From beginner to advanced, learn all about how you can explore Hinton’s many trails and outdoor adventures this season.
When visitors pass through on their way to Jasper National Park, many aren’t aware of the fact that Hinton is a hub for recreation and adventure—from beginner-friendly to advanced adventuring opportunities.
This accessible lifestyle is what draws many visitors to explore the area year after year, and has even encouraged many to make Hinton their long-term home.
“After work, you’ll almost always find me on the trails,” said Meagan Hayashi, a local pharmacist who became active in the trail running and biking community after moving to Hinton. “I didn’t bike or run really at all before I came out here, and now I’ve completed ultramarathons and often take my mountain bike with me on vacation.”
The key to getting involved is just getting started.
It’s easy to get overwhelmed about where to begin, however, a good place to start is simply exploring Hinton’s Beaver Boardwalk, the connecting Happy Creek Trail System, or checking out the bike park to improve your skills. All of these spaces are right in town, close to amenities, and frequently used by others who are very familiar with the trails.
What separates Hinton from other places in Alberta with opportunities for outdoor adventure is the variety of different things you can do, the suitability for different skill levels, and how close everything is from Hinton’s Green Square—a very central location in town where you’ll find our Explore Hinton Visitor Information Centre.
- For example, it only takes five minutes to drive to Beaver Boardwalk, where you can go for a short, easy stroll. Create your own longer adventure from the boardwalk by connecting onto the Happy Creek Trail system, or visiting Hinton’s bike park.
- For a more ambitious adventure, hike up Mount Solomon or Folding Mountain just outside of town—both trailheads are located within 20 minutes of the Explore Hinton Visitor Information Centre in Green Square.
- In William A. Switzer Provincial Park, you’ll find a variety of trails varying from short adventures to longer treks. We recommend the Athabasca Lookout and Joachim Valley Trail as two excursions you won’t want to miss.
This summer, consider hiking and biking your way around Hinton. To learn more about mountain biking in and near Hinton, connect with @BikeHinton on Instagram or at bikehinton.com.
Share your adventures with us #ExploreHinton!
