Best National Reserve Edmonton Near Me

4worldlovers:

Replacement of the Smith Crossing pedestrian bridge is scheduled to begin in November 2022 and continue until fall 2023. The parking lot south of 23rd avenue will be closed during this time, and access to Larch Sanctuary will be limited. Find more information about the bridge replacement and construction on the City of Edmonton website .

Nestled in the middle of Edmonton lies Larch Sanctuary, a section of the Whitemud creek ravine just upstream of its confluence with Blackmud creek. This 59 acre reserve is on the south side of 23rd Avenue, with housing developments at the top of the banks on either side, so it truly is a sanctuary.

The combination of coniferous, deciduous, and mixedwoods forests provide habitat for dozens of species of mammals and birds, including our largest woodpecker, the . An provides important habitat for aquatic species, amphibians, and waterfowl.

To further benefit wildlife within the Edmonton city limits, EALT has recently installed a large bee hotel and rocket bat box. To read more about the importance of pollinators and how to help them, click , and to read more about bats and how to help them, click .

Do you plan on trying to identify plants and animals while exploring? Consider helping EALT with some There are lots of easy ways to share your finds with our conservation team and your input is greatly valued!

Larch Sanctuary provides an important wildlife corridor, as species move around and through Edmonton, between the outskirts of the city and the North Saskatchewan River. Whitemud Creek is a major tributary of the North Saskatchewan River, which provides drinking water for the population of greater Edmonton. In addition to these ecological benefits, Larch Sanctuary also provides residents with a unique place to be active, spend time outdoors, enjoy, and feel connected to nature.

A peaceful summer day in Larch Sanctuary's riparian area. 80% of Alberta's wildlife spends some time in a riparian area during their life cycle. It is crucial habitat.

The Edmonton and Area Land Trust worked with the City of Edmonton to place a Conservation Easement on this land, which provides Larch Sanctuary with an additional level of protection, and other benefits. Larch Sanctuary was The Land Stewardship Centre’s Green Communities Guide also

Larch sanctuary is located in a section of the Whitemud Creek, which is a major tributary of the North Saskatchewan River. The Nehiyawewin (Cree) name for the North Saskatchewan River is kisiskâciwani-sîpiy ᑭᓯᐢᑲᒋᐊᐧᓂ ᓯᐱᕀ, which means “swift flowing river”. The river and river valley was traditionally important for many nations including the Nehiyawak (Cree), Tsuut’ina, Anishnabee (Ojibway/Saulteaux), the Nakota Sioux, the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the Métis. The river valley was important for harvesting plants, fishing, and harvesting materials for tool crafting. The river itself, as well as its tributaries, were the main modes of transportation for thousands of years.

4worldlovers: Permitted activities may vary within a park. Please confirm details with park staff.

Cross-Country Skiing: There are approximately 8 km of groomed cross-country ski trails in Riverlot 56 Natural Area.

4worldlovers:
I didn’t plan to visit Mactaggart Sanctuary on a rainy Friday, but I was in the area and just happened to have my camera with me. Thankfully I had packed a rain jacket, but unfortunately I hadn’t worn my hiking shoes. Mactaggart Sanctuary is more of a hike than a stroll as there are many steep inclines and declines. It really isn’t the place you want to wear a pair of Chuck Taylors on a rainy day, but I had committed to the walk and there was no turning back.


If you have never visited Mactaggart Sanctuary you have been missing out on a real gem in our city. Even in the rain, slipping and sliding thanks to my poor choice of shoes, the walk was well worth it. After you cross the bridge over Whitemud Creek, it doesn’t take long before you are completely immersed in nature. The trails aren’t groomed or wide – they are the type of trails where branches often brush your face and legs as you walk. The trails twist and turn, rise and fall, giving you the feeling that you are in a mountainous area. Only the low hum of the traffic on 23rd avenue gave me any sense that I was still in a major city. I had to stop a few times to simply breathe it all in. I was completely alone, surrounded by nature, and exhilarated by the adventure of it — it definitely felt like a sanctuary.

Mactaggart Sanctuary was donated to the City of Edmonton by Sandy Mactaggart and the province of Alberta. This was arranged by Sandy Mactaggart on the request of the original owner who wanted the land to remain untouched for the benefit and enjoyment of the citizens of Edmonton. In an interview, Sandy Mactaggart stated that the man lived in a shack insulated by newspaper and didn’t shower.

There were many alternate trails leading into what appeared to be nothing but endless forest. I only had time to explore a few of them, and I realized one could easily spend half a day or more getting lost, or at least feeling completely lost. The plant life I observed was diverse, and I heard at least six different bird calls. Of course, the birds at Mactaggart Sanctuary are just as camera shy as the rest of the birds in our natural areas. I did, however, almost take a Black-Capped Chickadee in the face. No joke — I felt the brush of its wing on my cheek as it flew past me. Now that would have been a great bird photo!

So thank you to the man who lived in a shack insulated with newspaper and didn’t shower*, Sandy Mactaggart, the Province of Alberta, and the U of A for preserving an untouched area of land for the benefit of us city dwellers and all the organisms that use the Mactaggart Sanctuary as a corridor to pass through our city.

4worldlovers:
We are a not-for-profit made up of the six shareholder municipalities that border the North Saskatchewan River in the Edmonton Metropolitan region.


Our goal is to connect one continuous trail system from Devon to Fort Saskatchewan, approximately 100 km. We're about 70% complete.

We respectfully acknowledge that we are located within Treaty 6 territory, and Métis Nation of Alberta Region 4. We acknowledge this land as the traditional home for many Indigenous Peoples including the Cree, Blackfoot, Métis, Nakota Sioux, Dene, Saulteaux, Anishinaabe, Inuit and many others whose histories, languages, and cultures continue to influence our vibrant community.

4worldlovers:
Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park, more commonly known as Laurier Park, is located in Edmonton's west end. Situated on the north bank of the river, the park extends from Whitemud Drive in the west to Buena Vista Drive in the east. The park is named after Canada’s eighth Prime Minister, Sir Wilfrid Laurier. Numerous picnic sites, two natural playgrounds and a boat launch are just a few of the amenities for users to enjoy.

Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park has 9 picnic sites available for reservation during the summer. The park also has 31 tables available for drop-in (no fee) use. Additionally, group reservation site tables that are not reserved in advance can be claimed on a first-come, first-served basis.

2 Sites #1 and #9 include the use of the baseball diamond located near the site. The fee is $38.95/hour.


3 Some parking onsite, more parking by the main entrance which is shared by the Zoo.

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