There’s so much to explore right next door to Jasper National Park. From a thriving local food scene to endless opportunities for adventure, spectacular things await you in Hinton.
First things first: we have a great relationship with our neighbours to the west. You’ll find plenty of Hintonites taking in the festivities at Jasper in January, stretching at the start line for the Jasper Half Marathon, or even tearing up the slopes at Marmot every winter.
However, if you think Hinton is only a highway stop on the way to Jasper, you are hardly scratching the surface of what you can do and explore in Hinton.
Opportunities for adventure in every season
With spectacular adventures in every direction, Hinton is the perfect place to make your basecamp. Every season, you’ll be amazed at what you can do right in town and just outside. The best part is, you can soothe your sense of adventure without feeling like a tourist.
It’s hard to beat a morning kayak on Jarvis Lake in the summer, with a lunchtime picnic at Kelley’s Bathtub, and an afternoon trek to the stunning Athabasca Viewpoint—all within William A. Switzer Provincial Park, only minutes away from the Explore Hinton Visitor Information Centre.
In the winter, your perfect day starts with a coffee at The Old Grind before hitting the spectacular Nordic Centre ski trails or the Skating Oval at Maxwell Lake.
A thriving and diverse local food scene
A homemade poutine at the base of a mountain. Farm fresh ingredients alongside local art. Authentic cuisine served by locals. The cheesiest pizza you’ll ever taste. This is what it’s like to eat in Hinton.
Hinton is home to a thriving food scene, which is something you’ll miss if you never stray far from the highway. Even if you’re trying to make it from A to B before your check-in or tee time, you’ll be happy to have made your Hinton stopover for a bite to eat.
Unique photo ops that just might surprise you
If you’re looking to take a dramatic landscape shot, experiment with nighttime star-gazing photography, observe unsuspecting wildlife from a safe distance, or show your friends that you found the airplane along Joachim Valley Trail, it’s never a bad idea to have your camera handy around Hinton.
Some of the most awe-inspiring photo spots you’ll ever see are only a short drive from the Explore Hinton Visitor Information Centre in Green Square. If you found your new favourite scenic spot over the summer, consider checking back throughout the seasons to see how the colours shift year-round—there’s never a wrong time to explore our four-season destination.
Your perfect place to stay the night: from cozy cabins to lakeside camping with mountain views
Let your staycation experience surpass your expectations. From comfortable and casual camping with your best friends and family, to traditional accommodations in the heart of town that will have you relaxed and ready for the day ahead of you, to cozy cabins that will have you inspired to redecorate your home.
If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime kind of staycation, consider embarking on a multi-day trail ride through the pristine Willmore Wilderness Park, or planning a backcountry getaway.
We all need to find the right place to rejuvenate ourselves—luckily, you can find every kind of accommodation in and near Hinton, only minutes from the Jasper National Park gates.
A thriving outdoor recreation scene filled with endless adventure
We’ve got you covered, no matter the season. Our famous Beaver Boardwalk, the world’s longest freshwater boardwalk, connects with miles and miles of trails on the perfectly named Happy Creek Trail System, meaning you can truly choose your own adventure on the trails.
In town, treat yourself to one of the best mountain biking destinations in Alberta, a day on the green with incredible views of the Northern Alberta Rockies, or the most scenic game of disc golf you’ll ever play (which can be played all-year long!).
Just outside of town, and only 20 minutes from the Explore Hinton Visitor Information Centre, you’ll find the Hinton Nordic Centre—your hub for winter adventure—with beautifully maintained ski trails only a short distance from Jarvis Lake, where its winter beauty rivals its scenic summertime views.
That extra something special you won’t find anywhere else
If you only stick to the highway when passing through town, you’ll miss out on the local treasures you truly won’t find anywhere else—from a locally-owned pharmacy that doubles as a board game lover’s paradise and old-fashioned soda shop, to a wine and spirits store that will have you feeling like a local the moment you enter the store.
This is why Hinton is more than your typical mountain town. It’s made special by the passionate people who live and work here, and make it a great place to be.
Explore Hinton is a local initiative between the Hinton & District Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Hinton to help you #ExploreHinton & the Northern Rockies.
Bring us along on your next adventure by tagging us @ExploreHinton!
