Alberta is home to more than 460 provincial parks, each offering something a little different. From the postcard-perfect mountain vistas of Peter Lougheed to the glassy blue lakes of Lakeland, from the sprawling wetlands to the rolling foothills, this province’s park system is nothing short of spectacular. The one thing they all tend to have in common is people, lots of them. If you’re the kind of person who prefers your adventures a little quieter and a little more off the beaten path, there’s one new addition you need to add to your bucket list immediately.
Big Island Provincial Park might be just minutes from Edmonton, but it feels a world away. This 68-hectare patch of green is set right in the middle of the North Saskatchewan River, and the only way to get there is by water. No roads, no bridges, no public overland access. You’ll need to paddle in, whether by canoe, kayak, or paddleboard, and that simple requirement has kept it blissfully free from the traffic and bustle you might find in other provincial parks. As you approach from the water, the island’s canopy of balsam poplar and white spruce comes into view, hiding a network of informal trails and a mix of wetlands, meadows, and forest that make it a haven for wildlife.
While it may be a newcomer to Alberta Parks’ roster, officially designated in February 2023, Big Island has a long history. For generations, Indigenous peoples used the river valley here as a travel route, a food source, and a gathering place. The island’s location, with its sheltered shoreline and abundant resources, made it a valuable stop along the river. In the early 1900s, it was even a destination for steamboat excursions, drawing Edmontonians looking for a day in nature. Over the years, it saw interest from loggers and miners, and at one point, there were even proposals for a prison farm. Those ideas never materialized, and the land eventually became Crown property. The push to protect it as a provincial park gained momentum in recent years, championed by environmental organizations, the City of Edmonton, and the Enoch Cree Nation, whose traditional territory includes the island.
The creation of Big Island Provincial Park is more than just a win for nature lovers; it’s a model for collaboration. The park is being managed through a partnership between the provincial government, the City of Edmonton, and the Enoch Cree Nation. That means its future will be shaped not only by conservation goals but also by Indigenous stewardship and cultural connection. It’s part of a growing movement in Alberta to recognize and protect places that are important both ecologically and historically.
Visiting the park today is a back-to-basics experience. There are no washrooms, no picnic shelters, and no garbage cans. You bring in what you need and pack it out again. Fires aren’t allowed, and you’re asked to stay on the existing footpaths to protect sensitive plants and habitats. Because it’s day-use only, you won’t find campers or big groups, just the sound of the river, the wind in the trees, and maybe the splash of a beaver slipping into the water. Birdwatchers in particular will find plenty to love here, with sightings of bald eagles, great blue herons, and dozens of songbird species common throughout the warmer months. Moose, deer, coyotes, and other wildlife also make regular appearances.
Part of what makes Big Island so special is that mix of accessibility and seclusion. It’s close enough to the city that you could leave after breakfast and be back by dinner, but because you have to make the effort to get there, it still feels like a true escape. Paddling to the island isn’t a technical challenge for most people, but it does require some planning, checking river conditions, choosing a safe launch point, and allowing enough time to enjoy your visit before heading back. That little bit of extra work pays off in spades when you step ashore and realize you might have the whole place to yourself.
In the years ahead, there are plans to expand public access with more formal trails, interpretive signage, and potentially even overland connections. For now, though, Big Island remains one of Alberta’s most unique provincial parks, a slice of wild river valley that has managed to stay quiet and largely untouched despite being right on the doorstep of a major city. Whether you go for the paddle, the wildlife, the history, or simply the novelty of reaching a park that you can’t drive to, it’s a reminder that even in a province full of big-name destinations, there are still hidden gems waiting to be explored.
Britanny Burr is a freelance writer and a contributor to Great West Media. This story was written for Great West Media's Hot Summer Guide advertising feature. The Hot Summer Guide is a special feature about summer activities, bucket list adventures, staycation options, road trips, attractions, events, and road trip-worthy food & beverage destinations across Alberta. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff.
