The 100 Street Funicular

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View of the river valley from lookout at the bottom of the 100 Street Funicular

View of the river valley from the lookout

The 100 Street Funicular is a local landmark and connection between downtown and the River Valley and increases access for Edmontonians and visitors alike. Walk, bike or scoot your way between the hustle and bustle of downtown and the serenity of the River Valley Parks through this accessibility minded system.

The funicular does not require an operator and functions like an elevator. It is only open during the City’s park hours.

Please note

For the health and safety of the public, when outdoor temperatures reach 30°C and above or -30°C and below, the 100 Street Funicular will close for the remainder of the day.

Hours

Funicular and Elevator	7am-9pm
Promontory, Stairs, Promenade, Bridge & Frederick G. Todd Lookout	5am-11pm
Washroom (Located in Louise McKinney Park)	9am-9pm

Location

10007 - 100 Street NW, Edmonton, Alberta

Features

Overview of funicular area with featured areas

Show interactive image

1. The Promontory (Top Platform)

Rendering: people using the funicular

The promontory allows users to take advantage of the amazing views from the top of the bank near the Hotel Macdonald. It includes a sheltered canopy for loading onto the funicular as well as seating areas to take in the River Valley.

2. The Urban Staircase

Rendering: the funicular steps

Between 4.5 m and 7.5 m wide, the urban staircase welcomes a variety of users, from those running the stairs to those who want to sit and enjoy the view. There is also a bike rail along the stairs to accommodate cyclists.

3. The Funicular

Rendering of the funicular elevator

The glass-enclosed, cable-propelled funicular is 3m x 2.2m and fits up to 20 people. It accommodates wheelchairs, walkers, strollers, and bikes, carrying them up and down the incline from the top of the bank to the promenade. It does not have an operator and functions like an elevator during park hours.

4. The Promenade

Aerial map of the funicular area

The stairs and funicular land on a promenade welcoming both through-traffic and those who want to sit and take in the views.

5. Seating Area

Rendering of seating area

The promenade includes a grassy seating area with benches. The benches feature an integrated public art piece, Turbulent, adding a simple sculptural layer while offering a place for people to sit, pause, lounge or converse. Turbulent is inspired by the unique water patterns of the North Saskatchewan River.

6. Pedestrian Bridge

Rendering of pedestrian bridge

The pedestrian bridge provides safe passage across Grierson Hill Road. It connects the promenade to the lookout and is approximately 6m above the roadway.

7. The Lookout

Rendering of the lookout

The bridge gently slopes down to overlook the edge of the river. A glass railing and built-in seating allows a seamless way to take in the river to the south and the downtown skyline to the north.

8. The Elevator & Staircase

Rendering of funicular elevator

The elevator is an essential component of creating accessible, barrier-free access to the river valley. From the bridge, the elevator and staircase connect users to the existing trail system. The elevator holds up to 10 people and is open during regular park hours.

9. Connection to Existing Staircase

Aerial photo of funicular construction

The bottom half of the wooden staircase linking Grierson Hill Road to the top of bank near the Hotel Macdonald is connected to the project with a path to the new promenade.

10.

The total walk from the top of the urban stair to the bottom landing by the trails is approximately 260m (850 feet).

Planned Maintenance

Monthly Closures

Second Wednesday of every month

Annual Closure

June 10-16, 2024

Project Background

The 100 Street Funicular opened to the public on December 7, 2017, with the help of the River Valley Alliance and provincial and federal governments. While the funicular is the prominent feature of the site, the Mechanized River Valley Access project also included the development of stairs, viewpoints, a pedestrian bridge, artwork and an elevator.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Funicular?

The total length of the walk from the start of the promontory, down the urban stair, across the promenade and pedestrian bridge, and down the stairs beside the elevator to the bottom landing is approximately 260m (850 feet).

Is the funicular heated or cooled?

The funicular is not heated or cooled.

Is there music?

There is no music in the funicular.

Is the site well lit?

The whole site is lit. There are lights inside the funicular, on the stairs, promontory and promenade.

What if there is an emergency in the funicular?

Both an emergency stop button and intercom system are available in the funicular in case of an emergency.

Are service animals allowed?

Service animals are welcome.

Can I bring my bike in the funicular?

Yes, bikes are allowed in the funicular.

Contact Us

311 Contact Centre

Online	Contact 311 Online

If you are calling from outside of Edmonton: 780-442-5311

Phone	311
TTY	711