Picture it: it’s a sunny, crisp fall day in Edmonton, the trees are vibrant, and Taylor Swift’s Red (Taylor’s Version) album is on repeat. Oh yes, fall is almost here, which means it’s time to go visit the best spots in Edmonton to see the leaves change.
So grab that pumpkin spice latte, some plaid and a comfy pair of shoes. We are heading out to enjoy the burst of colour that sweeps through our city every autumn.
97th Street
Janusz Sliwinski/Flickr
This spot, located on 97th Street in the Griesbach area, is likely one of the most gorgeous places to see fall foliage in the city. A rainbow of historic trees as your backdrop makes for the most stunning fall photos.
Mill Creek Ravine Park
Vadim Gouida/Shutterstock
Featuring a walking trail and a creek, the Mill Creek Ravine Park in the Argyll neighbourhood is a slice of nature right in central Edmonton. You could almost make it look like you took a little road trip out of the city for the day without even leaving.
Fort Edmonton Park footbridge
Justin Hetu/Shutterstock
Sandwiched between Fort Edmonton Park and Wolf Willow Ravine, the Fort Edmonton Park footbridge provides a stunning combination of bright fall foliage, the North Saskatchewan River and, of course, a lovely footbridge. It’s one of the most picturesque spots in Edmonton for a fall photo with so many colourful leaves!
Muttart Conservatory
The Muttart Conservatory is a stunning attraction in our city and really shines in the autumn, with trees surrounding the area. Relax in the green space around the building, or maybe just take a stroll around the neighbourhood. There are plenty of mature trees that will take your breath away.
Emily Murphy Park
2009fotofriends/Shutterstock
Tucked away along the North Saskatchewan River, Emily Murphy Park holds a vast amount of forest and trails, just look for yourself. Just roll around and throw those leaves up in the air, why don’t you?!
The Alberta Legislature Grounds
Robert Szymanski/Shutterstock
Gorgeous classic architecture? Check. Loads of autumn leaves? Check. The Alberta Legislature is a grand spot to enjoy a fall day, so go ahead and take some photos playing in the leaves, or the building itself makes for a nice backdrop amid the dramatic fall colours.
Northeast River Valley Park
City of Edmonton
Nestled along the North Saskatchewan River, Edmonton’s newest park boasts 190 acres of stunning vistas with charming features such as covered barn bridges, a lake for boating, and plenty of picnic sites for a gorgeous fall afternoon outdoors.
Anywhere in Edmonton’s River Valley
Edmonton’s River Valley is vast, and boy, does it put on a show during the fall. As the largest urban park in Canada, with more than 160 kilometres of maintained pathways and 20 major parks, the River Valley is a gem and a natural wonder for all.
University of Alberta
Edmontonians can point to the University of Alberta grounds as a superb spot to get those fall photos. With massive trees and plenty of green space and benches, it’s certainly one of the best spots in Edmonton to check out the changing leaves and get the perfect fall Instagram post.
Elk Island National Park
Just 35 minutes east of Edmonton is an oasis filled with wildlife, starry skies, and incredible natural views. Elk Island National Park in the fall is a photographer’s dream thanks to its untamed beauty, with roaming herds of bison, elk, and more than 250 different bird species that have made this national park a mainstay of wildlife conservation.