9 suggestions for fabulous fall foliage photos in the Edmonton area

Whether you're looking to take a stroll and crunch in the leaves or just pull off the road for a quick selfie, here's where to take those autumn photos that will leave your friendsin awe.

Devon

Pat Nicol admits it's tough to head back to the office after a mid-morning visit to Devon Voyageur Park.The economic development officer with the Town of Devon says this spot tops her fall foliage list, boasting 24 kilometres of beautiful scenic vistas and trails.

"It's very peaceful and I'm thinking this is one of the region's best kept secrets, because a lot of people don't realize we have this kind of scenery," Nicol says.

Plus, there'sthe beach, boat launch, a bike-skills parkand the 800-meter verticalLegs-of-Fire stairs.

The trail system in Devon will be growing by three kilometres when the $1.6 millionBattery Creek Trail opens on Sept.30, saysArielle Demchuk, spokesperson forthe River Valley Alliance, which helpedfund the project.

The trail, bridge and stairs offer "really glorious vistas" of this pristine area whichconnects withthe Devon Lions Campground, Demchuk says.

'One of the best kept secrets in the region'

4 years ago

Duration 1:41

Pat Nicol, with the Town of Devon, gives us a tour of Voyageur Park in Devon, Alta.

You can see more from Devon Voyageur Park on Our Edmonton on Saturday at 10 a.m., Sunday at noon and 11 a.m. on Monday on CBC TV and the CBC GEM.

Larch Sanctuary

Larch Sanctuaryin the Magrath Heights neighbourhood is adjacent toMacTaggart Sanctuary, which is owned by the University of Alberta.

Named after the colourful tamarack tree, the 59 acres of old growth forest is where Blackmud Creek converges with Whitemud Creek before flowing to the North Saskatchewan River.

"This particular spot in the southwest is a great place to see the larch really change into that golden-orange colour," Demchuksays.

Hermitage Park

If you're looking foraplacein the northeast to photographfall colours, Hermitage Park hasponds that make it easy to shootreflections of the bright fall foilage.

Hawrelak Park

In the central part of Edmonton this expansive park offers lots of parking, space to socially distance and big mature trees, which at this time of year means piles of leaves perfect for jumping in.

Mill Creek Ravine

If you're looking to exercise the dog and maybe the kids and catch the fall colours at the same time, thenMill Creek Ravine, which added a numberof substantial and scenic staircases a few years back,is worth the trip.

Terwillegar Park

You would think the contrasting yellows and goldsset against the water of the North Saskatchewan River would be enough to entice visitors, but the true selling feature of this park is the Terwillegar Park Footbridge. The 262-metrestressed-ribbon bridge cost $24.5 million.

The Funicular

The reviews on Edmonton's funicular, which opened a few years back, are admittedly up and down but the viewing deck, and views of theriver and bridgesoffer serious options for shutterbugs.

Griesbach

At this time of year, you'll see a string of cars pulling off 97th Street north of 137th Avenue to catch the reds of a row of maple trees. Showy to be sure, but there are spots in the Griesbach Central Park that offer height and perspective for those long shots.

Fort Saskatchewan

On the easternside of theNorth Saskatchewan River in Fort Saskatchewan is amassive wetland conservation area withwide paved walking trails andlots of open viewing decks. Or, if you want to catch the changing season from the comfort of the car, youcan take River Valley Drive to the boat launch.