The best parks in North Edmonton are Rundle Park, Hermitage Park, Northeast River Valley Park, Beaumaris Lake, and Castle Downs Park. Rundle is the one to pick if you want the most to do in one place. Hermitage is better for a quiet walk, fishing, or letting your dog run. Beaumaris Lake and Castle Downs Park are the easy wins in the northwest, especially with kids.

I've lived in North Edmonton for years, first in Griesbach and now closer to Castle Downs, and these are the green spaces I actually use. Rundle Park is my go-to. I'm there often. I've also spent time at Hermitage Park, and I used to walk the lakes in Griesbach when I lived there.

Most visitors to Edmonton head straight for Hawrelak Park or the downtown river valley. That's fine, but the north side has parks that are just as good and usually less crowded. If you're staying on this side of the city, or you're an Albertan looking for something new to do on a Saturday, this guide will help you pick the right one.

North Edmonton Parks at a Glance

Park	Area	Best for	Main features	Off-leash dogs
Rundle Park	Northeast river valley	Families, sports, winter skating	Trails, paddle boats, par-3 golf, disc golf, IceWay, toboggan hills	No (leashed only)
Hermitage Park	Northeast river valley (Clareview area)	Quiet walks, fishing, dogs	Stocked trout pond, paddling, river trails	Yes, large area
Kennedale Ravine	Northeast (Clareview)	Dog walks, short ravine hikes	Creek bridges, paved and gravel paths	Yes
Northeast River Valley Park	Far northeast, off Anthony Henday	Peaceful walks, paddling, events	Large lake, covered barn bridges, playground	No (leashed only)
Beaumaris Lake	Northwest (Castle Downs)	Easy loop walks, birdwatching	Paved lake loop, viewing decks	No (leashed only)
Castle Downs Park	Northwest (Castle Downs)	Young kids	Large playground, spray park, skate park, outdoor rink	No
Griesbach lakes	North central (Griesbach)	Neighbourhood strolls	Four lakes, linked trails, military heritage features	No

What Counts as North Edmonton?

There's no official line, but most locals mean anything north of the Yellowhead Trail. For this guide, I've included the north-bank river valley parks in the northeast (Rundle and Hermitage) because that's how people on this side of the city think about them. For more on this side of the city, including where to eat, shop, and stay, see my ultimate guide to North Edmonton. If you want a broader look at how the city is laid out, start with my guide to Edmonton's main areas.

Looking for parks across the whole city, including Hawrelak and the central river valley? See my list of the best parks in Edmonton.

1. Rundle Park

• Best for: Families, groups, active days out, and winter skating.
• Address: 2909 113 Avenue NW

Rundle Park is the biggest all-rounder on the north side, and it's the park I visit most. It sits on the north bank of the North Saskatchewan River in the northeast, and it packs a lot into one place. You can easily spend a whole afternoon here without doing the same thing twice.

One surprising fact: parts of the park used to be the Town of Beverly's garbage dump before Beverly joined Edmonton in 1961. You'd never guess it today.

Things to do at Rundle Park in summer

• Walk or bike the paved trails. The multi-use paths loop through open fields and past the man-made ponds. A footbridge crosses the river to Gold Bar Park, so you can turn a short walk into a longer river valley loop.
• Rent a paddle boat. My Lakehouse runs summer rentals on the pond, including pedal boats, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards. Personal watercraft aren't allowed on Rundle's pond, so if you want to bring your own canoe or kayak, go to Hermitage Park or Northeast River Valley Park instead.
• Play disc golf. Rundle has an 18-hole disc golf course that's free to use. It's one of the busiest courses in the city and is home to local league play, so expect company on summer evenings.
• Play a round of golf. The City-run Rundle Park Golf Course is an 18-hole, par-3-style short course. It's a good choice for beginners or anyone who wants a quick round without a full day on the course.
• Use the sports facilities. There are ball diamonds, sports fields, beach volleyball courts, tennis courts, and playgrounds spread across the park.
• Have a picnic. The City has bookable picnic sites with canopies, plus free drop-in tables on a first-come basis.

Things to do at Rundle Park in winter

Rundle is one of the best winter parks in Edmonton. The IceWay is a skating trail that winds through a treed area and links to other ice surfaces, including a shinny area for hockey. There are toboggan hills and cross-country ski trails too. The Rundle Family Centre has washrooms and a place to change into your skates, and skate rentals have been offered on winter weekends.

Good to know

• Washrooms: Available at the ACT Aquatic and Recreation Centre and the Rundle Family Centre. Check hours before you go, as they don't stay open as long as the park itself.
• Indoor backup: The ACT Aquatic and Recreation Centre is inside the park. If the weather turns, you can switch to a swim.
• Getting in: Rundle is a big park, and the main roads in can be busy on sunny weekends. Arrive earlier in the day if you want an easy parking spot near the ponds.

Check current rental times, golf season dates, and IceWay conditions on the City of Edmonton's Rundle Park page before you go.

