Edmonton 
As Edmonton expanded, many communities emerged across the Alberta Capital Region. Among them, Fort Saskatchewan stands out, not just for its scenic location along the North Saskatchewan River, but for a history as deep and enduring as Edmonton’s own. True to its name, Fort Saskatchewan began as a key fort on the river for the Northwest Mounted Police, playing a vital role in shaping the region’s early development.
Credit: Fort Saskatchewan
Today, all of the rich history is on display around the city and especially so at the Precinct Museum. Whether you head to Fort Saskatchewan for that 200+year history, to make it a basecamp for exploring Elk Island or Edmonton, or to enjoy the river, there will be many ways to fill your day or weekend.
Explore the North Saskatchewan River Valley
Given the Fort Saskatchewan river valley location, the area is home to numerous trails around the banks of the North Saskatchewan. And aside from the river valley trail access, the city has other ways to explore the river valley, like river access points and boat launches.
- The city trails run along most of the length of the river valley, with several forks with paths that lead into the neighbourhoods or connect to other parts of Fort Saskatchewan. The Ross Creek Trail is a linear 2.1km route from Turner Park; this nature trail follows the creek as it skirts around downtown.
- Down on the opposite side of the city and on the west end of the trail system, is a level but longer 5.1km loop around ponds, picnic areas, and the river’s edge. Fort Saskatchewan’s West River’s Edge is home to many other features like picnic sites, a playground, firepits, a boat launch, ball diamonds, and an off-leash dog park.
- With the West River’s Edge boat launch, and a second further east on the river at Turner Park, it is simple to plan an afternoon paddle, raft, or boat trip around the city of Fort Saskatchewan.
- To get more incredible River Valley views along your nature trails and trek, follow the city’s South 10K interpretive trail; this route, combined with the Pine Trail, connects WRE to Chabot Park.
Arts & Culture in Fort Saskatchewan
While out on the trails, there will be something or a place around almost every corner to help you discover the arts, history, or culture of Fort Saskatchewan. The city has a long list of public art displays and exhibits set up around the streets and sidewalks, local museums, and chances to catch local performances or more art!
- There is no better way to immerse yourself in Fort Saskatchewan history than with a trip to the Fort Heritage Precinct. The indoor and outdoor museum showcases the city’s history through three different and significant time periods. And these are all open for self-guided exploration or guided tours.
- Visit with kids to see a flock of 50 sheep grazing in the Fort Heritage Precinct. These friendly sheep roam freely in Peter Ream and Legacy Park during summer, offering a fun and educational family experience.
- Explore the arts around the Fort in several more ways! The city is home to numerous public and outdoor displays of art, including a handful of local murals, as well as public galleries at City Hall and the Dow Centennial Centre.
- On a rainy or cooler summer day, make time for a flick at the Fort Cinema, where they screen all the latest new release movies.
- All the live stage action takes place at Fort Saskatchewan’s Shell Theatre in the Dow Centennial Centre.
- The Alberta Railway Museum is on the far northeast end of Edmonton’s city limits, making it a short drive from Fort Saskatchewan. Here, the museum offers a look into Alberta’s extensive and rich history with the railway industry. The museum houses railcars, historical buildings, and archives or books.
A Day at Elk Island National Park
The northern entrance to Elk Island National Park is only about a 20-minute drive from Fort Saskatchewan! This prairie park is home to a wonderful array of wildlife, most notably the freely roaming bison, many small lakes and wetlands, two campgrounds, backcountry campsites, and a huge trail system!
Credit: Parks Canada
- Astotin Lake is the heart of Elk Island National Park and is located toward the centre of the park. Here, there is an expansive sandy beach lined with picnic tables and firepits, and access to numerous trails. Also, here is a rental office and boathouse where you can pick up a SUP, canoe, or kayak, to take on Astotin Lake.
