Outdoor Activities in Edmonton

Mountain Biking in the River Valley

The Edmonton River Valley trail system includes over 160 kilometres of paved and unpaved paths. For mountain biking specifically, Terwillegar Park on the south bank has a network of singletrack that winds through aspen forest and along steep ravine edges. The trails are mostly intermediate, with some rooty descents that get slick after rain. Goldstick Park and Riverside/Dawson Park on the north side also have rougher singletrack sections. Mind you, the clay soil in the river valley turns to something like wet cement after a heavy rain, so check conditions before heading out. Bike Edmonton and local shops like United Cycle on Whyte Avenue rent mountain bikes if you're visiting.

Difficulty

Easy to Intermediate (varies by trail section)

Duration

1-4 hours depending on route

Best season

May through October, trails are best when dry

Cross-Country Skiing at Gold Bar Park

Gold Bar Park, on the south bank of the North Saskatchewan near 50th Street, gets groomed ski trails once conditions allow, typically by late November or December. The park's flat river-bottom terrain is well suited to classic technique, and there's enough distance to get a solid workout without ever leaving the groomed loop. The Edmonton Nordic Ski Club grooms trails here and at several other River Valley sites including Goldstick Park and Riverside Golf Course. Trail fees are voluntary donations. Temperatures on the river flats can sit 5 to 10 degrees colder than the surrounding city due to cold air pooling, so dress warmer than you think you need to.

Difficulty

Easy to Moderate

Duration

1-3 hours

Best season

December through March, snow-dependent

Fat Biking on Frozen River Trails

Once the North Saskatchewan freezes solid, typically by late December, fat-tire biking on the frozen river and along the valley trails becomes one of Edmonton's more distinctive winter activities. Some sections of the River Valley trail system get packed down by foot traffic and become rideable. The river itself is used informally but conditions vary, and the City of Edmonton does not officially maintain river ice trails. Bike shops like Revolution Cycle and United Cycle rent fat bikes by the day. Expect to spend around $50 to $75 CAD for a daily rental. The experience is genuinely strange. You're pedalling through a frozen riverbed with 50-metre bluffs on either side, and downtown towers peeking over the tree line.

Difficulty

Moderate (balance on ice and snow requires practice)

Duration

1-3 hours

Best season

January through March

Bison Viewing and Wildlife Photography at Elk Island National Park

Elk Island National Park is 35 kilometres east of Edmonton along Highway 16. It protects a pocket of aspen parkland and is home to both plains bison and wood bison herds, along with elk, moose, and over 250 bird species. The Bison Loop Road on the park's north side is where most people spot plains bison, sometimes right beside the road. A Parks Canada day pass costs $8.50 CAD per adult as of 2024. Early morning and late evening are the best times for sightings. The park is busier on summer weekends, but even then it's nothing like Banff. To be fair, the bison tend to cooperate. They graze in open meadows near the road and don't seem bothered by cars stopping at a respectful distance.

Difficulty

Easy (driving and short walks)

Duration

Half day to full day

Best season

Year-round, but May through September for best road conditions and longest daylight

Road Cycling on the River Valley Road

The paved multi-use trail that runs along the north and south banks of the North Saskatchewan River is one of the best urban cycling routes on the prairies. You can ride continuously from Terwillegar Park in the southwest to Rundle Park in the northeast, roughly 30 to 35 kilometres one way depending on the route you piece together. The path surface is generally smooth asphalt, though some older sections near Capilano Park get cracked and heaved. Hills are real. The climbs out of the valley at spots like Groat Road and Scona Road gain 50 to 70 metres over short, steep pitches. Summer weekday mornings before 9 am tend to be the least crowded.

