8+ Kid-Approved Things to Do in Hinton, Alberta (No Crowds)
When most people think of Hinton, Alberta, it’s usually as the last town before Jasper National Park when driving from Edmonton. A quick fuel-up stop or a place to grab coffee before heading into the mountains. But that’s selling Hinton short. There are so many things to do in Hinton that it’s much more than just a getaway town to explore Jasper.
This small town is full of surprises, especially for families. We had the chance to spend 3 nights in Hinton, and once we started exploring, we realized how much we would have missed if we hadn’t stayed that long.
Hinton boasts its own network of trails, lakes, family-friendly activities, and even quirky indoor spots, making it perfect for rainy days. If you’re planning a trip through the Rockies, don’t skip over this town.
Here’s our list of the best things to do in Hinton, Alberta, from beaver spotting (if you’re lucky) and paddleboarding to burgers, board games, and biking.
Disclaimer: Just a heads up, this free article contains affiliate links. If you purchase after clicking one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost. Your support helps me continue to provide helpful and free content for you. We were also invited by Hinton Northern Rockies, but all opinions are my own.
How Far Is Hinton from Jasper?
Hinton is just about a 15-minute drive from the east gate of Jasper National Park and roughly 75 km (or 45 minutes) from the town of Jasper itself. It’s an easy, scenic drive along Highway 16, making Hinton a practical and often more affordable base for families visiting the park.
1. Walk (or Bike) the Beaver Boardwalk
The Beaver Boardwalk in Hinton is a must-see for families. This 1.3 to 3 km wheelchair-accessible boardwalk winds through the wetlands at Maxwell Lake. It’s the longest freshwater boardwalk in the world.
Along the way, you might see active beaver dams and lodges, plenty of birds, and a few signs to help you learn more about the local wildlife. There’s also a lookout tower for a better view over the marsh.
We decided to bike on the boardwalk itself, which turned out to be a great idea. It made it easy to explore the whole loop without anyone getting too tired. We stopped a few times to check the water for fish and beavers. We spotted some little fish, but the beavers were hiding that day. Still, it was a peaceful and fun ride, the kids really enjoyed.
Important: If you decide to bike like we did, make sure to respect pedestrians. Let them know you’re coming, and even walk next to your bike if it’s too crowded.
2. Ride at the Hinton Bike Park
If your kids love bikes, the Hinton Bike Park is a must. It’s one of Alberta’s largest free bike parks, covering over 30 acres of forested terrain. You’ll find everything from pump tracks and wooden features to beginner and expert flow trails. There’s even a skill zone where younger riders can build confidence.
We spent a couple of hours here and could’ve easily stayed longer. The kids had a blast on the pump tracks and skill area. A kind local rider even gave them a few tips on how to drop off a rock. The kids felt so proud afterward.
She also recommended we try the mid-access trail, linking Jodoin’s Journey to Flow Master. We gave it a shot and had a great time cruising through the trees.
3. Try the Hinton Disc Golf Course
Right next to the bike park, you’ll find the Hinton Disc Golf Course, and it’s worth checking out, even if you’ve never played before. This 18-hole course winds through a quiet aspen forest with some gentle hills and tight throws. It’s more about aim than power, which makes it fun for beginners and families.
We had never played before, but we picked up some free rental discs from the Hinton Visitor Centre at Green Square (super easy to do). We only played the first 9 holes, but honestly, if we didn’t have other plans that day, we probably would have kept going.
The setting is beautiful. We even saw a few deer wandering through the trees. And the course is really well kept. It turned out to be one of the kids’ favourite surprises of the trip, even if we were all not really good at it.
4. Explore Local History at the Northern Rockies Museum
Need a break from outdoor adventures or a rainy-day backup plan? The Northern Rockies Museum of Culture & Heritage is a great little stop. It’s located inside Hinton’s original 1911 Grand Trunk Pacific Railway station. It covers everything from local rail history to early industry and Indigenous culture.
We stopped by when the weather turned chilly, and it turned out to be a hit with the kids. They handed us a scavenger hunt sheet at the front desk, and that was it. Our kids were all in.
If you know our family, you know they don’t leave until every item is checked off. We spent a solid hour inside exploring the displays and tracking down clues. It’s small, but really well done and engaging for all ages. They even have some games and exhibits specially made for the kids. A great way to incorporate some learning into your trip.
5. Stretch Your Legs on Kelly’s Bathtub Trail
Just a short drive from town along Highway 40, Kelly’s Bathtub Trail is a peaceful, easy loop in William A. Switzer Provincial Park. The trail encircles a small, tranquil pond with distant mountain views. It also connects to other short trails if you want to explore more.
