Also known as “The Ribbon of Green” the North Saskatchewan River Valley Parks System is one of a kind. Boasting the largest stretch of connected urban parkland in North America! Not bad for a city with a population of just under 1.5 million.
The city is built around this strip of green. Edmonton’s river valley is its pride and joy. Offering a chance to get away to nature in a matter of minutes from virtually anywhere in the city.
The network of green space an parks was first proposed in 1907 by landscape architect Frederick Todd. Up until the 1930’s the only developments in the river valley were coal mines, dumps, golf courses, sewage plants, and a few parks. In 1933, the City of Edmonton passed a law to protect and preserve the river valley land as parkland. By 1970s the majority of the area was acquired by the city. With small areas of private land that was bought to complete the “ribbon of green.” Fun fact: in 2008, the City of Edmonton paid $7 million to buy a parcel of land to complete the continuous strip.
It encompasses 7300 hectares (18000 acres) of parkland, making it twenty-two times the size of New York’s Central Park! The park system stretches from Fort Saskatchewan in the northeast to Devon in the southwest, with future plans to expand in each direction.
The River Valley Trail System links 11 lakes, 22 ravines, and over 30 major provincial and municipal parks. Most of the valley is composed of grasslands, though there are forested sections of aspen, balsam poplar, and spruce occur as well. It supports a high level of biodiversity and is used as a wildlife corridor for many species. Keep an eye out for animals: coyotes, great horned owls, porcupines, woodpeckers and deer, (and hopefully no bears or cougars).
Popular activities include fishing (especially for the elusive prehistoric looking sturgeon), or picnics in the park. There are also several off-leash dog parks along several trails (including Dawson, Hermitage, Park, and Buena Vista Meadow to name a few).
Altogether, there are over 160 kilometers of trails through Edmonton’s River Valley. Of these 90.6 kilometers of these are paved. At this time portions of the trail network are unconnected, but there is a plan in place by the River Valley Alliance (RVA) to fully connect 74km by 2024.
The trail system connects to major attractions around the city. Such as: Fort Edmonton Park, The John Janzen Nature Centre, The Edmonton Valley Zoo, The Muttart Conservatory, The Alberta Legislative Building, The John Walter Museum, Kinsmen Sports Centre, The University of Alberta Campus, the 100st Funicular as well as to Downtown and Old Strathcona.
As of a 2007 survey, it is estimated that 10 million guests enjoy the river valley every year, making the second most visited sight in Alberta, after the infamous West Edmonton Mall of course.
Geologically the river valley formed as a result of post-glacial rebound after the glacial mass that once covered the area melted and retreated. This melt-water collected formed glacial lake Edmonton (the remnants of which can be observed in our clay rich top layer of soil). This lake eventually catastrophically failed, and incised into the rebounding land, eroding through millions of years of sediment to create the valley. There are several points of geologic interest along the trail system which tell the story of Edmonton’s geologic history. These include the exposed Cretaceous sandstone bedrock in Dawson Park, which was deposited millions of years ago when Alberta was routinely flooded by a shallow inland sea. Several stratigraphic layers that can be seen from the various bridges along the river valley park trails. The stratigraphic layers include the light coloured clay deposited from glacial lake Edmonton, the thick rocky layer of glacial till diamict deposited out from the melting and retreating glacier, and even a bright white layer of Mazama Ash from the eruption of Mount Mazama in Oregon 7600 years ago!
Archeological sites have been found throughout the river valley, and the First Nations people have used the resources along the valley for thousands of years. There is even evidence that portions were modified or terraced for agricultural uses. With the settlement of the Métis and the Europeans came the introduction of non-native vegetation and over-grazing of the grasslands by cattle. As well as, the removal of trees and other resources to build the city of Edmonton. The first brick-making and coal mining operations began in the 1840s and removed mineral resources such as clay and coal for industrial purposes. There are also the remnants of old house foundations left after the bank eroded and houses fell into the valley. NEVER build a house on the cut bank of a river, you cannot beat nature and it is inevitable it will erode away, even with plans to counteract it. Also skip building on floodplains, because although they are nice and flat, they will at some point or another flood if the river gets too high.
In addition to erosion control methods there are several interesting projects in the river valley. These include carbon sequestration, erosion control, storm-water management, water treatment center, and the university farm to name a few.
Unfortunately there isn’t much for food stops along the trail, so plan to check out Jasper Ave, or Whyte Ave for some eats (or drinks). Or just pack a nice picnic to have at a stop along the way.
