13+ BEST Things to Do in Hinton, Alberta (After 2 Visits with Kids)

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 offers 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.

7. Enjoy the Beach at 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.

There is also a kids’ playground, and a little beach library where you’ll find everything the kids need to build sandcastles. It really is an ideal spot for families with young kids.

During our most recent visit, we ended up spending most of the morning building sandcastles and splashing along the shoreline. The water stays shallow near the beach.

Pro-tip: Bring a picnic, sunscreen and a few beach toys. You’ll likely end up staying much longer than you planned.

8. Paddleboard on One of the Lakes

Jarvis Lake is not only great for beachtime, but it’s a great place to paddleboarding (or kayaking). We didn’t have our own SUP, so we rented a paddleboard through Switzer Park Watersport Rentals. It 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.

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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. Hike to Athabasca Lookout

If your family is up for a short but rewarding hike, don’t miss Athabasca Lookout. The trail is only about 1 km to the viewpoint, but it’s a steady uphill climb that quickly gets your heart pumping.

The effort is well worth it. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views over the Athabasca River valley, surrounding mountains and, during the summer, hillsides covered in colourful wildflowers. We ended up staying much longer than expected just taking in the scenery.

The return hike is much easier, making this a great option for families with older kids who are ready for a bit of a challenge. If you have time, pack a picnic to enjoy at the viewpoint before heading back down.

11. Burn Off Energy at AirPlay Trampoline Park

Even in the summer, sometimes we need indoor activities to keep those little active kids busy. It can rain, but it can also be smoky in the summertime. AirPlay is a fantastic family stop to burn off some energy indoor. They are wall-to-wall trampolines, basketball hoops and a dodgeball area.

We booked a one-hour jump session, but you can also opt for 90 minutes. Before I knew it, I was bouncing alongside the boys. I may have been one of the only adults out there, but we all had an amazing time.

It was the perfect activity after spending several days hiking and exploring outdoors.

12. Try to Complete the Escape Room Challenge

AirPlay also features two themed escape rooms. My kids LOVE Escape Rooms. We did our first one in Mont-Tremblant and they’ve been hooked since then.

We decided to do the genie-themed room, and it was much more challenging than we expected. We definitely needed a few hints along the way, but after working together as a family, we managed to escape with just two minutes left on the clock.

If your family enjoys puzzles and teamwork, it’s a great way to spend an hour together, especially if the weather isn’t cooperating.

13. Spend a Summer Evening at Green Square

If you’re visiting Hinton during the summer, try to plan your trip around Friday in the Green Square , held every Friday evening at Green Square.

From 4:00 to 7:30 p.m., the downtown square comes alive with live music, food trucks and lawn games, creating a fun atmosphere for the whole family. While the kids ran around playing games with other children, we were able to relax and enjoy the music.

I’d recommend bringing a camping chair or picnic blanket and settling in for the evening. It’s a wonderful way to experience the local community and one of our favourite memories from our weekend in Hinton.

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.

Prefer a Hotel in Hinton?

If camping isn’t your style, the Velora Hinton is an excellent family-friendly option in Hinton. We stayed here during one of our visits and loved having a comfortable place to relax after long days exploring the area.

The heated indoor pool was a favourite with our kids (and warm enough that I actually enjoyed swimming too!), while the hot tub was perfect after hiking. The hotel also offers a complimentary hot breakfast served in the on-site restaurant, making it easy to fuel up before heading out for another day of adventures. We also appreciated the cozy sitting area with its little library and free book exchange, a thoughtful touch that made the hotel feel especially welcoming.

Its convenient location also makes it an ideal base for exploring both Hinton and nearby Jasper National Park.

Want something unique?

If you’re into horseback riding, then, you need to stay at Old Entrance Ranch. They offer a few teepee tents, cabins and a couple of basic tent campsite. Amenities are minimal (shower house, a cool slide for kids), but you are right along the Athabasca River and there are hiking trails from the ranch. But the rest part is that they are known for their horseback riding adventures.

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.