Edmonton's North Saskatchewan River Valley offers diverse natural beauty and numerous recreational activities.

trees and river

Park visitors can enjoy hiking and biking trails, picnic spots, river access for canoeing, kayaking, jet skiing, jet boating, fishing and gold panning. The area is also home to a wide range of wildlife and plant species.

Featured Parks

Rundle Park, in northeast Edmonton on the river's north bank, features sports fields, trails, picnic areas, a golf course and so much more.

Northeast Edmonton's Hermitage Park features nature trails, a large off-leash dog park, picnic areas, and opportunities for fishing and paddling.

Gold Bar Park is located on the river's south bank at the end of 50 Street. It is known for its lovely off-leash area and beautiful picnic spots.

Situated on the river's south bank, between Kinsmen and Hawrelak Parks, Emily Murphy Park offers picnic areas, a playground and a boat launch.

Popular Recommendations

Picnic Sites

Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park

13400 Buena Vista Road

Grab your gear and come on down to Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park, where our abundant picnic sites are tucked away in lush forest, offering the perfect remote-feeling escape for memorable adventures.

Other Amenities

  • Ball diamonds
  • Boat launch
  • Boat trailer parking
  • Walking and cycling trails

Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park 

Queen Elizabeth Park

10380 Queen Elizabeth Park Road

Enjoy a royal outdoor feast at Queen Elizabeth Park, boasting stunning city views alongside stunning art pieces, all from its inviting picnic area.

Other Amenities

  • Indigenous Art Park : ᐄᓃᐤ (ÎNÎW) River Lot 11∞
  • Playground
  • Walking and cycling trails

Queen Elizabeth Park

Victoria Park

12030 River Road

Discover your urban oasis at Victoria Park, where convenient picnic sites provide a perfect spot to relax steps away from the vibrant city life.

Other Amenities

  • Ball diamonds
  • Playground
  • Pavillion
  • Walking and cycling trails

Victoria Park

Dog Parks

Buena Vista Park

13400 Buena Vista Road

Let your pup roam free and make new friends at Buena Vista Park, a vibrant haven with stunning river valley views.

Other Amenities

  • Picnic sites
  • Park benches
  • Walking and cycling trails
  • Yorath House

Buena Vista Park

Mill Creek Ravine

95 Street and 82 Avenue

Discover adventure with your canine companion on the extensive trails of Mill Creek Ravine, a natural escape for urban explorers and their pups.

Other Amenities

  • Paved and granular shared pathways
  • Portable toilets
  • Walking and cycling trails
  • Walk-in picnic sites

Mill Creek Ravine

Terwillegar Park

10 Rabbit Hill Road

Unleash the fun at Terwillegar Park, Edmonton's most expansive off-leash paradise with diverse terrain for every dog's dream day out.

Other Amenities

  • Canoe hand launch a short portage from parking area
  • Terwillegar Park Footbridge
  • Walking, hiking and mountain biking trails

Terwillegar Park

Boat Launch

Capilano Park

109A Avenue and 50 Street

Get ready to power up your river adventure from Capilano Park, 1 of only 2 public motorized boat launches in Edmonton for direct North Saskatchewan River access.

Other Amenities

  • Off-leash area
  • Picnic site
  • Walking and cycling trails

Capilano Park

Dawson Park

10286 89 Street

Paddle your way onto the North Saskatchewan River from Dawson Park, offering a convenient hand launch and dock for your next water adventure.

Other Amenities

  • Off-leash area
  • Picnic site
  • Walking and cycling trails

Dawson Park

Northeast River Valley Park

903 153 Avenue NE

Glide onto the water at Northeast River Valley Park; hand launch your boat and paddle alongside picturesque bridges, where the calm water perfectly reflects the sky.

Other Amenities

  • Off-leash area
  • Picnic site
  • Walking and cycling trails

Northeast River Valley Park

Explore Our Other River Valley Parks

Gallagher Park

9325 97 Avenue

Featured Amenities

  • Playground
  • Walking and cycling trails

Explore Gallagher Park

Government House Park

9938 Groat Road NW

Featured Amenities

  • Picnic sites
  • Public viewpoints along the river
  • Walking and cycling trails

Explore Government House Park

Jan Reimer Park

Featured Amenities

  • Shared use pathway
  • Viewpoints along the river (not by maintained trail)
  • Walking and cycling trails

Explore Jan Reimer Park

Kinsmen Park

9100 Walterdale Road

Featured Amenities

  • Baseball diamond
  • Picnic sites
  • Grizzly Bear Lodge Playground
  • Sports fields
  • Tennis courts,
  • Walking and cycling trails
  • Spray park

Explore Kinsmen Park

Louise McKinney Park

9529 Grierson Hill

Featured Amenities

  • Chinese Garden Ting
  • 100 Street Funicular
  • Segway and bike rentals
  • Small cafe
  • Walking and cycling trails

Explore Louise McKinney Park

Whitemud Park

13909 Fox Drive

Featured Amenities

  • Designated equine trail
  • Picnic sites
  • Walking and cycling trails

Explore Whitemud Park

River Valley Trail Maps

Find your way around the river valley with this selection of extensive, seasonal trail maps.

