Our mission is to build community while we explore nature.
Every Saturday at 9:00am (unless otherwise indicated). Trailheads noted below, along with any specific trail notes. This is a time to reconnect with each other and with nature, as we explore a trail in or around Edmonton.
General Things To Keep In Mind
Please dress for the weather, wear appropriate footwear, and bring whatever mobility aides you require/prefer. You walk at your own risk, set your own pace, and choose your finish time. The group usually walks for 1 hour. You do not need to RSVP, and there is no cost to join. Dogs are permitted on leash unless otherwise stated. We start with introductions including pronouns and a land acknowledgement, otherwise there is no programming. There is no ASL interpreter and the only language spoken is English. Lisa has CPR, suicide first aid, and naloxone training. Please see the trailhead announcements below for specific notes on accessibility.
UPCOMING TRAILHEADS
February 11, 2023
Emily Murphy Park to Hawrelak Park
Once you enter Emily Murphy Park, take your first left and follow it around to the last parking lot. Here is the Google Map pin. This out-and-back trail is not groomed. There are no major inclines, and no benches along the main part of the trail. There are public washrooms in both parks. Hawrelak Park is closing for 3 years starting on March 13. Let’s go say our goodbyes to some trees, and tell some of our favourite Hawrelak stories.
February 4, 2023
Heath Road Park
Click here for the Google pin drop for parking. There is bus on demand service in this neighbourhood. There are many hilly parts as we head along the River, through the trees toward Terwillegar Park. We get some nice views of the River as we walk. No benches, no public washrooms.
January 28, 2023
Nellie McClung Park to Queen Elizabeth Park and Walterdale Bridge
We meet in the parking lot for the Pioneer Cabin. Here is the Google Map pin. This loop trail is combination of paved and packed gravel. There are some steep, long inclines. Lots of photo opportunities in the Indigenous Park and at Walterdale Bridge. There are a few benches along the trail (in the parks and at the Bridge), and no public washrooms closeby.
January 21, 2023
Fort Edmonton Footbridge
Meet in the main For Edmonton Park parking lot, closest to the park. Click here for directions. Technically simple trails, we follow the paved trail above the park to the bridge and back. There are a few gradual inclines. There are benches at the bridge only, and no public washrooms closeby.
Fort Edmonton Park is closed for the season.
PREVIOUS TRAILHEADS
January 14, 2023
Gold Bar Park
Meet in the main parking lot. (Click here for the Google pin drop.) We will be walking on a combination of paved and packed earth trails toward and across the River. There is only one incline and no stairs. There are no benches along the trail, but there are public washrooms closeby.
This area is popular with cross-country skiers!
January 7, 2023
Government House Park & Mackinnon Ravine
Meet in the first parking lot of Government House Park (click here for the Google map pin). The majority of this out-and-back trail is packed snow and groomed (sanded, and cleared but not to pavement). There will be some inclines as we enter the Ravine, where the trail is not groomed. We walk along the North Saskatchewan River, and the sunrise is lovely this time of year.
December 31, 2022
Keillor Point and the End of the World!
Let’s end the year together with a fun – and challenging – hike! This trail starts down low, and heads up, up, up to a lovely lookout over the River Valley at Keillor Point. Please park in the first parking lot on the left in Whitemud Park. This out-and-back trail is all paved, and there is a long hill up to Keillor Point, where there are stairs down to the lookout.
December 24, 2022
Rafter’s Landing
Get Christmas Eve – for those who celebrate – started by exploring Edmonton’s River Valley! The trailhead is the main parking lot at Rafter’s Landing, where the Edmonton Riverboat hangs out (click here for the pin drop). This is a mostly flat, paved trail. There are a few long, moderate inclines, and few to no benches along the entirety of the trail. We walk alongside the river, and cross Tawatina Bridge.
December 17, 2022
Buena Vista Park
Meet in the larger parking lot at Buena Vista Park. (Click here for the Google pin drop.) We will be walking on a combination of paved and packed earth trails toward the River. There is a very popular off-leash dog park at the start of the trail. No benches, and the public washrooms are in the adjacent park (Laurier). There is only one incline and no stairs.
