The Strathcona Wilderness Centre sits at the northern edge of Bennett Lake, 25 minutes east of Edmonton along the Yellowhead Highway and south along Range Road 212, just a few minutes outside of Elk Island National Park. Its serene location and variety of activities make it your ticket for nearby outdoor adventures.
The Centre’s main claim to fame is its cross-country skiing. Take your pick from a number of wide, expertly maintained trails to travel through marshland, the lakeshore, and serene forest. Trails are available for skiers of all levels, and practice spaces are set up if you want to brush up on your skills first. The Wilderness Centre offers both one-time and recurring classes for children, teens, and adults. Private lessons are also available. For the serious skier, there are also prep classes designed to get you ready for the Canadian Birkebeiner Ski Festival, which takes place every February at the nearby Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area. Besides skiing, several trails are also open for snowshoeing and hiking. On-site, there’s a heated chalet available to warm up in between bouts on the trail, and no need to worry about purchasing your own equipment: rentals are available.
As part of the Beaver Hills Biosphere, the surrounding woods are the perfect place to spot wild animals, including moose, elk, and even porcupines. The Strathcona Wilderness Centre offers lots of activities and programs designed to help you make the most of your time in the great outdoors. Outdoor Pursuits programs are available for children, youth, teens, and their families, with subjects ranging from disc golf and tie-dyeing to fire safety and outdoor survival, depending on the time of year. One particularly exciting program is the owl banding workshop, where you can learn about Northern Saw-Whet Owls and even participate in a species count as part of conservation efforts. The Centre also offers
drop-in programs, including a weekly Trail Walking club and supervised outdoor play for kids.
This article originally appeared in our Info Edmonton Fall/Winter Guide. Read the full digital issue for the best in arts, culture, dining, shopping, and more!
