EE_VisitorGuide_2024_2025

Outdoor Adventure

Outdoor Adventure

Discover elk island national park Less than an hour’s drive from a capital city a million strong is a place of quietness, where pristine starry skies shine next to city lights. This is where Cree and Métis have lived and hunted, and generations of families have chosen to picnic and play. Elk Island National Park is the cornerstone of Canada’s bison conservation story; without this place and the dedication of its people, herds of plains and woods bison would not thrive in Canada today. Connections are made here; it is where you can become a steward of these iconic creatures, and discover their importance to the heart and soul of this nation.

Outdoor Adventure There’s green space, and then there’s the North Saskatchewan River Valley, North America’s largest stretch of urban parkland. Looking for things to do outside in Edmonton? Your outdoor adventures start here. Cruise through the trails by foot, canoe, fatbike, snowshoe, cross country ski or even Segway. You can access the Edmonton river valley at various points throughout the city, including the 100 Street Funicular. At 22 times the size of New York City’s Central Park, there is so much to explore.

Preview the park from the comfort of your home.

Edmonton River Valley

Elk Island National Park

Take your river valley adventures up a notch when you explore the Commonwealth Walkway with the help of an interactive app and embark on the Quest for the Golden Key! Using the app, visitors can explore the river valley while reading and listening to one of five storylines (Indigenous, History, Family, River & Winter). Edmonton’s Commonwealth Walkway travels for 10 kilometres through the North Saskatchewan River Valley. From the Funicular to the Groat Bridge, the walkway includes paths to the Indigenous Art Park, John Walter Museum and Alberta Legislature.

Get away from it all, RIGHT inside the city.

The park is located in a UNESCO biosphere reserve and is part of the Beaver Hills Dark Sky Preserve, meaning it’s a stellar location for stargazing. Give glamping a try and check out the incredible new Geo Domes at Elk Island Retreat. Gaze up at the starry sky where you’ll see star clusters, nebulae and galaxies. Winter is also the perfect time to spot the pulsating chorus of lights known as Aurora Borealis. Gather the herd and come out for a day of hiking and canoeing or cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. No matter what the season, a perfect wilderness experience is awaiting you and your family at Elk Island National Park.

Edmonton’s river valley and park systems have 160 kilometres of trails scattered throughout the city just waiting to be explored. Jog or stroll through the winding paths and find yourself surrounded by wildlife as you take in the beautiful views of the cityscape. Or, if you’re an adrenaline junkie, choose to ride off the beaten path and pedal off-road on your mountain bike.

Edmonton Explored: Best Hikes & Walks Let local adventurer, Connie Smart, be your guide to some of the city’s best hikes and walks.

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EDMONTON VISITOR GUIDE

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Elk Island Retreat