Jurassic Forest Tours and Activities



Experience what the Jurassic period would have been like in this prehistoric preserve filled with gigantic, moving and roaring dinosaur models.

Jurassic Forest is a 40-acre (16-hectare) prehistoric nature preserve. Giant life-sized animatronic dinosaur replicas fill the old-growth forest, illustrating what the earth’s Jurassic period would have looked like about 250 million years ago. Jurassic Forest is open during the warmer months and is worth the trip from Edmonton if you are fascinated by prehistoric creatures and nature. The preserve is a perfect outdoor trip for families with children.

When you arrive at Jurassic Forest, start at the interactive learning center with educational exhibits. Children can dig for paleontology finds, climb rocks and ride on the back of a triceratops. Shaded picnic benches surround the playground, and there is a cafeteria: Just remember that it is forbidden to feed the dinosaurs!

Find the dinosaurs along the 1.3 miles (2 kilometers) of boardwalks, beginning with the massive vegetarians stegosaurus and triceratops. Albertosaurus and tyrannosaurus rex can be seen hunting their prey and battling for their territory. With a bit of imagination, the mock-ups look real enough as they roar and move about in the prehistoric habitat.

Information panels are spread across the tracks to teach visitors about the prehistoric species and current vegetation, animals, birds and insects. Download one of the scavenger hunt maps from the website to walk shorter loops with the children.

Jurassic Forest is in Gibbons, a 40-minute drive northeast of downtown Edmonton. The last half a mile (1 kilometer) is on a dirt road. There is no public transport available to the forest, but you can take the bus from Edmonton to Gibbons and walk the last couple of miles (3 kilometers) or take a taxi.

The park is open daily until early evening, with adjusted opening hours in autumn to reflect changes in daylight hours. The park closes from mid October to late April.

The boardwalks are accessible to strollers, wheelchairs and even motorized scooters. Bring a water bottle, insect repellant and sun protection on a hot day and wear walking shoes.

Plan a trip to see Jurassic Forest

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Coast Hinton Hotel
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Chateau Lacombe Hotel

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Jurassic Forest

The Kanata Inn Fort Saskatchewan

The Kanata Inn Fort Saskatchewan

3 out of 5
9820 86 Avenue, Fort Saskatchewan, AB
The Kanata Inn Fort Saskatchewan
Hampton Inn by Hilton Fort Saskatchewan

Hampton Inn by Hilton Fort Saskatchewan

2.5 out of 5
8709 101 St, Fort Saskatchewan, AB
Hampton Inn by Hilton Fort Saskatchewan
Wingate by Wyndham Fort Saskatchewan

Wingate by Wyndham Fort Saskatchewan

2.5 out of 5
10120 86th Avenue, Fort Saskatchewan, AB
Wingate by Wyndham Fort Saskatchewan
Best Western Plus Fort Saskatchewan Inn & Suites

Best Western Plus Fort Saskatchewan Inn & Suites

2.5 out of 5
50 Westpark Boulevard, Fort Saskatchewan, AB
Best Western Plus Fort Saskatchewan Inn & Suites
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Edmonton N - St. Albert by IHG

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Edmonton N - St. Albert by IHG

2.5 out of 5
1145 St. Albert Trail, St. Albert, AB
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Edmonton N - St. Albert by IHG
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Edmonton North by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Edmonton North by IHG

2.5 out of 5
13742 50th St., Edmonton, AB
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Edmonton North by IHG
Sandman Signature Edmonton Downtown Hotel

Sandman Signature Edmonton Downtown Hotel

3.5 out of 5
10235 - 101 Street, Edmonton, AB
Sandman Signature Edmonton Downtown Hotel
Sandman Signature Sherwood Park Hotel

Sandman Signature Sherwood Park Hotel

3.5 out of 5
901 Pembina Road, Sherwood Park, AB
Sandman Signature Sherwood Park Hotel
Century Casino & Hotel Edmonton

Century Casino & Hotel Edmonton

3 out of 5
13103 Fort Road, Edmonton, AB
Century Casino & Hotel Edmonton
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Jurassic Forest

Jurassic Forest in Alberta offers a thrilling experience for visitors with its immersive attractions. You can embark on a guided Jurassic tour, explore the forest on a scenic walkthrough, and enjoy exciting dinosaur encounters. For those seeking adventure, the Jurassic adventure tour promises a memorable outing. Additionally, nearby activities like golfing and witnessing stunning sunsets enhance your visit, making Jurassic Forest a must-see destination for tourists.

