Summary
Sandwiched between the city of Edmonton and the Elk Island National Park, Alberta’s Strathcona County represents a specialized municipality that is part of the Edmonton Metropolitan Area. It is an area that seamlessly combines rural and urban elements and is home to fewer than 100,000 residents, with more than half residing in the hamlet of Sherwood Park.
Sherwood Park is the most frequented area within Strathcona County, conveniently located adjacent to the city of Edmonton. Additionally, it offers a plethora of attractions that appeal to visitors. Nonetheless, every area within the county merits a visit, particularly for those who appreciate the great outdoors. Whether you are based in Edmonton or within the specialized municipality, exploring Strathcona County is a worthwhile endeavor. Here are the 15 finest activities to pursue in Strathcona County.
1. Enjoy the Outdoors
Outdoor enthusiasts should not miss the opportunity to visit the Beaver Hills UNESCO Biosphere when in Strathcona County. This area is recognized as one of the oldest protected zones in Canada, established as a forest reserve since 1892.
The biosphere consists of various unique locations, including the Strathcona Wilderness Centre, Beaver Hills Dark Sky Preserve, and Ministik Lake Game Bird Sanctuary. Additionally, it features over 100 kilometers of trails and nearly 700 campsites.
This biosphere serves as a sanctuary for wildlife enthusiasts, home to waterfowl, songbirds, deer, and moose. Visitors can partake in cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, dog sledding, mountain biking, walking, and picnicking activities.
2. Learn about Science
This experience can be enjoyed amidst the natural beauty of Strathcona Science Provincial Park, located along the north bank of the North Saskatchewan River at an elevation of 625 meters.
Originally an Indigenous camp, the Alberta government established this 2.9 square kilometer park as a means of preservation. While many of the interpretive buildings are no longer utilized, the park’s outdoor spaces remain vibrant.
Strathcona Science Provincial Park hosts the Sunridge Ski Area, a Biathlon Centre, and a Model Aviation Field. Activities available at the park include cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, hiking, mountain biking, and tobogganing.
3. Ride a Rollercoaster
Not just any rollercoaster, but the tallest and longest indoor roller coaster in the world! Mindbender is a looping roller coaster situated at Galaxyland Amusement Park, which resides within the largest mall in North America, the West Edmonton Mall.
This amusement park also offers an array of thrilling rides designed to get your adrenaline pumping, including the 36.5-meter Space Shot, the giant Swing of the Century, and the Cosmo’s Space Derby bumper cars. Galaxyland Amusement Park boasts over 25 rides to experience.
If you prefer to ride more than one rollercoaster, do not miss the unique Galaxy Orbiter—the first spinning roller coaster in Canada. There’s also fun to be had for younger guests on the Autosled, featuring gentle bends and hills.
4. Taste Local Wine
The Barr Estate Winery is located at the southernmost part of Sherwood Park. Founded by Rick and Amy Barr, this winery produces three distinct fruit wines, none of which are derived from grapes.
For a unique tasting experience, visit this winery to sample wines crafted from raspberries, rhubarb, and strawberries. Take a guided tour of the property to see both the winemaking process and the cultivation of the fruit.
Tours and tastings occur throughout the year on Friday evenings and Saturday and Sunday afternoons, featuring seven tours each week. Visitors must be at least 18 years of age to participate.
5. Search for Bison
The wood bison is the largest terrestrial mammal in North America, and Elk Island National Park serves as a sanctuary for many of these magnificent creatures. The park has played a crucial role in the conservation of not only these bison but also other species.
Situated in the Beaverhills area, Elk Island National Park is a notable attraction in its own right. Open 24 hours a day year-round, it provides opportunities for camping, hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and, naturally, wildlife observation.
In addition to observing bison, visitors can encounter other wildlife, including black bears, elk, deer, coyotes, lynxes, and the pygmy shrew, recognized as the smallest land-based mammal in North America. The park is also home to numerous bird species, such as great blue herons, American white pelicans, red-tailed hawks, and trumpeter swans.
6. Go Back in Time
Delve into the history of Strathcona County and the surrounding region at the Fort Heritage Precinct, a museum situated in Fort Saskatchewan. Journey back over 140 years by exploring the historical village and marveling at its authentic buildings.
A guided tour through the village offers insight into the numerous artifacts and engaging stories. Tours last approximately two hours and are highly recommended, as most buildings are accessible only with an onsite guide.
Take a leisurely stroll around the grounds to absorb the history of Western Canada. You will also have the opportunity to ascend the stairs to the Fort’s bastion, sit in the 1902 schoolhouse, and explore the 1909 courthouse.
7. Experience Local Food, Art, and Music
This experience can be enjoyed cohesively at the Savour Strathcona County festival, held annually in July at the Strathcona County Community Centre in Sherwood Park.
The festival celebrates the outstanding food and art of the region, featuring local restaurants, food trucks, and artisans who exhibit their creations. Additionally, live entertainment amplifies the vibrant atmosphere.
