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Picnic Sites

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Picnic site reservations will resume for the following sites beginning July 4, 2020:

Laurier Park, sites 3, 5 & 6
Hawrelak Park, sites 1 & 3
Emily Murphy Park, site 1
Victoria Park, sites 2 & 6
Gold Bar Park, site 1
Rundle Park, sites 2, 3 & 5

All other sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Please continue following public health guidelines. Due to the safety and financial impacts of COVID-19, service adjustments have been made.

The City of Edmonton boasts some of the most beautiful and scenic picnic areas in all of Alberta. Located in the heart of the City's parks, our picnic sites are available for reservation (for a guaranteed spot) or on a first-come, first-served basis.

Groups of less than 50 people are free to use the drop in picnic sites scattered throughout the parks. Reservations are required for groups of more than 50, or those requiring special services.

Different picnic sites offer different amenities to fit your needs as well as additional services, such as power or vehicle access. Some of these come with additional fees and conditions of use.

Note: You must request permission for activities such as bouncy castles and other inflatable play equipment.

Book A Picnic Site

Public Health Guidelines

Maintain 2 metre physical distance
Gather in groups of 100 people or fewer
Only share common equipment with members of the same family or cohort
Stay home if you feel sick
Bring your own hand sanitizer
Wash and sanitize your hands before and after using these areas

See the Alberta Government's Guidance for Sports, Physical Activity and Recreation (June 9, 2020) and Guidance for Outdoor Events.

Service Changes

Changes in services to all picnic sites:

Only one booking per day can be accommodated at each site.
Picnic booking capacity cannot surpass 100 people.
12 picnic tables are available at each site.
4-6 tables will be under each shelter. Remaining tables will be spread out adjacent to the shelter and cannot not be moved.
Each site will be serviced once daily prior to bookings. Due to limited staffing, reduced servicing may occur.
Some parks sites are being mowed on a 14 day cycle. This may result in some longer grass and more weeds than previous years. Please visit edmonton.ca/parkcare for more information.
Water fountains are not in operation.
Boat docks are not in operation.
Reduced number of garbage cans will be available at each site.
There will be no vehicles on parklands permits available.
There is no power available to each site.

Rates

We accept cash, debit, credit (Visa, Mastercard or American Express), or cheque (payable to the City of Edmonton). Minimum 4-hour reservation is required.

Canopied Picnic Sites: $38.95/hr

Non-canopied Picnic Sites: $29.85/hr

Additional Fees

Some sites offer additional services or permissions, you can request and pay for these at the time of booking.

Power Access*: $46.80/site (Not currently available)

Vehicle Access*: $46.80/site (Not currently available)

Maximum 3 vehicles for pick up/drop off use only
Parking not permitted on parkland

Inflatable permission* (Not currently available)

Requires booking at inflatable permissible site
See list of approved City vendors
$2 million liability insurance required

Sport Field Usage

*Additional terms and conditions apply. Please inquire at time of booking.

Book A Picnic Site

Picnic Site Locations

Locations marked with an asterisk (*) have winterized picnic sites available for reservation during the off season.

7507 Borden Park Rd NW

Reservations currently not available at Borden Park.
Drop-in Use: 6 picnic sites

Features

Canopy/Shelter

More information:
Borden Park Picnic Sites

Reservations currently not available at Capilano Park
Drop-in Use: 10 picnic sites

Features

Canopy/Shelter
Power currently not available

More information:
Capilano Picnic Site

11425 142 Street

Reservations currently not available at Coronation Park
Drop-in Use: 0 picnic tables

Features

Canopy/Shelter

More information:
Coronation Park Picnic Sites

10298 89 Street

Reservations currently unavailable at Dawson Park

Drop-in Use: 8 picnic sites

Features

Canopy/Shelter
Power currently not available

More information:
Dawson Picnic Site

11904 Emily Murphy Park Rd NW

1 picnic site, #1 for reservation
26 picnic sites for drop-in use

Please note: parking in Emily Murphy Park is limited due to ongoing construction on Groat Road.

Features

Canopy/Shelter
Non-Canopied Shelter
Vehicle Access available for additional $46.80 (Site #1)
Inflatable play equipment is permitted (Site #1). Additional terms and conditions apply.
Wheelchair accessible (Site #1, #2)

More information:
Emily Murphy Park Picnic Sites

Reservable Sites: currently not available
Drop-in Use: 17 picnic sites

Features

Canopy/Shelter
Non-Canopy Sites

More information:
Gold Bar Park Picnic Sites

Government House

9938 Groat Rd NW

Reservable Sites: currently not available
Drop-in Use: 24 picnic sites

Features

Non-Canopy Site
Inflatable play equipment is permitted. Additional terms and conditions apply.

