Activities, Courses & Programs
Facility Notifications
Know Before You Go!
Subscribe for facility notifications and be notified about facility closures and service interruptions.
Find Your Fit at a Recreation Centre
Find Your Fit!
Check out drop-in programs like zumba, pilates or yoga, as well as other activities like swimming, weight training, or badminton at a City of Edmonton recreation centre!
Season Pass
Outdoor Pools
NEW! Outdoor Pools Season Pass. Unlimited access to all 4 City outdoor pools all summer!
Popular Activities
Court & Gymnasium Activities
| Badminton |
|---|
All ages & abilitiesBe fast on your feet and bring your family and friends for some badminton play in our gymnasium. |
View drop-in schedules: |
| Basketball |
|---|
All ages & abilitiesCome shoot some hoops with your family and friends. |
View drop-in schedules:
|
| Open Court |
|---|
All ages & abilitiesUse for basketball, floor hockey, open training, badminton, table tennis or other court activities. |
View drop-in schedules:
|
| Open Gymnasium |
|---|
All ages & abilitiesBasketball, volleyball, and badminton and more. Not intended for organized team practices. |
View drop-in schedules:
|
| Pickle Ball |
|---|
All ages & abilitiesMini tennis game played by 2 to 4 people on a badminton-sized court using wooden paddles and a light baseball sized ball. |
View drop-in schedules:
|
| Volleyball |
|---|
All ages & abilitiesPractice your volley, set and spike with friends and family. |
View drop-in schedules:
|
Golfing
You can’t beat the feeling of stepping on to a River Valley Golf course for a rejuvenating round.
The locations of all 3 City owned and operated courses are superb. Nestled in the River Valley with breathtaking views, you’re sure to enjoy a relaxing experience.
If you need to brush up on your skills, there are lessons available. At the Pro Shops you'll find everything you need to enjoy your time on the course from designer golf attire, to golf balls, equipment and friendly advice.
Location(s): Victoria Golf Course and Driving Range, Riverside Golf Course and Rundle Golf Course.
When to Participate: Spring to Fall.
Did you know the golf courses are track set for cross-country skiing in the winter?
Picnics
Picnicking is a fantastic activity for friends and family across the River Valley. You have a variety of options: from drop-in sites to bookable spaces, your choices are endless. Take time to relax and rejuvenate in a River Valley park this year.
Location(s): Throughout the River Valley
When to Participate: Year round! Although picnic sites are bookable from March through to October, those wishing to embrace winter are more than welcome to picnic year-round. The snow isn’t cleared at picnic sites, so you’ll need to be creative and enjoy the challenge!
Public Skating
Free public skating is available year-round. Staff and skate assists are on site during all public skating times. Helmets are not required, however highly recommended.
Equipment not permitted during public skating includes: strollers, sleds, hockey sticks, pucks, and balls. Please do not bring your personal belongings to public skates.
Types of Public Skating
- Public Skate
For everyone. - Parents & Tots Skate (incl. “Sticks & Pucks”)
For parents and their 3-5 year olds. The ice is divided with pylons into 2 sheets. Half for Parents & Tots skating, and half for “Sticks & Pucks” (practice shooting at the net). Helmets are strongly recommended. - Older Adult Skate
For older adults to skate and socialize. - Early Morning Fitness Skate - Adult Only
Early morning fitness skating opportunity for adults (18 years +) - Early Morning Figure Skating
An opportunity for individuals to advance skill and technique through practice of figures and choreographed free skating. Figure skates required. - Outdoor Leisure Ice
Skating for everyone at the Meadows Outdoor Leisure Ice. Outdoor accessible change rooms are available 8AM-11PM daily and 7AM-9PM on Statutory Holidays. - Member Skate
Enjoy this public skate opportunity for City of Edmonton recreation centre members of all ages, hosted at Terwillegar. Valid admission/membership is required.
