Categories: Travel

This scenic Alberta town has the world’s longest freshwater boardwalk

Image via Shutterstock Psylocibe07

Nestled in the Northern Rockies, just 15 minutes from Jasper National Park, you’ll find a hidden gem of a town. Hinton, Alberta is a charming spot to visit for anyone who loves the great outdoors (read: Canadians). From expansive trail networks to a giant park that hosts the world’s longest freshwater boardwalk, there’s no shortage of things to do!

The quaint town of Hinton was founded in 1911 with the establishment of the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway station. Like many small Canadian towns, Hinton was shaped by its history of natural resource development. Now you’ll find a humble and vibrant community with all the modern amenities you could want amongst the natural splendour of Alberta.

While there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy in every season, Hinton’s most iconic attraction has to be the Beaver Boardwalk.

This 3 km long pathway is the world’s longest freshwater boardwalk. Take an afternoon stroll and admire the wetland system around Maxwell Lake. The boardwalk features lovely views, multiple seating areas, interpretative signs – and maybe even a few beavers!

Of course, we can’t guarantee any sightings of this boardwalk’s namesake, as the number of beavers will vary. But according to the park’s website, there can be upwards of a dozen in the area at a given time!

Beaver Boardwalk was built by a team of dedicated volunteers back in 2006 for all to enjoy the marshland and fens. While the pathway is open all-season, we recommend visiting in the warmer months when the beavers are busy.

Getting There

You’ll find Hinton along the Yellowhead Highway (Hwy 16) in the Athabasca River Valley. The town is 15 minutes east of the Jasper National Park gates and 300 km west of Edmonton. To get to Beaver Boardwalk, you’ll only need to travel to the southern edge of town.

Bring your camera in case you spot any beavers hard at work!