More information:
Government House Park Picnic Sites

2115 Hermitage Rd NW

Reservable Sites: currently not available
Drop-in Use: 24 picnic sites

Features

Canopy/Shelter

More information:
Hermitage Park Picnic Sites

Reservable Sites: currently not available
Drop-in Use: 12 picnic tables

Features

Non-Canopy Sites
Vehicle Access available for additional $46.80 (Site #11)
Inflatable Play Equipment is permitted (Site #11) - additional terms and conditions apply

More information:
Jackie Parker Park Picnic Sites

9100 Walterdale Hill

Reservable Sites: currently not available
No sites available for drop-in use.

Features

Canopy/Shelter
Inflatable play equipment is permitted. Additional terms and conditions apply.

More information:
Kinsmen Park Picnic Site

Queen Elizabeth

10380 Queen Elizabeth Park Road

Reservable Sites: currently not available
Drop-in Use: 11 picnic sites

Features

Canopy/Shelter
Power currently not available
Wheelchair Accessible Site

More information:
Queen Elizabeth Park Picnic Site

2909 113 Ave NW

Sites 2, 3 and 5 available for reservation
23 picnic sites for drop-in use

Features

Canopy/Shelter
Power currently not available

More information:
Rundle Park Park Picnic Sites

Sir Wilfrid Laurier

13221 Buena Vista Rd NW

Reservable Sites: sites 3,5 and 6
Drop-in Use: 31 picnic sites

New building construction starting March 2020. Washrooms will not be accessible. Portable toilets will be available during construction.

Features

Vehicle Access for additional $46.80 (Site #7, #8, #9)
Power currently not available
Canopy/Shelter
Non-Canopy Sites
Inflatable Play Equipment is permitted (Site #7, #8) - additional terms and conditions apply

More information:
Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park Picnic Sites

12130 River Valley Road NW

Sites 2 and 6 available for reservation
7 picnic sites for drop-in use

Features

Vehicle Access for additional $46.80 (Site #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6)
Power currently not available
Canopy/Shelter
Non-Canopy Sites
Inflatable Play Equipment is permitted (Site #2, #3, #4, #5, #6) - additional terms and conditions apply

More information:
Victoria Park Picnic Sites

13204 Fox Dr NW

Reservations currently not available
Drop-in Use: 20 picnic sites

Features

Non-Canopy Site
Vehicle Access for additional $46.80

More information:
Whitemud Park Picnic Sites

William Hawrelak *

9330 Groat Road NW

Sites 1 and 3 currently available for reservations
30 picnic sites for drop-in use

Features

Vehicle Access available for additional $46.80 (Site #1, #3, #4)
Canopy/Shelter
Power available for additional $46.80 (Sites #1, #2, #3, #4)
Inflatable Play Equipment is permitted (Site #1) - additional terms and conditions apply

More information:
William Hawrelak Park Picnic Sites

Cancellations and Rescheduling

Deadlines

Rescheduling within 16 days: Rescheduling requests must be submitted to the Picnic Bookings Office in writing a minimum of 4 business days prior to the reservation date. Please note that there will be a $25 rescheduling fee.
Cancellations: Must submit a minimum of 16 or more days prior to the reservation date to receive a full refund – minus a cancellation fee of $25. Any cancellation requests that come within 16 days of the reservation date forfeit any refund.

Upon cancellation, delete or dispose of the cancelled/rescheduled permit as it is no longer valid. If you are found using a cancelled permit you will be billed for the reservation.

Inclement Weather Reservation Changes / Cancellations

City picnic sites are in an outdoor park setting and are subject to the weather. It is the permit holder’s responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of their guests during their event.

We recommend you closely monitor the weather during your event and have plans in place in the event that severe weather threatens the area.

All requests to cancel prior to a weather event are subject to the cancellation fees and all requests to reschedule are subject to availability. In some cases, a City of Edmonton indoor venue may be available for your use in the event of anticipated inclement weather: see Private Corporate, Social & Sports Events Rentals.
Inclement weather refunds will be given in the event of significant precipitation (heavy rain, hail, sleet and snow). It is the permit holder’s responsibility to contact the Bookings Office to arrange a refund after their event has been affected by inclement weather. Refunds will be granted on a case-by-case basis depending on historical data supplied by Environment Canada and Operational reports. Refunds will not be granted in the event of cold weather, strong winds, due to mosquitos, or fire bans.

Picnic Site Bookings FAQ

Do I need to reserve a site to have a picnic?

No, City parks are open to the public and everyone is welcome to enjoy a picnic without making a reservation, however, this does not guarantee you exclusive use of the site.

If you are organizing a picnic for over 49 people a reservation is required, as per parkland bylaw 2202. This also guarantees you exclusive use of the site.

For exclusive use of one of our reservable sites, a minimum 4 hours reservation is required.

Fees, terms and conditions apply.

Why should I reserve a picnic site?

Reserving a designated picnic site means:

You will have exclusive use of your preferred picnic site for a minimum of 4 hours on your reserved day. There is no need to arrive at the park hours in advance to ensure you have your preferred site reserved.
You can communicate exact details of your gathering with certainty to friends and family in advance of the day.

