! Guests can enjoy the pumpkin weigh-off, pumpkin drop, pumpkin carving, corn maze, harvest dinner, artisan market, and more.

Smoky Lake Pumpkin Festival