Edmonton's North Saskatchewan River Valley offers diverse natural beauty and numerous recreational activities.
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.
Something Exciting is About to Happen!
A beloved classic returns with a fresh new look for everyone to enjoy.
Save the date for May 30, 2026 and rediscover the magic of William Hawrelak Park! Join us for the official Grand Reopening celebration from 11am-4 p.m.
Nature's Tranquil Beauty
Beyond the activities, take a moment to appreciate the park's natural ecosystem. It plays a vital role as a habitat for fascinating winter wildlife. Enjoy the quiet, tranquil beauty of the River Valley in its most serene season.
Outdoor Adventure Programs
Explore the city's parks and trails with our Outdoor Adventure Programs, whether you're with family, friends or going solo. Options are available for all ages, including free drop-in Play Rangers sessions and registered courses where you can learn skills like archery.
Off-Leash Areas and Trails
Unleash the fun at Hermitage Park, with diverse terrain for every dog's dream day out.
Other Amenities
- Parking
- Portable toilets throughout the park (not wheelchair accessible)
- Walking and cycling trails
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
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
Hike or Bike
Gold Bar Park is known for its lovely off-leash area and beautiful picnic spots. Explore the extensive walking and cycling trails—perfect for leisurely strolls, trail running or cycling.
Other Amenities
- Off-leash area
- Walking and cycling trails
- Washrooms located inside pavilion
Located beside the Edmonton Ski Hill and near the Muttart Conservatory, this park is a fantastic location to have a picnic, or go for a walk or bike ride. It also offers a picturesque view of the City's skyline.
Other Amenities
- Playground
- Gateway to Gallagher Park metal sculpture
- The Dove of Peace sculpture
- Walking and Cycling trails
Adjacent to downtown Edmonton and immediately south of the Edmonton Convention Centre, this park acts as a gateway between the urban downtown and the renowned River Valley parks and trails system.
Other Amenities
- Chinese Garden Ting
- 100 Street Funicular
- Segway and bike rentals
- Small cafe
Paddling & Boat Launch
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
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
Grab your gear and come on down to Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park. Launch your boat, canoe, kayak, or paddleboard for a scenic trip on the North Saskatchewan River. Don’t forget your lifejacket!
Other Amenities
- Ball diamonds
- Boat launch
- Boat trailer parking
- Walking and cycling trails
Relax and Recharge
Located on the south bank of the North Saskatchewan River, between Kinsmen Park and Hawrelak Park, Emily Murphy Park features picnic sites, a playground and boat launch. The Forest Capital Trail connects Kinsmen Park to Emily Murphy Park.
Other Amenities
- Building with washrooms
- Parking (may be limited during festivals and events)
- Walking and cycling trails
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
Accessible only through active modes of transportation, this park connects the river valley trails between Terwillegar Park and Fort Edmonton Park. This 193-acre park is located in the west end, south of the Fort Edmonton Footbridge and adjacent to the Edmonton Country Club.
Other Amenities
- Shared use pathway
- Viewpoints along the river (not by maintained trail)
- Walking and cycling trails
Picnic Sites
Located centrally on Walterdale Hill Road, this park offers a spray park, picnic sites and expansive walking and cycling trails.
Other Amenities:
- Baseball diamond
- Grizzly Bear Lodge Playground
- Sports fields
- Tennis courts,
Rundle Park, in northeast Edmonton on the river's north bank, features sports fields, trails, picnic areas, a golf course and so much more.
Other Amenities
- Playground
- Toboggan hill
- Walking and cycling trails
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
Located in Edmonton’s stunning river valley, William Hawrelak Park is a 68‑hectare gem filled with wide‑open meadows, shady picnic spots and a 5‑hectare lake.
Other Amenities
- Playground
- Picnic sites
- Boathouse
- Heritage Amphitheatre
Trail and Park Cautions and Closures
View Trail/Park Cautions and Closures to confirm the status of trails before you go.
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.
Get Your Hands Dirty Planting
You can join the City’s award-winning Root for Trees program during the planting season. Look for their special events or drop-in planting opportunities taking place across the River Valley parks. It’s a rewarding way to contribute to our natural ecosystem.
Join in the Festivity
Looking to celebrate, participate, or just enjoy the River Valley ambiance?
Check out the upcoming calendar for civic events happening in some of our most amazing parks. From cultural celebrations to recreational activities, there's always something happening! To easily find park-specific events, use the search feature on the calendar and type the keyword “Park”.
Be a River Valley Steward with Neighbouring for Climate
True celebration includes stewardship of these beautiful spaces!
Help protect the important variety of life and plants in the River Valley, especially where our walking and biking paths meet nearby neighbourhoods. The Neighbouring for Climate program gives you tools and easy steps to improve this natural area right where you live.
Start now and find helpful information with Nature and Plants Action Cards.
Celebrate the River Valley Year-Round
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.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| World Wildlife Day | March 3 |
| Earth Month | April |
| World Migratory Bird Day | 2nd Saturday of May |
| Bike-to-work Day | 3rd Friday of May |
| Indigenous History Month | June |
| World Environment Day | June 5 |
| International Trails Day | 1st Saturday of June |
| Parks Day | 3rd Saturday of July |
| National Forest Week | 3rd week of September |
| World Clean Up Day | 3rd Saturday of September |
| World Rivers Day | 4th Sunday of September |
Contact Us
311 Contact Centre
Phone 311 | Outside Edmonton and Video Relay Service (VRS): 780-442-5311 | TTY 711