December 10, 2022
Terwillegar Park
We meet in the parking lot of the Terwillegar dog park (here is the Google Maps pin drop). Our entire hike will be within the off leash dog park. This loop trail is packed earth. There are no inclines or stairs, but the ground surface is uneven.
December 3, 2022
Hermitage Park into Kennedale Ravine
The trailhead is the main parking lot at Hermitage Dog Park (click here for the pin drop). We head north into the park and then into Kennedale Ravine. This is a mostly flat, paved out-and-back trail. There is one moderate incline, and no benches along the entirety of the trail. Dogs are welcome off leash.
November 26, 2022
Dawson Park
The trailhead is the main parking lot at Dawson Park (click here for the pin drop). We head north into the park. This is a mostly flat, paved out-and-back trail. There is one steep incline, and few to no benches along the entirety of the trail. We walk alongside the river, and the views of downtown are pretty fabulous. Dogs are welcome off leash.
November 19 2022
Please welcome a Guest Host this weekend: Myron S
Heath Road Park
Click here for the Google pin drop for parking. There is bus on demand service in this neighbourhood. There are many hilly parts as we head along the River and across the Bridge toward Cameron Heights and the Solar farm. Dogs are welcome on leash.
November 12, 2022
Mill Creek Ravine
Meet at the Argyll Velodrome (click here for the pin drop). There is a large parking lot on site (free), with bus access a few blocks away. We are sticking to the upper trails, which are all paved, but not releably groomed. Due to the recent weather we are expecting lots of snow and maybe some icy patches, so please come prepared with poles and/or cleats. Dogs are welcome on leash only on the upper trails
November 6, 2022
North bank below Highlands community
We meet at Ada Blvd and 73 street (here is the Google Maps pin drop) and head down and east along the river. This out-and-back trail is combination of paved and packed earth. There are some steep, long inclines, and one set of stairs. Dogs are welcome off leash once we get down to the river.
October 29, 2022
Whitemud Community League
Come dressed scary or sweet for our Halloween Hike! There is parking in the Community League lot and on the street, as well as some bus access in the neighbourhood. (Click here for the Google pin drop). This trail is a single track, packed earth. Lots of rolling hills through Whitemud Creek. There are no public washrooms or benches. Dog are permitted on leash.
October 22 2022
McNally High School
Meet in the main parking lot (click here for the Google pin drop). This trail is entirely paved, with accessible connections from parking lot to trail. There are few to no benches, and no public washrooms. There is one long hill, if we get to it. The views of the city skyline are stellar. Dog are permitted on leash.
October 15, 2022
Goldstick Park
Meet in the main parking lot by the ball diamonds. (click here for the Google map link). There is a lot of parking here, with bus access in the neighbourhood adjacent to the park. The trails in this park are all single track, packed earth. We might end up on a paved trail at some point, but it’s not a guarantee! This trail is not suitable for strollers or rollers. There are no benches, no public washrooms on site. Dog are permitted on leash.
October 8, 2022
Hardisty Drive and 106B Avenue
Meet at the cross roads noted above. (click here for the Google pin drop). There is street parking, and bus access in the neighbourhood. This trail heads down along Capilano Freeway – aka Wayne Gretzky Drive – and then along the River. There are paved and unpaved portions of this trail, along with a lengthy hill. No technical bits. Few to no benches, and no public washrooms. Dog are permitted on leash.
Please note that we have not scouted this area recently, so we can’t comment on specific accessibility concerns.
September 24, 2022 at NOON
Moss Lake Detour in Elk Island National Park
SPECIAL TIME: Meet in the Moss Lake Trail parking lot at 12:00pm for the hike. Click here for the Google pin drop to the trailhead. After our hike, we are having cake at 1:30pm at the Astotin Lake day use area in celebration of Lisa’s 42nd birthday. NOTE: There is a fee to enter the park, and carpooling is strongly encouraged.
September 17, 2022
Terwillegar Park
Meet in the main parking lot (click here for the Google pin drop). The trailhead is an off leash park, but the remainder of the trail is not, so please keep that in mind when attending. This trail is all flat, but the transitions from parking lot to trail and along the bridge are complicated.
