Hidden Gems: Edmonton’s Lesser-Known River Valley Trails

Locals are discovering new spots along North America's largest urban parkland with trails suited for all seasons.

Edmonton’s river valley is often touted as the largest stretch of urban parkland in North America, but even longtime residents are surprised by how many of its trails remain hidden in plain sight. Beyond the well-trodden paths of Hawrelak Park or Mill Creek Ravine lie lesser-known routes that offer solitude, beauty, and unexpected encounters with nature.

One such gem is the Tawatinâ Bridge pathway, which connects downtown to the south side. Lined with over 400 pieces of Indigenous artwork embedded into the railings, the trail is both a physical crossing and a cultural experience. Early morning joggers share the path with cyclists and bird watchers stopping to admire magpies and waxwings.

Further east, the Gold Bar to Rundle Park trail meanders alongside wetlands, where beavers have constructed active dams and great blue herons wade silently through reeds. It’s an ideal route for quiet contemplation and wildlife photography, particularly in early fall when the poplars turn golden.

Another lesser-known route is the Laurier Park footpath that hugs the river’s edge below residential neighborhoods. During off-peak hours, it's possible to walk for an hour without seeing another person. Frequented by foxes, porcupines, and owls, the area feels surprisingly wild for a city of over a million.

Volunteers with the River Valley Alliance have helped maintain these hidden paths, often installing benches, wayfinding signs, and erosion controls using eco-friendly materials. Their efforts have made these trails safer and more accessible while preserving their off-the-beaten-track appeal.

Trail runners and dog walkers say these spots offer a reprieve from the crowds of busier parks. 'It feels like my own little forest,' said east-end resident Tanya Grove, who uses a lesser-known ravine route behind Capilano to clear her head after work.

The City of Edmonton has plans to highlight some of these hidden gems with updated maps and an interactive trail app expected to launch next year. The goal is to encourage residents to explore their local green spaces in more diverse ways while spreading foot traffic more evenly across the network.

As urban life grows increasingly fast-paced, these lesser-known trails offer a reminder that peace, perspective, and a breath of fresh air might be just a few quiet steps away.