Visit Bunchberry Meadows Conservation Area This Summer!

Located near the University of Alberta Botanic Gardens, Bunchberry Meadows Conservation Area spans 260 hectares of old-growth forest, open meadow, and wetland habitat. The area features about 8.6 km of marked, easy trails, with signage showing distances and approximate walking times. Along the way, visitors can read panels that share insights into the area’s local plants and wildlife.

Trails to Explore 

The Aspen Parkland Trail forms the main loop, with several connected routes branching from it: 

The conservation area offers paths for short strolls or longer, immersive hikes. 

Ecological Importance 

Bunchberry Meadows protects a mix of habitats, each supporting its own community of species. Jack pine forests provide shelter for northern flying squirrels, porcupines, and long-tailed weasels. Wetlands and willow thickets offer space for all kinds of species from tiger salamanders to moose. The conservation area is also home to larger mammals such as deer, coyote, lynx, cougar, and black bear, along with at least 58 bird species, with several considered species of concern. 

As a visitor of Bunchberry Meadows, you may notice wide tree trunks in the area. These large trees play an important role in storing carbon dioxide, both above and below ground. The conservation area’s old-growth forest, and many of the trees within it, are over 100 years old! 

A Brief History 

The story of Bunchberry Meadows goes back to 1974, when five local families purchased the land with the intention of protecting it. For more than four decades, they served as dedicated stewards, preserving its ecological richness for future generations. 

When the time came to sell, the families sold the land to Nature Conservancy of Canada for half its appraised value, ensuring it would remain protected and open for people to enjoy. Their shared commitment to conservation is the reason Bunchberry Meadows exists as it does today. 

Visit the Area

The conservation area is open year-round for foot access only, offering hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing across nearly 9 km of trails. The park can be visited daily from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. 

To help protect the land and wildlife, visitors must follow these guidelines: 

Find Bunchberry Meadows Conservation Area and other natural spaces in Parkland County on our Natural Areas page.