The 10 best ways to explore Edmonton’s river valley this summer

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Tucked beneath the glass towers of downtown Edmonton lies a winding, forested playground that’s larger than New York’s Central Park, and completely free to explore. Locals know it simply as the river valley, a massive ribbon of green space that snakes along the North Saskatchewan River, offering the kind of nature-meets-city experience few other Canadian cities can claim.

But more than just a beautiful place to hike or picnic — it’s ecologically significant.

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“The North Saskatchewan River Valley is an important wildlife corridor linking the Rocky Mountains with the Prairies, all the way to Hudson’s Bay,” Kristine Kowalchuk, chair of Edmonton River Valley Conservation Coalition, told Postmedia.

“No other city has a wildlife corridor like this one – used to this day by deer, moose, coyotes, and even bears and cougars, as well as smaller animals – running through its heart. It is also a habitat for migratory birds.”

This summer, Canadians are being encouraged to explore their own country, and there’s no better way to fall in love with Edmonton than through its backyard wilderness. And if you’re wondering when to go, it’s hard to beat July and August, according to Chris Szydlowski, co-owner of Canada West Segway.

“The weather’s out. Kids roll out of school. People are travelling, right?” Szydlowski said.

Whether you’re after a sweaty hike, a coffee with a view, or just a peaceful moment under the trees, here are 10 ways to experience the best of the river valley this summer.

1. Start with a view: Best river valley views worth the hike — or the drive

The river valley is known for its dramatic elevation changes, and that means epic views — if you know where to look. One of the most iconic is Keillor Point, a once-hidden ledge in the Belgravia neighbourhood, located at the top of the riverbank on Saskatchewan Drive, and is called “the End of the World” by the locals.

Today, it’s been formally recognized and made safe for the public, with fencing and a marked trail leading in. But it hasn’t lost its magic. From the edge, the view stretches out over a sweeping curve of the North Saskatchewan River, with forested slopes below and the downtown skyline shimmering in the distance. It’s a place that invites stillness. On a clear evening, it’s one of the best spots in the city to watch the sky shift from blue to gold to deep, prairie purple.

Another favourite? A hidden wooden swing tucked off Ada Boulevard, perched above the riverbank just off the trail near Highlands, where quiet meets breathtaking. It’s not marked on any map, but those who find it are rewarded with one of the most peaceful and photogenic spots in the valley. Perched above the riverbank, the swing faces west, offering a front-row seat to the water winding past wooded slopes and the occasional paddler drifting below.

From a local’s point of view, Szydlowski recommends a few other under-the-radar spots to keep an eye out for, like the quiet lookout near Old Timers Cabin or the hilltop viewpoint just south of the Indigenous Art Park off Saskatchewan Drive.

“There are so many opportunities to stop, take a photo and just breathe in the incredible view,” he told Postmedia in an interview. “It’s a perspective of the city you can’t get any other way.”

2. Explore on wheels or water

If you’re looking for a more adventurous way to take in the sights, River Valley Adventure Co.’s Segway tours offer a fun and unique perspective on the valley’s scenic routes. Many of their tours start and finish right in Louise McKinney Park. Szydlowski said their most popular offerings this time of year range from 90-minute loops over the Walterdale Bridge to a two-hour summer sunset tour guided ride that showcases downtown’s highlights, from the art district to the Neon Sign Museum and the Legislature grounds.

There’s even a pit stop for ice cream along the way!

“It’s something anyone can do,” Szydlowski said.

For those drawn to water, outfitters like Haskin Canoe offer raft and paddle-board rentals. You can also book a float tour down the North Saskatchewan River or climb aboard the Edmonton Riverboat for a scenic cruise, some with dinner and drinks on deck.

3. Lace up and wander

For those who prefer to explore on foot, the river valley offers a variety of trails for all abilities, from shaded forest wanders to riverside bike loops and skyline strolls.

Whitemud Creek Ravine, starting near Snow Valley and winding its way through thick forest and alongside a babbling creek, is a shaded retreat ideal for families and dog-walkers. Expect wooden footbridges, boardwalks, and the occasional deer or hare darting through the underbrush.

