This stretch of the famous Yellowhead Highway takes motorists to a town that puts on big events, a major metropolis and a pair of destinations that buzz with hiking and fishing.
See our Saskatchewan and Manitoba trips for more adventures on the Yellowhead Highway.
1. Lloydminster
Starting Point
Straddling the border with Saskatchewan and Alberta, Lloydminster is a town that knows how to throw a summer party. Enjoy outdoor markets and food vendors during Streetfest or come to the Colonial Days Fair for livestock shows, monster truck rallies and grandstand concerts. If you’re into horse racing and beer gardens, try to time your visit with the CPCA Chuckwagon Finals. After the festivities, take some time to unwind in the refreshing waters of Sandy Beach Regional Park.
2. Edmonton
Drive 175 miles • 2 hours, 37 minutes
Alberta’s capital city was made for cyclists. It has over 62 miles of designated cycling routes and 71 miles of recreation trails. Mountain bike trails can also be found in Gold Bar Park and Terwillegar Park. Pedal through the city on your own or join a group tour to discover hidden gems with a historian guide. Before you go, shop till you drop at the West Edmonton Mall, the largest shopping center in North America with over 800 stores.
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3. Whitecourt
Drive 111 miles • 1 hour, 52 minutes
Fishing is fantastic here thanks to Whitecourt’s proximity to four major waterways. Grab your rod and head to the Blue Ridge Recreation Area to reel in trout from the south lake. You can also snag pike, grayling and rainbow trout from the adjacent Athabasca River. Other popular angling spots include Carson Lake and McLeod Lake. If you want to connect with Mother Nature in a different way, head to Hard Luck Canyon. This unique geological formation in Woodlands County is best explored by foot so follow the short trail to reach exceptional cliff views and the canyon floor. Take the Hard Luck Canyon Loop, a 0.5-mile trail for all levels with views of the Lost Creek.
4. Valleyview
Drive 106 miles • 1 hour, 41 minutes
Use this small town as your jumping-off point for exploring Young’s Point Provincial Park. Carpeted in lake shoreline and forest habitats, this lush area is rich in wildlife and offers three trails for hiking and mountain biking. Locals say the observation deck at the beaver pond is an excellent spot for bird-watching. Adjacent to the park is Sturgeon Lake. There’s no sturgeon here, but the lake makes up for it with ample stocks of northern pike, walleye and yellow perch. Go canoeing along the lake or simply relax on the beach.