North Saskatchewan River Valley | Edmonton

The North Saskatchewan River Valley is one of Edmonton’s most significant natural landmarks and one of the largest urban park systems in North America. Stretching over 160 kilometers (99 miles), it runs through the heart of Edmonton, offering a stunning variety of recreational opportunities and serving as a vital ecological and historical resource for the city.

Overview of the North Saskatchewan River Valley

Location: The North Saskatchewan River Valley runs through the city of Edmonton, Alberta, and extends from the Rocky Mountains to the Hudson Bay. Within Edmonton, it spans both sides of the river and provides a continuous greenbelt that flows through the city’s downtown and many of its neighborhoods.

Ecological Importance: The river valley is home to a diverse range of wildlife, plants, and habitats, making it an essential part of Edmonton's urban ecosystem. The valley is a key natural corridor for the city's biodiversity, supporting everything from wildlife, aquatic life, to a variety of plant species. It also plays a significant role in managing water flow and stormwater runoff in the region.

Geological Features: The valley is carved out by the North Saskatchewan River, which has eroded the land over thousands of years to create the lush ravines, rocky cliffs, and wooded areas that define the landscape. Some sections of the valley have steep slopes, while others are gently sloping with wide riverbanks.

Key Features and Attractions

The North Saskatchewan River Valley offers numerous attractions, parks, and recreational activities, all set against the backdrop of natural beauty. Some of the key highlights include:

1. Edmonton’s River Valley Parks

The river valley is home to 20 major parks and numerous smaller green spaces, each offering a variety of outdoor activities. These parks collectively make up a significant part of the Edmonton Park System and contribute to the city’s reputation for having one of the largest urban park systems in the world.

Some of the most popular parks and areas along the river include:

Hawrelak Park: Known for its beautiful lake, this park offers boating, picnicking, walking paths, and hosts events like the Edmonton Folk Music Festival.

Victoria Park: This area offers great views of the river and is home to Edmonton’s Golf Course and the Kinsmen Sports Centre.

Terwillegar Park: A popular location for outdoor activities, offering walking trails, cycling, off-leash dog parks, and picnic areas.

Gold Bar Park: Situated near the river, Gold Bar Park offers hiking trails, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. It also connects to the Mill Creek Ravine.

Emily Murphy Park: Located near the University of Alberta, this park features picnic spots, playgrounds, and access to the riverfront.

2. Trails and Pathways

The river valley is crisscrossed with an extensive network of multi-use trails. These trails are ideal for hiking, biking, rollerblading, and cross-country skiing in the winter months.

The Edmonton River Valley Trail System connects parks and neighborhoods along both sides of the North Saskatchewan River, offering a scenic route for visitors and locals to explore the area.

The Walterdale Bridge, High Level Bridge, and other crossing points connect different parts of the river valley, making it easy to access key areas on both sides of the river.

3. Muttart Conservatory

Situated on the river valley's edge, the Muttart Conservatory is a botanical garden with four stunning pyramidal glass structures housing diverse plant life from around the world. It's a unique and educational stop for visitors who want to learn about global ecosystems while enjoying panoramic views of the river and surrounding landscape.

4. River Valley Lookouts

The valley offers several scenic lookouts where visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the river, downtown Edmonton, and the surrounding natural areas. One of the most well-known viewpoints is from the Blatchford Field area, which offers a bird's-eye view of the river winding through the valley.

The North Saskatchewan River itself is also visible from many trails, parks, and recreational areas, making it an ever-present and picturesque backdrop to the valley’s natural beauty.

5. Outdoor Recreation

The North Saskatchewan River Valley is a hub for outdoor activities, offering opportunities for:

Canoeing and kayaking: The river’s calm waters make it perfect for paddling.

Fishing: The river supports a variety of fish species, including walleye, pike, and sauger.

Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing: During winter, the trails become a playground for winter sports.

Birdwatching: The river valley is home to diverse birdlife, including migratory species, making it an excellent spot for bird enthusiasts.

6. Edmonton’s River Valley Bridges

Several historic bridges span the North Saskatchewan River, including the High Level Bridge, which connects the north and south sides of Edmonton. The bridge itself is an iconic structure and provides great views of the river and valley. The Walterdale Bridge is another important crossing and is often noted for its unique design and picturesque setting.

The Low Level Bridge also connects downtown Edmonton to the south side of the river, providing another scenic view of the water below.

7. Wildlife and Nature

The North Saskatchewan River Valley provides habitat for a wide variety of wildlife species. The area is home to deer, foxes, raccoons, beavers, and bald eagles, among others. The river itself is rich in aquatic life, including various species of fish and waterfowl.

The valley's natural landscapes and ravines provide an ideal environment for nature lovers to explore and enjoy wildlife in an urban setting.

8. Historical and Cultural Sites

The river valley has significant historical importance and was a key location for Indigenous peoples long before the founding of Edmonton. The area was an essential trade route, and several sites along the river are of cultural importance.

Fort Edmonton Park, located in the river valley, showcases Edmonton’s early history, with preserved buildings and interactive exhibits that illustrate life in the area during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Access and Transportation

Public Transit: Edmonton’s river valley is easily accessible by public transit, with several bus routes serving parks, trails, and recreational sites. LRT (Light Rail Transit) stations are also located near key river valley areas, including stops in the downtown and Old Strathcona neighborhoods.

Biking and Walking: The extensive trail system makes the river valley accessible by foot or bike, with many areas being pedestrian-friendly.

Parking: There are several parking lots and on-street parking options available in and around the river valley parks and attractions.

Conclusion

The North Saskatchewan River Valley is not only a stunning natural feature of Edmonton but also an integral part of the city’s recreational, ecological, and cultural landscape. Whether you are looking to explore its many parks, hike the trails, enjoy outdoor sports, or simply relax by the river, the valley offers something for everyone. It is a true urban oasis that highlights Edmonton's commitment to maintaining green spaces and preserving the natural beauty of the area for generations to come.