Whether you kayak, canoe or use a standup paddle board (SUP), paddling is a great way to explore, connect with nature and get some healthy exercise. The Edmonton region offers several lakes, ponds, and the iconic North Saskatchewan River for paddle adventures. We’ve put together our top picks for the best places to go paddling near Edmonton, Alberta.
Why these paddling locations made the cut
The locations on our list were chosen for a few reasons. Here are some criteria that make for a recreational paddle location:
- No motorboats (except the North Saskatchewan River). There are dozens of lakes around Edmonton that you can potentially paddle on, but we prefer the spots that offer peace and quiet.
- Good boat launch or beach to put in, and safe parking.
- Beautiful scenery and wildlife.
- Paddle destinations and routes for beginner and intermediate paddlers.
We’ve put together eight of the best places to go paddling near Edmonton.
Best places to go paddling near Edmonton
1. North Saskatchewan River (Edmonton and Devon)
The North Saskatchewan River is known by a few different Indigenous names. For example, in nêhiyawêwin (Cree) the river is sometimes called kisiskâciwani-sîpiy, meaning “swift-flowing river.” To the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) it is called omaka-ty, meaning “the big river.”
The North Saskatchewan River offers meandering wilderness throughout the city. It’s worth mentioning first as it is the most obvious water body to paddle near Edmonton. Kayakers, canoers, and paddle boarders can launch from several Edmonton River Valley Parks and take a half- or full-day trip along the river. This section of the North Saskatchewan River is a Class 1, meaning it is a gentle, beginner-level for moving water. If you’re a newbie unsure about embarking on the river alone, you can take a beginner-friendly guided canoe trip with Edmonton Canoe.
The best way to organize a river trip is to have two vehicles. You can park one at your exit point and shuttle back to the vehicle parked at your launch point. There are also outfitters in town that offer shuttle services and rentals.
Here are three paddle routes we recommend, depending on how much time you have:
Half Day: Sir Wilfred Laurier Park to Capilano Park
This easy half-day trip starts at the Laurier Park boat launch and wanders through urban wilderness until you arrive at the Capilano footbridge and nearby boat launch. This route gives you the best views of the Edmonton downtown skyline from the water and passes under the city centre’s iconic bridges. Both boat launches go right to the beach for easy access.
Full Day: Devon Voyageur Park to Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park
The Devon to Edmonton paddle route is one of the most popular and can be done in a day. Start at beautiful Voyageur Park in Devon, and enjoy high sandy cliffs, forests and fields until you approach the city. You can take out at Laurier Park. Both locations have a well-maintained boat launch offering direct water access.
Weekend: Genesse Bridge to Devon Voyageur Park or Sir Wilfred Laurier Park
If you want to try an overnight paddle, the Genesse Bridge to Devon’s Voyageur Park is an excellent starter route. You’ll see the best scenery this part of the river has to offer, including towering sandy cliffs, gravel beaches, and islands that make great picnic and camping spots along the way.
There is a small launch at the Genesee Bridge. You can park your vehicle there or drop off the boats and shuttle back. Paddling to Devon from here can be done in two easy days. If you want a longer route, head into Edmonton and take out at Laurier Park. The total distance is about 77 km.
Note: Life jackets must be worn at all times while in, on or holding onto any vessel being used as transportation on the North Saskatchewan River in the City of Edmonton. Read the Public Bylaws.
Always check the weather forecast and river flow rate before heading out.
2. Hermitage Park (Edmonton)
Hermitage Park has a small pond that is ideal for first-time and learning paddlers looking for more practice before hitting the bigger lakes and rivers. It’s also a safe place to introduce paddle sports to younger children. It’s pretty accessible from the parking lot and has a little dock to avoid the sometimes mucky shore.
3. Telford Lake (Leduc)
Telford Lake is another little paddle destination in an urban park-like setting. However, you’ll never know you’re right in Leduc as you paddle along its bullrush-lined shores. It is usually one of the first lakes to thaw in the spring, making it a good season starter for anxious paddlers. Telford Lake is long and narrow, sheltered and beginner-friendly. If you don’t own a kayak or canoe, the Leduc Boat Club offers hourly paddle rentals that include the boat, PFD and basic instructions.
4. Sturgeon River and Big Lake (St. Albert)
Paddling the Sturgeon River through St. Albert is a popular weekend activity for locals. You can paddle through the city (and beyond) and shuttle bag to where you started, or try paddling upstream and floating back. If you don’t have your own boat, paddle rentals are available via Rural Rivers.