Further east, Gold Bar and Rundle Parks form a loop that’s popular with cyclists and joggers. Connected by pedestrian bridges and paved multi-use trails, this breezy route hugs the river and passes picnic sites, open meadows, and forested stretches with just the right amount of elevation change to keep things interesting.

Want something a little quieter? MacKinnon Ravine, just west of downtown, is a peaceful stroll that hugs the hillside and offers skyline glimpses along the way. It’s a favourite among locals for sunrise walks or low-key evening strolls, and it conveniently connects to Glenora and Oliver neighbourhoods.

No matter where you enter it, the trail system is part of a living, breathing ecosystem – a space everyone shares and has a responsibility to cherish and protect, said Christina Chu, senior marketing and communications advisor with the City of Edmonton.

“The River Valley Park system is the largest urban park system network in Canada, and you can use active transport means to traverse Edmonton from Northeast River Valley Park in the Northeast to Terwillegar Park in the Southwest,” she said. “Each of the major parks along the network offers a variety of experiences for visitors, from quiet nature walks in the ‘hidden gem’ parks that offer an escape just off the main multi-use trails. Picnic sites, registered and drop-in programs, disc golf courses, waterways for paddling and more.”

4. Fuel up with a view

You don’t have to leave the valley for great food. Several local cafés and patios are tucked right into the park system, offering scenic refuelling stops.

In Riverdale, Little Brick serves up comfort food in a restored heritage home with a hidden backyard patio. Nearby in Cloverdale, Cloverdale Café offers a sunny deck steps from Gallagher Park.

For something more casual, River Valley Adventure Co. is worth a stop even if you’re not taking a Segway tour.

“We have Edmonton’s only true riverfront patio,” Szydlowski said, noting their café offers locally baked goods, Pinocchio ice cream, fresh sandwiches from the Italian Centre, and a rotating selection of 22 Alberta craft beers.

The clubhouses at Victoria and Riverside golf courses are also open to the public and feature scenic patios that look out over the greens and onto the river valley.

For a more refined experience, the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald patio delivers one of the grandest perspectives in the city. Perched high above the river valley, this stately hotel has been watching over the North Saskatchewan since 1915. Its patio is open to the public and perfect for an afternoon drink or summer brunch, with panoramic views that stretch across Louise McKinney Park, the Low Level Bridge, and beyond.

5. Connect through forest bathing

This summer, the City of Edmonton launched free Shinrin-yoku or forest bathing sessions, a practice originated in Japan, aiming at helping residents connect more deeply with nature and improve their overall well-being, Chu said. Led by the city’s urban forestry team, the guided two-hour sessions take place twice a week in various river valley parks and green spaces.

“Sessions include activities like silent meditation, exploratory walking, sensory exploration and group and individual reflections,” she noted.

The program was created using existing staff and resources, supported by a $146,200 federal grant, Chu said. Since its launch, more than 160 people have signed up, and demand is now so high that the city is exploring ways to expand. While the sessions are currently free, that could change in future seasons. For now, it’s a rare opportunity to slow down and experience the urban forest in a completely new way.

6. Capture the moment

The river valley is a photographer’s dream. Whether you’re snapping with a smartphone or a DSLR, the scenery offers endless opportunities to capture the beauty of Edmonton’s natural heart.

The gardens surrounding the Muttart Conservatory, which holds one of Canada’s largest indoor plant collections, burst with colour and texture, perfect for wide-angle views with the glass pyramids as a backdrop. Just across the river, the open bank at Louise McKinney Riverfront Park provides panoramic views that glow during golden hour, especially as the sun dips behind the skyline.

For a picture-perfect blend of city and nature, few spots rival the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald’s patio, where the view stretches out over the river valley and Low Level Bridge. It’s ideal for cityscapes or engagement-style shots.

Time your walk for dawn or dusk, and you’ll find Edmonton’s famous bridges like Walterdale, High Level, or Dawson lit in warm light or reflecting off the water, creating some of the city’s most Instagram-worthy moments.

Tip: Add in a paddle-boarder, dog walker, or cyclist gliding through the frame, and you’ve got an image that captures both movement and calm — classic river valley energy.

7. Events to check out

Beyond its trails and trees, the river valley also hosts some of the city’s most vibrant summer events.

