Beaver Boardwalk

Imagine a unique natural space where people can experience wildlife without crossing its boundaries. The Beaver Boardwalk, located in the town of Hinton, is exactly that kind of place. Canada is proud of this attraction, as it is the world's longest freshwater boardwalk, stretching over 3 kilometers.

The route winds through picturesque wetlands, forests, and meadows around Maxwell Lake. Thanks to the use of special floating structures, visitors can get as close as possible to active beaver dams and lodges. It's not just a walking area, but a complete ecosystem featuring viewing platforms and information boards to teach guests about the local flora and fauna.

In 2025, the site underwent a renovation, making it even more comfortable for visitors. Today, this family-friendly attraction offers an accessible way to experience the boreal wilderness of Alberta, allowing you to see beavers, deer, and many bird species in their natural habitat.

For your convenience, we have gathered key details to help you find your way. We recommend checking the city's official resource before your visit to find out about the current trail conditions following recent updates. Below is detailed information for contacting and locating the site.

The main highlight here is undoubtedly watching beavers in their natural habitat. To catch these industrious animals at work near their dams or lodges, it's best to visit early in the morning or at dusk. If you're lucky, you'll see not only adults but also their curious kits.

Beyond that, the Beaver Boardwalk is a magnificent spot for birdwatching and landscape photography. You can climb the observation tower for a view over Maxwell Lake or relax on one of the many benches. Information signs along the route turn your walk into an engaging educational quest about the life of wetlands and forests.

For those seeking more active recreation, adjacent forest trails allow for deeper exploration of the area. It is important to follow simple rules: keep dogs on a leash, pack out what you pack in, and always yield to wildlife — deer and even moose are quite common here.

The attraction is located at 408 Collinge Rd, just a two-minute drive from the Yellowhead Highway (Highway 16). The route is well-marked with tourist signs, making it easy to find even for those passing through town on their way to Jasper.

If you are in the town center, the drive by car or taxi will take about 5–10 minutes. There are no direct public transport routes to the entrance itself; however, the proximity to residential areas allows active tourists to reach some access points on foot. Parking is available for travelers arriving by car, and there is usually plenty of space for everyone.

It is important to keep in mind that many wild animals live in the area, so exercise caution when driving and parking. There are several entrances: the main one has a slight incline, but there are alternative flat approaches from the residential zones that are better suited for people with limited mobility.

The history of the Beaver Boardwalk began in 2006. The project was envisioned as a special legacy for the 50th anniversary of both West Fraser Mills Ltd. and the town of Hinton. Construction was carried out by volunteers over several years, uniting local residents around the idea of nature conservation.

The location was not chosen by chance: it highlights the region's historical connection to the forestry industry, which began developing here in the mid-1950s. In 2017, thanks to a grant from the Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta, the information boards explaining the beaver's vital role in the local ecosystem were updated.

More recently, in 2025, a large-scale restoration was completed. Many sections of the path were completely rebuilt using modern, durable materials, restoring the attraction to its original glory and ensuring safe walks for future generations of travelers.

For a standard walk along the main section of the boardwalk to see the beaver dam and lake, 1 hour is sufficient for most visitors. This is plenty of time to enjoy the serenity of the Canadian wilderness and take some memorable photos.

If you plan on doing some professional birdwatching, exploring the adjacent forest trails, or simply relaxing at the observation tower, it's better to budget 1.5 to 2 hours for your visit. Keep in mind that beavers are most active at specific times, so waiting for them to appear may require a bit of patience.

The attraction is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The lack of a strict schedule and entrance fee makes this an ideal spot for a spontaneous walk at any time of day or night.

Nevertheless, for the safest and most interesting encounter with the local inhabitants, we recommend choosing daylight hours or dusk. Before planning your trip, it's worth checking the city's official website for any temporary restrictions due to maintenance work on the boardwalk.

Exploring the surroundings of the Beaver Boardwalk can significantly enrich your trip. After a walk in the fresh air, it's worth visiting local establishments or cultural sites located just a couple of kilometers away.