The number of activities for you to enjoy in City Parks and the River Valley is endless.

Art

Skip the gallery and come enjoy an art park in Edmonton’s beautiful River Valley!

ᐄᓃᐤ (ÎNÎW) River Lot 11∞, pronounced (EE-NU) River Lot 11, features 6 artworks by Canadian Indigenous artists.

The art park is situated on ancestral lands of the Indigenous peoples whose descendants entered into Treaty with the British Crown resulting in the territory opening for settlement.

Location: Queen Elizabeth Park

When to Participate: Year round

Learn about the artists, their artwork, and the history of the site at
"Telling the stories of this place" ᐄᓃᐤ (ÎNÎW) River Lot 11∞ - Edmonton Arts Council

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.

Locations: 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!

Locations: Throughout the River Valley

When to Participate: Year round

John Janzen Nature Centre

Cycling & In-Line Skating

Cycling

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. 

Locations: Throughout the River Valley

When to Participate: Year round

River Valley Trail Maps

In-Line Skating

Strap on your in-line skates and take to the trails to experience a fantastic work out with the River Valley; you have over 160 km of trail to explore!

Locations: Throughout the River Valley

When to Participate: Spring, Summer and Fall

River Valley Trail Maps

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: Rundle Park

When to Participate: Year round

Rundle Park 18 hole Disc Course Map

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. 

Locations: Throughout the City and River Valley

When to Participate: Year round

Dog Off-Leash Areas
Fishing
  • The river is home to burbot, lake sturgeon and walleye
  • Hermitage Pond is stocked with rainbow trout

Fishing Regulations

Fishing License

Locations: North Saskatchewan River and Hermitage Pond

When to Participate: Spring, Summer and Fall

Fishing

Geocaching & Orienteering

Geocaching

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. 

Locations: Throughout the River Valley

When to Participate: Year round

Orienteering

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.

Locations: Throughout the River Valley

When to Participate: Spring, Summer and Fall

Golfing

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. 

Locations: Victoria Golf Course and Driving Range, Riverside Golf Course and Rundle Golf Course

When to Participate: Spring to Fall

Municipal Golf Courses

On The River

Boating and Canoeing

The North Saskatchewan River is a beautifully serene location to explore. Boating and Canoeing is a perfect way to experience the river and Edmonton’s River Valley.

Location: North Saskatchewan River

When to Participate: Spring, Summer and Fall

Boating and Canoeing

Kayaking

A relaxing, rejuvenating and healthy way to explore the River Valley is from the seat of a kayak, with a paddle in hand.

Location: North Saskatchewan River

When to Participate: Spring, Summer and Fall

Rafting

Float down the North Saskatchewan on a beautiful summers day, and you’ll find yourself entranced by your surroundings. 

Location: North Saskatchewan River

When to Participate: Spring, Summer and Fall (river condition dependent)


Rowing

Find a local club and see if this water sport is for you.

Location: 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: North Saskatchewan River

When to Participate: Spring, Summer and Fall

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. 

Locations: Throughout the River Valley

When to Participate: Year round

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.

Locations: Throughout the River Valley

When to Participate: Year round

Picnic Sites

Skiing & Skating

Cross-country Skiing

Edmonton can have long winters, and that means that snow blankets the ground from months on end. One of the best ways to take advantage of long winters is to strap on a pair of cross-country skis and hit the trails. Many locations are track set, so all you need is a willingness to get a good workout along with skis, boots and poles. Embrace winter and try cross-country skiing today!

Locations: Throughout the River Valley

When to Participate: Winter

Cross-country Skiing

Downhill Skiing

A fantastic sport to keep you invigorated and make the most of Edmonton’s winter is downhill skiing. Edmonton boasts 2 hills located within city limits, so strap on your skis, organize a lesson and take advantage of this thrilling winter sport!

Locations:

Snow Valley Ski Hill

Edmonton Ski Club

When to Participate: Winter

Skating

You’ll find a number of skating rinks throughout the City of Edmonton, 3 of which are in the River Valley. Victoria Park Oval is a skating surface created and maintained by the City and used by the Edmonton Speed Skating Association. The ESSA shares the use of the rink with the City to allow public skating outside of association hours. Two further outdoor rinks are found in Rundle park; one for general skating and one for shinny hockey. 

When to Participate: Winter

Outdoor Skating and Ice Rinks

Snowshoeing & Tobogganing

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is a relatively easy activity to participate in; all you need is winter clothing and a set of snowshoes. When snow starts to fall, one of the best ways to take advantage of the fluffy stuff is to take a walk in the River Valley. Add in snowshoes and you can access locations that aren’t cleared of snow in the winter. There is something magical about exploring the River Valley when the snow is glistening, and all you can hear are the birds chirping and the sound of your snowshoes crunching on the trail.

Locations: Throughout the River Valley

When to Participate: Winter

Snowshoeing

Tobogganing

If you’re searching for a fun winter activity for the whole family, look no further! Tobogganing is something that everyone can participate in. Taking a turn cruising down one of the local hills is packed full of excitement. The City maintains 6 locations for you to enjoy. Grab a sled and take your family for a trip to a toboggan hill this year!

Locations: Throughout the River Valley

When to Participate: Winter

Tobogganing

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. 

Locations:

Throughout the River Valley

When to Participate: 

Year round!

River Valley Trail Maps