River Valley

Fort Saskatchewan's river valley is a major source of pride in our community. In a 2017 survey of more than 2300 residents, the river valley trails ranked second as what part of Fort Saskatchewan respondents were most proud of. A close-knit, friendly community was first!

The extensive trail system spans 19kms and includes hard trails perfect for cycling, walking, jogging, or cross-country skiing.

The trail system is signed for distance, direction and destinations such as:

  • West River's Edge
  • Lions Fish Pond
  • Boat Launch
  • Historic Precinct

Trails

River Valley Trails

View the River Valley Trail Map 

Fort Saskatchewan is a proud member of the River Valley Alliance (RVA), a non-profit organization made up of seven regional municipalities along a 100 km stretch of the North Saskatchewan River from Devon to Fort Saskatchewan.

The RVA is a not-for-profit organization made up of the seven shareholder municipalities that The River Valley Alliance.

Check out RVA's Experience the River Valley Resources page

View RVA's TrailTrek How-To: West River's Edge Loop

More trails

Check out our Recreational Trails Map for more trails around the City.

Fort Saskatchewan Prairie

Fort Saskatchewan Prairie, located in West River's Edge Park on the western edge of our city and bordering the south side of the North Saskatchewan River, is one of three remaining native prairie remnants in the Capital Region. The City of Fort Saskatchewan acquired this 13 hectare parcel of land to protect its natural heritage for the community and visitors to enjoy. The Prairie’s main entrance gate is located southwest of the boat launch, next to the West River’s Edge Wetlands Conservation Area.

There are interpretive signs throughout this natural landscape to guide and educate visitors about the native plants and animals that still live here. One sign honors Dr. G. H. Turner who was one of the first doctors here in early 1900. He was an avid botanist, finding and naming 10,000 different plants in the area. He dedicated his collection to the University of Alberta Herbarium for conservation. Botanists from the Edmonton Naturalization Group, have collected seeds from rare plants in Fort Saskatchewan Prairie to grow in their nursery and to help preserve the species.

Wildflowers     Fort Saskatchewan Prairie trail     Fort Saskatchewan Prairie trail

While walking in the Fort Saskatchewan Prairie, you might come across deer, porcupine, skunks, or a moose. Several kinds of birds come through on migration and nest here either in the trees or on the ground. To protect this natural preserve, only foot traffic is permitted. Also there are no campfires allowed and dogs must be kept on a leash.