There is a variety of terrain types that make up the various trials. The majority are paved, some are granular surfaces of rough gravel and some are natural dirt and grass trials that may not be suitable for all wheelchair users.
There can be some areas with steep downhill and uphill climbs. An attachable electric motorbike e-bike or push assist attachment for my wheelchair saves energy and allows me to enjoy the surroundings. It can go up to 23km/h, and a single charge will last for over 50km. It works best on pavement, but also works great over grass, gravel, and rooted areas, so it really opens up terrain for wheelchair users.
If you are just looking for a chill area to spend an afternoon and don’t want to strain your muscles pushing around. Areas with flat terrain include (Hawrelak Park or The Strathcona Science Park, or Sir Wilfred Laurier Park).
There is also a beautiful fully paved, nearly flat path connecting the Fort Edmonton Footbridge to the Terwilliger Footbridge, the trail connecting the two bridges is 2km, making it a 5 km out and back trek from the parking area near the Fort Edmonton Footbridge. The path winds through forested sections and opens up into a vast meadowed area.
The Terwillegar Footbridge is a unique piece of architecture in the city of Edmonton. It is one of only 60 stressed ribbon style bridges in the world! It is the longest in Canada and the second longest in the world, clocking in at 262m. The support cables for the bridge are embedded within the deck, resulting in a scalloped profile reminiscent of waves forming crests and peaks. The Terwillegar bridge connects to the Fort Edmonton Footbridge via an excellent, smooth paved pathway that winds through forested areas and opens up into vast grassy meadows. The path is relatively flat, however, there are a couple sections with a bit of an incline. It is approximately 2km from bridge to bridge, making it a 5km round trip from the parking area near the Fort Edmonton Footbridge. The parking area is unpaved and consists of gravelly road, however, there is an accessible parking stall located right next to the start of the path. This is an excellent trail to enjoy the scenery of Edmonton’s North Saskatchewan River Valley, I highly recommend you check it out!
Many parks have accessible restroom facilities, but unfortunately they are not always the cleanest establishments, so plan your trip accordingly.
Keep in mind that same areas have pavement that is older and is quite rough and cracked up. Rundle park and Hermitage park have stretches of pavement like this,
The northeast areas of the trails are the most recent development, with over 16km of new development, so the pavement is nice and smooth. It is also cool to see the environment transition into more of a rural setting. (If you are lucky you can see the field of cows). These trails are often less crowded compared to more popular destinations in the city center, but be warned: some sections are quite steep.
It is a good idea to map out a general area before you set out. There is an interactive map online. Or there is individual maps for the various sections of the River Valley: East, Central, and West. These detail trial type and trail grade as well.
Here are things to keep in mind when checking out the map and planning a route:
Paved roads are marked as a red line. (Unpaved are marked as blue lines.)
Grades <5% are considered easy
Grades of 5-9% are moderately challenging (this is marked as a white arrow on the map)
Grades of 10% or greater are considered challenging. (this is marked by a yellow arrow on the map)
Stairs may separate various portions of the path.
Restroom facilities are marked along the map as well and are mostly in the Central Area.
You can access the trail system from various points through the city. Popular starting points include: Hawrelak Park, Sir Wilfred Laurier Park, and Whitemud Park. The majority of parks have designated parking areas with accessible parking spaces.
Unfortunately, the picturesque/ famous wooden Edmonton river valley stairs and the iconic view from the end of the world look out are not accessible, but there are still some great views to be had from the top of the stairs.
The beauty of the river valley is you can explore a new section and find little hidden gems along the way.
Although the paths are accessible, a motorized wheelchair attachment or other power-assistance (such as a moving booster) allows you more freedom to explore in a wheelchair. and is something I would highly recommend.
There are also handcycling trials organized by the Paralympic Sports Association at Cloverdale Community League (9411 97 Ave NW).. As well as beginner and intermediate, group ride program that go through various trials once you get the hang of it. There is also a program that rents out hand-cycles on a monthly basis.
I hope this has inspired you to check out Edmonton’s River Valley, it is truly one of a kind. As well as, literally and figuratively what the city is made of. Consult the map, pack a snack, and enjoy an adventure in nature in the heart of the capital city of Alberta.
For more recommendations for wheelchair accessible activities to do around Edmonton, check this out.
If you are looking to venture outside of the city for some outdoor adventures, check out these recommendations.
