Irene Parlby Park Segway Tour

Overview: This is a trip through Irene Parlby Park on a Segway that people can rent in Louise McKinney Park from River Valley Adventure Co. In addition, you can rent bikes and other sports equipment and also enjoy a snack and a cool drink while enjoying the views from the park. If you have never been on a Segway, you will get a quick introduction and training session to ensure you are comfortable with handling the Segway. It is quite easy to learn and within a short period of time, you will be zipping along the trails with little effort. It is a unique way to explore the river valley and Irene Parlby Park.

Irene Parlby was an advocate for rural women and children and was elected to the Alberta Legislature in 1921. She was the first female Cabinet Minister in Alberta history and only the second in the British Empire. A significant political figure, Parlby represented Canada at the League of Nations in Geneva in 1930, and was the first woman awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Alberta in 1935. Parlby joined her fellow suffragists, Nellie McClung, Emily Murphy, Henrietta Muir Edwards, and Louise McKinney in the victorious fight to give women the right to vote and run for office.

Starting from Louise McKinney Park, you head down the well maintained paved trails. There are wonderful river views and rest stops all along this ride, so make sure to take the time to take a few pictures. Of course, you can't go far in Rossdale without passing the Epcor site which is quickly being decommissioned. There are a few historic buildings which will be saved for future use along the river valley. Within a couple of years, the new replacement bridge for the Walterdale bridge will be built at the end of the trail. Take the time to visit both of these sites as they will soon be history and Edmonton's skyline will be forever changed.

Tips: -There are also Segway tours of the other parks nearby.
-River Valley Adventure Co. plans on staying open year round and will be offering winter sporting equipment for rent as well.