Edmonton River Valley Walking, How Do We Love Thee? Let Us Count the Steps.
If you know, you know: the river valley is Edmonton’s flex
Edmonton’s mall vibes are something else — this really is a one-mall town, and everyone knows which one. West Edmonton Mall doesn’t just eclipse the rest, it leaves every other mall in Canada in the dust. Pirate ship, roller coaster, waterpark, bronze whale, the whole deal. Call it West Ed, or just say "the mall" - everyone will know which mall you're talking about. WEM even inspired its own art show in 2023 (from which we have a map of WEM mall memories available here!). WEM is pretty much legend, and everyone will have a story about it.
If you know, you know: the river valley is Edmonton’s flex. It’s the biggest stretch of urban parkland in North America with miles and miles of trails that wind through the middle of the city. Some of us grew up bombing down its toboggan hills, many of us just wander it year-round, and if you're a runner or mountain biker, it's pretty much paradise. Bridges, stairs, random lookout benches: choose your adventure. We’re more than a river valley, but Edmontonians will walk it, talk it up, and drag you along for the view.
More walks incoming, so bookmark this post!
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River Valley Walk #1: Wîhkwêntôwin (formerly Oliver) to Garneau
Start in the cozy downtown neighbourhood of Wîhkwêntôwin, walk through Edmonton's river valley, and cross the North Saksatchewan River to a fab coffee shop.
You'll end up on the University of Alberta campus via the Menzies LRT bridge, and reward yourself with a coffee and donut at Ace Garneau. It's a perfect Sunday walk! If it's summer, you can catch the High Level Streetcar back across the river, too. If you'd like to avoid the uphill coming out of the river valley you can modify this walk to cross the High Level Bridge instead of the Menzies LRT bridge.
Distance (one way): approx 2km
Time (one way): 1 hour
Difficulty: Some not-insignificant uphill coming out of the river valley on the southside, but hey, this is the price of descending into the river valley!
*You can run or bike or scooter or rollerblade this whole route, it is fully paved - your blog editors are just huge walkers!
1. Start at the north side of the Menzies LRT bridge, and walk south across the bridge and cross the river.
2. Once on the south bank, continue up the path, past the High Level Bridge pilings (Kinsmen Rec Centre will be on your left), and turn right when the path hits a t-intersection.
3. Walk up this path to the top of the river valley. You'll pass the LRT train tracks on your right and the path will wind your way up to Saskatachewan Drive and the University of Alberta campus.
4. Walk south on 111st to 86ave past the campus, and Ace Garneau will be on your left. Enjoy your caffeine reward!
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More walks incoming, so bookmark this post!