One of the biggest is the Edmonton Heritage Festival, running August 2–4, 2025, at the Edmonton Exhibition Lands and Borden Park. This free event is the world’s largest three-day multicultural celebration, featuring more than 70 cultural pavilions, 900 live performances, and food, music, and crafts representing over 90 countries — all just a short walk from the river valley in Virginia Park.

Meanwhile, Louise McKinney Riverfront Park also often comes alive with cultural festivals, fitness pop-ups, food trucks, and live music throughout the warmer months, from yoga flows at sunrise to salsa nights at sunset. It also hosted the Freewill Shakespeare Festival this year, and will welcome music lovers to the Down by the River festival in September. There’s something for every interest and age group, whether you’re looking to dance, dine, or just unwind with a view.

Cyclists and runners can join seasonal events like Run the River or community bike rides that use the multi-use paths as their course. You might also stumble upon outdoor yoga sessions, paddle-board meetups on the water, or family nature walks led by city educators.

8. Dig into the past

Beneath the trails and trees lies Edmonton’s origin story. From Indigenous trade routes to fur traders and steam trains, this land has long shaped the city.

The valley is the reason Edmonton is located where it is, Chu said. Its importance in the Beaver Hills region and as part of the bustling fur trade route led to the founding of Fort Edmonton. The natural areas we now walk through were once at the heart of early Indigenous and settler economic life in the region. You can dive deeper into that past at Fort Edmonton Park and the John Walter Museum.

9. Fun facts

The river valley isn’t just a place of beautiful views and scenery. It’s layered with stories, knowledge, and history that many Edmontonians are still discovering.

According to Kowalchuk, world-famous paleontologist Dr. Philip Currie has noted that dinosaur fossils can be found along the riverbanks, if one knows what to look for. These quiet, wooded paths might seem like simple trails, but they’re part of a much older story, shaped by prehistoric life and glacial forces.

There’s also rich Indigenous knowledge embedded in the landscape, Kowalchuk added. Papaschase Cree professor Dr. Dwayne Donald, along with his friend Dale Saddleback, has spoken about the deeper meaning behind the Cree name for the North Saskatchewan River: Kisiskâciwani-sîpiy. While often translated as “fast-paced river,” it more accurately means “river that moves at the speed of a fast-paced walk.”

“And it’s true: if you walk next to the river, you will see that this describes it perfectly,” she said.

Beyond these stories, the City of Edmonton shared even more reasons to be amazed. Spanning more than 20,000 acres, Edmonton’s river valley system is the largest urban park network in Canada, Chu noted. You can travel from north to south using only trails, bike paths, or footbridges, connecting places like Northeast River Valley Park to Terwillegar Park without ever leaving green space.

10. Caring for Edmonton’s river valley

Edmonton’s river valley is a treasured natural space, one that both locals and visitors are encouraged to enjoy, while also helping to protect.

Kowalchuk said the simple but crucial steps everyone can take is to stay on established trails, practice “leave no trace” principles, and keep dogs on-leash to help preserve the delicate ecosystems within the valley.

“It is so important that we protect the river valley and ensure our use of it respects the river valley’s ecological integrity,” Kowalchuk said.

Meanwhile, guided by frameworks like the River Valley Area Redevelopment Plan (ARP) and the Ribbon of Green strategy, the City sets policies to protect the environment while providing diverse recreational and cultural experiences, Chu said. These strategies focus on regulating development to maintain the valley’s natural integrity, while offering strategic direction to safeguard the river valley and ravine system for future generations.

The goal is for everyone to appreciate the valley’s accessibility and free recreational opportunities, while understanding it’s a community treasure that requires collective care.

“Crucially, the City would want visitors to understand that this is a community treasure – a space everyone shares and has a responsibility to cherish and protect,” she said. “By recreating safely and respecting the environment, these spaces are kept beautiful for all.”

Just sit and be

Finally, one might consider the simplest way to enjoy Edmonton’s river valley might be the best way – grab a coffee, find a bench, and just let the wind rustle through the cottonwoods.

Because in a city always moving forward, locals or tourists alike, the river valley reminds us to slow down and love where we live.

cnguyen@postmedia.com

We love where we live, and throughout the summer, we are running a series of stories that highlight what makes Edmonton unique and special within Canada. Follow along with “How Canada Wins” right here.

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