Louise McKinney Riverfront Park

Overview: Louise McKinney Riverfront Park is right in the heart of downtown Edmonton and is home to some of the greatest unobstructed views of the River Valley. Louise McKinney is another park that is named after the "Famous Five." Five women who made enormous contributions to the political and social lives of all Canadians.

Louise McKinney was the first woman elected to government in Canada in 1917, which was the first election women were allowed to run for office or given the vote. McKinney was heavily involved in the Woman's Christian Temperance Movement and strongly influenced the political and social growth of Alberta.

For this walking tour, we parked in Riverdale along 99th Avenue and used that spot as a jump off point. There is parking available in the Louise McKinney Park, but it fills up quickly and there is a two hour time limit. The paid parking option is $10.

The walk from Riverdale into Louise McKinney is a gentle, uphill walk which treats you to some great river views. As you move along the paved paths, the Capilano Pedestrian bridge comes into sight along with the Edmonton River Queen paddleboat. Walking up the switchbacks, you will pass through a number of rose gardens donated by the Rotary Club of Edmonton. The roses are all identified and are maintained in immaculate condition.

Further up the path, you will enter the Chinese Gardens, which were built to celebrate the heritage of our Chinese community. Just down from here you will see the Millennium Plaza/Shumka Stage which was a gift from the Ukrainian Shumka Dancers. You are also treated to spectacular river valley views.

Continuing on your path, you will pass some parking and the Shaw Convention Centre on your right. You quickly come to the Riverfront Plaza and Promenade which provides a winter shelter for cross-country skiers and includes a public washroom facility for trail users, park patrons and riverfront activities. There is also a new cafe at this location which rents Segways and sports equipment.

Along the riverfront, there are benches beside the river which give you great views of the boating activity on the North Saskatchewan. There is also a floating dock for the public to use. Coming back to the trail, you will pass a Trans-Canada Trail Pavilion
which shows donors who have cotributed to the construction of this Canada wide trail system. If you wish, you can cross the pedestrian bridge over to Henrietta Muir Park and go visit the Muttart. Otherwise, it is back down the trail and on into Riverdale.

After an amazing visit to Louise McKinney Riverfront Park, it is a sure bet that you will be back.

Tips: -Bring a camera
-There is parking off of Grierson Hill. Some is paid parking, but there is also a free paring lot. The free lot fills fast and there is a two hour limit.
-If you are walking, you can park over in Riverdale or close to one of the staircases that access the park.
-There is a new cafe located in Louise McKinney which offers food and drinks, plus segway and sporting good rentals and tours.

Stay up to date with the River Valley Alliance and our plans to build a world class park right here in the capital region of Alberta. Click on our website link under 'other Resources'!