Difficulty

Easy to Moderate (flat along the river, steep climbs out of the valley)

Duration

2-4 hours for a full traverse

Best season

May through September

Snowshoeing in Whitemud Ravine

Whitemud Ravine runs for about 8 kilometres through the south side of Edmonton, and in winter the unpaved trails become a solid snowshoeing route. The terrain drops into a creek valley lined with old spruce and balsam poplar, and the snow tends to accumulate thickly down in the ravine bottom where wind can't reach it. You might hear chickadees and woodpeckers, and coyote tracks are common. The Rainbow Valley area near the Whitemud Equine Centre is a popular access point. No rental shops right at the trailhead, but MEC Edmonton on 109th Street and 63rd Avenue carries snowshoe rentals.

Difficulty

Easy to Moderate

Duration

1.5-3 hours

Best season

December through March

Elk Island National Park: Shoreline Trail at Astotin Lake

The Shoreline Trail loops around part of Astotin Lake in the northern section of Elk Island National Park, about 45 minutes east of Edmonton. The trail is roughly 4 kilometres and mostly flat, following the lakeshore through aspen groves and marshy meadows. You'll likely see pelicans, grebes, and possibly elk near the water's edge. The trail has boardwalk sections over wet ground. Mosquitoes can be fierce from June through mid-August, so bring repellent. A Parks Canada day pass is required. The trailhead is right at the Astotin Lake day-use area, which has washrooms and a beach.

Difficulty

Easy

Duration

1-2 hours

Best season

May through October

Elk Island National Park: Moss Lake Trail

Moss Lake Trail is a longer loop in Elk Island, roughly 15 kilometres, that passes through boreal-transition forest, open meadows, and past several small lakes. The terrain is mostly flat with gentle rolling hills, but the distance makes it a proper day hike. You might spot wood bison, moose, or beaver. The trail can be muddy and poorly drained in sections after rain or snowmelt. Bring gaiters or waterproof boots if you're going before July. Cell reception is spotty once you're deep in the park. The trail is well marked with posts but not heavily trafficked, so you may not see another person for an hour.

Difficulty

Moderate (distance, not elevation)

Duration

4-6 hours

Best season

June through September

Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area

This recreation area sits about 40 kilometres east of Edmonton, adjacent to Elk Island National Park. The trail system is shared by hikers, equestrians, and mountain bikers. Trails run through rolling aspen parkland with small lakes and wetlands. The Blackfoot Trail itself is a multi-use loop that can be hiked in sections. Terrain is flat to gently rolling. Bird life is strong here, particularly in the wetland margins. The recreation area is less visited than Elk Island and has no entry fee. Trail junctions are signed but carry a map. The mosquitoes here are at least as bad as Elk Island, possibly worse given all the standing water.

Difficulty

Easy to Moderate

Duration

2-5 hours depending on route chosen

Best season

May through October

Big Lake Natural Area (Lois Hole Centennial Provincial Park)

Big Lake sits on the northwest edge of Edmonton, near St. Albert. Lois Hole Centennial Provincial Park protects the lake's shoreline and marshy margins. The trails here are short and flat, mostly boardwalk and gravel, but the birding is some of the best near Edmonton. Over 230 species have been recorded. Western grebes, American white pelicans, and various raptors are regulars in summer. The main trailhead off Meadowview Drive has parking and interpretive signs. This is more of a naturalist's walk than a fitness hike. If you're looking for exercise, you'll want to combine it with cycling to and from the area. The marsh smells strongly of cattails and mud in warm weather. Not unpleasant, but noticeable.

Difficulty

Easy

Duration

1-2 hours

Best season

May through September for birding

Edmonton River Valley: Terwillegar to Fort Edmonton Traverse

You can string together a solid urban day hike by following the River Valley trail system from Terwillegar Park east to Fort Edmonton Park and beyond. The route follows the south bank of the North Saskatchewan, passing through mature forest, across footbridges, and along river flats. One way from Terwillegar Park to Fort Edmonton Park is roughly 6 to 7 kilometres. Extending to Hawrelak Park adds another 3 kilometres. The trail gains and loses elevation as it dips into creek crossings and climbs back to the bluff tops. In spring, sections near the river can be flooded or washed out. Check the City of Edmonton trail status page before heading out. You'll pass cyclists, runners, and the occasional deer.

