River Valley Trails Edmonton
North America's largest urban parkland, offering 160km of trails, stunning views, and year-round adventure.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Witness nature's awakening
River Valley Trails Edmonton
Best Time
Witness nature's awakening
Highlights
Must-see attractions
North America's largest urban parkland, offering 160km of trails, stunning views, and year-round adventure.
"Edmonton's River Valley is more than a park—it's a lifestyle with nature, recreation, and relaxation steps away."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails vary from paved to granular. Good footwear is essential for enjoying the 160km of paths.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months. Sunscreen and hats are also recommended.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
River Valley Swing
Near 17103 23 Ave
A hidden gem offering a unique thrill and a memorable photo opportunity. Access via marked trails.
Fort Edmonton Footbridge
Oleskiw Neighbourhood
A stunning architectural marvel connecting trails, offering panoramic views of the river and skyline.
100 Street Funicular
100 Street NW, Edmonton
A free, quick ride connecting downtown to the River Valley, leading to scenic lookouts.
River Valley Overlook
North Saskatchewan Drive
Capture breathtaking skyline views, especially magical at sunrise or sunset.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Vastness
Seasonal Wonders & Weather
to potential winter wonderlands. Check the weather forecast and dress in layers, as conditions can change. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for navigating the diverse trail surfaces. Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails vary from paved to granular. Good footwear is essential for enjoying the 160km of paths.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months. Sunscreen and hats are also recommended.
🗺️ Plan Your Route
With so many trails, having a plan ensures you see what you want. Use maps or apps to navigate.
📸 Capture the Views
From skyline panoramas to hidden swings, the River Valley offers endless photo opportunities. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails vary from paved to granular. Good footwear is essential for enjoying the 160km of paths.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months. Sunscreen and hats are also recommended.
🗺️ Plan Your Route
With so many trails, having a plan ensures you see what you want. Use maps or apps to navigate.
📸 Capture the Views
From skyline panoramas to hidden swings, the River Valley offers endless photo opportunities. +1
🐶 Dog-Friendly Trails
Many trails are off-leash, making it a great spot for furry friends.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the River Valley for its stunning natural beauty, extensive trail system, and breathtaking views, especially during fall. The accessibility and variety of activities make it a beloved urban oasis. However, some express concern over the significant land allocation to golf courses, suggesting a desire for more public parkland.
"Got an amazing sight of Edmonton across the river. The bridge was full of masterpiece arts and is such a wonderful experience to stroll through."
MushyBilla
"Why are there like 6 golf courses in the river valley? You're wasting hundreds of acres of river valley for a few people to play a game. Parks like Emily Murphy are the size of a postage stamp. If Edmonton is anticipating a population of 1.2 million people then it's time to fold up Highlands, Riverside, Victoria, Mayfair, Rundle, etc. It's not fair that a person can't use this part of the river valley without a golf club."
Unknown User
"Beautiful place."
Mariia Shcherbyna (Photographer)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Access points are numerous throughout the city. For downtown access, the 100 Street Funicular offers a free ride down to the valley floor. Other popular access points include Oleskiw neighbourhood for the Fort Edmonton Footbridge
and Emily Murphy Park.
Public transit routes like Route 923 also serve some areas.
Yes, parking is available at various access points. For example, parking near Concordia University of Edmonton is mentioned for the River Valley Swing, and Fort Edmonton Footbridge parking is available on Wanyandi Way NW.
Absolutely! Route 923 is specifically mentioned as a transit option to reach areas like the Fort Edmonton Footbridge. Check local transit schedules for routes serving different park entrances.
The 100 Street Funicular provides a unique and free way to descend from downtown directly into the River Valley. For a different perspective, consider an Edmonton Riverboat cruise.
Walking and biking are the most popular ways to explore the extensive trail system. For a guided experience, Segway tours are also available.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Edmonton River Valley trails are free to access and explore.
The River Valley is generally accessible year-round, from dawn till dusk. Specific amenities like the funicular may have operating hours, so it's best to check in advance.
For general trail access, no booking is required. However, if you're interested in specific activities like Segway tours or Riverboat cruises,
advance booking is recommended.
While generally open, be aware of any temporary closures or advisories. The River Valley Swing is noted as 'visit at your own risk'. Some areas might have specific rules, especially regarding fires or camping.
