The best cycling routes around Edmonton

Edmonton offers a wide selection of touring cycling routes, with over 180 options available. These routes cater to various skill levels, from easy rides to more challenging adventures.

Edmonton's touring cycling routes primarily traverse the extensive River Valley park system, featuring a mix of paved pathways and gravel trails. The landscape is characterized by the North Saskatchewan River, offering scenic views and some elevation changes as you navigate through ravines and parks. You can find routes with varied terrain, from smooth, continuous paths to those with more undulating profiles.

Yes, Edmonton's extensive network includes many routes suitable for families. The city's shared pathways are typically paved and wide, making them safe and enjoyable for cyclists of all ages. Many parks within the River Valley offer gentle, accessible paths perfect for a family outing.

Many of Edmonton's parks and trails within the River Valley are dog-friendly, provided your dog is kept on a leash. Areas like Buena Vista Dog Park are specifically designed for dogs, and many shared pathways accommodate cyclists with leashed pets. Always check local signage for specific rules in different park areas.

Edmonton's touring cycling routes offer numerous points of interest. You can cycle past the iconic High Level Bridge, cross the scenic Kâhasinîskâk Pedestrian Bridge, or enjoy views from Constable Ezio Faraone Park. The routes also wind through various parks and ravines, offering glimpses of the North Saskatchewan River and diverse flora and fauna, especially in areas like Whitemud Creek Ravine South.

Yes, many of Edmonton's touring cycling routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the popular Ainsworth Dyer Memorial Bridge – Kâhasinîskâk Pedestrian Bridge loop from McKernan/Belgravia, or the longer Terwillegar Park Footbridge – Fort Edmonton Footbridge loop from Corona, which connects significant park areas.

The best time for touring cycling in Edmonton is typically from spring through fall, when the weather is mild and the trails are clear of snow and ice. The River Valley is particularly vibrant in summer and autumn. While some dedicated cyclists brave the winter, many trails may be snow-covered or icy, requiring specialized equipment.

Accessing the River Valley from downtown is made easy by the free 100 Street Funicular, which provides a convenient way for cyclists and pedestrians to descend into the valley. Additionally, numerous access points and bridges connect the downtown core to the extensive trail network.

Edmonton offers a range of difficulty levels for touring cyclists. You'll find over 100 easy routes, perfect for a relaxed ride, around 60 moderate routes that might include some elevation changes or longer distances, and a smaller selection of more difficult routes for experienced cyclists seeking a challenge. The Mill Creek Ravine – Ainsworth Dyer Memorial Bridge loop from Avonmore is an example of a more challenging route.

The touring cycling routes in Edmonton are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from nearly 200 reviews. Cyclists often praise the extensive and well-maintained network of pathways within the River Valley, the continuous rides protected from cars, and the beautiful natural scenery along the North Saskatchewan River.

Yes, Edmonton's interconnected trail system allows for extended rides. For example, the Mill Creek Ravine – Ainsworth Dyer Memorial Bridge loop from Avonmore covers over 70 kilometers. The vast River Valley pathways enable continuous rides of 100km or more, completely protected from vehicular traffic, making it ideal for longer touring adventures.

While the River Valley offers a natural escape, many routes pass through or near urban areas and parks where you can find amenities. Parks like Louise McKinney Riverfront Park or areas accessible from the High Level Bridge often have facilities or are close to cafes and restaurants in the city. Planning your route can help identify convenient stops for refreshments.