9 Best Spots to Fall in Love at First View with Edmonton’s Skyline
No matter where I travel, Edmonton’s skyline always feels unmatched. Maybe I’m a little biased, but there’s a charm to my hometown that keeps drawing me back, making me pause and admire the view every time.
What’s great about Edmonton is the variety of scenic spots where you can take in the skyline from different angles. Whether it’s rain, shine, or snow, there’s always a perfect place to enjoy the city’s beauty.
As a proud Edmontonian, I’ve explored every corner of the city to uncover the best viewpoints. Here are my top picks for the most stunning skyline views!
Gallagher Park
Address: 9505 96 Ave NW
Contact Details: +1 780 442 5311
Operating Hours:
Monday to Sunday, 5:00 am to 11:00 pm
I’ve been visiting Gallagher Park since childhood—not just for outdoor games on its wide, open lawns, but also for the stunning views of the city skyline that keep drawing me back.
This hilly park remains a favourite spot for music festivals, and it’s easy to see why. The rolling hills and open space create an ideal setting to watch the sunset, with the city’s skyscrapers framing the scene—a picture-perfect backdrop for any event.
| Tips: Watch where you stop to take in the views; wasps are a common sight, especially around the trees. I’ve encountered them myself, along with a few nests, so it’s best to stay alert and steer clear of any wasp activity! Winter is one of my favourite times to visit the park. The hills transform into prime sledding spots, making it the perfect place for winter fun! |
Wolf Willow Stairs
– Media from exploreedmonton
Address: 161 Wolf Willow Cres
Contact Details: +1 877 909 6199
Operating Hours: Open 24/7
If you love a workout with a view, the Wolf Willow Stairs are a must. With 200 steps, they offer a solid challenge and attract plenty of fitness enthusiasts.
The effort pays off with stunning views of the North Saskatchewan River and city skyline. I’ve climbed them countless times to get some steps in and catch the sunset. There’s nothing like watching the horizon light up in golden-hour hues!
| Tips: If you’d rather skip the stairs and still enjoy the views, head to the Fort Edmonton Footbridge just a few minutes south. The walk feels effortless, thanks to the scenic surroundings, and the vistas are just as breathtaking. Make sure to pack plenty of bug spray for your trek up the stairs. I learned the hard way that skipping it can lead to more bites than you’d like! The best time to visit the stairs is during October or the peak fall season. The trees and lawns look extra colourful during this time! |
Rowland Park Lookout
– Media from onur.bucukogdu
Address: Dawson Bridge & Rowland Road, Forest Heights Park
Operating Hours: Open 24/7
Rowland Park Lookout is a go-to spot for soaking in stunning views of the city skyline. It’s also a popular stop for hikers tackling the 1.9-mile Riverside Road Loop, which winds through Capilano Bridge and Capilano Park.
The prime viewing spot is right by the parking lot of McNally High School—an easy landmark to find. From there, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the city, the river, mature trees, and the iconic Dawson Bridge.
| Tips: The best time to visit this lookout point is at dawn. Not only will you enjoy the beautiful hues of the sun rising, but the lighting during this time is absolutely stunning. You can get photos of the skyline right before the rest of the city wakes up for the day! Summer is the busiest season, with crowds gathering around the picnic benches along the pathway for a glimpse of the skyline. If you prefer a quieter experience, it’s best to visit outside of this peak season. |
Yurinatus Lookout
– Media from andrewds.photos
Address: 9525 99B St NW
Operating Hours: Open 24/7
Yurinatus Lookout is a delightful viewpoint nestled alongside a bike path near the James MacDonald Bridge. Like other scenic locations, it offers a view across the North Saskatchewan River, but it’s still just a quick 5-minute drive or a 10-minute bike ride.
I often make a point to stop here while cycling; it’s the ideal spot to pause and enjoy the stunning views of the river, the bridge, and the city skyline.
It’s also an excellent location for photographers, offering unique angles that showcase the city’s beauty from a fresh perspective.
| Tips: If you’re searching for a peaceful spot to enjoy the New Year’s fireworks, I highly recommend this lookout. This vantage point offers unobstructed views of the display, allowing you to soak in the moment without the usual crowds. Sometimes I pack some snacks and a blanket before I head to this lookout. It’s the perfect spot to unwind and share a midnight snack with a friend or loved one under the stars! |
Kinnaird Park
– Media from s.kay_captures
Address: 7696 Jasper Ave
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 8:00 am to 11:00 pm
Kinnaird Park offers more than just walking and cycling trails in the city. It’s a dog-friendly, riverside spot for catching breathtaking views of the city skyscrapers as they peek out from the trees around you.
