Follow the hiking trail to the bridge lookout, or take the stairs and paths to the canyon floor. Hard Luck Canyon is a scenic destination located approximately 20 to 22 kilometres south of Whitecourt, Alberta, accessible via West Mountain Road.
It is about a two-hour drive from Edmonton, making it a convenient day trip for those seeking a short, easy hike with rewarding views.
The trail to the canyon is short, taking only 7–10 minutes from the parking lot, and features a flat gravel path through a birch forest with interpretive signage that explains the geological history of the area, including the formation of the canyon by Hard Luck Creek through the Paskapoo Formation.
Visitors can cross a bridge over Beaver Creek Falls, which is typically most powerful during spring runoff, and descend a set of about 100 steps to view the waterfall and canyon walls up close.
The area includes picnic tables, pit toilets, and is suitable for families, with the trail being accessible even for those with strollers or limited mobility.
While the trail is generally considered easy, the stairs can be steep and slippery when wet, and the trail is technically closed in winter due to lack of maintenance.
The canyon is a popular spot for photography, picnics, and short hikes, with the best times to visit being July through September, though it remains scenic in all seasons.