North Saskatchewan River Valley

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Alberta Tourism, Parks, Recreation and Culture
Photo provided by Alberta Tourism, Parks, Recreation and Culture
Alberta Legislature Building showing interior views and heritage architecture
Alberta Legislature Building featuring an administrative building and heritage architecture
Fort Edmonton Park which includes interior views

Enjoy scenic walks, cycling, picnics, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, bird watching or canoeing at North America’s longest continuous stretch of urban parkland.

At the Edmonton River Valley, go for a leisurely stroll or cycle along some of the many trails, and stop for a picnic on the grass. Rent a canoe to explore the North Saskatchewan River on a warm day or sit beneath large shady trees to people-watch. In winter, go cross-country skiing or hike past trees laden with snow. Autumn and spring are great seasons to capture the flora and fauna on camera.

Edmonton River Valley comprises 18,400 acres (7,400 hectares) and consists of 22 major parks, connected by more than 93 miles (150 kilometers) of trails. It’s the largest stretch of urban parkland in North America and is shared by Edmonton and its surrounding communities.

People probably roamed this fertile valley as early as 10,000 B.C., just after the last ice age. With the arrival of settlers looking for agricultural sites some 150 years ago, the area around the North Saskatchewan River became more and more developed. Fortunately, much of the nature was preserved for future generations to enjoy.

Head down to the river to go rowing, canoeing or fishing. You can catch burbot, lake sturgeon and walleye, but check local fishing regulations beforehand. There are lots of bird-watching opportunities across the valley too, so read up on the local species.

During winter, try cross-country skiing or snowshoeing on some of the special tracks set up throughout the valley. There are also four skating rinks to circle around on too. If you are visiting in spring, summer or fall, you can go rollerskating on the paved trails instead. Join a Segway tour for a less strenuous way to explore the parklands.

To try something different, take a raft or a stand-up paddle board down the river to get a good look at the forested parklands from the water. Check the weather and river conditions before you head out.

If you are visiting the river valley from downtown Edmonton it takes about five minutes by car, 30 minutes on foot or 15 minutes by light rail from Churchill Station.

Where to stay in North Saskatchewan River Valley

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Cloverdale

While you're in Cloverdale, take in top sights like Muttart Conservatory and jump on the metro at Muttart Station to see more of the city.

Cloverdale
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Windsor Park

Windsor Park might not have many top sights, but Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium and Rutherford House are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Windsor Park
Courtyard by Marriott Edmonton Downtown

Courtyard by Marriott Edmonton Downtown

3 out of 5
One Thornton Court, 99 Street & Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, AB
The price is CA $159 per night from Sep 5 to Sep 6
CA $159
CA $180 total
Sep 5 - Sep 6
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Edmonton. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
Courtyard by Marriott Edmonton Downtown
Sandman Signature Edmonton Downtown Hotel

Sandman Signature Edmonton Downtown Hotel

3.5 out of 5
10235 - 101 Street, Edmonton, AB
The price is CA $135 per night from Sep 7 to Sep 8
CA $135
CA $155 total
Sep 7 - Sep 8
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Edmonton. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant ...
Sandman Signature Edmonton Downtown Hotel
Chateau Lacombe Hotel

Chateau Lacombe Hotel

3.5 out of 5
10111 Bellamy Hill Nw, Edmonton, AB
The price is CA $159 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
CA $159
CA $180 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Edmonton. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the restaurant and ...
8/10 Very Good! (3,134 reviews)
"Great location, walkable for Rogers Place, staff was excellent and helpful."

Reviewed on Aug. 30, 2025

Chateau Lacombe Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
West Edmonton Mall Condo | Free Parking

West Edmonton Mall Condo | Free Parking

Edmonton
Stay at this vacation home in Edmonton. Enjoy laundry facilities. Popular attractions West Edmonton Mall and Rogers Place are located nearby.
West Edmonton Mall Condo | Free Parking
Comfortable entire townhouse in downtown Edmonton.

Comfortable entire townhouse in downtown Edmonton.

Edmonton
Stay at this vacation home in Edmonton. Enjoy laundry facilities. Popular attractions Rogers Place and Commonwealth Stadium are located nearby.
Comfortable entire townhouse in downtown Edmonton.
Centrally located & Stylish 2Bedroom River Valley Suite

Centrally located & Stylish 2Bedroom River Valley Suite

Edmonton
Stay at this vacation home in Edmonton. Enjoy laundry facilities and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Rogers Place and South Edmonton Common are located ...
Centrally located & Stylish 2Bedroom River Valley Suite
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Cities near North Saskatchewan River Valley