Yes, many trails in the River Valley are dog-friendly, with some being off-leash areas, making it a great destination for pet owners.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Don't miss the unique River Valley Swing,+1 the impressive Fort Edmonton Footbridge,
+1 and the scenic River Valley Overlook on North Saskatchewan Drive.
The 100 Street Funicular offers great views and access.
Activities abound, including hiking, biking, trail running, photography,
Segway tours
and Riverboat cruises
offer unique ways to explore.
Yes, with its vast network of trails and open spaces, it's a fantastic place for families to enjoy nature and outdoor activities. Some areas offer gentle paths suitable for strollers.
The Fort Edmonton Footbridge is noted for its 'masterpiece arts' and is a wonderful experience to stroll through.
Immerse yourself by walking or biking the trails, enjoying the diverse flora and fauna. The Strathcona Science Provincial Park is highlighted for its natural beauty,
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, a new cafe called Cloverdale Coffee has opened in the River Valley area, offering beverages and paninis. Riverboat cruises sometimes include dinner buffets.
Absolutely! The River Valley offers numerous scenic spots perfect for picnics. Emily Murphy Park is a popular location for gatherings.
While direct dining within the trails is limited, the surrounding neighborhoods offer various dining options. The Cloverdale Coffee cafe is conveniently located near the valley.
Options range from casual cafe fare like paninis and coffee to more formal dining experiences on the Riverboat cruises.
The Edmonton Riverboat cruises offer dining with unique vantage points of the skyline and river valley. Some lookouts also provide beautiful backdrops for a packed meal.
📸 📸 Photography
The River Valley Overlook on North Saskatchewan Drive offers stunning skyline views. The Fort Edmonton Footbridge provides dramatic perspectives,
+1 and the River Valley Swing is a unique subject.
+1
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting, with golden hour casting a beautiful glow over the landscape.
Landscape photography capturing the skyline, bridges, and natural beauty is very popular.
The 'secret' River Valley Swing is a must-capture for many visitors.+1 The art on the Fort Edmonton Footbridge also makes for interesting photographic subjects.
Fall is particularly stunning with its vibrant foliage,
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look for areas with open green spaces for picnics and play, such as Emily Murphy Park.🐶 Dog Lovers
This makes it a top destination for dog walking and enjoying the outdoors together. Remember to always be mindful of other trail users and to clean up after your pet.📸 Photographers
while sunrise and sunset provide magical golden hour lighting.🏃♀️ Active Adventurers
+1 offering varied challenges. Cyclists can explore extensive bike paths, and those seeking a unique experience can opt for Segway tours.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails: A Network Like No Other
+1 These trails cater to a variety of users, offering a mix of paved surfaces ideal for leisurely strolls and biking, as well as granular paths perfect for trail running and more rugged exploration.+1 The system is thoughtfully designed to connect various neighborhoods, providing residents and visitors alike with seamless access to nature and recreation right within the city. Navigating this vast network is made easier by key landmarks and infrastructure. The Fort Edmonton Footbridge is a significant connector, linking trails across the North Saskatchewan River and enhancing the exploration possibilities.
Many of these trails are also dog-friendly, with several designated off-leash areas, making the River Valley a beloved destination for pet owners.
This commitment to accessibility and diverse use underscores why the River Valley is considered more than just a park; it's a lifestyle for many Edmontonians. Remember to check trail conditions, especially after inclement weather, and always practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve this incredible urban green space. Iconic Views and Hidden Gems
For those seeking a bit of adventure and a memorable photo opportunity, the 'secret' River Valley Swing has become a popular, albeit unofficial, attraction. Accessible via marked trails, it offers a thrilling experience and a unique story to tell.
Another highlight is the Fort Edmonton Footbridge, not only for its role in connecting trails but also for its aesthetic appeal and the 'masterpiece arts' that adorn it, making a stroll across it a visually engaging experience.
Seasonal Beauty and Activities
+1 This is a popular time for organized events like 'Fall Walk & Talk' gatherings.Spring brings a fresh awakening to the landscape, with new growth and blooming flora, making it an ideal time for nature observation and gentle hikes.
Summer is perfect for longer excursions, with opportunities for Segway tours,Even in winter, the River Valley holds a certain magic, transforming into a serene, snow-covered wonderland.
While some activities might be limited, the quiet beauty of the snow-draped trees and frozen river offers a peaceful escape. Regardless of the season, the River Valley provides a dynamic and ever-changing backdrop for outdoor adventures.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit