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COVID-19

New mandatory public health measures are in effect across Alberta to protect the health system and slow the spread of COVID-19. Learn more at edmonton.ca/COVID-19.

Boating and Canoeing

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As a result of COVID-19 impacts, the majority of the City’s boat docks will not be installed this season. See full list of available docks and boat launches. Please visit www.edmonton.ca/COVID19 for updates.

The North Saskatchewan River is a natural connection between neighbouring municipalities. The City maintains numerous docks and launches throughout Edmonton. This provides public access, allows travel along the river and supports the regional park concept.

Check the notifications before you go. Closures may occur due to water levels, weather, or other situations.

Notifications

There are currently no notifications.

Trailered/Vehicle Boat Launches

Capilano Park

Location: South side of river at the end of 50 Street

Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park

Location: 13221 Buena Vista Rd NW

Vehicle Launch Etiquette

  • Load equipment and supplies into boat before you get to the launch
  • Move vehicles away from boat launch promptly and park in designated areas 

Hand/Carry Boat Launches and Docks

Capilano Park

Type: Hand Launch and Dock
Location: South side of river at the end of 50 Street

Dawson Park

Type: Hand Launch and Dock
Location: North of 103a Avenue and 89 Street

Emily Murphy Park

Type: Hand Launch and Dock
Location: Emily Murphy Road and Groat Road

Fort Edmonton Park

Type: Hand Launch
Location: Fort Edmonton Park Road

Louise McKinney Riverfront Park 

Type: Dock
Location: Southeast of the park washrooms, north side of the river 

Rafters’ Landing

Type: Hand Launch
Location: North of parking lot, just west of the Edmonton Riverboat
 

Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park

Type: Hand Launch and Dock
Location: NE of current boat launch 

Terwillegar Park

Type: Hand Launch
Location: North east of parking lot

Whitemud Park 

Type: Dock
Location: West of whitemud creek, north of Fort Edmonton Park Rd

William Hawrelak Park

Type: Dock
Location: Between shelter 1 and 2 along park ring road
Note: Boating is not permitted on the lake.

Boating Etiquette

  • Operate at a safe speed and avoid dangerous behaviours
  • Be courteous when passing other river users by keeping a safe distance and limiting wake

Boating Regulations

All rafts, boats or vessels under six metres in length must carry: 

  • An approved personal floatation device for each person
  • A buoyant heaving line or throw bag of at least 15 metres in length
  • A bailer or bilge pump
  • A whistle or sounding device
  • One manual propelling device (paddle or oars) OR an anchor with not less than 15m of cable, rope or chain in any combination

Full boating regulations available from Transport Canada: www.tc.gc.ca

Aquatic Invasive Species

Learn how to keep Alberta's bodies of water safe from aquatic invasives.

North Saskatchewan River

Powered vessels must keep clear of non-powered craft. Non-powered boaters should know it is often better for motor craft to pass them at speed as this will throw a smaller wake.

  • When overtaking another vessel, leave a wide space and make it clear what side you are passing on
  • Alter your course to the right when approaching another vessel head-on
  • Be conscious of motor noise
  • Fires are only permitted in permanent firepits within the city limits
  • Do not litter on the water and report refuse in the river or along the bank to 311

Ponds

Hermitage Park

You can use your non-motorized craft on the main pond in Hermitage Park.

Rundle and William Hawrelak Park
  • Paddle boat rentals available at Rundle and William Hawrelak Park
  • The Edmonton Paddling Centre Society operates a canoe/kayak centre on the ponds in Rundle Park for group paddling

Most of the other ponds in Edmonton's park system are stormwater lakes and are not suitable for boating, canoeing or kayaking. Be aware of the associated health risks.

Stormwater Lakes

For public safety, any activity that may result in direct contact with water in stormwater lakes is prohibited (this includes wading, swimming, boating, fishing and skating). 

The City has signage posted at all stormwater facilities advising residents to keep off the water/ice because conditions are unknown. Due to the nature and the function of stormwater lakes, conditions can be unpredictable and dangerous. Moving water, temperature changes underwater due to vegetation or drainage and fluctuating weather conditions can all result in unsafe conditions not visible from the surface.

Related Documents

River Travel Times

River travel times for the North Saskatchewan River

Related Links

Greater Edmonton Racing Canoe Kayak Club

Edmonton Whitewater Paddlers

Ceyana Canoe Club

Edmonton Dragon Boat Racing Club

Edmonton Dragon Boat Festival

Fishing

Edmonton Rowing Club

Northwest Voyageurs Canoe and Kayak Club

For More Information

311 Contact Centre

Online Contact 311 Online
Telephone

In Edmonton: 311
Outside Edmonton: 780-442-5311
TTY 780-944-5555

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