October in Alberta is one of the most beautiful months of the year. The air is crisp, the leaves are bursting with colour, and there are plenty of local events and activities to enjoy before winter really sets in. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly outings, fall festivals, or cozy autumn adventures, here are some ideas to make the most of the season.

🍂 1. Take in the Fall Colours

• Elk Island National Park – Only a short drive from Edmonton, it’s the perfect spot for a hike or picnic among the turning leaves.

• Jubilee Park, Spruce Grove – A great local option for families looking to enjoy a walk, bike ride, or just crunching through the leaves.

• Edmonton River Valley Trails – Always stunning, but especially in October with golden poplars and crisp mornings.

🎃 2. Pumpkin Patches & Fall Festivals

• Prairie Gardens & Adventure Farm (Bon Accord) – A local favourite with pumpkin picking, corn mazes, and harvest-themed fun.

• Edmonton Corn Maze – Open until mid-October, this is a classic fall activity.

• Spruce Grove Farmers’ Market – Check out local produce, crafts, and seasonal goodies.

👻 3. Halloween Events

• Deadmonton Haunted House – One of Alberta’s most popular haunted attractions.

• Fort Edmonton Park’s DARK – Immersive Halloween experiences blending history with spooky fun.

• Local Community Events – Many neighbourhoods and churches host safe trick-or-treat or trunk-or-treat nights.

🏒 4. Sports & Entertainment

• Edmonton Oilers – NHL season is underway, and catching a game is a classic fall tradition.

• Spruce Grove Saints – Local AJHL hockey with plenty of family-friendly energy in the stands.

❄️ 5. Get Ready for Winter

It might not be glamorous, but October is the ideal month to prep your home before snow hits:

• Service your furnace

• Clean your eavestroughs

• Winterize your yard

(Pro tip: getting these done early makes winter a whole lot easier.)

Final Thoughts

October in Alberta is about making the most of the in-between season—before the snow arrives, but after the summer rush is behind us. From colourful hikes to pumpkin patches, hockey games to haunted houses, there’s something for everyone this month.

👉 Have a favourite fall activity or hidden gem I should share in the next edition? Let me know—I’d love to hear your ideas.