Public Skating Schedules
Public Skating Schedule - Current Week
Swimming - Lane & Width
| Lane Swim |
|---|
all agesA fitness oriented swim with lanes committed to swimming laps. |
View drop-in schedules: |
| Lane Swim - 50m |
|---|
all agesA fitness oriented swim with lanes committed to swimming laps in a 50m pool. |
View drop-in schedules:
|
| Width Swim |
|---|
all agesSwimming laps across the width of the pool. Usually combined with an activity requiring the full shallow or deep ends of the pool. |
View drop-in schedules:
|
Swimming - Recreation & Leisure
| Public Swim |
|---|
all agesRecreation and leisure swim. |
View drop-in schedules: |
| Adult Swim |
|---|
18+ yearsA recreation and leisure opportunity for adults only. This may or may not be combined with Adult Lane Swim. |
View drop-in schedules:
|
| Family Swim |
|---|
all agesA family oriented recreation and leisure swim for parent/guardians and their children. |
View drop-in schedules:
|
| Kids Area Swim |
|---|
younger children & parents / guardiansA recreation swim in a shallow area of the pool designed specifically for younger children. |
View drop-in schedules: |
| Teen Swim |
|---|
age 13-17A recreation swim for youth ages 13-17 years. |
View drop-in schedules:
|
| Exclusive Swim For Persons With Disabilities |
|---|
all agesA swim for persons with disabilities and their caregivers/families. |
View drop-in schedules:
|
| Female Only Swim |
|---|
all agesA recreation and leisure swim for females only, and with only female staff on duty. |
View drop-in schedules:
|
| Community Swim |
|---|
all agesA swim arranged with area-specific community leagues. A community league membership card is required for entry. Please check at the facility or call your Community League for details. |
View drop-in schedules: |
Shinny & Open Hockey
Drop-In Opportunities
- Adult Shinny
18+ offered year round - Children’s Open Hockey
Drop-in opportunity for children to use sticks and pucks. If participant numbers and demographics allow staff will provide organized play opportunities. - Child/Youth Shinny
Drop-in opportunity for children and youth to play a game of pick-up hockey. See schedule for age categories. Offered in summer only. - Adult/Child Sticks & Pucks
Designed for children ages 6-12 to have the opportunity to practice basic hockey or ringette skills. Children must be accompanied and actively supervised on ice by a parent/guardian. Minimum of a CSA approved helmet and gloves required for adults and children.
Shinny Hockey Schedules
Shinny or Open Hockey Schedule - Current week
How to Participate
Arrive at the arena and visit the front counter to purchase your admission. You will be given a wristband and then will go to the skate monitor and sign-in (maximum 30 minutes prior to program start time).
All signed-in players can proceed to the change rooms. Once the capacity of 26 players is reached, there will be no more spots available.
Admission
| Admission | 2016 Price |
|---|---|
| Single child shinny | $6.75 |
| Multiple child shinny *(5+) | $6.10 |
| Single youth shinny | $8.50 |
| Multiple youth shinny *(5+) | $7.65 |
| Single adult shinny | $11 |
| Multiple adult shinny *(5+) | $9.90 |
* If purchased in multiples of 5 or more.
Shinny or Open Hockey admissions must be purchased in advance at the facilities admissions desk. Please arrive early (30 minutes recommended). Prices are subject to change.
‘Facility Plus’ memberships, ‘All Facility’ memberships and single admissions will not be accepted for admission to shinny hockey.
Maximum 26 players, not including goalies. Full equipment is required, including shoulder pads, helmets, and mask or visor.
Things to Do
Bird Watching & Nature Interpretation
Bird Watching
Grab your binoculars and a local bird book to discover the diverse variety of bird life found in the River Valley. Although bird watching can take place anywhere along the river, Edmonton’s numerous ravine’s provide excellent viewing and listening opportunities.
Location(s): Throughout the River Valley
When to Participate: Year round!
Nature Interpretation
Interested in finding out more about urban nature in the River Valley? Lace up your favourite pair of shoes and take your friends or family out for a hike. With a variety of trails to explore, the River Valley is teeming with nature. The flora and fauna will excite your senses and connect you to your backyard; the great expanse of the River Valley!
Location(s): Throughout the River Valley
When to Participate: Year round!
John Janzen Nature Centre - Nature Walks
River Valley Programs
Cycling & In-Line Skating
Cycling
Cycling is a fabulous activity that gets your blood pumping and can take you from one side of the River Valley to the other! Whether you’re interested in a leisurely ride to take in the beauty of the River Valley, or you seek a few thrills along the way, biking has something for everyone.
Location(s): Throughout the River Valley
When to Participate: Year round! Although the majority of biking happens from Spring to Fall, the opportunity exists for anyone to strap on their helmet and hit the trails regardless of the season.
In-Line Skating
Strap on your in-line skates and take to the trails to experience a fantastic work out with the River Valley as your back drop. You’ll love the fresh air as you coast along the variety of paved trails in the River Valley; you have over 160 km of trail to explore!
Location(s): Throughout the River Valley
When to Participate: Spring, Summer and Fall
Dog Walking & Off Leash Areas
When your furry friend needs some exercise and socialization, the perfect place to visit is one of Edmonton’s numerous dog walking and off leash parks in the River Valley. Not only will your dog get a great workout, you too will benefit from the fresh air and beautiful scenery!
Location(s): Throughout the City and River Valley
When to Participate: Year round!
Disc Golf
Whether you are new to the sport of disc golf or a well-seasoned Frisbee® thrower, you’ll enjoy the opportunity to try this interesting sport. Similar to golf, participants use a disc instead of a ball, aiming for “holes” around the course. This activity is great fun for the whole family and only requires a disc for each person playing.
Location(s): Rundle Park
When to Participate: Year round! Although the course isn’t cleared during the winter, so you’ll have an extra challenge if the snow is deep! Most enthusiasts play this sport during spring, summer and fall.