September 10, 2022
Nellie McClung Park to Queen Elizabeth Park and Walterdale Bridge
We will meet in the parking lot for the Pioneer Cabin. Here is the Google Map pin. This loop trail is combination of paved and packed gravel. There are some steep, long inclines. Lots of photo opportunities in the Indigenous Park and at Walterdale Bridge!
August 28, 2022 at 7:00pm
Dawson Park
The trailhead is the main parking lot at Dawson Park (click here for the pin drop). We head north into the park. This is a mostly flat, paved out-and-back trail. There is one steep incline, and few to no benches along the entirety of the trail. We walk alongside the river, and the views of downtown are pretty fabulous. Dogs are welcome off leash.
August 21, 2022 at 7:00pm
Victoria Park
Meet in the main parking lot Victoria Park along River Valley Road (click here for the Google map pin). The majority of this loop trail is paved with a large section of wooden stairs. There are a few steep inclines. We are crossing two bridges on this hike: High Level and Ainsworth Dyer (LRT). Expect spectacular views of the River Valley. Please note: this excursion involves walking down a flight of 200 stairs.
August 14, 2022 at 7:00pm
Mill Creek Ravine
Happy Birthday Grandma Connie! The trailhead this weekend is at the Upper Pool Parking Lot in Mill Creek Ravine (click here for the pin drop). We are headed north into the Ravine, and depending on trail conditions, will be taking the lower trail. This is a packed earth trail, with some tree root activity and varied inclines. We walk along the creek, and there are some small wooden bridges to cross. There are no benches along the lower trail, and a few along the upper (paved, multi-use) trail.
August 7, 2022 at 7:00pm
Louise McKinney Park
Meet in the main parking lot for Louise McKinney Park (click here for the Google map pin). This out-and-back trail is a combination of paved and packed earth. There is a major inclines as we descend toward the river and Tawatina Bridge. We walk along the North Saskatchewan River into Riverdale. There are a few benches in Louise McKinney, but none as we continue on our way.
May 28, 2022
Whitemud Creek
A perennial favourite of the group, hiking in Whitemud Creek makes you feel like you’ve left the city. The trailhead this weekend is at Alfred Savage Centre (click here for the pin drop). We head south into the Ravine. This is a mostly flat, packed earth trail, with a lot of tree root activity (watch your step!). We walk along the creek, and there are some small wooden bridges to cross. Due to the recent weather we are expecting wet and muddy sections.
May 21, 2022
Government House Park & Mackinnon Ravine
Meet in the first parking lot of Government House Park (click here for the Google map pin). The majority of this out-and-back trail is paved. There some some inclines as we enter the Ravine, and the pavement isn’t as smooth. We walk along the North Saskatchewan River and there are few trees to block the views.
May 14, 2022
North bank below Highlands community
We meet at Ada Blvd and 73 street (here is the Google Maps pin drop) and head down and east along the river. This out-and-back trail is combination of paved and packed earth. There are some steep, long inclines, and one set of stairs.
May 7, 2022 – Happy Mother’s Day
Terwillegar Park
We meet in the parking lot of the Terwillegar dog park (here is the Google Maps pin drop). Our entire hike will be within the off leash dog park. This loop trail is packed earth. There are no inclines or stairs, but the ground surface is uneven.
April 30, 2022
Two start time options: 9:00am and 10:30am
Heath Road Park
Click here for the Google pin drop for parking. There is bus on demand service in this neighbourhood. There are many “ups and downs” as we head along the River toward Terwillegar Park. This trail is not paved in all sections. Due to the recent weather we are expecting wet sections, so please keep that in mind!
April 23, 2022
Nellie McClung Park to Queen Elizabeth Park and Walterdale Bridge
Two start time options: 9:00am and 10:30am
We will meet in the parking lot for the Pioneer Cabin. Here is the Google Map pin. This loop trail is combination of paved and packed gravel. There are some steep, long inclines. Lots of photo opportunities in the Indigenous Park and at Walterdale Bridge!
March 27, 2022
Terwillegar Park at 7:30pm
Meet in the main parking lot (click here for the Google pin drop). This is an off leash park, so please keep that in mind when attending. This trail is all flat, but the transitions from parking lot to trail and along the bridge are complicated. The bridge has been very icy on previous visits, so please come prepared with poles and/or cleats.