Difficulty

Moderate (length and some elevation change)

Duration

3-5 hours depending on distance and pace

Best season

May through October

Kayaking and Canoeing on the North Saskatchewan River

The North Saskatchewan River flows right through Edmonton, and paddling it is one of the better ways to see the river valley. The most common stretch for recreational paddling runs from Emily Murphy Park (near the University of Alberta) downstream to Dawson Park or Rundle Park, roughly 12 to 18 kilometres depending on your take-out. The current moves at about 3 to 5 kilometres per hour in summer, so the river does much of the work. That said, the North Saskatchewan is a real river with sweepers, occasional strainers, and cold water even in July (typically 12 to 16°C). The Edmonton Canoe is a local outfitter near the Accidental Beach area that rents canoes and kayaks and runs shuttle service. Wear a PFD. People drown in this river in years when conditions seem calm.

Difficulty

Moderate (moving water, cold temperatures, river hazards)

Duration

2-5 hours depending on distance

Best season

June through September

Swimming and Wading at Accidental Beach

Accidental Beach appeared in 2017 when low water levels exposed a sandy stretch of riverbank near Cloverdale, on the south side of the North Saskatchewan near the Walterdale Bridge. It has reappeared in varying forms since then, depending on water levels. When it forms, it draws large crowds on hot days. The City of Edmonton does not officially designate it as a swimming beach and the water is not tested. The river current is real, and the bottom drops off unpredictably. Locals wade and splash more than swim here. Water temperatures in July and August still hover around 14 to 18°C. It feels cold when you first step in. Some people bring camp chairs and sit in the shallows. Mind you, the beach does not form every year.

Difficulty

Easy (wading) to Moderate (swimming in river current)

Duration

1-3 hours

Best season

July and August, water-level dependent

Stand-Up Paddleboarding on Wabamun Lake

Wabamun Lake sits about 65 kilometres west of Edmonton along Highway 16. The lake is large, roughly 20 square kilometres, and relatively shallow, so it warms up faster than deeper Alberta lakes. By mid-July the surface temperature can reach 20 to 22°C. The Wabamun Lake Provincial Park beach on the south shore has good access for launching a SUP board. Wind can pick up quickly on the lake, particularly in the afternoon, so morning sessions tend to be calmer. The village of Wabamun on the north shore has a public beach as well. No rentals are available at the lake itself currently. You'll need to bring your own board or rent one in Edmonton at a shop like MEC.

Difficulty

Easy in calm conditions, Moderate when windy

Duration

1-3 hours

Best season

Late June through August

Canoeing and Birding at Astotin Lake, Elk Island

Astotin Lake in Elk Island National Park is a calm, shallow lake well suited to canoes and kayaks. The lake is closed to motorized boats, which keeps the water quiet. Paddling along the marshy edges in early morning is one of the best ways to see pelicans, grebes, and nesting waterfowl. The lake is roughly 3 kilometres across at its widest. A put-in at the day-use area is straightforward. The water is brown with tannins but clean. Leeches are present, which bothers some people. A Parks Canada pass is required for entry to the park. The lake can get choppy in afternoon wind, but it's shallow enough that waves stay small.

Difficulty

Easy

Duration

1.5-3 hours

Best season

June through September

Outdoor Swimming at Edmonton Pools

Edmonton operates several outdoor pools that open from late June through the Labour Day weekend in September. Queen Elizabeth Pool in the river valley near the Kinsmen Sports Centre is the most scenic, sitting on the bluffs above the North Saskatchewan. Fred Broadstock Pool in Jasper Place and Oliver Pool near downtown are other options. Admission as of 2024 is free at City of Edmonton outdoor pools on certain days, with regular admission around $5 to $7 CAD for adults. Water is heated and maintained at roughly 26°C. Lanes are available for lap swimmers during specific hours. The pools get crowded on hot afternoons above 28°C, and families tend to dominate the shallow ends.

