North America's largest urban parkland, threading Edmonton along the river.
What to Expect
Edmonton's river valley is the largest continuous expanse of urban parkland in North America — a 7,400-hectare ribbon of forest, meadows and trails following the North Saskatchewan River through the heart of the city, 22 times the size of New York's Central Park.
More than 150 km of paved and gravel trails link downtown to neighbourhoods and parks like Hawrelak Park and Emily Murphy Park. It's a year-round playground for cyclists, runners, paddlers and, in winter, cross-country skiers.
Best Time to Visit
May–October for cycling and paddling; winter grooms trails for cross-country skiing.
Practical Tips
Free and open year-round with access points across the city. Rent a bike downtown or launch a canoe at Emily Murphy Park; the funicular near the Hotel Macdonald links the river valley to downtown.
Where to Stay
Downtown and the ICE District put you near restaurants and Rogers Place; the river valley is steps away for trails and festivals.
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Half day · Free
Families, festival-goers & culture lovers
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