March 26, 2022
Dawson Park at 9:00am
Another favourite! Meet in the main parking lot (click here for the Google pin drop). This is an off leash park, so please keep that in mind when attending. This trail is mostly flat with two short inclines. Due to the recent weather we are expecting icy patches, so please come prepared with poles and/or cleats.
March 20, 2022 – Spring Equinox
Louise McKinney Riverfront Park at 7:30pm
Let’s hope for less cloud cover and more sunset as we celebrate the Spring Equinox! Meet in the main parking lot (click here for the Google pin drop). We have a lot of options from this trailhead, but we will definitely be crossing the Tawatina LRT Bridge. There are a few moderate inclines and optional stairs. Due to the recent weather we are expecting icy patches, so please come prepared with poles and/or cleats.
March 19, 2022
Whitemud Creek at 9:00am
A perennial favourite of the group, hiking in Whitemud Creek makes you feel like you’ve left the city. The trailhead this weekend is at Alfred Savage Centre (click here for the pin drop). We are headed south into the Ravine. This is a mostly flat trail, with a lot of tree root activity (watch your step!). We walk along the creek, and there are some small wooden bridges to cross. Due to the recent weather we are expecting icy patches, so please come prepared with poles and/or cleats.
March 12, 2022
Rundle Park
Meet in the small parking lot immediately south of the Rundle Park Golf course parking lot (click here for the Google pin drop). We are headed north along the River. There is one long incline on this hike, and due to the recent weather we are expecting icy patches, so please come prepared with poles and/or cleats.
March 5, 2022
Mill Creek Ravine
In honour of my Dad’s first month of Master Composter training with the City, we are headed back to his old stomping grounds. Meet at the Argyll Velodrome (click here for the pin drop). Due to the recent weather we are expecting icy patches, so please come prepared with poles and/or cleats.
February 26 – “Coldest Night of the Year”
Kinnaird Ravine and Dawson Park
Meet at 78 Street NW and Jasper Ave. Click here for the Google pin drop. There are a few steeper inclines on this hike, but we would still invite all skill levels of hikers to participate! Due to the recent weather we are expecting icy patches, so please come prepared with poles and/or cleats. We walk through the Ravine and down into Dawson Park. There is one set of stairs.
February 19, 2022
Heath Road Park
Click here for the Google pin drop. Hiker’s Choice: Attendees will get to vote on whether we head south toward the bridge, or north toward Terwillegar Park! There are many gentle inclines as we head toward and along the River. Due to the recent weather we are expecting icy patches, so please come prepared with poles and/or cleats.
January 8
Government House Park & Mackinnon Ravine
Meet in the first parking lot of Government House Park (click here for the Google map pin). The majority of this out-and-back trail is packed snow and groomed (sanded, and cleared but not to pavement). There will be some inclines as we enter the Ravine, where the trail is not groomed. We walk along the North Saskatchewan River, and the sunrise is lovely this time of year.
January 1, 2022 – Happy New Year!
Whitemud Park up to Keillor Point.
We would love to start 2022 on the trails with you! Come shake off the late night with a brisk walk along a fan favourite – the Fort Edmonton Loop and across the Footbridge. Meet in the east end of the Fort Edmonton Park parking lot. This loop is a combination of packed earth and paved. Bring your noise makers!
December 25
Mill Creek Ravine
Yes, Lisa realizes this is Christmas Morning, but as that isn’t a huge deal in her house, she is going out walking and invites you to join in. She is however, being a little selfish and has chosen a trailhead within walking distance of her home. Meet at 95a Street and 80 Avenue. There is street parking. We will be sticking to the high trail today, which is all paved, and well travelled. This is a special place for Lisa and she would love to share a quiet morning with you.
December 18
Whitemud Park up to Keillor Point.
Celebrating the Winter Solstice a few days early! This trail starts down low, and heads up to a lovely lookout over the River Valley at Keillor Point. Please park in the first parking lot on the left in Whitemud Park. This out-and-back trail is all paved, and there is a long hill up to Keillor Point, where there are stairs down to the lookout.
