Unlike other cities in North America, Edmonton is a paradise for exercise lovers and walking enthusiasts. Here are the best spots for walking!
Spots to go for a walk in Edmonton
Edmonton is a beautiful city with a breathtaking skyline and picturesque river valley. Locals are friendly, welcoming, and nice. The city has tons of park spaces and invites foreigners to enjoy festive culture throughout the year.
Low crime rates, friendly neighborhoods, and safe areas make Edmonton one of the best cities in Canada to go for a walk and spend quality time with your family. Here are the best places for walking or strolling in Edmonton. Read on!
Legislature Grounds
The picturesque scenery surrounding the park is beautiful any time of year. Still, a stroll through the historic park grounds in December offers a stunning light show: the LEDs pass through the beautiful trees and surround the the fountain. These continue to the southern side of the park, where they are illuminated by the fountain’s light and the light of the LEDs. Come out and experience Alberta’s history in a new way.
Patricia Ravine Trail
Entering the canyon from Wolf Will Drive or Rio Terrace Drive and descending a large stair will take you south to Terwillegar Park on this side. Cross the Fort Edmonton Pedestrian Bridge over the North Saskatchewan River, and you will find Fort Edmonton Park on the east side, about a 10-minute walk.
William Hawrelak Park
Take a walk on the two-kilometer loop around the lake. Likewise, walk on the nearby River Valley trails, or explore the park on ice skates. The park has a new public plaza with campfire spots and shelters to relax while overlooking the lake. The park also offers seating changing rooms, skate rentals, and restrooms.
Manchester Square
Manchester Square is one of the best places to go for a walk in the downtown area. It has a unique collection of shops to explore and offers many walking pathways for exercise enthusiasts. At the same time, Manchester Square offers numerous photo-capturing opportunities. Old Glenora, Brewery District, and 124th Street are adjacent neighborhoods that provide quiet, serene, and peaceful spots for walking.
Elk Island National Park
Elk Island Park has quiet trails around a small lake for walking enthusiasts and hiking lovers just outside of Edmonton. During the winter, this place also attracts snowshoers. The tracks are home to various wildlife, including elk, over 250 birds species, and bison. You can warm up by a campfire under the stars at Beaver Hills Dark Sky Preserve.
104th Street
With new sky-high buildings and field hockey arenas amidst historic buildings, this is a unique Edmonton neighborhood with a mix of old and new. Edmonton’s Ice District has a paved path from the Ice Garden to 104th Street that leads to the iconic Neon Light Museum, art stores, local restaurants, and coffee shops. So, you can enjoy walking and exploring these unique places to create memorable experiences.
Rundle Park
Located on the north bank of the North Saskatchewan River, Rundle Park has walking trails to the west, east, and south. Crossing the Ainsworth Dyer Memorial Bridge will take you to Gold Bar Park, which leads to downtown Edmonton. Rundle Par is one of the most picturesque places in Edmonton, allowing exercise enthusiasts to go for a walk, jog, or run and enjoy the scenic beauty.
Blackmud Creek
Take many turns and twists through the southern neighborhoods of Allard, Cabana, and Rutherford and relish the beautiful scenery and architecture. Start at Central Park by Roberta McAdams Elementary School. Here you will find an ice rink and sleds, warming beverages, and unique scenery on each trail.
Borden Park
Borden Park has many works of art on display and many paved paths that weave between them, covered with giant trees. Borden Park also has vast fields and spaces for snowshoeing. The winter pavilion is open from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm. It is one of the best spots to go for a walk in Edmonton, thanks to the lush green spaces during the summer and snow in the winter.
Glory Hills
The Glory Hills Nature Preserve trail starts near Township Rd. 540 in Parkland County. In this area, you can choose between a short loop or a longer route that continues to the preserve’s northern boundary through 100 acres of dense forest, expansive wetlands, broad prairies, where you may see beaver, elk, foxes, etc.
Final Words
Are you a walking or hiking enthusiast looking for the best spots to exercise in Edmonton? The city offers quiet, serene spots with diverse scenery to go for a walk. Depending on your preferences, you can choose places within the city or in the surrounding areas. Until Next Time!
- Article based on personal opinion, experience and research.
- Photos from Unsplash & canva.