The Best Parks in Edmonton That Promise Picnic Zen, Abundant Wildlife, and Zero Drama
Some folks jet off to distant lands for a break. On the other hand, Edmontonians, including the Sunny Edmonton team, just go to the nearest parks with fragrant flower-laden gardens and riverbank hideaways.
Nothing beats nature therapy; it’s for free!
So we’ll share our favorite spots and all the must-know deets to make your next park visit as stress-free as possible.
Dawson Park
– From jnealon13
Address: 10298 89 St NW
Contact Details: 780-442-5311
Operating Hours: Daily – 5 am to 11 pm
Combining perfectly manicured spaces with a touch of untamed nature, Dawson Park embodies the essence of Edmonton’s green escapes. Picnicking on the vast, inviting lawns is the main activity here, but there’s also room for fishing and dog walks.
Visually impaired guests won’t miss out either thanks to unique gravel paths and braille signs that enhance accessibility throughout the primary trails (running trails edmonton). Plus, the park features wooden edges specifically made for cane users.
| Tip: Do you have a boat? Bring it along, as Dawson Park has a boat launch! |
Elk Island National Park
– From jenn.alexander.writes
Address: 54401 Range Rd 203, Fort Saskatchewan
Contact Details: (780) 922-5790
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Fri – 9 am to 6 pm
- Sat to Sun – 9 am to 8 pm
Call us unoriginal, but Elk Island National Park remains a perennial favorite on our adventure checklist. With its enchanting starry skies and gently undulating hills, this place is simply perfection—perfection that’s located just 35 minutes from the city center.
Yet, it’s the plethora of bird species and majestic, free-roaming bison herds that truly keep us coming back. Spending an undisturbed afternoon by the pristine, shimmering waters of Astotin Lake is also another factor.
| Tip: You can camp overnight here! |
Terwillegar Park
– From vi.explores
Address: 10 Rabbit Hill Rd NW
Contact Details: (780) 442-5311
Operating Hours: Daily – 5 am to 11 pm
Terwillegar Park’s 262-meter footbridge, magical North Saskatchewan River views, and lush flora instantly washed away our worries. Even better, the park has an extensive network of multi-use trails that had our outdoor enthusiasts buzzing.
A convenient canoe launch is also a quick stroll from the parking area, so the stunning waters aren’t just for show. To top it off, edible berries and Instagrammable wildflowers flourish from June to September.
| Tip: Don’t forget your pupper. Terwillegar Park has areas where pets can roam off-leash. |
Rundle Park
– From bievlrl
Address: 2909 113 Ave NW
Contact Details: (780) 422-5311
Operating Hours: Daily – 5 am to 11 pm
Rundle Park is the park we head to when we’re in the mood for a sweaty afternoon. Perched along the river’s northern bank, this hideaway offers a golf course, horseshoe pits, soccer fields, and more amenities for torching calories.
It’s also no problemo if you just want a breather; there are 23 picnic tables sprinkled throughout the grounds. However, the park often overflows with people, and personal watercraft are definitely off-limits (sorry, canoers).
| Tip: Try to swing by during winter. Rundle Park is known for its toboggan hills. |
Victoria Park
– From seveinarturo
Address: 12030 River Valley Rd NW
Contact Details: (780) 442-5311
Operating Hours: 5 am to 11 pm
Baseball and cricket are fun, but they’re even more fun at Victoria Park. These 2 games aren’t the only activities here though; you can also go cross-country skiing or snowshoeing come wintertime.
Additionally, the park has a playground and flat areas for picnics. Just be sure to pack some firewood for a laid-back BBQ sesh. Plus, golf aficionados can take advantage of the well-kept course, which is best visited from 3 pm to 9 pm.
| Tip: Victoria Park allows in-line skaters, so bring your skating shoes. |
Buena Vista Park
– From datenightyeg
Address: 13210 Buena Vista Rd NW
Contact Details: (780) 442-5311
Operating Hours: Daily – 5 am to 11 pm
“Buena Vista” translates to “beautiful view,” and this park delivers on that promise.
The winding North Saskatchewan River carves a picturesque path through its tree-lined trails, while sprawling meadows beckon picnickers for a slow afternoon or evening. In addition, expansive off-leash fields welcome pet parents and their fur babies all year round.
| Tip: Consider renting the park’s Yorath House if you need a venue for your event. |
Louise McKinney Park
– From exploreedmonton
Address: 9999 Grierson Hill NW
Contact Details: (780) 442-5311
Operating Hours: Daily – 5 am to 11 pm
For those chasing Insta-worthy views, Louise McKinney Park has it all. The Tawatina Bridge, colorful rose bushes, and peaceful Chinese Garden perfectly complement the park’s verdant setting, making it a must-visit for shutterbugs.
However, this spot does have its downsides, such as the lack of play structures and having only one restroom by the entrance. Still, it’s a top pick for photo ops and sweating out.
| Tip: One of the best ways to explore the park is via a Segway. |
Queen Elizabeth Park
– From ladymonstercolleen
Address: 10380 Queen Elizabeth Park Rd
Contact Details: (780) 442-5311
Operating Hours: Daily – 5 am to 11 pm
Whether you’re cycling, jogging, or simply out for a stroll, Queen Elizabeth Park gets the job done. Its shaded trails are pristine and feature a striking mix of grand city skylines and unabashed greenery.
