Bikers, hikers, nature enthusiasts and skiers flock to this northern center for outdoor pursuits set in the eastern foothills of the Canadian Rockies.
Hinton is a gateway to Alberta’s Northern Rockies. Its countryside trails, meandering waterways and wild landscapes feature exciting activities amid crisp mountain air. Explore the town’s natural wonders on biking, horseback riding, hiking, rafting and skiing excursions. An easygoing ambiance and low-key commercial tourism make Hinton an ideal location for a family-friendly adventure vacation.
Pick up maps and get an in-depth introduction to the area at the Travel Alberta Hinton Visitor Information Centre. Learn about the town’s history at the Northern Rockies Museum of Culture and Heritage. Browse displays about early rangers and forestry work at the Alberta Forest Service Museum.
Find a number of recreational options close to the downtown district. The Beaver Boardwalk is a 2-mile-long (3-kilometer) path that winds through wetlands and around a beaver-inhabited pond. Challenge the woodland jumps, obstacles and trails suitable for all riding abilities at Hinton Bike Park. Dr. Duncan Murray Recreation Centre is home to picnic areas, pools, a skateboard park, sports fields and a walking track.
A short drive south of the town center is Hinton Golf Club, where golfers can play on a scenic 18-hole course, driving range and putting green. Fish for pike and walleye on the Athabasca River. Marvel at the views of snow-capped peaks while riding along the river on horseback at Old Entrance Trail Rides.
Travel into the heart of Alberta’s Northern Rockies at nearby parks and protected areas. Go boating, camping, hiking and fishing in William A. Switzer Provincial Park. Discover cross-country skiing trails, a biathlon course and a toboggan hill at Hinton Nordic Centre. Spot bears, deer, elk and moose in the Wildhay Glacial Cascades Natural Area.
Reach Hinton by flying to Jasper-Hinton Airport, a 20-minute drive west of town. Hinton is a 3-hour drive from Edmonton and about a 5-hour journey by car from Calgary. Drive through the Rocky Mountains west of Hinton in Jasper National Park, a jaw-dropping area of forests, glaciers, lakes, mountains and wildlife.