December 11
Whitemud Creek Ravine
There is a small parking lot at the trailhead here, and “overflow” available at Snow Valley Ski Hill here. This out and back trail is all packed earth, and will be covered in snow (and ice) at this time of year. Not technically difficult, but please be mindful of roots and icy trail conditions. The trail winds in and around Whitemud Creek, crosses a few lovely little bridges, and there are always chickadees flitting about.
December 4
Rossdale Park through Louise McKinney to the new LRT bridge.
Please park on 100 street around the old Rossdale Brewery. Here is the Google Maps pin. This out-and-back trail is a combination of packed gravel and paved. We pass the elevator that leads to the funicular (a great detour if the group is into it!), then up through Louise McKinney Park. The new pedestrian bridge should be open to foot traffic as well, which I know lots of folks have been excited to see!
November 27
Nellie McClung Park to Queen Elizabeth Park and Walterdale Bridge
We will meet in the parking lot for the Pioneer Cabin. Here is the Google Map pin. This loop trail is combination of paved and packed gravel. There are some steep, long inclines. Lots of photo opportunities in the Indigenous Park and at Walterdale Bridge!
November 20
Emily Murphy Park to Hawrelak Park
Emily Murphy has a few parking lots. We will meet in the section closest to the boat launch. Here is the Google Map pin. This flat, out-and-back trail is packed gravel, and winds along the river into Hawrelak Park.
November 13
Mactaggart Sanctuary
There are two parking lots for this location; please use the one that makes the most sense for you! We will meet at the Blue Bridge. Here is the pin. This is a single track, forest path, with lots of roots and inclines. There is a difficult portion of the trail (as pictured), with a detour available for those who aren’t into it. The trails wind around Blackmud Creek and there is a lot of animal activity this time of year.
October 30
Asmo Hanaas Walking Path
Meet in the parking lot across from Riverside Golf Course. Here is the pin. We will be walking North along the river on a packed earth trail. 90% of this trail is single file.
October 23
Buena Vista Park
We will meet in the Valley Zoo parking lot. (Click here for the Google pin drop.) We will be walking along the River on a combination of paved and packed earth trails. There is an off-leash dog park near the start of the trail.
October 16
Fraser Ravine
Click here for the pin drop. Park along Fraser Way between 147 and 148 Avenue. These trails have not been scouted by NLL recently.
October 9 – Happy Thanksgiving
Heath Road Park
Click here for the Google pin drop. We are headed SW on a combination of packed earth and paved trails. There will be some gentle inclines as we head toward and along the River.
October 2
Goldstick Park
Click here for the Google Pin drop at the main parking lot for the baseball diamonds. These are technically simple, packed earth trails, but have not been scouted by NLL recently.
September 25
Elk Island National Park
SPECIAL TIME: Meet in the Astotin Lake Area parking lot at 11:00am for the hike. After our hike, we are having cake at 12:30pm in celebration of Lisa’s 41st birthday. Click here for the Google pin drop. NOTE: There is a fee to enter the park.
September 18
Bunchberry Meadows
The site is 30km from Edmonton. Click here for directions. These are technically simple, packed earth trails that wander through old growth forest, meadows, and wetlands. It is a very special place. There are NO DOGS allowed.
The parking lot is small, and once filled, the site is at capacity. We recommend carpooling if you can!
September 11
Kinnaird Ravine
Meet at 78 Street NW and Jasper Ave. Click here for the Google pin drop. There are a few steeper inclines on this hike (not pictured ;-), but we would still invite all skill levels of hikers to participate!
August 21
Fort Edmonton Footbridge
Meet in the main For Edmonton Park parking lot, closest to the park. Click here for directions. Technically simple trails, we follow the packed earth trail along the river to the Bridge, and the paved trail above the park back to the meeting point.
Fort Edmonton Park is open for the summer. Click here for more info, or to buy tickets.
August 14
Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary
Meet in the main parking lot. Click here for directions, and here for more info about this location. To note: it is illegal to park on the road. Lisa recommends carpooling to this location if possible.
August 7
Whitemud Park to Keillor Road
Meet in the “first” parking lot. Click here for directions. There is one long hill, otherwise this trail is considered technically easy. Our turnaround point in the loop is Edmonton’s “End of the World” lookout point.
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