As a bonus, there’s an Indigenous art installation flaunting 6 mesmerizing pieces by Indigenous artists. It’s an ideal pit stop if the picnic site is jam-packed.
| Tip: There are only 6 picnic tables here, so you better come early to secure a spot. |
Tubby Bateman Park
– From a.m.y.s.h.o.r.t
Address: 8724 97 St NW
Operating Hours: Daily – 5 am to 11 pm
Tubby Bateman Park is nothing short of a lifesaver for parents. After a day of exploring this interactive wonderland, our kids are always happily exhausted, leaving us with those rare, golden moments of me-time.
Sure, it’s not as vast as some of the other places on this list, but its sand and water play areas work like magic to keep our little ones entertained. The kiddos also love the climbing structures, including the park’s playful art installation.
| Tip: If you want your kids to socialize, take them here during the afternoons. |
University of Alberta Botanic Garden
– From canadianduck55
Address: 51227 AB-60, Parkland County
Contact Details: (780) 492-3050
Operating Hours: Fri to Sun – 10 am to 5 pm
Our perfect Sunday involves wandering through the University of Alberta Botanic Garden where 3,000+ flowers bloom across dreamlike landscapes and “mini gardens.”
The show-stealer, though, is the Kurimoto Japanese Garden, a jaw-dropper praised for its authentic design and northern climate flora. Some features that make this zone inviting are the pagodas, lanterns, and the Ozawa Pavilion Teahouse.
| Tip: It’s more fun if you visit during an event, like Twilight Picnics and Concerts at the Garden. |
Hudson Park
– From edmontonplaygrounds
Address: 13625 Cumberland Rd NW
Contact Details: (780) 651-6456
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
At Hudson Park, keeping the kids engaged is effortless. With its splash pad, basketball court, and well-equipped playgrounds, the little ones will stay active all day, no matter the season.
The playground for toddlers is especially popular. It comes with a giant, quirky fish structure that begs to be climbed alongside inclusive swings and balance beams, all popping with bright colors and cartoonish designs.
| Tip: Don’t leave your hockey gear at home. There’s a rink here that’s available all year round! |
Broadmoor Lake Park
– From headbangerwoman
Address: Sherwood Park
Contact Details: (780) 467-2211
Operating Hours: Daily – 6 am to 11 pm
From toddlers to retirees, Broadmoor Lake Park is an untroubled getaway for all. Unsurprisingly, the lake’s calming waters are the main draw. However, the clear pond, where Canadian geese make their home, is equally captivating.
Kids can splash away in the waterpark or enjoy the accessible play areas, while parents wolf down bites dished by nearby food trucks (food truck festivals edmonton).
There’s also a 3-kilometer asphalt trail for walking or cycling plus sandy volleyball courts open to the public. Just be ready to grab your spot early!
| Tip: There are no BBQ pits or firewood, but you can bring your own. |
Whitemud Park
– From ladymonstercolleen
Address: 13204 Fox Dr. NW
Contact Details: (780) 442-5311
Operating Hours: Daily – 5 am to 11 pm
If cheeky squirrels, the soothing sound of rustling leaves, and the gentle trickle of a creek are your thing, make a beeline to Whitemud Park.
Adding to the charm are the expansive fields where picnickers and frisbee players typically hang out. Furthermore, it’s a winter wonderland, as evidenced by the crowds of tobogganers it attracts every winter.
| Tip: Whitemud Park is dog-friendly. Bring your four-legged pal! |
Emily Murphy Park
Address: 11904 Emily Murphy Park Rd NW
Contact Details: (780) 442-5311
Operating Hours: Daily – 5 am to 11 pm
When it comes to picnicking hotspots, Emily Murphy Park is among Edmonton’s best. It flexes 3 distinct sites. The first features a lovely canopy that can comfortably host 96 guests, while the second is perfect for 48, and the third keeps it intimate for 32.
On top of that, the first picnic area includes a sheltered grill and BBQ pit, while the third has a fire ring to keep the atmosphere cozy. Don’t forget to arm yourself with mosquito repellent though; those little buzzers love gathering here.
| Tip: The parking lot offers a lot of space, but try to be as early as possible, particularly on weekends. |
Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park
– From ninusa95
Address: 13221 Buena Vista Rd NW
Contact Details: (780) 442-5311
Operating Hours: Daily – 5 am to 11 pm
Known as the quintessential destination for North Saskatchewan River boat launches, Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park is an angler and boater’s dream. Its waters often host a bustling crowd, usually during sun-drenched afternoons.
However, the park’s biggest draw is undoubtedly its 9 picnic sites, the most on this list. Each has tables, fire pits, parking spaces, and natural play zones, so you can have an outdoor outing for the books without sacrificing convenience.
| Tip: Give them a call if you want to reserve a picnic site. |