Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary

The sanctuary spans 348 acres of diverse habitats, attracting over one hundred bird species and providing excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. It features well-marked trails suitable for families and has a developed boardwalk system.

A family enjoying a post-Christmas outing, Clifford E. Lee Sanctuary, 2020-12-26.
A family enjoying a post-Christmas outing, Clifford E. Lee Sanctuary, 2020-12-26.

Clifford E. Lee was born in what is now Edmonton’s Hardisty district. He was a teacher, pharmacist and an entrepreneur. Following World War II, he created a home-building company which eventually became NuWest Development Co. In the late 1960’s, he transferred most of his personal fortune into the Clifford E. Lee Foundation. If funds philanthropic endeavours; the sanctuary being one of the largest projects.

Fact Facts

  • Winter Challenge Category: EASY-PEASY
  • Worth Visiting
  • Washrooms.
  • Kid Focused
  • Low Beginner, well marked and maintained trails.

The Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary protects 348 acres of marshland, open meadow, aspen parkland and pine forest. The varied habitats of the Sanctuary attract a diversity of animals, including more than one hundred bird species, and provide excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing [1].

Trails in the Area

There are four well marked trails including a number of kilometers of boardwalk. Note the boardwalk at times is up to a metre or so above the ground level so care should be taken. Signage provides explanations of the creatures and flora in the area. Remediation of the boardwalk was started in 2024.

Any maps and map views are for general information only. Do not rely on them for navigation or to determine legal boundaries.

Area Details

  • Name/Owner: Clifford E. Lee Natural Area / Trust
  • Is it Worth It and Why Go Here?: Overall (5 out of 5) Well developed trail system with kid friendly environment.
  • Wayne Gretzky Units: 35 KM
  • Trail Classification: Rating: 100; Access: Granted; Develop: Fully Developed. ; Maint: Maintained; Season: All Season: Board walks keep your feet dry in the Spring but can be icy in the winter. Good signage makes a family trip very easy..
Trail Classification System with examples - YEG-Ville.
Trail Classification System with examples – YEG-Ville.
  • The Drive Out: Highway 60 is a very serviceable route. Consider turning off either south or north of sanctuary to enjoy the rural roads.
  • The Other Shoe: Only walking based sports (e.g. no fat biking), dogs are welcome on leash.
  • Difficulty Level & Safety: Low Beginner, well marked and maintained trails. Boardwalks are raised off the ground which is one of the few safety hazards in the sanctuary. Ice safety if one leaves the designated trails and go onto the marshes and wet areas.
  • Frank’s Trip Notes
  • First done: 2020-12-26 despite having bicycled by it a dozen+ times.
  • 2025-01-29, unseasonably warm, slushy, and over cast.

(On smart phones, swipe to advance the pictures)

  • Sign on the Range Road, looking SW, Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary, P. Potter.
    Sign on the Range Road, looking SW, Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary, P. Potter.
  • Walking off trail on one of the marshes in the site, Clifford E. Lee Sanctuary, 2020-12-26.
    Walking off trail on one of the marshes in the site, Clifford E. Lee Sanctuary, 2020-12-26.
  • Curving boardwalk snaking through the site, Clifford E. Lee Sanctuary, 2020-12-26.
    Curving boardwalk snaking through the site, Clifford E. Lee Sanctuary, 2020-12-26.
  • Very clear signage marks the trails, Clifford E. Lee Sanctuary, 2020-12-26.
    Very clear signage marks the trails, Clifford E. Lee Sanctuary, 2020-12-26.
  • Enjoying a moment of winter solitude, Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary, P. Potter.
    Enjoying a moment of winter solitude, Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary, P. Potter.
  • Looking North across the wetland, Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary, P. Potter.
    Looking North across the wetland, Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary, P. Potter.
  • Extensive boardwalk system heading west out of the parking lot, Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary, P. Potter.
    Extensive boardwalk system heading west out of the parking lot, Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary, P. Potter.
  • One of the many branching trails, Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary, P. Potter.
    One of the many branching trails, Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary, P. Potter.
  • Viewing platform closed for repairs, Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary, P. Potter.
    Viewing platform closed for repairs, Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary, P. Potter.

Notes and Reference

  1. Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary. “Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary.” Accessed January 25, 2025. http://cliffordelee.com/.
  2. Clifford E. Lee Natural Area | SAPAA.

Usage: This site is intended for my personal use only and very select invited guests. My recommendation is for you to stay in bed with the covers pulled firmly over your head.