2. Hermitage Park

• Best for: Quiet nature walks, fishing, paddling, and dog owners.
• Address: 2115 Hermitage Road NW

Hermitage Park is the calmer cousin of Rundle. It sits farther northeast along the river, close to Clareview, and it feels much more natural. There are fewer facilities, but that's the point. This is where I'd go if I wanted a slow walk and some fresh air rather than a busy family day.

Fishing at Hermitage Park

The park has two ponds. The City stocks a pond with rainbow trout and brown trout each year, and it's free for public use. A gravel path leads to an accessible dock, which makes it a good spot to teach kids to fish.

When I visited, I spent some time just watching people fish from the edge of the pond. It's a relaxed scene. Nobody is in a rush, and you don't need to fish yourself to enjoy it.

Paddling and trails

Personal non-motorized boats like canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards are allowed on the pond. Gas and electric motors are not. There's a small launch on the upper pond.

The trails are a mix of paved and gravel paths that run through trees and down along the North Saskatchewan River. The north end of the park has a large off-leash area, which is one of the best on the north side for dogs that need room to run. In winter, the open areas are used for cross-country skiing.

Good to know

• Washrooms are basic. There are portable toilets around the park and washrooms on the side of the maintenance building. The portable toilets are not wheelchair accessible.
• Watch for geese. The ponds attract a lot of Canada geese, so watch where you step and keep food packed away.
• Bring water and a hat. Some of the trail sections are open with little shade.
• Wildlife: Visitors often spot ducks, herons, and pelicans around the ponds and river.

3. Kennedale Ravine

• Best for: Dog walks and a short escape from the city.
• Location: Clareview area, with an access point near 40 Street and 130 Avenue NW

Kennedale Ravine is a narrow, treed ravine that runs toward the river and connects with Hermitage Park. It's an off-leash area, but it isn't fenced, so your dog needs solid recall. The first stretch is paved and open, and the lower part becomes packed gravel through the trees, with several small bridges over the creek.

It's a local spot rather than a destination park. There are no real facilities, so treat it as a walking route. If you want a longer outing, you can walk the ravine down to Hermitage and back. I'd recommend going during daylight hours and with a friend if you're new to the area, since parts of the ravine are quiet and out of sight from the road.

4. Northeast River Valley Park

• Best for: Peaceful walks, paddling, and photos.
• Address: 903 153 Avenue NE (near 17 Street NE, just east of Anthony Henday Drive)

Northeast River Valley Park is the newest major park in Edmonton's river valley system. The City took over the former ranch property and opened it to the public in 2023. At about 190 acres, it's larger than Hawrelak Park, but it gets a fraction of the visitors.

The park has a large lake with a hand launch for non-motorized boats, walking trails, picnic sites, a playground, and washrooms. Its two covered barn bridges are the main photo spot. There's also a large event centre that's rented out for weddings and other events. In winter, ski trails circle the park.

The trails here are mostly unpaved and fairly easy. It's very much a drive-to park. It's out at the far edge of the city, so plan on driving rather than walking or taking transit. Parking is free.

5. Beaumaris Lake

• Best for: Exercise, easy loop walks, and birdwatching
• Location: Behind the Castle Downs shopping area, near 153 Avenue and Castle Downs Road NW

Beaumaris Lake is the park I'd send anyone to who wants a simple, pleasant walk in the northwest. It opened in 1979 as Edmonton's first stormwater lake, and it's still the oldest and largest one in the city. That might not sound exciting, but the lake looks great, especially on calm evenings.

A paved loop of roughly 2.5 kilometres circles the lake. It's flat, wide, and good for walking, running, strollers, and casual cycling. It takes me about 30 minutes to walk the full loop, which makes it one of my favourite places to get some exercise on the north side. There's a promenade on the west side, viewing decks, and a peninsula shaped to look like a castle moat, which ties in with the Castle Downs theme. You'll see ducks, and pelicans show up in the warmer months.

The one thing I don't like is the goose poop. Beaumaris Lake has a lot of Canada geese, and the path can get messy, especially in summer. Watch where you step, and think twice before wearing your nicest white shoes.

Most people park near the Castle Downs library branch and the nearby shops, then walk down to the lake. Dogs are allowed but must stay on a leash.

6. Castle Downs Park

• Best for: Families with young kids.
• Address: 11520 153 Avenue NW

Castle Downs Park is one of the largest playground parks in Edmonton. It's a short walk from Beaumaris Lake, so it pairs well with a lake walk if you have kids who need to burn off energy.

The park has big kid and toddler play areas, a spray park, a skate park, sports fields, a baseball diamond, picnic sites, and a gazebo. In summer, the City runs Green Shack drop-in programs for kids here. In winter, there's an outdoor rink, and the hill beyond the playground is popular for sledding.

Washrooms are inside the Castle Downs Recreation Centre next door, which also has swimming and skating if you need an indoor option. There's a free parking lot.