Difficulty

Easy

Duration

1-2 hours

Best season

Late June through early September

Hawrelak Park sits in the River Valley on the south side, accessible from Groat Road. The park centres on a large artificial lake surrounded by mowed lawns and picnic sites. It hosts the Heritage Festival every August and the Silver Skate Festival in February. The paved path around the lake is roughly 2.5 kilometres and connects to the larger River Valley trail system. In summer the lake has paddle boat rentals. In winter the lake freezes and becomes a public skating surface. The park fills up fast on long weekends. If you're there on a July Saturday, expect to share the grass with a few hundred other people.

Highlights: Paddle boats on the lake in summer, public skating in winter, Heritage Festival grounds, connections to the River Valley trail network

The Muttart Conservatory consists of four glass pyramids on the south bank of the North Saskatchewan River, each housing a different biome. You'll find arid, tropical, and temperate collections, plus a rotating feature pyramid that changes themes a few times per year. The warm, humid air inside the tropical pyramid is a genuine relief during an Edmonton February. The surrounding grounds have walking paths and views across the river toward the downtown skyline. Adult admission is around $14.50 CAD. Worth noting, the building itself is a landmark. Those four pyramids have been part of the Edmonton skyline since 1976.

Highlights: Four glass pyramid biomes (arid, tropical, temperate, feature), riverside views of the downtown skyline, rotating seasonal displays

Terwillegar Park covers about 182 hectares where the Whitemud Creek meets the North Saskatchewan River in southwest Edmonton. It's wilder than most city parks. The off-leash dog area is massive and draws hundreds of dogs on weekend afternoons. Beyond the dog area, trails run through mature aspen and spruce forest and along gravel river flats. A footbridge crosses Whitemud Creek. The park floods in spring when the river rises, and some low-lying trails can stay muddy well into June. The gravel beaches along the North Saskatchewan are popular spots to sit and watch the water in summer. You'll likely hear woodpeckers and see the occasional beaver lodge along the creek.

Highlights: Whitemud Creek footbridge, large off-leash dog area, gravel river beaches, forested singletrack trails, beaver habitat along the creek

This park runs along the north bank of the North Saskatchewan River below the Legislature grounds, right at the edge of downtown. It's a narrow strip of manicured green space with paved paths, benches, and views across to the south-side bluffs. The Chinese Garden at the east end has traditional architecture and reflects Edmonton's historical Chinese community. The park connects to paths leading up to the Legislature grounds and west toward Victoria Park. On summer evenings you'll find runners, cyclists, and people sitting on the grass watching the river. The annual Dragon Boat Festival is held here, typically in August.

Highlights: Chinese Garden, river overlooks, Dragon Boat Festival venue, connections to the Legislature grounds and Victoria Park paths

Mill Creek Ravine cuts a deep, forested trench from Argyll Road south of Whyte Avenue all the way to the North Saskatchewan River. A paved path runs the length of the ravine, roughly 4 kilometres, and is heavily used by runners and commuter cyclists. The creek still flows through, though it's partly channelized. The ravine feels surprisingly remote for something that runs through the middle of the city's densest neighbourhoods. Old-growth elm and spruce line the slopes. In winter the path gets icy in shaded sections and the City does not always sand it promptly. The upper section near the pool connects to the Whyte Avenue commercial strip on 82nd Avenue.

Highlights: 4-kilometre paved trail through a forested urban ravine, old-growth elm and spruce canopy, connections to Whyte Avenue and the River Valley

Government House Park occupies the grounds of the former official residence of Alberta's Lieutenant Governor, perched on the river valley bluffs in the Glenora neighbourhood. The park has well-maintained flower gardens, a formal rose garden, and walking paths through old spruce trees. The bluff edge offers clear views across the river valley. It tends to be quieter than Hawrelak or Terwillegar, partly because parking is limited. The Edmonton and District Historical Society manages the house itself, which hosts occasional public tours. The gardens smell strongly of wild roses and cut grass in July.

Highlights: Formal rose garden, historic Government House, river valley bluff views, quiet forested walking paths through old-growth spruce