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Looking for the perfect Alberta day trips from Edmonton that combine adventure, relaxation and a splash of fun? Whether you’re chasing the current down the Pembina River in a tube, cooling off in Sylvan Lake, or challenging your partner to a round of mini-golf or go-karts at Lakeside, there’s no shortage of memory-making moments within easy reach of the city. Add in a stay at the one-of-a-kind Footloose Caboose, where vintage railway cars meet cozy comfort before heading out for a hike at Elk Island with the bison. The mix of water activities, quirky accommodations, and scenic parks makes for an unforgettable escape, all less than a couple of hours from Edmonton.
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Accommodation Suggestions
If you’re visiting from out of town or interested in a staycation (my newfound love to recharge), consider staying at one of the following places:
- Fantasyland Hotel – I love their different themed rooms, which makes it a fun adventure in itself
- Footloose Caboose – stay in a train caboose for the night (a reservation will need to be made before your stay)
Day 1: River Adventures to Island Vibes: Pembina Swimming & Polynesian Paradise
Tubing the Pembina River is a fantastic way to spend the day when looking for Alberta day trips from Edmonton! First thing in the morning, drive one hour west from Edmonton to Pembina River Tubing. If you have your own tube, you’ll be less restricted on time. Arriving earlier when renting a tube, especially for first-come, first-served, will increase your chances of securing a tube and getting on the water in the morning. It should take approximately 2 hours to float down the river (depending on the water levels) from the starting point to the exit point after the small 16A bridge (you’ll see an exit point sign). It will be located at the same site as the Pembina Provincial Park Day Use Area. You will see the tubers exiting at this location.
You Have Different Options
- You can bring your own tube and park at their location for $8 per vehicle. Alternatively, if you’re being dropped off, the cost is $4 to walk in. If you’d like to use their shuttle service for $18 per person after tubing to return to the starting point, you can ride it on a first-come, first-served basis; no reservation is required.
- One person could also leave their partner and the tube behind to enjoy the park while they retrieve the vehicle using the shuttle.
- You can also park a second vehicle at the Pembina Provincial Park Day Use Area and leave from there instead of using the shuttle service. This option makes it convenient to enjoy the park after tubing without worrying about retrieving your vehicle.
- From June 2 to September 1, to guarantee yourself a tube, you can reserve one up to two weeks in advance or walk in and hope one is still available. Find the different tubing prices here.
- Before heading out on the water, whether you’re renting or bringing your own tube, you’ll be required to sign a waiver stating the company isn’t liable if something happens to you, your equipment or if you lose something in the water.
Cash is the preferred method of payment. They will, however, accept credit cards and debit.
Items Required
- The MEC Fulcrum Guide PFD is a nice-to-have with you as you float down. You can also carry a waterproof camera and snacks in the zippered pockets. If you are renting a tube, they’ll provide you with a lifejacket.
- It’s easy to lose flip-flops on the river. I recommend bringing Keen Newport Sandals that will stay securely on your feet the entire way. You might be required to adjust your tube if you encounter a shallow spot. Having reliable footwear will make your experience more enjoyable.
- To keep all your belongings dry, I suggest placing everything into a MEC Brooks Dry Bag that can be easily attached to your tube or raft.
Important Tip: The Pembina River Tubing site recommends using ties to attach your tubes together. Sometimes the current can be strong and pull tubes in different directions around a bridge pier, necessitating an emergency rescue. I’d advise against tying your boats together, as this would limit your ability to use your paddle to maneuver your boat around obstacles. I’ve had the bottom of my raft rip because I was stuck on a rock and unable to maneuver away from it, being in the middle, tied to other boats. It’s easy to stick together, not tied, and it’s also a lot safer.
A Splash of Summer: Swimming at Pembina Provincial Park
After an unforgettable morning on the water, retrieve your vehicle and drive (if your car isn’t here yet) to the Pembina Provincial Park Day Use Area to spend the rest of your day here. Enjoy swimming or bobbing down the river (feet first with sturdy sandals to avoid stubbing your toe on potential upcoming rocks). Bring your lawn chairs, a picnic lunch and sunscreen and enjoy relaxing. The earlier you go tubing, the more parking will be available at the day use area in the afternoon.
If you’d prefer eating at a picnic table, there are a few in the trees between the parking and the river. Many families utilize this area to eat a meal.
Polynesian Retreat at the Fantasyland Hotel
After spending the afternoon at the park, drive one hour east to the Fantasyland Hotel inside West Edmonton Mall to check in for the night. We booked a Polynesian room with a jacuzzi, which we liked. They have many more themed rooms if you’d like something different.
