Edmonton has a large number of groups and organizations dedicated to group hiking, camping, and other types of outdoor recreation. From organized group hikes to mountaineering clubs and hiking associations, the city offers numerous opportunities for people of all fitness levels and experience. These groups allow newcomers and locals alike to meet like-minded people, safely discover the beauty of the Canadian mountains and surrounding natural areas, and form lasting friendships with people who share their passion for the outdoors.
Edmonton Outdoor Club – the largest and oldest organization
The Edmonton Outdoor Club (EOC) is the largest and oldest outdoor recreation organization in Edmonton, and it is completely free to join. The club organizes numerous activities throughout the year, including hiking, camping, biking, canoeing, skating, skiing, and snowshoeing. In addition to regular activities, the club organizes special events such as whitewater rafting, kayaking, and caving. Most events are held in the Edmonton area, although the club sometimes organizes trips to neighboring provinces and beyond. The EOC is entirely volunteer-run and tries to keep costs to a minimum. The club welcomes people of all abilities to join and asks for voluntary contributions of $2.00 per event or a recommended annual membership fee of $20. People can register for events through the EOC event calendar.
Wild Rose Ramblers – Traditional Hiking Group
Wild Rose Ramblers is a group that has been around for over 30 years and specializes in hiking along the North Saskatchewan River and in natural areas. The group organizes hikes every Tuesday morning led by volunteer group leaders. The routes cover areas from Devon to Fort Saskatchewan and allow participants to explore Edmonton's green spaces and hidden treasures. The group is recommended for people who are interested in hiking in the city's beautiful river valley.
Edmonton Trail Community – a diverse group for runners and walkers
Founded in 2014, the Edmonton Trail Community is a group for outdoor explorers of all ages and abilities who love to chase adventures together. The group runs, walks, bikes, skis, and snowshoes under the motto “Every person. Every pace.” The group organizes three regular meetings per week: Tuesday Trails (every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.), Snakes and Ladders (every Saturday at 8:30 a.m.), and Thursday Hills or Thrills (every Thursday at 6:30 p.m.). Runners and walkers are welcome at all events; no registration is required, just show up.
Grant MacEwan Mountain Club – a club for climbers and hikers
Founded in 1978, the Grant MacEwan Mountain Club (GMMC) is a group of mountain enthusiasts from Edmonton who organize trips for their members for hiking, sport climbing, mountain biking, camping, and many other activities. The club has no special requirements for membership, and activities are available for all skill levels, from beginners to experienced climbers. The club offers a wide range of trips throughout the year, as well as courses, workshops, and social events. The club's unofficial motto is “The eating club with a hiking problem!” The trip leaders are volunteers from the club, and members are responsible for assessing their abilities and choosing trips accordingly. The club places a strong emphasis on safety, and some trips require completion of specific courses, such as avalanche awareness. Participants must also sign a waiver for each trip. Club meetings are held on the first Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at the Strathcona League Community Hall, 10139 87 Ave NW, Edmonton. The club's newsletter, “The Mountain High,” is published on the website to inform members of upcoming events. Membership in the GMMC allows people to join one of the most respected mountain organizations in Edmonton.
Waskahegan Trail Association – 309 km of hiking trails
Waskahegan Trail Association (WTA) is a non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to the maintenance, construction, and upkeep of the Waskahegan Trail, a 309-kilometer trail through and around Edmonton. The trail runs through a mix of public and private land and is managed by the WTA's volunteer board. The association organizes free guided tours every weekend, which are open to anyone who can walk about 10 km in 3–4 hours, including lunch and frequent breaks. The standard departure time for summer morning hikes (mid-April to late October) is 10:00 a.m., and for winter hikes (early November to mid-April) is 10:30 a.m. You should arrive 15 minutes early to sign in. WTA membership costs $20 per year and includes a route guide and a car sticker that shows landowners that you are authorized to park there for hiking. In addition to the guides, members get access to a mailing list that keeps you informed about upcoming hikes.
