4 Popular Places to Enjoy the Great Outdoors
Tucked away between tree-lined ravines, wide winding roads, and gorgeous green space lies a beautiful urban oasis known as Laurier Heights. Loved by a diverse range of residents, from families to retirees, Laurier Heights hosts an abundance of parks and attractions waiting to be discovered by Edmontonians near and far.
Looking to enjoy the great outdoors this summer? Scroll to discover why Laurier Heights is one of Edmonton’s top destinations for outdoor exploration within the city limits.
1. Buena Vista: Scenic Escapes for Both You and Your Pet
Buena Vista Park is perfectly situated on the north bank of the North Saskatchewan River just next to Sir Wilfred Laurier and Hawrelak Park. Buena Vista means “beautiful view” in Spanish and this park lives up to its namesake, home to an expansive off-leash dog park and numerous multi-use trails. Incredibly popular with dog lovers thanks to its 66 hectares of park space worth exploring, you’ll always run into somebody you know strolling the trails with your furry friend.
Buena Vista also hosts the Edmonton Humane Society’s Pets in the Park event each spring, a paw-pular celebration with activities for both people and pets.
Looking to get your feet wet? The Edmonton Rowing Club calls Buena Vista Park home offering ‘Learn to Row’ programs for all ages and children’s summer camps in July and August.
Whether you prefer relaxing on the riverbanks watching the boats go by or exploring the many trails with your four-legged friend, Buena Vista Park is a perfect destination to add to your bucket list this summer.
2. Get Your Step Count in at Laurier Park
With a 4.5-star rating and over 350 reviews on AllTrails, Sir Wilfred Laurier Park (more commonly known as Laurier Park) should be at the top of your list for hitting those 10,000 steps.
With a plethora of trails to choose from, both inland and along the North Saskatchewan River banks, Laurier Park is a popular choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts who want to get out to explore. River views, a thigh-burning staircase, and easy connections into neighbouring Buena Vista characterize this nature-filled destination. The park also boasts two natural playgrounds, a ball diamond, picnic sites, and horseshoe pits ensuring there’s always something to keep you and your loved ones entertained.
If enjoying this gorgeous green space on land doesn’t float your boat, Laurier Park also offers a boat launch so you can get out onto the river to float the day away.
3. Wild Wonders at the Edmonton Valley Zoo
Since 1959 the Edmonton Valley Zoo has been focused on education and conservation, home to more than 350 animals and closing only on Christmas Day. That leaves 364 days to enjoy authentic and engaging interactions with the animals with many exhibits taking place in the great outdoors.
Located right in the Laurier Heights neighbourhood, the Edmonton Valley Zoo features roving interpreters who offer daily demonstrations and programs, plus special events throughout the year like the Zoominescence celebration of light held each winter. Zoo Brew, an 18+ twilight event for beer and animal lovers alike, is another popular event where guests are invited to explore the zoo after-hours while enjoying a drink in hand.
For outdoor fun in Laurier Heights, look no further than the Edmonton Valley Zoo.
Photo Credit: Edmonton Valley Zoo
4. Everyone’s Favourite: Hawrelak Park
Although this 68 hectare space is closed for rehabilitation work until 2026, we would be remiss not to mention it as a key outdoor destination near Laurier Heights. Throughout construction, the River Valley trail system around the park will remain open, but you’ll have to wait for entry into the actual park.
AllTrails lists some excellent hiking options that make the most of the park’s stunning river views. The trails range from easy to moderate difficulty with many connecting directly into Laurier Heights so you can explore multiple hotspots in one journey.
When it is fully operational, Hawrelak Park is home to several popular events throughout the year such as the Silver Skate Festival, the Freewill Shakespeare Festival, the Edmonton Heritage Festival, and outdoor concerts by the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. This park is busy year-round with wide open spaces to skate, cross-country ski, walk, picnic, sunbathe, or read a book at your leisure while taking in the view.
Get Outdoors in Laurier Heights
With its array of parks and attractions both on and off the water, Laurier Heights is a premier destination for both locals and Edmontonians citywide to get outside and explore.
Whether it’s playing catch in the dog-friendly fields of Buena Vista, strolling the riverside trails of Laurier Park, getting up close and personal with one of the 100 species at the zoo, or attending your favourite festival at Hawrelak Park, Laurier Heights truly has something for everyone.
Browse houses for sale in Laurier Heights to call this neighbourhood home, or add this post to your bucket list for fun-loving outdoor adventures this summer.
Posted by Kerri-lyn Holland on
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