Edmonton 
There are a ton of reasons to visit Edmonton’s River Valley parks this spring: blazing sunsets; going for the season’s first bike ride or run; picnics; photo opportunities; and so much more. And within each riverfront park in Edmonton, there are several specific reasons to get out and explore the many parts of our urban parkland.
Here’s why you should get out and explore Edmonton’s Louise McKinney Riverfront Park this Spring!
1. The Tawatina Footbridge
This is one of Edmonton’s latest construction projects which are slowly transforming our skyline and river valley. In line with Edmonton bridges, you will find it lit bright during the night. And look up!
The Tawatina Footbridge is decorated with 400 paintings depicting the area’s natural landscape, and the area’s Indigenous history and cultural significance. The colourful collage will have you slowly walking the bridge to enjoy each piece on its own before viewing the installation from one end of the bridge.
2. Watch the Sun Rise or Set
Looking for a new morning dog walking route, or a place to wind down in the evenings? The views from the Tawatina Bridge allow for east and west, therefore sunrise and sunset scenery.
The sunrise can be viewed over the river, the tops of thousands of trees, and a bit of urban scenery. Face west to watch the sunset over the river, downtown, and the University area all at once! You can also mix up the vantage points from different river edge spots on both the north and south sides.
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3. Photo Walks
Besides epic sunrises and sunsets, river views, there are many other photo opportunities around this park. A few extra-large cherry blossom trees are preparing to bloom, along with the deep greens of the river valley parkland. And surrounding the park on both sides of the river are massive trees arching over the older residential streets. From the tops of the park’s hills, you’ll get sweeping views of all the spring colours. Louise McKinney is home to a Chinese Garden as well, which creates even more beauty along the park’s paved trails which lead up the hill.
4. Riverside Café & Segway Adventures
The River Valley Adventure Company operate out of Louise McKinney and this create its own reasons to visit the park. Their café is open during regular business hours and is near the park’s riverfront lookouts equipped with benches and picnic tables. River Valley Adventure Co. have private patio and fireplace areas overlooking the river which you can also book.
If you are up for an adventure through this part of the river valley, you can book a Segway Tour with the Adventure Co. who zip you through the paths and to more relaxing views. Tours start at $59.99 per person.
You can get anywhere from here!
Louise McKinney Riverfront Park is but a small part of a much larger park system in Edmonton, with paths leading in all directions.
You can cross the Tawatina pedestrian bridge to access the south side of the river, and eventually to the Valley Line LRT stop (hopefully this summer/fall!). Directly across the bridge from Louise McKinney Park are the Muttart Conservatory, Gallagher Park, and access to the Mill Creek Ravine. This ravine can take you as far south as Argyle!
If you want to stick to the north side of the river, you can reach Jasper Avenue which is up the hill, you can head west on the trails leading toward the Low- and High-Level bridges, or northeast toward Capilano Park.
Coming Soon…Accidental Beaches!
Under the Tawatina bridge is where you’ll find Edmonton’s famous Accidental Beach. It is a result of sand bars building up from the nearby construction. Come summer, you can access the unofficial beach via the Cloverdale neighbourhood (south side of bridge) and use it as a quiet relaxation corner when the weather is warmer. The river is likely not going to be warm enough for swimming this summer, but you can cautiously find shallow spots to cool your feet off in. This is a quiet area hidden from the noise of downtown, but with excellent skyline views still.
For more information:
Address: 9999 Grierson Hill NW, Edmonton