I love that this park is particularly quieter than other city parks near Downtown. This makes it a prime place to get some reading done, go on a romantic stroll, or simply just to enjoy the views (even with a pet or two!).
| Tips: Thanks to its low light pollution, this park occasionally offers a rare winter treat—the Northern Lights! While sightings are unpredictable, it’s worth keeping an eye on the night sky when you’re here. This park offers fewer amenities than others in the city—no public restrooms or picnic benches. I recommend bringing a mat or picnic blanket to relax on the grass instead! |
Skyline Beach and Waterdale Bridge
– Media from s.kay_captures
Address: Walterdale Hill &, Queen Elizabeth Park Rd or 105 St NW
Operating Hours: Open 24/7
If you’re wondering where else you can enjoy skyline views in the city, Skyline Beach and Waterdale Bridge are my top picks—and yes, they pair perfectly together!
Though the beach is small, it’s a great spot to lay down a blanket and soak in the scenic views from the shore.
After some time by the water, take a short stroll to Waterdale Bridge for stunning photos of the skyline from above the river. It’s the perfect way to enjoy both perspectives!
| Tips: My favourite time to visit this scenic spot is at night. Although the views are majestic during sunset, the skyline from the Walterdale Bridge is something else! Due to its proximity to the bridge, Skyline Beach isn’t the quietest area thanks to the traffic that piles up throughout the day. Sit close to the canoe dock for more silence. |
Strathearn Drive Lookout
– Media from andrewds.photos
Address: Strathearn Drive
Operating Hours: Open 24/7
Just a quick 10-minute drive from downtown, Strathearn Drive Lookout serves up some of the best skyline views in the city—and yes, it’s one of my personal go-tos.
There’s something magical about the way the Muttart Conservatory’s glass pyramids sparkle against the cityscape, making it a dream spot for snapping photos.
I often find myself parked on one of the benches, watching the sun dip below the horizon while the city lights slowly flicker to life. It’s the kind of moment that makes you pause and just soak the views in.
| Tips: If you’re up for a little adventure, Gallagher Park is just around the corner, offering another fantastic angle of the skyline as I mentioned earlier. It’s a short walk from across from the lookout! There’s free parking on the residential street just behind Strathearn Drive. There aren’t a lot of slots, though. |
Confederation Lounge and Patio
– Media from fairmontmac
Address: 10065 100 St NW, Fairmont Hotel Macdonald
Contact Details: +1 780 424 5181
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11:00 am to 12:00 am
For a more upscale skyline experience, head to the Confederation Lounge and Patio at the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald.
This classy spot offers expertly crafted cocktails, delicious bar bites, and an impressive food menu—but the real treat is the view that comes with your meal.
The patio features a spacious stone terrace that overlooks the North Saskatchewan River and parts of the city skyline. Honestly, every time I’m here, it feels like I’ve escaped the hustle of the city entirely!
| Tips: I highly recommend booking tables here at least a day before your intended visit. It’s a highly popular dining spot in the city, so reserving tables in advance is a must to snag the best seats on the patio. The bar has the largest collection of Dalmore liquor in the whole of North America. If you’re a fan of the drink, do not skip on ordering a few glasses. It’s a must! |
La Petite Iza
– Media from la_petite_iza
Address: 10926 88 Ave NW 3rd floor, Eleanor & Laurent
Contact Details: +1 780 435 0083
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 3:00 pm to 12:00 am
If you’re looking for a more casual rooftop spot that lets you wine and dine with the city skyline in your line of sight, then book a reservation at the La Petite Iza. This quaint French restaurant has a terrace that gives great views of the city.
A few notable dishes you should try here are the steak tartare, Bastille burger, duck confit, and bouillabaisse. Wash down your meal with a glass of French cocktails and a serving of creme brulee or tarte tatin.
| Tips: The restaurant accepts reservations up to 2 hours before your expected visit. Just note that if you want to book in advance (days before), you must do so before 10:30 pm, or else your reservation will be confirmed for the next available date. During the winter, the terrace area is heated and can withstand outdoor temperatures of up to -8 degrees Celsius. Beyond that, I recommend staying indoors to keep yourself warm (unless you want to wear your coat while eating). |