Edmonton Hikers Group – a structured hiking organization
The Edmonton Hikers Group is an active organization on Meetup that offers numerous hiking trips, including hikes for beginners, intermediate and advanced hikers, as well as multi-day camping expeditions. The group organizes hikes to various locations in the Edmonton area, including Capilano Park, Jackie Parker Park, Fort Edmonton Park, and further afield to the Rocky Mountain ranges. Some of the group's most popular events include LAKE LOUISE CAMPING AND HIKING and Advanced Backpacking Trip - Heart of the Skyline Trail in Jasper. The group offers a structured approach to hiking with clear descriptions of the difficulty of the hike and conditions for registration.
Edmonton Hiking for Fitness – a hiking group with a focus on fitness
Edmonton Hiking for Fitness is a hiking group dedicated to helping people improve their physical fitness through structured fitness hiking. The group organizes hikes at various levels, from beginner to intermediate, with an emphasis on cardio and elevation. Events are held throughout the week with a variety of time slots to provide flexibility for group members.
CRAG – Canadian Rockies Adventures Group
CRAG (Canadian Rockies Adventures Group) is a Meetup organization dedicated to adventures in the Rocky Mountains. The group organizes hiking trips to locations including Capilano Park, with varying levels of difficulty. The organization is popular among people interested in hiking, rock climbing, and other alpine sports.
Active living and social groups
In addition to specialized hiking and hiking groups, there are numerous social groups on Meetup and Facebook dedicated to active leisure and hiking. The Active Living Club offers hiking trips and other activities for adults. Fit & Active organizes a variety of fitness-oriented trips, including Fast Pacers Walks in downtown Edmonton and Coffee shop explorer walks. On Facebook, groups such as Women Who Hike Alberta, Come Hike With Me, and Rockies Kingdom allow people to find hiking partners and exchange recommendations on routes and safety.
Camping and tourist centers
For people interested in organized camping, Camp Yowochas is an outdoor education center located on the shores of Wabamun Lake on a beautiful lakeshore, offering programs for adults and teams in leadership development, team building, and biological education. The camp is open year-round and offers customized approaches to programs based on the group's goals.
Provincial parks and group campgrounds
Alberta offers numerous group camping facilities in provincial parks that are ideal for groups and clubs. On the outskirts of Edmonton, provincial parks such as Pigeon Lake Provincial Park and Wabamun Lake Provincial Park have group camping areas available for reservation. Pigeon Lake Provincial Park has group camping areas in the Alder, Birch, Deer, Jackfish, Moose, Poplar, Spruce, Squirrel, and Willow areas with space for 5 to 30 camps. These areas are located 20–30 minutes from downtown Edmonton and offer excellent opportunities for groups to organize camping expeditions close to the city.
How to find and join a group
To find hiking and camping groups in Edmonton, the best resources include Meetup.com, where you can search for “hiking Edmonton” or “camping Edmonton” to find active groups. Facebook also has numerous groups dedicated to hiking and outdoor recreation, including groups for women hikers, mixed hiking groups, and groups dedicated to specific trails. In addition to online resources, people can contact organizations such as the Edmonton Outdoor Club, Grant MacEwan Mountain Club, and Waskahegan Trail Association directly for information about upcoming events and membership requirements.
Conclusion
Edmonton offers an exceptionally diverse selection of groups and organizations for group hiking, camping, and other types of active tourism. From organized hiking groups such as the Edmonton Trail Community and Wild Rose Ramblers to more serious mountaineering organizations such as the Grant MacEwan Mountain Club, the city ensures that people of all fitness levels and experience will find a group that suits them. Most groups are free or nearly free to join and are run by volunteers, making active tourism accessible to everyone. In addition to these groups, the Waskahegan Trail Association and provincial parks offer structured opportunities for organized camping and hiking. Whether you are new to the city or a local looking to expand your hiking experience, Edmonton is a place with ample opportunities to explore the beauty of the Canadian mountains and form deep friendships with like-minded people who share a passion for nature.