Parks and River Valley

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Discover ��ϲ��'s 'Ribbon of Green,' a dynamic network of natural areas, trails and amenities woven along the North Saskatchewan River. The River Valley provides diverse recreational experiences year-round, from leisurely strolls and picnics to exhilarating bike rides and paddles. With abundant wildlife, it's a haven for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.

Get active and explore your local parks! Neighbourhood and City Parks offer a variety of opportunities for recreational activities just steps from your door.

Summer Activities

Picnic Sites

Information about reserving picnic sites in the city.

Sports Fields

Book one of our baseball diamonds, soccer field, football field or cricket and rugby pitch for your next event.

Trails and Pathways

There are many trails in ��ϲ��’s river valley, welcoming people of all ages to experience nature and be active outdoors with friends and family.

Playgrounds and Spray Parks

The City has many playgrounds which allow children to stay active and build upon their social and creative skills while they have fun!

Boating and Canoeing

The City maintains trailered boat launches throughout the river valley where non-powered craft can access the river.

Discover More Activities and Experiences

Adapted Programs

The ��ϲ�� welcomes children and adults of all abilities in our facilities and is committed to the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in our programs.

Adapted Program Guides

Art

Skip the gallery and come enjoy an art park in ��ϲ��’s beautiful River Valley!

ᐄᓃᐤ (ÎNÎW) River Lot 11∞, pronounced (EE-NU) River Lot 11, features 6 artworks by Canadian Indigenous artists.

The art park is situated on ancestral lands of the Indigenous peoples whose descendants entered into Treaty with the British Crown resulting in the territory opening for settlement.

Location: Queen Elizabeth Park

When to Participate: Year round

Learn about the artists, their artwork, and the history of the site at
- ��ϲ�� Arts Council

Disc Golf

Whether you are new to the sport of disc golf or a well-seasoned Frisbee® thrower, you’ll enjoy the opportunity to try this interesting sport. Similar to golf, participants use a disc instead of a ball, aiming for “holes” around the course. This activity is great fun for the whole family and only requires a disc for each person playing.

Location: Rundle Park and Hermitage Park

When to Participate: Year round

Rundle Park 18 hole Disc Course Map Hermitage Park 18 Hole Disc Course Map

Dog Walking & Off Leash Areas

When your furry friend needs some exercise and socialization, the perfect place to visit is one of ��ϲ��’s numerous dog walking and off leash parks in the River Valley.

Locations: Throughout the City and River Valley

When to Participate: Year round

Dog Off-Leash Areas

Fire Stoves in ��ϲ�� Parks

Fire pits, stoves and rings are provided at many bookable and drop-in picnic sites in ��ϲ�� parks. Please bring your own firewood or briquettes, as firewood is not available in the parks.

During dry and hot conditions, ��ϲ�� Fire Rescue Services may issue a ban on fires in City limits, including parks. Help protect our parks when using fire in city parks. See Parkland Bylaw 2202.

Fishing

The river is home to burbot, lake sturgeon and walleye
Hermitage Pond is stocked with rainbow trout

Locations: North Saskatchewan River and Hermitage Pond

When to Participate: Spring, Summer and Fall

Fishing

Golfing

The locations of all 3 City owned and operated courses are superb. Nestled in the River Valley with breathtaking views, you’re sure to enjoy a relaxing experience.

If you need to brush up on your skills, there are lessons available. At the Pro Shops you'll find everything you need to enjoy your time on the course from designer golf attire, to golf balls, equipment and friendly advice.

Locations: Victoria Golf Course and Driving Range, Riverside Golf Course and Rundle Golf Course

When to Participate: Spring to Fall

Municipal Golf Courses

Nature Interpretation

Interested in finding out more about urban nature in the River Valley? Lace up your favourite pair of shoes and take your friends or family out for a hike. With a variety of trails to explore, the River Valley is teeming with nature. The flora and fauna will excite your senses and connect you to your backyard - the great expanse of the River Valley! For indoor interpretive activities, check out the John Janzen Nature Centre.

Locations: Throughout the River Valley and at the John Janzen Nature Centre

When to Participate: Year round

On The Water

Boating and Rafting

The North Saskatchewan River is a beautifully serene location to explore. Boating and Canoeing is a perfect way to experience the river and ��ϲ��’s River Valley.

Location: North Saskatchewan River

When to Participate: Spring, Summer and Fall

Boating and Canoeing

Canoeing and Kayaking

A relaxing, rejuvenating and healthy way to explore the River Valley is from the seat of a kayak or canoe, with a paddle in hand.

Location: North Saskatchewan River, Hermitage Park and Northeast River Valley Park

When to Participate: Spring, Summer and Fall

Rafting

Float down the North Saskatchewan on a beautiful summers day, and you’ll find yourself entranced by your surroundings.

Location: North Saskatchewan River

When to Participate: Spring, Summer and Fall (river condition dependent)

Stand Up Paddle Boarding

This sport has become very popular in recent years. It combines a surfboard with a paddle, and offers a different experience to those seeking a water-based sport.

Location: North Saskatchewan River, Hermitage Park and Northeast River Valley Park

When to Participate: Spring, Summer and Fall

Outdoor Adventure Programs

Outdoor Adventure Programs provides outdoor programs to community groups, ��ϲ�� and area schools, corporations and the general public. All equipment is provided.

Locations: Whitemud Park, Northeast River Valley Park

When to participate: Fall, winter, spring

Outdoor Adventure Programs

Picnics

Picnicking is a fantastic activity for friends and family across the River Valley. You have a variety of options: from drop-in sites to bookable spaces, your choices are endless. Take time to relax and rejuvenate in a River Valley park this year.

Locations: Throughout the River Valley

When to Participate: Year round

Alcohol at Designated Picnic Sites

Picnic Sites

Registered Camps

Explore the river valley, try a new sport, or discover your creative side. Make new friends, learn new skills and have a blast at a ��ϲ�� day camp! We are committed to providing an inclusive, accessible camp experience for all. Camps are available for ages 4 to 17.

Registered Day Camps

Skiing & Skating

Cross-country Skiing

��ϲ�� can have long winters, and that means that snow blankets the ground from months on end. One of the best ways to take advantage of long winters is to strap on a pair of cross-country skis and hit the trails. Many locations are track set, so all you need is a willingness to get a good workout along with skis, boots and poles. Embrace winter and try cross-country skiing today!

Locations: Throughout the River Valley