7. Griesbach Lakes and Trails

• Best for: Neighbourhood walks with a bit of history.
• Location: Griesbach, around 97 Street and 137 Avenue NW

Griesbach is my old neighbourhood, so I'm a little biased here. It was built on the former Canadian Forces Base Edmonton, and a large share of the land was set aside for parks and water. The result is a community with four lakes (Patricia Lake, Roundel Lake, Maple Leaf Pond, and Bedford Basin) linked by more than 5 kilometres of walking trails.

Many of the features nod to the area's military past. The bridge over Patricia Lake is modelled on the Bailey bridges used in the Second World War, and Bedford Basin honours the Royal Canadian Navy. There's also a central park with a hill that's good for tobogganing in winter.

This isn't a park you'd drive across the city for. But if you're in the north end and want a pretty walk with something to look at, it's a nice change from the usual suburban loop.

Other North Side Green Spaces Worth Knowing

These are mostly neighbourhood parks, but they're useful if you live nearby or have a dog.

• Klarvatten Park (Lake District): A quiet park with an unfenced off-leash area on a large grassy field. Good for a game of fetch without the crowds.
• Lago Lindo (Lake District): An off-leash corridor with a paved path.
• Capilano Park and Gold Bar Park: Technically just across the river from Rundle, but you can walk to them over the footbridge. Capilano has a large off-leash area.

The Best North Edmonton Park for You

If you want...	Go to
The most activities in one place	Rundle Park
A quiet walk in nature	Hermitage Park or Northeast River Valley Park
To let your dog run off-leash	Hermitage Park or Kennedale Ravine
To go fishing	Hermitage Park
To paddle your own canoe or kayak	Hermitage Park or Northeast River Valley Park
To rent a paddle boat	Rundle Park
An easy paved loop walk	Beaumaris Lake
A big playground and spray park	Castle Downs Park
Outdoor skating	Rundle Park IceWay or Castle Downs Park
A free round of disc golf	Rundle Park

When to Visit North Edmonton Parks

Summer (June to August) is the busiest season. Rentals at Rundle are running, spray parks are open, and the evenings stay light late. Bring bug spray. Mosquitoes can be bad near the ponds and in the river valley, especially after rain.

Fall (September and October) is my favourite time for the river valley parks. The trees along the trails at Hermitage and Rundle turn yellow, the bugs ease off, and the trails are quieter.

Winter (December to February) is when Rundle really stands out, with the IceWay, toboggan hills, and ski trails. Castle Downs Park also has an outdoor rink. Ice surfaces depend on the weather, so check the City of Edmonton's outdoor skating page for current conditions before you go. If you're planning a winter trip, pair a skate with one of the city's winter festivals.

Spring (April and May) can be muddy, and the ice on the ponds can be unsafe. It's a good time for birdwatching, though, as birds return to Beaumaris Lake and the Hermitage ponds.

Practical Tips for Visiting

• Parking is free at the main park lots covered in this guide.
• City parks have set opening hours. Check the City of Edmonton website for current park hours and any closures.
• Dogs must be leashed everywhere except in signed off-leash areas, and you need to pick up after them.
• Washrooms are limited at the quieter parks. Use facilities at recreation centres when you can.
• Driving is the easiest option for Hermitage and Northeast River Valley Park. Rundle and the Castle Downs parks are easier to reach by transit. My guide to Edmonton Transit Service explains how buses, the LRT, and fares work.

Where to Stay Near North Edmonton Parks

If you're visiting from out of town and want to be close to Rundle, Hermitage, and Kennedale Ravine, the Clareview area is a practical base. I've stayed at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Edmonton North in Clareview a few times when I wanted a break. I found it clean, reasonably priced, and well located for the northeast side of the city.

More to Do Nearby

• Jurassic Forest near Gibbons is a short drive north of the city and makes a fun add-on for families with dinosaur fans. Read my Jurassic Forest visitor guide first. Bring bug spray.
• Shopping and food: Londonderry Mall, Northgate Centre, and Manning Town Centre are all on the north side if you need supplies or a meal after your park visit. I compare them in my guide to the best shopping malls in North Edmonton. For a sit-down meal, see my picks for the best restaurants in Edmonton.
• Rainy day backup: If the weather turns and the kids still need to burn off energy, try one of the best indoor playgrounds in Edmonton.
• More Edmonton ideas: See my lists of the best free things to do in Edmonton and the best family attractions in Edmonton, or start with the ultimate Edmonton travel guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts on Parks in North Edmonton

If you only visit one park in North Edmonton, make it Rundle Park. It has the most variety in every season, and it's easy to fit around other plans. If you want peace and quiet instead, head to Hermitage Park or Northeast River Valley Park. And if you're in the northwest with kids, a walk around Beaumaris Lake followed by playtime at Castle Downs Park is hard to beat.

The north side doesn't get as much attention as the central river valley, but that's part of its appeal. You get the same trails, water, and open space with fewer people around.