Queen Elizibeth Park

Overview: Queen Elizibeth Park is a favourite neighbourhood spot for family picnics. It is also a gateway for bikers and joggers to access many of the other parks and trails in the area.

Starting off in the huge parking area of Walterdale Park, you can quickly access Queen Elizibeth Park by passing under the Walterdale Bridge. As you make your way to the bridge, you will pass the Kinsmen Recreation Centre and the newly opened Queen Elizabeth Pool. You will also pass the Walterdale Museum and examples of homestead houses from the turn of the century.

The Walterdale bridge was built in 1913 and is slated for replacement in 2013. Take a moment and enjoy the great views form the bridge deck before it is gone.

After the bridge, you will start ascending into the park on the paved trails. You can take a secondary gravel trail closer to the riverside, but the end of this trail has been washed out at the time of writing and is closed. Much of it is still accessible from this end only.

It is a steady climb into the park area where there is a separate parking area for cars by the picnic and kids playground area. The picnic area is very well maintained and family friendly. The trail continues on with some good views of the river valley from a good elevation until you reach 91st ave and the beginning of Nellie McClung Park. Heading back to our jump off point, we decided to take the crosswalks into Walterdale Park and grab a drink at the rec centre.

Tips: -Water is a good idea
-Nice shaded areas to take a break by the picnic area
-Good photo opportunities of the river valley