Eco Tourism
One With Nature
Eco tourism offers experiences that enable visitors to discover natural areas, while preserving the integrity of the space. Eco tourism experiences offer the educational opportunity to learn about the natural and cultural sense of place. It fosters respect towards the environment, reflects sustainable business practices, creates socio-economic benefits for the community. Also eco tourism recognizes and respects local and indigenous cultures, traditions and values.
Bird watching
You have to be a bird watcher to hike in Strathcona County.... you can't help it! There are over 230 species of birds, including trumpeter swans, pelicans and bald eagles. Nature buffs and bird watchers enjoy the County's numerous nature spots: Ministik Bird Sanctuary, Collingwood Cove, Hastings Lake, Kawtikh Retreat, North Cooking Lake, North Bruderheim, Astotin Lake, Baseline Pond, Bretona Pond and the locations described below.
The Edmonton Nature Club offers local field trips, nature walks, Sunday drives and other activities. You do not have to be a member to participate. For a listing of events you can pick up a copy of Nature Networks newsletter at the Wildbird General Store, (780) 439-7333.
Hiking and Wildlife Viewing
Elk Island National Park
Elk Island National Pak is just 20 minutes east of Sherwood Park on Highway 16. This 195-square kilometre (75-square mile) park was established in 1906. It is home to 2,000 beavers, 1,800 elk, 800 bison, 375 moose and 350 deer. Explore the park on 100 kilometers of hiking and cross-country ski trails. There is a nine-hole golf course, an 78-site campground, numerous picnic areas, a theatre, outdoor exhibits and, of course, a bison paddock.
For more information, call (780) 922-5790 from May to August or year round at (780) 992 2950.
Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area
Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Provincial Recreation, Wildlife and Grazing Area is location 23 kilometres (14 miles) east of Sherwood Park, immediately south of Elk Island National Park. This 97-square kilometre (37-square miles) area is a provincial multi-use site. The area integrates cattle gazing, wildlife management and public outdoor recreation activities such as cross-country skiing, mountain-biking, canoeing, hiking, picnicking, horseback riding and snowmobiling.
For more information, call (780) 922 3293.
The Waskahegan Trail
The Waskahegan Trail is a 235 km long volunteer managed trail allowing excellent day hiking, backpacking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The trail is available of use year round by the general public. The Waskahegan Trail Association organizes weekly Sunday hikes throughout the year. Hikes are on different trails each week and usually go for about 10 km or 6 to 7 hours. Walking schedules are published on the Waskahegan Trail Association website.
Strathcona Wilderness Centre
At the Strathcona Wilderness Centre visitors experience the outdoors! This popular hiking and cross-country skiing spot features 12 kilometres of trails that wind their way through the aspen parkland forest and along the shore of Bennett Lake. The centre is also a great location for overnight camping, orienteering, geo catching, nature interpretation. The Strathcona Wilderness Centre offers 550 acres of natural serenity. Nestled among the tall stands of poplar, friends, families and groups can camp in primitive campsites, eight-person bunkhouses or stay in the centre's modern pine lodge. Strathcona Wilderness Centre also provides a variety of programs for people of all ages, including residential retreats and school programs. The Wilderness Centre is also wheelchair accessible. View the Centre's resident wildlife up close and personal. The Strathcona Wilderness Centre is located 16 kilometres (10 miles) east of Sherwood Park on Baseline Road (Township Road 530) and Range Road 212.
For more information phone (780) 922 3939.
Last updated: Monday, April 12, 2010
Page ID: 4699