The North Saskatchewan River is a hallmark of Edmonton’s landscape. It is used year-round for many activities.
Its conditions, however, change rapidly and can be unforgiving. No matter the season, the river presents significant risks due to its unpredictable nature, including powerful undertows and hidden dangers like submerged debris, drifting logs and unstable, muddy banks. It is vital to know the risks before you head out.
Warning for All Users of the River
- It is never safe to swim in the river, venture onto the water without a life jacket, or walk near or on the river ice in winter.
- Swimming and diving without wearing a floatation device is strongly discouraged.
- If a person or pet is swept away by the current, call 911 immediately and ping your location.
- Do not enter the water to attempt a rescue.
Summer Safety: Water Awareness
It is never safe to swim in the river or wade into the water
Although the North Saskatchewan River looks inviting for cooling off, paddling or floating, the current is fast-moving and unpredictable.
Note: It is a legal requirement in Edmonton to wear a personal flotation device at all times while on any vessel in the North Saskatchewan River.
Always keep pets on a leash near the riverbank.
Winter Safety: Dangerous Ice
It is never safe to walk near or on the river ice
Although the North Saskatchewan River can look desirable for hiking, skating and cross-country skiing in the winter, the ice thickness is inconsistent and dangerous because the river is always moving underneath.
Always keep pets on a leash near the riverbank. If a person or a pet falls through the ice, call 911 immediately. Do not attempt a rescue. For more information about the river and ice safety, see Ice Safety.
Before You Leave Home
- Share your trip plans with someone
- Review a map of the local boat launches for Edmonton and Area
- Check the weather report and safety advisories, and know how they might impact your activity
- Check the river depth and flow rate. High and fast water can be dangerous! In case of an emergency please contact 911 immediately! Please check water quality advisories and notices from Alberta Health Services and Alberta Environment and Parks or visit North Saskatchewan regional planning for more information. For additional inquiries on any Alberta river outings visit Alberta Rivers Basins
- Pack safety equipment, first aid kit and personal items in a sealed waterproof bag
- Review safety tips and requirements: Transport Canada Safe Boating Guide and Edmonton Police Service River Safety Video
Before Entering the Water
- Know your limitations and do not go further than you are comfortable
- Check launch notifications to make sure your planned exit is open
- Edmonton’s Public Spaces Bylaw requires all individuals on a vessel to wear a personal floatation device at all times. Failure to do so may result in a fine
- Ensure compliance with Transport Canada guidelines, provincial regulations and municipal bylaws
- Do not drink alcohol or take drugs while on or operating a vessel
- Give other vessels and any waterfowl a wide berth when passing
Water Quality
Recreational use of the North Saskatchewan River and other untreated natural waters can pose health risks if water is swallowed or makes contact with skin. This applies to both primary contact (swimming and wading) and secondary contact (boating and fishing).
Before heading out, it is strongly advised to check Alberta Environment and Parks for the latest water quality guidelines.
Safety Requirements for All Vessels
If it floats, it’s a boat! Things like air mattresses, tubes, paddle boards, floating islands, inflatables, rafts and dinghies are all considered vessels. As noted in the Safe Boating Guide, all vessels must carry:
- An approved personal flotation 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
- A waterproof flashlight for night or low-light situations
- One manual propelling device (paddle or oars) or an anchor with not less than 15 metres of cable, rope or chain in any combination
Full water and boat regulations are available from Transport Canada.
Please note that while federal rules require vessels to carry personal flotation devices, Edmonton's Public Spaces Bylaw 20700 goes further, requiring all individuals on vessels to wear a flotation device at all times.
Boat Launches
Vehicle Launch Etiquette
- Do not obstruct the use of the launch by others
- Inflate your equipment away from the launch area
- Load your equipment and supplies into the vessel before getting to the launch
- If picking up people on the river, don’t wait for your party in the launch area
- Move vehicles away from boat launch promptly and park in designated areas
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
- Give a wide berth for other boats or wildlife
Pets in the River Valley
If you enjoy exploring the River Valley with your dog or pet in the summer, please ensure you are aware of your surroundings and that your pet obeys voice commands.
Keep your pet in sight at all times.
If you take your pet on the river with you, please be sure that you supervise swimming pets. Never leave your dog unsupervised by any body of water and remember your pet should always be outfitted with a personal flotation device when swimming or boating.
Aquatic Invasive Species
Aquatic invasive species can pose significant negative impacts to human health or the economy. They can also cause harm to the environment such as displacing native species, reducing biodiversity and overall health of an area.
Compliance
The North Saskatchewan River is regularly patrolled by Park Rangers and the Edmonton Police Service who perform safety compliance checks.
This is to ensure compliance on a range of matters such as Small Vessel Regulations, Canada Shipping Act, Public Spaces Bylaw and the Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Act.
Contact Us
311 Contact Centre
Phone 311 | Outside Edmonton and Video Relay Service (VRS): 780-442-5311 | TTY 711