Savor a diverse array of cuisines, including Italian, Thai, Japanese, Mexican, and Indian dishes expertly prepared by local chefs, or indulge in items such as perogies, barbecued delights, tacos, and ice cream from food trucks. Afterward, procure unique souvenirs crafted by local artisans.
8. Have a Picnic
Broadmoor Lake Park serves as an ideal location for enjoying a picnic. This expansive park in the Sherwood Park area offers a picturesque setting for a delightful day outdoors.
The main feature of the park is Broadmoor Lake, which is encircled by a walking path adorned with benches along its shores and numerous trees dotting the landscape. During winter, the lake transforms into a spectacular outdoor skating rink.
If visiting with children, take advantage of the large playground and the spray park. In winter, kids will delight in tobogganing down the park’s hills.
9. Look at Art
Embark on a walking tour of the city to appreciate the various public art installations. This may include murals on building exteriors, sculptures in parks, memorials, or frescoes.
Currently, Strathcona County boasts 32 public art pieces, primarily located in Sherwood Park. Notable works include the vibrant mural on the County Hall staircase, stainless steel screens in the West Plaza of the community center, and the 11-foot tall Dalmatian Sadie positioned outside Fire Station #6.
The Ardrossan Recreation Complex houses three public art pieces, making it a worthy destination. This includes a community collage that honors significant local figures, exquisite glass panels, and a celebration of sport depicted in luminous glass.
10. Ride a Train
Travel less than an hour north of the city to Camrose and spend a day aboard a train. The Battle River Railway offers scenic excursions through beautiful landscapes and historic sites.
Visitors can enjoy lunch at a vintage hotel, tour a historic Catholic church, and view the nation’s largest ball glove.
Moreover, special events such as the Oktoberfest train and murder mystery nights provide unique experiences. Revel in sausages and beer, or engage in solving mysteries with a local theatre group.
11. Play a Round of Golf
There are numerous golfing venues throughout Strathcona County, both public and private, ensuring that avid golfers will find plenty to enjoy.
Elk Island Golf Course stands out as one of the premier locations and is recognized as the oldest golf course in Alberta, featuring a nine-hole layout and a clubhouse that offers delicious cuisine.
The public Broadmoor Golf Course provides an excellent setting for play and learning, while the private Belvedere Golf & Country Club features a championship facility. Other nearby golf options include the Country Side Golf Club, Victoria Golf Course, and Rundle Park Golf Course.
12. Eat
Eating out in Strathcona County is a delightful experience for all, especially for those with a penchant for sweets. Numerous establishments cater specifically to dessert enthusiasts, offering freshly baked cinnamon buns, donuts, cookies, and pies.
For a distinctive dining experience, consider trying local favorites such as Vivo Ristorante, That Bar-B-Q Place, and Sumo Sumo Sushi Bar and Grill. Alternatively, visit Common Ground Community Café or Roasti Coffee Co. for an exceptional cup of coffee.
Regardless of your culinary cravings, whether Indian, Japanese, Italian, or Thai, there is an appropriate restaurant to satisfy your taste. Strathcona County even features Ukrainian, Mediterranean, and Mexican culinary options to explore.
13. Walk Through an Ice Castle
Indeed, an ice castle can be visited, conveniently located in Edmonton. Ice Castles is an award-winning attraction that has been established in six cities across North America, with Edmonton being one of its notable locations.
This manmade icy attraction is truly magnificent, crafted from hundreds of thousands of icicles meticulously hand-placed by skilled ice artists. The installation includes frozen thrones, LED-lit sculptures, ice-carved tunnels, fountains, and more.
Visitors can stroll through the ice castle while capturing captivating photos for Instagram. Ice Castles operates exclusively during the winter season and promises unforgettable memories for all who come.
14. Hit the Slopes
Considering Alberta’s renowned skiing culture, a visit to the area would not be complete without hitting the slopes. Fortunately, the Sunridge Ski Area, located along the North Saskatchewan River and part of Strathcona Science Provincial Park, provides an ideal skiing venue.
This ski area features 11 runs, with 45 percent rated as black diamond, catering to advanced skiers. If you prefer alternative winter activities, the ski area also accommodates snowboarding, tubing, and cross-country skiing. Additionally, there are two terrain parks available for those looking to practice their tricks.
15. Learn about the City’s History
The Strathcona County Museum & Archives showcases the rich history and heritage of the county within a single facility. Visitors are welcome to explore the museum and gain insight into the city’s development and its inhabitants.
Exhibits of permanent significance include a historic train station, a parlour, a church, a blacksmith’s shop, and a dairy barn. Do not overlook the First Nations exhibit or the Natural History Walk, which displays an extensive collection of butterflies, dinosaur bones, and fossils.
Everything is modeled after a rural community of the early 1900s, allowing for an immersive experience into the historical narrative of Strathcona County.