Please note that the course may close for tournaments. See the Edmonton Disc Golf Association Calendar for more information.
Fishing
If you’re interested in opportunities to fish in the River Valley, grab your rod and head down to the North Saskatchewan River. You’ll find the river is home to burbot, lake sturgeon, and walleye among others. Of course there are regulations when it comes to fishing, so ensure you’re up to date on the rules and have your fishing license on hand. You’ll also find that Hermitage Pond is stocked with rainbow trout, so take a moment to cast a line and enjoy the River Valley.
Location(s): Along or on the North Saskatchewan River & Hermitage Pond
When to Participate: Spring, Summer and Fall.
Note: all anglers must follow the sport fishing regulations.
Geocaching & Orienteering
Geocaching
With the increasingly easy-to-access technology on cell phones, geocaching is becoming easier every day! You’ll need a GPS unit, or an application on your phone, to partake in this activity as you search for hidden caches across the River Valley. This sport has a universal reach, with a number of websites dedicated to it. Whether you’re a keen adventurer, or new to the activity, you’ll love the places you go when geocaching!
Location(s): Throughout the River Valley
When to Participate: Year round!
If you’re interested in learning how to geocache, River Valley Programs and John Janzen Nature Centre offer lessons.
Orienteering
All you need is a map and compass, along with an adventurous spirit and a willingness to explore, if you’d like to try the sport of orienteering! It’s an exciting way to investigate the River Valley and offers friends and family an invigorating way to connect to nature. Use a map and compass to navigate from one check point to another; it’s like an Amazing Race through your very own River Valley!
Location(s): Throughout the River Valley
When to Participate: Primarily Spring, Summer and Fall
Interested in taking a course? Check out River Valley Programs.
On The River
Boating
The North Saskatchewan River is a beautifully serene location to explore, and boating is a perfect way to experience the river and Edmonton’s River Valley.
Location(s): North Saskatchewan River
When to Participate: Spring, Summer and Fall
Canoeing
Imagine the sound of a paddle skimming the surface of the river as a canoe slices through the glass like water. Then imagine your family, navigating these canoes on an exploration of the River Valley and the sport of canoeing. This activity is a superb way to spend an evening or weekend with friends and family. There are a number of organizations and companies offering programs and rentals in the Edmonton area, so take the plunge and look into canoeing as your next adventure.
When to Participate: Spring, Summer and Fall
Check River Valley Programs for canoeing lessons.
Kayaking
An excellent way to gain a different perspective of the River Valley is through a kayaking trip on the North Saskatchewan River. As you glide down the river you’ll view areas you never knew existed, and if you’re lucky you’ll see a few new and interesting inhabitants along the way. A relaxing, rejuvenating and healthy way to explore the River Valley is from the seat of a kayak, with a paddle in hand.
Location(s): North Saskatchewan River
When to Participate: Spring, Summer and Fall
Check River Valley Programs for kayaking lessons.
Rafting
Float down the North Saskatchewan on a beautiful summers day, and you’ll find yourself entranced by your surroundings. This activity is one you’re sure to enjoy, so do some research and make sure you stay safe.
Location(s): North Saskatchewan River
When to Participate: Spring, Summer and Fall (river condition dependent)
Rowing
Fix your oar and take to rowing! Whether you are “bowside” or “strokeside”, you’re sure to get your heart beating in this fast paced sport. The boats are often called “shells” and you can participate by yourself or with others (up to 8 in a boat). Find a local club and see if this water sport is for you.
Location(s): North Saskatchewan River
When to Participate: Spring, Summer and Fall
Stand Up Paddle Boarding
This sport has become very popular in recent years. It combines a surfboard with a paddle, and offers a different experience to those seeking a water-based sport.
Location(s): North Saskatchewan River
When to Participate: Spring/Summer and Fall
Check River Valley Programs for stand up paddle boarding lessons.
Photography
The River Valley is buzzing with opportunities to take the perfect picture! The furry fauna and breathtaking landscapes await the snap of your camera, so take a minute to experience the River Valley as a photographer.
Location(s): Throughout the River Valley
When to Participate: Year round! The River Valley is forever changing; there is always something new to photograph.
Interested in photography? Take a photography course at City Arts Centre and put your skills to work capturing the beauty of the River Valley.
Walking, Jogging & Running
The River Valley boasts over 165 km of trails that are waiting for you to use them! One of the most scenic ways to experience the trails is by walking, jogging or running. You’ll have a chance to hear the wildlife and take in the natural scenery as you make your way along the pathways. Whether you’re training for a marathon or out for a stroll with your sweetheart, the variety of trails in the River Valley offers something for everyone.
Location(s): Throughout the River Valley
When to Participate: Year round!
Program Guides
Program Guides
Find recreation, community, and school programs offered by the City of Edmonton.
