EDMONTON RIVER VALLEY | 10065 100 STREET
With more than 160 kilometres of pathways stretching from the city’s north edge to the west, the Edmonton River Valley is Canada’s largest urban park. On any given day, the multi-use trails are teeming with joggers, power walkers and nature-lovers sure to make you forget that you’re minutes away from office towers and rush-hour traffic. You can find trail maps on the City of Edmonton website. In the winter, many of these tracks become cross-country ski trails. The most accessible way to get down to the river valley from Downtown is via the 100 Street Funicular located behind the Fairmont Hotel MacDonald.
ALEX DECOTEAU PARK | 10230 105 STREET
Sandwiched between shiny office towers, luxury hotels and cool condos, you’ll find a surprising number of green spaces in Downtown Edmonton. Named in honour of the first Indigenous police officer in Canada, the park was a collaboration 10 years in the making between the City of Edmonton, Downtown residents and nearby businesses. The main attraction is a small fenced off-leash dog park where dogs of all sizes and breeds are welcome. Walk your pup here and you’ll both make friends in no time. There’s plenty to do and see if you don’t have a four-legged friend. This much-loved park has lots of seating scattered amongst the trees, where you can watch area residents tend to their garden plots. The spot is also a favourite hangout for young families thanks to several kid-friendly water features.
LOUISE MCKINNEY WATERFRONT PARK | 9999 GRIERSON HILL ROAD
Located a short walking distance from the Edmonton Convention Centre, Louise McKinney Waterfront Park offers unobstructed views of the river. Once you’re there, be sure to check out the Chinese Garden including the Nine Dragon Wall, and see if anything is happening at Shumka stage. If you’re up for something sporty, rent a raft, bicycle or Segway from River Valley Adventure Co. which operates out of the park year-round.
CHURCHILL SQUARE | SIR WINSTON CHURCHILL SQUARE
Smack dab between Edmonton City Hall, the Art Gallery of Alberta, the Citadel Theatre and the Winspear Centre, Churchill Square is the ultimate destination for families attending Downtown festivals and events. In the summer, don your bathing suit and splash around in the City Hall fountain or try your hand at ping pong or giant checkers. Come winter when the temperatures dip below zero, lace up your ice skates and glide on this urban ice rink.
BEAVER HILLS HOUSE PARK & MICHAEL PHAIR PARK | 10440 JASPER AVENUE
These two are so close, it’s like getting two parks in one visit. Both are under construction until Fall 2025, but the updated spaces will be perfect as central gathering spots. Beaver Hills will feature a natural play structure and bouldering wall for children. Michael Phair Park has one of the city’s most instagrammable walls and includes a busking stage, aesthetically pleasing string lights and designated food truck parking.
WAREHOUSE PARK | 10135-107 STREET
Warehouse Park is the newest addition downtown, and it’s set to open at the end of 2025. When it’s done, it will cover the equivalent of three football fields. It will include a green lawn with a hill that can be used for tobogganing in the winter, an off-leash dog park, basketball court, exercise area, playground and a gathering space with fire pits and plenty of seating.
ICE DISTRICT PLAZA | 10340 103 STREET
Nestled between Rogers Place, the JW Marriott Hotel and Stantec Tower is 50,000 square feet of gathering space. The ICE District Plaza is a hub for free events and is surrounded by an impressive selection of amenities. In winter, the plaza gets transformed into a public skating rink.
ALBERTA LEGISLATURE | 10800 97 AVENUE
It’s true that the grass is always greener on the other side. Many a tourist and locals alike know the iconic Alberta Legislature is a gorgeous setting all year round. In the summer and fall, the grounds are at their most enjoyable with perfectly-manicured lawns, splendid water fountains, the beautiful Lois Hole Memorial Garden, an open-amphitheatre and lawn bowling. In the winter, you can ice-skate behind the legislature and see their holiday lights.
KINISTINÂW PARK | 10249 96 STREET
Located in The Quarters on the eastern edge of Downtown, Kinistinâw Park, which is Plains Cree for “us three,” reflects the coming together of three perspectives: Chinese immigrants, traditional Indigenous occupants and modern settlers. The name inspired the design of its bespoke and striking red steel canopy, which represents a thread stitching together the three narratives. The park features a large, sunken lawn area, elevated rubber play hills and an overhead canopy.
MCKAY AVENUE SCHOOL PLAYGROUND | 10425 99 AVENUE
Downtown Edmonton’s first community playground, McKay Avenue School Playground, is steps away from the historic McKay Avenue School Archives and Museum building. Its bright green hills and a ribbon of blue symbolize the Edmonton river valley. This playground will entertain kids for hours on end with the bright yellow slide, a saucer swing and a rope web for climbers of all ages.
RAILTOWN PARK | 110 STREET
Railtown Park is a beautiful little park hidden between condos and shopping centres. Its multi-use trail is great to stroll down any time of day. Follow the trail down to Constable Ezio Faraone Park, which boasts incredible views of river valley. Midway you can hop on the High Level Bridge streetcar and head south of the river. Don’t forget to check out the free graffiti wall on 109 street under the bridge.