While in the Edmonton area for the two-day Rockin’ Thunder music festival, I traded concert crowds for a little green space before Day 2. After a night camped out in my Jeep and a morning coffee, Sherwood Park Natural Area in Strathcona County, Alberta was exactly the nature reset I was looking for.

Just south of Sherwood Park, this 68-hectare natural area winds through aspen forest, wetlands and thick summer greenery. The trail quickly became more adventurous than expected, with muddy sections, standing water, wooden boardwalks and little bridges crossing the marshy landscape. Thankfully, I had rubber boots in the Jeep. The mosquitoes, however, were on another level. My hoodie wasn't for the temperature. It was mosquito armour!
Between swatting bugs, there was plenty worth slowing down for.

Wild roses, fireweed, pink wintergreen and other summer wildflowers grew along the trail, while butterflies moved through the forest. The route also passes signs and markers for the historic Old Edmonton Trail, once used by travellers moving between Edmonton and Cooking Lake in the early 1900s.

It wasn't a long hike, but that was exactly the point. A couple of kilometres of forest, wetlands, wildflowers, mud and fresh Alberta air gave me the reset I needed before heading back into Edmonton for another full day of live music.

Sometimes an adventure weekend needs both. Turn the music up, then disappear into the trees for a while.

Quick FAQ

Where is Sherwood Park Natural Area?

Sherwood Park Natural Area is south of Sherwood Park in Strathcona County, Alberta, with trail access and parking on Range Road 231, about 0.8 km south of Highway 628/Township Road 522.

How long is the Sherwood Park Natural Area trail?

The main loop from the parking area is approximately 2.7 km, travelling through forest and wetland habitat.