The Kelly’s Bathtub trail is about 1 km long and mostly flat. It’s perfect for young hikers or a relaxed nature walk.
We started the loop clockwise from the Switzer Park Visitor Centre (as recommended by the staff at the visitor centre). The trail was quiet and beautiful, with numerous mushrooms growing along its edges.
After our walk, we took a little time to explore inside the visitor centre itself. There’s a small exhibit area with local wildlife info, a few furs and skulls to touch, and friendly staff happy to answer questions. The kids, in particular, loved the hands-on animal displays. It’s a simple outing, but it’s one we all really enjoyed.
6. Paddleboarding on Jarvis Lake
If your family loves the water, Jarvis Lake is a must. It’s one of the most family-friendly lakes in William A. Switzer Provincial Park. It has a sandy beach, playground, and calm water perfect for paddleboarding.
We rented a paddleboard through Switzer Park Watersport Rentals, which works as a self-serve system. You book online, choose your gear, and they send you a code to unlock it.
I accidentally made a typo in my email, but they were super helpful over the phone and got us sorted quickly. We rented for one hour, which was the perfect amount of time. The kids took turns paddling and jumping into the lake. It was a warm day, and the water felt great.
We ended with a picnic right by the water.
You can also paddleboard on Gregg Lake, which is nearby and a bit bigger. But for beach time and swimming, Jarvis Lake is the better choice.
7. Grab a Treat and a Game at the Soda Shoppe
If you’re looking for something fun to do indoors, head to the Soda Shoppe at King Drug Pharmacy in downtown Hinton. It’s a retro-style store-restaurant with soda fountain with handmade milkshakes, sundaes, and a huge collection of board games to play while you snack.
We stopped by on a rainy afternoon and it was the perfect pick-me-up. The kids went straight for the ice cream sundaes after being tempted by the craft soda selection (they have quite a few unique flavours!).
There are shelves full of board games, and we ended up playing a new one called Clake! which we had never heard of before. We had a blast figuring it out together.
It’s a cozy, quirky spot that’s totally worth the stop, especially if the weather’s not cooperating.
8. Dine (and Play) at Folding Mountain Brewing
Just 10 minutes west of Hinton, right before the entrance to Jasper National Park, you’ll find Folding Mountain Brewing. It’s a family-friendly brewery with great food, cold drinks, and mountain views.
We stopped here for dinner on a rainy evening after a full day of exploring. I tried their Alpine Cranberry Sour beer (I highly recommend it if you like sour beer), and we ordered a mix of burgers and sandwiches.
Everything was fresh and tasty.
While we waited for our food, the kids grabbed a few board games from the shelf, right next to our table. They ended up playing Guess Who and kept busy the entire time. There’s also a pizza food truck parked outside and a big patio for sunny days, though we had to skip that part due to the weather. It was pouring rain when we were there.
It’s a relaxed, welcoming spot that works well if you’re arriving late into town or heading out toward Jasper.
Where to Stay in Hinton: Camping in Hinton, Alberta
If you’re visiting with kids, camping in Hinton, Alberta is one of the best ways to enjoy the area, especially in William A. Switzer Provincial Park. We stayed at both Jarvis Lake and Gregg Lake campgrounds, and each had its own charm.
Jarvis Lake Campground is smaller, quieter, and right on the water. There’s a nice playground, a small sandy beach, and all the sites are powered. We were actually the only tent campers there, surrounded by RVs.
Gregg Lake Campground is much bigger and more forested, with several loops to choose from. We picked Loop L to be closer to the lake. It’s non-serviced, and there’s no drinking water in that loop (you’ll need to fill up elsewhere), but there were more tents and lots of kids around. We were right next to a small playground, which made life easier while setting up and cooking.
Both campgrounds give you easy access to hiking trails, lakes, and all the outdoor activities nearby. If you’re looking to slow down and enjoy nature with your family, camping here is a great way to do it.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Hinton
Hinton might not be as famous as Jasper, but it holds its own when it comes to family fun, outdoor adventures, and quiet moments in nature. There are just so many things to do in Hinton, Alberta.
Whether you’re biking trails, paddling across a calm lake, or just enjoying an ice cream while playing board games, there’s something here for every kind of traveller, especially families.
We came expecting a quick stopover. We left with great memories, muddy shoes, tired (but happy) kids, and a long list of things we’d love to come back for.
If you’re planning a trip to the Rockies, make sure Hinton isn’t just a side note, give it the time it deserves. You won’t regret it.
