Things to Do in Hinton with Kids

The last stop before hitting Jasper National Park, Hinton is the hidden destination of Edmontonians (and I guess we can share it with you). With lots of outdoor activities, family-friendly spots, and mountain activities you can’t get in the Park, it’s a hidden gem on a major highway!

Whether you’re all about nature, an adrenaline junkie, or answering the call of the mountains, Hinton has something for everyone.

William A. Switzer Provincial Park

Immediately west of Hinton, William A. Switzer Provincial Park is a destination of it’s own. With 5 campgrounds, 2 group campsites, 5 lakes, and numerous summits, it’s perfect for lovers of the outdoors.

More into museums and history? Be sure to stop in at the Visitor’s Centre where you can learn about the park. It’s also a great stop to pick up a copy of the Passport to Alberta’s Northern Rockies and Passport to Switzer Park photo scavenger hunts (bring your completed Passport into the Visitor Centre and show off your photos to receive a free Switzer Park postcard and a 30% discount in the gift shop).

Don’t Miss Hikes

There are nearly a dozen easy and moderate trails in William A. Switzer Park ranging from 1km loops to 13km one-way.

Kelly’s Bathtub: This easy 1km trail starts behind the Visitor’s Centre and takes you through forest and along a boardwalk with stunning views across Jarvis Lake of the Rock Lake Solomon mountain range.

Athabasca Lookout: Starting at the Hinton Nordic Centre, this 1km uphill hike takes you to the most amazing view.

Beaver Ranch Trail: Did you know someone tried ranching beavers in the 1940s? Starting at Graveyard Lake Campground you can see some of the remnants along this 1.5km trail.

Joachim Valley Trail: This is the longest hike in the park, but there is a unique reward 3.5km in – the cockpit of an old search and rescue airplane! Start at Jarvis Lake Campground for this hike.

Boat Rentals

Take advantage of the incredibly priced canoe rentals available through Switzer Park Watersport Rentals (1/5th the cost of the big lakes in the national parks!) and discover canoe, kayak, and paddleboard on Gregg or Jarvis Lake.

Winter & The Hinton Nordic Centre

Responsible for 35km of trails within William A. Switzer Park, the Hinton Nordic Centre manages winter activities within the park. Be sure to purchase your pass before heading out cross country skiing or snowshoeing to support their work!

There is also a sledding hill open to the public for free, but donations to the Nordic Centre are encouraged.

Beaver Boardwalk

The world’s longest fresh water boardwalk, the Beaver Boardwalk has more than 3km of boardwalk, seating areas, and interpretive signs. There are up to a dozen beavers living in the area, along with plenty of birds and smaller wildlife. You may even encounter deer, elk, and moose!

Extend your visit by wandering the connected 5km Happy Creek Trail – named for the “happy” moonshiners who once operated there!

Rotary Playground & Splash Park

The wheelchair-accessible 8500 square foot park is THE spot to cool the kids off on a hot day! There are a variety of water features and shaded tables for parents to watch from at the park, located in the southwest corner of Gordon Moore Memorial Park.

Or check out the more than a dozen additional playgrounds around town.

Go Swimming

Hinton has a number of options for swimming, from the indoor pools at Dr. Duncan Murray Recreation Centre to several beaches, there are year-round spots to get wet!

If you’re looking to get out in a lake, check out these spots:

• Jarvis Lake
• Kelly’s Bathtub behind the Info Centre

Northern Rockies Museum

Open Tuesday to Saturday, the Northern Rockies Museum is an admission by donation (recommendation is $2-3/child, $5/adult) museum located in the old train station.

Airplay Trampoline Park and Escape Rooms

Need to burn off some energy but made of sugar on a rainy day? Head to Airplay Trampoline Park and Escape Rooms for a bouncing good time.

Disc Golf

The Hinton Disc Golf Association is excited to share their passion for the game, and has partnered with the Hinton Tourism Information Centre for free (with deposit) loaner discs!

Mountain Biking

Hinton is an amazing destination for mountain biking! With trails for everyone from the absolute beginner to super advanced single track, you’re in for an adventure on two wheels here!

Be sure to check out the Hinton Bike Park, run by the Hinton Mountain Bike Association. They have 37 acres of land and are always planning the next expansion!

Also worth investigating is the Happy Creek Bike Park on Forest Heights Drive.

Ziplining at Alternative Adventures

Discover prone-position ziplining in a tandem or solo flight at Alternative Adventures Zipline on their 1200 foot zipline. Rates start at $50 for children, and include the option to rustic camp on the property.

Horseback Riding

The foothills of the rockies are an amazing place to explore on horseback. Book a guided ride with one of these organizations that are able to accommodate even the most unskilled beginner.

• Old Entrance Trail Rides
• Horseback Adventures (call to book hourly rides)
• Indian Trail Adventures (minimum 3 day trip)

Hinton Golf Club

Visit the Hinton Golf Club on the west side of town for 9- or 18-holes, or just visit the fob-based driving range to hit a bucket of balls. The course is lined with trees, letting you settle into nature during your round.

Where to Eat in Hinton

We’ll admit we don’t eat out a lot in Hinton. When you’re feeding a family it’s much more cost-effective to stick to home made or hitting up the grocery store, but there are a few places we’ll go to indulge!

King Drug

The old time modern pharmacy with a Soda Shoppe, massive board game collection, and gift shop makes this an easy “yes” when figuring out where to stop for food in Hinton.

Folding Mountain Brewery

A family favourite, Folding Mountain Brewery has a bright taproom and delicious menu with something for everyone on it (including the kids!). Not sure what beer to get? They offer flights where you can sample a selection. Be sure to grab a board game to play from the bookcase out front!

The Old Grind

The local coffee shop, The Old Grind also has giftware, local art, and live music and events. All their beans come from a local roaster. Be sure to check out their menu and stay for a while (also, they are licensed!).

More Places to Visit

These places are a bit further from Hinton, but if you’re in the area for a while and want to try something different, it’s worth the side trip!

• Jasper is about 45 minutes from Hinton (tip: Hinton makes a good “more affordable” base to explore the national park from, especially in the overpriced “high season” of summer)
• Grande Cache is an hour and a half drive from Hinton up the beautiful (but often rough) Highway 40.
• Whitecourt River Slide is a two hour drive from Hinton in the other direction and a ton of fun! Also stop at Hard Luck Canyon while you’re in the area.