Edmonton’s river valley is 18,000 acres of fun and adventure. The largest expanse of urban parkland in North America, it includes more than 20 major parks and attractions. Not only is it 22 times the size of New York City’s Central Park, the Edmonton river valley is the perfect place to lounge, escape, exercise, and socially distance if necessary, no matter the season. Here are a few popular parks.
Alberta Legislature Grounds
Cool your feet in the fountain or lounge in the grass as you admire the view of the stunning sandstone Alberta Legislature Building and grounds. || 10800-97 Ave.
Buena Vista Park
One of the city’s largest parks, and adjacent to both Laurier and Hawrelak, this area includes multi-use trails and a large off-leash area for dogs. || 13210 Buena Vista Rd.
Government House Park
With fantastic views of the river, this is a great spot to enjoy a campfire, picnic, or winter toboggan ride. Paved paths lead to the river. || 9938 Groat Rd.
Kinsmen Park
Head here to spend quality time with your family or enjoy an afternoon of exercise, as this spot has an outdoor pool and spray park, picnic sites, and nearby trails. || 9100 Walterdale Hill
Laurier Park
Located in the west end near the Edmonton Valley Zoo, this popular park includes picnic sites, walking trails, baseball diamonds, a playground, and a boat launch. || 13221 Buena Vista Rd.
Louise McKinney Riverfront Park
The wide promenade with gorgeous views of the river and downtown skyline make it perfect for an evening stroll. There’s also a public dock for boats and canoes, a Riverfront Plaza, and a Chinese garden. || 9999 Gierson Hill
Rundle Park
The all-season northeast park includes multi-use trails, sports fields, picnic sites, a golf course, and toboggan hills. || 2909-113 Ave.
Victoria Park
This beautiful park provides easy access to the pathways along River Valley Road and has spots to play baseball, cricket, and horseshoes. In the winter, there’s a skate trail. || 12030 River Valley Rd.
William Hawrelak Park
This large park is busy year-round and a great place to rent paddleboats, catch some rays, cross-country ski, or take in a festival. || 9330 Groat Rd.
River Valley Attractions
John Janzen Nature Centre
n the heart of the river valley, the nature centre offers hands-on programs and workshops designed for ages ranging from preschool to adult. Investigate local wildlife, walk the trails, learn through play, and so much more. || 7000-143 St.
River Valley Adventure Co.
The one-stop attraction shop also offers Segway tours, bike rentals, rafting adventures, snowshoe rentals, stand-up paddleboards, and various sports equipment rentals (including croquet and bocce ball sets, footballs and soccer balls, and fishing equipment). The expert guides will ensure you get all the training you need! || 9735 Grierson Hill
Victoria Golf Course
First developed in 1896 (before the city was even founded), Victoria Golf Course is the oldest city-run course. Featuring over 61 stalls on its driving range, this picturesque course is ideal for beginners to mid-handicap players and will treat them to a gorgeous backdrop of the river valley, Alberta Legislature, and University of Alberta buildings. || 12130 River Valley Rd.
