Gwynne Section & Chickadee Trail

This week’s outing includes two hikes: a first one that is 7 round-trip kilometres, and an optional second one of no more than 3 round-trip.

The huge valley starting at Gwynne and containing the Battle River as it flows eastward across Alberta, was created in a few days. At the end of the last ice age, glacier water trapped by ice formed huge Lake Edmonton. The water finally broke through the ice at Gwynne and the whole lake emptied, creating the magnificent valley we will overlook on our first hike.

Upon returning to our cars, some hikers may opt to head for home. The rest of us will visit the nearby Chickadee Trail. For decades, this trail has offered chickadees birdhouses and feeders made just for them. The tiny birds are not shy, and there are plenty of them to be seen. This trail passes through woods, with up-close views of a creek and, if we’re lucky, of a freight train as it rumbles west towards Wetaskiwin or east along the Battle River towards Camrose. The pictures from October 14th, 2018.

In Edmonton we will meet at the Century Park ‘Park & Ride’ (‘Free Parking’ Section I, near the 109th Street Entrance/Exit) and carpool leaving at 9 a.m. The hike will leave from A57 on Highway 822 at about 9:50 a.m.. Participants may proceed there directly on their own, but should check the website prior to departure in case of a change (e.g., weather forecast, trail conditions).

If you are new to WTA hikes, then you should visit the Guided Hikes webpage for essential information. For further information specific to this hike, refer to The Waskahegan Trail Guide Book, pages 46-47 (Gwynne Section) & 115 (Chickadee Trail), or contact the Hike Leader Oscar Z at 780-435-1197.