View River Valley Trails and Pathways

Park Notifications

Check park status and conditions before visiting.

See Park Notifications

Trail and Park Cautions and Closures

View Trail/Park Cautions and Closures to confirm the status of trails before you go.

See Cautions and Closures Map

Experience the River Valley: One Celebration at a Time

Edmonton's River Valley Parks offer year-round nature and recreation. Explore parks, the river and trails through various events, tree-planting initiatives and enhanced drop-in programs. 

International Trails Day

Date: Saturday June 7, 2025

river valley trails beside river

Join us in celebrating International Trails Day in the beautiful Edmonton River Valley! Explore scenic trails, enjoy outdoor activities and connect with nature. For this special day, take a leisurely stroll along our designated routes or find more pathways and trails to enjoy.

Here is a snapshot of all the things you can do to celebrate International Trails Day.

International Trails Day Activities Brochure (5.66 MB)

Scheduled International Trail Day Events

Outdoor Adventure Experiences Play Rangers

Whitemud Park Daycamp Fire Circle, 13909 Fox Drive

Date: Saturday June 7
Time: 1:30-4:30pm

Join Play Rangers for free outdoor fun (disc golf and shelter building for kids 6-12) at Whitemud Park on International Trails Day. With easy access to the wonderful Whitemud and River Loop trails, you can seamlessly combine structured activities with your own family exploration of the river valley!

Muttart Conservatory Trailside Bird Feeder

Henrietta Meir Edwards Park walkway (south of the Tawatinâ Bridge, 9704 98 Ave NW

Date: Saturday June 7
Time: 3-4pm

Celebrate International Trails in a trailside activity with the Muttart Conservatory team at Henrietta Muir Edwards Park. Join a hands-on activity to build your own bird feeder and learn about local bird species and their needs. All materials are provided for this fun, educational activity for all ages while supplies last. Connect with nature, appreciate trails, and support local birds.

John Walter Museum: Celebrating Trails and Queer History Month

9180 Walterdale Hill (north side of the Kinsmen Park main parking lot)

Date: Sunday June 8
Time: 1-4pm

Did you know that trails have an important role in the history of Edmonton? Stop by the John Walter Museum in Kinsmen Park to learn more about the history of this space and how it relates to trails! Free drop-in!

Edmonton Waste Management Centre (EWMC): Trails and Environment Day

250 Aurum Road 

Dates: June 3, 4, 7 and 9

Join us for a special International Trails Day experience! 

Celebrate on June 7 with a temporary interpretive sign walk along the East Trails, offering unique views overlooking the Clover Bar Landfill and connecting to the Edmonton Waste Management Centre's environment day activities. Self-guided trail walks can also be accessed from the Northeast River Valley Park or Hermitage Park.

Alternatively, book a free tour the Edmonton Waste Management Centre to celebrate World Environment Day.

Biodiversity with Nature Alberta and Root for Trees

Rundle Park, 2909 113 Avenue NW (North of Tennis Courts)

Date: Wednesday June 11

Celebrate International Trails Day and World Environment Day with Nature Alberta and Root for Trees! Register in advance and join us at Rundle Park (arrive by 5:30pm for registration and coffee/tea) for workshops on community science nature walks, tree planting and invasive weed pulling. Learn, conserve and connect in Edmonton's River Valley!

ᐄᓃᐤ (ÎNÎW) River Lot 11∞

10380 Queen Elizabeth Park Road

Looking for a short self-directed walk to celebrate both International Trails Day and June being Indigenous History Month? Stop by the Queen Elizabeth to enjoy the Indigenous Art Park that features 6 pieces of artwork by Canadian Indigenous Artists.

Your Guide to Annual River Valley Days

The River Valley is celebrated throughout the year on various recognized days that highlight its history, nature, and recreation. Use this list to find a day to appreciate its unique appeal, either through events or personal enjoyment.

EventDate
World Wildlife DayMarch 3
Earth MonthApril
World Migratory Bird Day2nd Saturday of May
Bike-to-work Day3rd Friday of May
Indigenous History MonthJune
World Environment DayJune 5
International Trails Day1st Saturday of June
Parks Day3rd Saturday of July
National Forest Week3rd week of September
World Clean Up Day3rd Saturday of September
World Rivers Day4th Sunday of September

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