- The lengthier of the park’s trails are concentrated to the south side of Elk Island, including the Wood Bison Trail (south side of Yellowhead), the Hayburger Trail, and the Shirley Lake Trail, all of which create large loops.
- The shorter hiking trails of Elk Island begin near Astotin Lake or directly across the Parkway, offering five separate and simple route options.
- While you watch for bison and other large wildlife like moose or elk, also be aware of the park’s more than 250 bird species! The park’s mix of wetlands, aspen parkland, and boreal forest makes it a busy habitat for all sorts of birds, which may vary from season to season.
Where to Dine this Summer in Fort Saskatchewan
Dining within Fort Saskatchewan offers a huge variety of cuisine types, different cultural foods, and a variety of both dine-in and takeout options. Plus, the rural areas around the Fort are home to a handful of farm-to-table dining experiences (these are in addition to the weekly Farmers’ Market!)
- Those farm-to-table experiences come in the form of u-pick farms near Fort Saskatchewan, like U-pick at Horse Hill Berry Farm, Creekside Saskatoon Berry Farm, and Attracted2Apples, and the special summer dining series from the local Bar OA Farms.
- Get a taste for international cuisine around some of Fort Saskatchewan’s top-rated and locally-owned eateries like Hanabi Japanese Restaurant, Riverside Thai Cuisine, Modo Mio Italian Restaurant, or Tummy Full Fusion Restaurant.
- Enjoy a family meal, whether sitting in or to-go, with local restaurants like The Atlantic Kitchen, SkyHy Pizza, Eggcellent P’Eats, or Burger Time. Then, conclude the family meal at a Fort Saskatchewan staple: Millers Ice Cream.
- Many great local pubs have welcoming indoor and outdoor areas for drinks, social hour, date night, and more: Pots Bar & Grill, The Bears Den, and 10 Downing St. are all perfect places to meet up with friends.
Summer Events in Fort Saskatchewan
With Fort Saskatchewan within such a short distance of Edmonton and the numerous city festivals, a trip to the Fort could include both local events and those in Edmonton. But when you keep your travels or trip with Fort Saskatchewan, there will be a few key events around which you might want to plan.
- Shop and browse the Fort Saskatchewan Farmers’ Market each Thursday evening this summer (until August 28) at the CN Station Parking Lot for local goodies of all kinds. The market vendors include food producers and farmers, artisans, artists, and more.
- Enjoy the 2025 double-feature Movie Under the Stars in Fort Saskatchewan with films suitable for all ages. The August 15 Movies Under the Stars series will feature an outdoor screening of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, and Spider-Man. The evening will feature Spider-Man-themed activities, contests with prizes, and several more kids’ activities.
- Join the city on August 30 for two local events: the Alberta Day Celebrations at the Fort Heritage Precinct, and the Sheep Leaving Parade.
Hotels, Camping, or Glamping near Fort Saskatchewan
Highways AB-15 and 21 run through the middle of Fort Saskatchewan and are where you’ll find all of the city’s hotel and motel chain options. These are all cozy places to rest your head that offer a mix of amenities like pool or hot tub access, or continental breakfast.
- There is also the option to camp right in the city with the help of the Fort Lions Campground, which offers a variety of site types. Choose between no services, power only, or full service with power, water, and sewer hookups. Head a short way out of the city (20-25km) to find more campground options like Elk Island Retreat (glamping and RV sites), Elk Island National Park (tent/RV campsites, and oTENTik), or the Long Riders RV Park (RV sites). And that’s not all; Hipcamp lists numerous nearby campsites that are owned and operated by locals.
- Find more ways to stay right outside of the city and Capital Region with some of the Fort Saskatchewan-area private rental options. The Beaver Hills Retreat is a large and luxurious home rental conveniently near Elk Island and Fort Saskatchewan, while sites like Airbnb or VRBO offer options in and out of the city.
Upcoming Events in Fort Saskatchewan
Shell Theatre, 8700 84 St, Fort Saskatchewan
May 21, 2026
$36-$39
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