The North Saskatchewan River Valley is North America's largest urban parkland — a continuous ribbon of green space, trails, and ravines cutting through the heart of Edmonton. The valley is roughly 7,400 hectares, containing over 160 kilometres of trails for walking, cycling, and cross-country skiing in winter.
The valley's character changes dramatically with the season. In summer it is lush and shaded, with paths alongside the river and up through the ravines. In winter the same trails are groomed for skiing and snowshoeing, and the valley floor fills with a particular snowy silence that is very different from the city above. The best access points are scattered across the city; Laurier Park in the west, Rundle Park in the east, and the paths below the High Level Bridge in the centre are all popular starting points.
Cyclists in particular have a remarkable resource here — you can cross most of the city along river valley paths without encountering a car. The valley also links Fort Edmonton Park, the Muttart Conservatory, and numerous smaller parks, making an all-day trail day entirely feasible.