Shopping

In Jurassic Forest, you can explore local shops for unique souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, Manning Town Centre, located 27.4km away, offers a variety of family-friendly stores. Westpark Centre South and Cornerstone Fort Saskatchewan, both 20.9km away, provide diverse shopping options with a vibrant atmosphere.

Recreation

At Millwoods Golf Course, enjoy a round of golf surrounded by lush greenery, just 6.4km from Jurassic Forest. Redwater Community Golf Course, located 17.7km away, offers scenic views and recreational facilities. Legends Golf and Country Club, 27.4km from the forest, boasts a challenging course amidst nature.

Adventure

At Sunridge Ski Area, located 33.8km from Jurassic Forest, experience thrilling skiing and snowboarding amidst breathtaking views. The John E. Poole Boardwalk, 35.4km away, offers a romantic stroll surrounded by nature. For outdoor enthusiasts, The Mill Creek Monster, 37.0km from Jurassic Forest, provides exciting outdoor adventures.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Century Casino and Apex Casino, both offering thrilling gaming and romantic city vibes, just 30.6km from Jurassic Forest. For a cultural evening, visit Arden Theatre Company, 32.2km away, where you can enjoy family-friendly performances in a charming atmosphere.

Find the best attractions near Jurassic Forest

If you're visiting Jurassic Forest in Alberta, you'll find a variety of attractions to explore. Popular spots include urban parks, railway museums, and local museums, making it perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Don't miss out on experiences related to dinosaurs, such as the Jurassic Forest Dinosaur Park and themed attractions inspired by Jurassic World and Jurassic Park. Enjoy a memorable adventure in this unique natural setting!

  • Discovery Well: Located 17.7km from Jurassic Forest, Discovery Well offers a family-friendly adventure with engaging outdoor activities. It's a perfect spot for visitors to explore nature while enjoying interactive exhibits that highlight the local environment.
  • Alberta Railway Museum: Also situated 17.7km away, this railway museum immerses you in the history and culture of Canadian railways. With vintage locomotives and informative displays, it's a fascinating place for history buffs and families alike.
  • Redwater Museum: Just 17.7km from Jurassic Forest, Redwater Museum delves into the local heritage with intriguing artifacts and exhibits. Experience the rich culture of the area through its engaging storytelling and preserved history.

Best time to go to Jurassic Forest

Visitor numbers around Jurassic Forest is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Jurassic Forest is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. February is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with no rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January13.3°F (-10.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
February12.2°F (-11.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageAverage
March22.8°F (-5.1°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageAverage
April37.2°F (2.9°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly High
May52.2°F (11.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
June59.2°F (15.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July63.3°F (17.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August62.4°F (16.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September53.8°F (12.1°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
October40.1°F (4.5°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
November24.1°F (-4.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low
December12.6°F (-10.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Jurassic Forest

To save on your trip to Jurassic Forest, consider visiting between October and December when prices are lower, especially on Mondays. Avoid Saturdays for accommodation as they are typically the priciest. Use Expedia to filter your search by budget and location, and look for package deals that include flights, hotels, and activities for additional savings. For free activities, explore the beautiful trails and natural scenery in the area. Lastly, keep an eye out for promotional offers, such as Black Friday deals, to snag the best prices possible.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Jurassic Forest are October to December, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April to May and August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Jurassic Forest is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Jurassic Forest is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. To discover the most affordable prices and deals, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save some money by booking an Expedia package that combines your hotel stay at Jurassic Forest with your flights and activities.