Making Tracks: Hiking and Biking Around Drayton Valley

In the Drayton Valley area, we are surrounded by amazing opportunities to get outside. In fact, there are so many that it can be hard to know where to begin! Two of the best ways to explore is via foot or mountain bike. Hiking is a wonderful, family friendly activity that needs no fancy equipment to get started. And while biking requires a little more upfront investment, if you’re buying a bike anyway, consider going one step further by loading it up and driving to a nearby trailhead. It’s a great way to combine exercise and fun, and it’s addictive once you do it.

Other things that might happen along the trails include great bird watching opportunities, wildlife encounters, bonding with your family and/or friends, and fun.

Easy does it

For a low-stress introduction to hiking or biking for beginners or with little kids, Drayton Valley has 14 kilometers of paved trails right in town. Did you know the town has 10 designated parks and playgrounds that are all connected via the paved trails? Paths are accessible throughout the town, lit and there are benches for when you and the littles need a rest. So fill a backpack with water, snacks, sunscreen and bug spray and go explore. Maybe throw a leash on the family dog and bring them too? The point is, these trails are a great opportunity to just get out there. Chances are, you won’t regret it.

Bring it on

If your crew is older or more experienced, the options are impressive. Drayton Valley sits a few kilometers northeast of Eagle Point Provincial Park. This park boasts 35 kilometres of trails to explore on foot or via mountain bike in summer, and via cross country skis or snowshoes in winter. The trails are divided into 3 distinct systems. The skill level is considered beginner to intermediate if you’re on a bike.

  1. Pembina Rotary Community South Trails System: There are 7 km of popular trails that include 3 easy loops with picturesque picnic spots and a longer out and back trail to explore. Choose to stay above the North Saskatchewan River Valley embankment or hike down to the flats.
  2. Pembina Rotary Community North Trails: With 16 kilometres of trails in a variety of loops, some offering up panoramic views of the North Saskatchewan River Valley, this option is tough to beat.
  3. Hilltop and Hillside Interpretive Trails: Nearly 10 kilometers of trails close to Willey West Campground will see you breaking a sweat as you hike or bike down into the North Saskatchewan River Valley and back up. Use your smartphone to learn more about the area by scanning the QR codes on signs along the way.

Whether you’re exploring by foot or on your mountain bike, charging hard or easing into the experience, there are many adventures just waiting for you to get out there and find them. See this blog post as a starting point. Soon, you’ll be making new tracks of your own!