Take a shower and head for supper for some relaxation time away from the sun.
Here are some recommendations on Bourbon Street in West Edmonton Mall:
- Moxies
- Old Spaghetti Factory
- Mai Asian Fusion
- Cactus Club Cafe – north side of WEM
Get some sleep before an exciting day 2.
Day 2: Swim, Putt, Scoop & Sleep in a Caboose: Sylvan Lake Adventure
Alberta day trips from Edmonton will get you packing your bags and driving southwest to Sylvan Lake, 1 hour and 30 minutes from Edmonton. There are many different locations to grab a spot on the sand and set up for the day. It’s a popular area, so expect it to be busy and loud, regardless of where you set up. If you walk to Sylvan Park, there’s also a grassy area where you can sit. It’s a lovely sandy beach, and although cold in the summer, it can feel refreshing.
There are bathrooms available for changing, but they aren’t typically the cleanest, so you may want to change in your car instead.
You will encounter paid parking along Laskehsore Drive. You might find free parking, but you’ll have to walk a few blocks away from the beach.
The Big Moo Ice Cream Parlor is a favourite place of mine to grab an ice cream cone. They have a variety of ice cream flavours. It’s right across the main beach. Expect it to be busy as it’s a popular location.
Bamboo Hut Southeast Asian Cuisine is an awesome place to eat lunch. They offer reasonably priced Thai food along Lakeshore Drive. We loved the option to take the food with us and bring it back to eat on the beach.
Sunny Escape to Petro Beach Day Use Area
If you’d like a more secluded area, drive to Petro Beach Day Use Area, just down the road. Depending on the time of day you arrive, you may need to park on the street and walk to the parking lot. The outhouse tends to be in good condition. Most people who park here take their kayaks or boats and head out for the day. The beach isn’t bustling with swimmers. You might find some additional space on the grass, where my brother and I set up when we went.
Tip: The beach is mucky and weedy by the shore. You’ll need to walk a bit further out for good swimming conditions. Although it may not be the most comfortable feeling at first, you’ll be glad to have your own relaxing space further out.
Summer Vibes: Go-Karts, Mini-Golf and Lakeside Views
Lakeside Go-Karts and Mini Golf is an excellent activity if you want a change of scenery or the weather is rough for swimming. Adult prices start at $13.95 for a single game of mini-golf. You can pay $25 to play all day. They have a variety of difficulty levels to keep it interesting for everyone. Challenge your partner to the fastest go-karting lap and have fun racing each other.
All Aboard for Adventure: Stay at Footloose Caboose
After enjoying one of your Alberta day trips from Edmonton at Sylvan Lake, head 1 hour and 52 minutes northeast to Footloose Caboose near Tofield. Kris and I liked the neat experience when we stayed for our anniversary. This picture is one out of three cabooses where you can stay.
Tip: You’ll be required to book your accommodation before staying here.
Enjoy a nice assortment of home-cooked meals for supper and breakfast, including classic bacon and eggs, the next morning in the dining car.
In 2025, the dining car will be open only to overnight guests. The meals will likely be more intimate, with fewer customers present.
Day 3: Discovering Elk Island
There are many trails to explore in Elk Island that can take anywhere from an hour to a full day. Bring your Osprey Tempest 24 pack to carry all your essentials, including a warm layer such as an Arc’teryx Covert Cardigan to keep you protected against the elements.
You could have the opportunity to walk along different lakes or hike in the forest while conversing with your partner. It might be lucky and spot some bison on your hike or while driving through the area.
Tip: If you’re planning on hiking for the day, make sure to grab some snacks in Sylvan Lake the day before to be well nourished on your hike.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re soaking up the sun at Sylvan Lake, floating down the Pembina River or challenging your partner to a round of mini-golf, your Alberta day trips from Edmonton will create unforgettable summer memories that you’ll want to make every year. Unwind with magical themed rooms at Fantasyland Hotel and a cozy stay in a train car at Footloose Caboose. Connect with nature on an Elk Island hike, with the potential to see bison too, before heading home from a memorable trip.
Additional Links
- 23 Summer Outdoor Adventures in Alberta
- Edmonton Fun Day Trips
- Devon to Edmonton Canoe
- Nice Weekend Getaway Near Me
- Discover River Valley and the Surrounding Trails in Edmonton
Trip Resources
- Book your flights with Expedia
- Book your hostel through Hostelworld.com
- Book your hotel with Booking.com or Hotels.com
- Book your vacation rental with Vrbo
- Book your experiences through TripAdvisor, Manawa
- Book your guided trips through Viator or GetYourGuide
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