The best MTB trails around Parkland County

Henrietta Muir Edwards Park is a beautiful river valley park set along the North Saskatchewan River, with a mix of open green space and mature forest. Paved and unpaved trails connect to the wider valley network, with viewpoints overlooking the river and access to nearby footbridges. The park also features a historic home linked to Henrietta Muir Edwards, adding cultural significance to its natural setting.

Groat Bridge spans the North Saskatchewan River, carrying traffic and pedestrians between the river valley communities of Glenora and Mayfair. Opened in 1955, the twin-span structure offers fantastic elevated views of the surrounding parkland. Recent upgrades have widened its shared-use path, making it a key crossing for both commuters and recreational users.

Louise McKinney Park sits along the North Saskatchewan River just southeast of downtown Edmonton, offering wide river views and easy access to the city’s river valley trail network. Its paved pathways, grassy terraces, public art, and picnic areas make it a popular starting point for walks or bike rides toward Riverside, Rossdale, or Cloverdale. The park is also home to the Chinese Garden, adding a cultural landmark to this scenic stretch of riverfront.

The Chinese Garden in Louise McKinney Park is a peaceful riverside space featuring traditional architecture, stonework, and a small pond designed in accordance with feng shui principles. Its pavilion and arched bridge offer calm spots to pause and take in views of the North Saskatchewan River valley. Easily accessed from the riverfront paths, it’s a quiet cultural landmark just steps from downtown Edmonton — ideal for a short detour, photography, or a moment of reflection along the trail.

Spanning the North Saskatchewan River near downtown Edmonton, the James MacDonald Bridge is a key link between the city’s north and south sides. Pedestrian and cycling paths run alongside traffic lanes, providing sweeping views of the river valley and skyline. It’s part of Edmonton’s river valley trail network, often used as a crossing between parks like Nellie McClung and Louise McKinney.

Henrietta Louise Edwards (née Muir), women’s rights activist, reformer, artist (born 18 December 1849 in Montreal, Canada East; died 9 November 1931 in Fort Macleod, AB). Henrietta Edwards fought from a young age for women’s rights and education, as well as women’s work and health. She helped establish many movements, societies and organizations aimed at improving the lives of women, and was instrumental in passing Alberta’s Dower Act in 1917. She was also one of the Famous Five behind the Persons Case, the successful campaign to have women declared persons in the eyes of British law. However, her views on immigration and eugenics have been criticized as racist and elitist. She was named a Person of National Historic Significance in 1962 and an honorary senator in 2009.

Large park with many amenities and trails.

From the City of Edmonton website: "A gateway to the heart of Edmonton’s River Valley, the John Janzen Nature Centre takes visitors for a walk on the wild side with programs, events and interactive exhibits designed to promote awareness and engagement with nature in an urban setting."