How much of the area around the picnic site is included in my reservation?

In order to balance the needs of booking clients and other park visitors, the physical space included in your reservation is the area upon which the picnic tables, firepits, and camp stoves are located. On some sites this area is indicated by a cement or shale pad, on others there is no physical boundary marker. The open space located beside any picnic site and throughout the park is open to all park users and may not be reserved.

Why is there a fee for reserving a picnic site? Where does this revenue go?

Revenue earned goes toward the maintenance and improvement of our parks and infrastructure. Edmonton has over 460 parks - the 48-kilometre long stretch of the North Saskatchewan River Valley has 22 major parks. It's the largest expanse of urban parkland in North America.

What if the number of people attending my picnic changes after my reservation has been confirmed?

If the number of people attending your picnic changes after your booking has been confirmed please contact us at tel:780-423-7428 as there may be another picnic site available which is better suited to your new group size.

If changing from a lower fee site to one of a higher fee, the price difference will also be an additional cost.

If changing to a site with a lower fee, a refund will be issued for the price difference.

Can I make other changes to my reservation after it has been confirmed?

Yes. Changes to your reservation must be made in writing through the Picnics Bookings Office. Please make all change requests to picnicbookings@edmonton.ca.

What can I bring to the park for my picnic?

Regardless of which site you reserve you can bring the following items with you for no additional cost:

Your own portable BBQ
Up to 10 chairs

Depending on which site you reserve you can bring additional items with you for an additional cost:

A personal music player
A face painter
A caterer serving food
A live acoustic ensemble of up to 4 people
Clowns (no amplified sound)
Puppeteers (no amplified sound)

Additional terms and conditions may apply.

Can I access my reserved site with my vehicle?

Vehicles are only permitted on public roads within City of Edmonton parkland.

Special permission may be granted for off-road access to certain sites in William Hawrelak, Victoria, Sir Wilfrid Laurier, Jackie Parker and Emily Murphy Parks. Vehicle access will only be granted at these designated sites and only if requested in advance as part of the reservation process.

Please make all additional services requests to picnicbookings@edmonton.ca

Can I bring my own barbeque?

Yes, the use of self-contained barbecues is permitted provided that they are a minimum of 6 inches off the ground and placed 30 feet from any flammable materials.

All charcoal must be extinguished and then disposed of in a BBQ pit; it is unlawful to dispose of coals anywhere else.

Larger barbecues that are fuelled by propane are also acceptable, as long as you are able to manually carry or wheel them into the site.

Please be considerate and place your barbeques on the cement pads or dirt area within the site.

Prior approval from the Reservations Office is required in order to bring any commercial or industrial-sized barbeque.

Can I sell product or display signs at my picnic site?

No. Parkland regulations forbid the retailing of products or use of promotional signage on parkland without the prior approval of Citizen Services Contract Operations.

How do I find my reserved site?

Each reservable picnic site has a sign identifying the site number and its reserved status. This will help ensure you are in the right place.

Is parking available?

Each park has a varied number of public parking spaces, free of charge.

Parking spaces are not reserved as part of your reservation. Availability is on a first-come, first-served basis.

What do I do if someone is already using my reserved site when I arrive?

Please politely advise the people concerned that you have a confirmed reservation for that site and ask them to move to a different location. If they do not oblige, please call 311 and they will connect you with a Park Ranger.

Please make sure that you have your gazebo permit with you at all times on the day of your reservation as you may be required to show this to a Park Ranger and/or Park Operations Staff

What do I do if my reserved site contains excess garbage when I arrive?

Please report this immediately to Park Operations staff by calling 311.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you leave the site clean and tidy on the day of your reservation. The cost of excessive cleaning and waste removal by Park Operations will be billed to you as per the Picnic Reservation Terms and Conditions.

Can I attach things to the trees and/or structures within my reserved site?

Please do not tie or attach any decorations to the trees around your reserved site. You may attach approved decorations, balloons, signs and banners by tying them to the picnic shelter. All items must be removed at the end of your reservation and properly disposed of.

Confetti, rice, sparklers, and fireworks are not permitted.

*All decorations - balloons, signs, banners- must be approved by the Reservations Office (780-423-7428) prior to your reservation date.

Can I leave my vehicle in the park overnight?

No, all City parks close at 11pm every night. If your vehicle is left it will be towed at your expense and you will be fined.

What do I do if I lose something in the park or leave it behind?

Please contact 311 with the following details:

Your name
Your contact details
A description of the item
The approximate time you may have lost the item
The approximate place you may have lost the item

For More Information

Picnic Site and Event Booking

Telephone

Picnic Site and Gazebo Reservations
780-423-7428

Event Bookings
In Edmonton: 311

Outside Edmonton: 780-442-5311

Email

picnicbookings@edmonton.ca

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