You can also access Big Lake via Riel Recreation Park. Launch there and paddle the winding river out to the lake, which is part of Lois Hole Centennial Provincial Park. Big Lake is a prime bird-watching location, especially during the spring and fall migrations. The wetlands here attract over 230 bird species, with reports of rare and at-risk species spotted on the lake.
Big Lake gets it’s name from the Cree word Mistihay Sakigan, which translates to large lake.
5. Astotin Lake, Elk Island National Park (East of Edmonton)
Astotin Lake is a favourite paddle destination for Edmonton locals and visitors. Located 40 minutes east of Edmonton in Elk Island National Park, the wild and protected lake offers exceptional bird watching and wildlife viewing. The west side of the lake provides shelter from the wind amongst several islands, coves and channels. If you’re looking for unique and beautiful places to go paddlinging near Edmonton, head out to Astotin Lake!
At the Astotin Lake Recreation Area, you’ll find a sandy beach, picnic spots, playground, washrooms and a well-maintained canoe and kayak launch. There are also paddle rentals available through Ridge Wilderness Adventures, making for a convenient day trip from the city.
Note: You must purchase a Park Pass at the gate to access Astotin Lake.
6. Islet Lake, Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area (East of Edmonton)
Islet Lake is a pretty little lake located about 50km east of Edmonton in the Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Provincial Park Recreation Area. It offers several islands, sheltered shores and great wildlife watching opportunities. In recent years, groups of trumpeter swans have made Islet Lake home. Muskrats, beaver, deer and moose can also be spotted here. If you paddle to the south end of the lake, you’ll find quaint cottages and homes that make up Islet Lake Estates.
Islet Lake in Alberta is known as Ministik Lake. The name is derived from the Cree word “ministik”, which means “island”, referring to the island located in the lake.
The nearby Strathcona Wilderness Centre offers canoe courses for beginners and intermediate paddlers who want to learn more about the spot.
Note: The launch is about 100 metres from the parking lot, and you’ll have to carry your kayak or canoe
through a trail and down a gravel hill.
7. Mayatan Lake (West of Edmonton)
Mayatan Lake is 60km west of Edmonton and a popular spot for paddlers, anglers and beavers! Beavers love making their home here, and you’ll likely see a few while you’re on the water. It features two basins and a unique, bullrush-lined channel that connects them. The southeast basin has a few quiet coves to explore and has a little creek running into it. Though the southeast part of the lake gets weedy in the summer, the water is usually remarkably clear. You’ll be able to see the plant life and might catch a glimpse of a fish passing by.
There is a public boat launch and parking lot in Mayatan Lake Estates. Mayatan Lake is one of the most popular places to go paddling near Edmonton, west of the city, so arrive early on weekends!
8. Muir Lake (West of Edmonton)
For a quick and easy paddle, the short circuit around Muir Lake takes about 30-45 minutes to complete, depending on your pace. Muir Lake Recreation Area is located about 30 minutes west of Edmonton and has a few amenities that make for a convenient trip. You’ll find a boat launch, washrooms, a dock and walking paths.
The lake is shaped like a peanut, featuring a little island in the middle. You’ll spot birds, muskrats and waterfowl like nesting red-necked grebes and feeding pelicans.
It’s also stocked with rainbow trout and brown trout, if fishing is your jam. The trout attracts anglers and birds of prey. It’s likely you’ll see osprey circling overhead.
9. Black Nugget Lake (Southeast of Edmonton)
Black Nugget Lake is a small and interesting lake to paddle, located 90 km southeast of Edmonton. Unlike the other round and oval lakes on this list, Black Nugget Lake offers several channels that connect pretty and secluded coves. There are also islands dotted throughout the larger areas. Paddlers enjoy following the bendy shoreline, surrounded by hills and forest, providing plenty of visual interest compared to a large open lake.
Like many lakes in the area, Black Nugget Lake can be weedy. However, it is a popular nesting area for red-winged blackbirds and their elusive cousin, the yellow-headed blackbird and bird watching is a premium here!
You can launch your kayak, canoe or paddleboard at a public launch in the Black Nugget Lake Campground. Day use is free, but you have to check in with the campground office and fill out a simple day-use registration form upon arrival.
10. Twin Lakes (Southwest of Edmonton)
Twin Lakes in Wetaskiwin County is a unique gem in the Edmonton region. It’s located a bit further out than our other recommended places to go paddling near Edmonton, about 120 km southwest of the city. However, it is very doable in a day trip and completely worth it!
Twin Lakes is made up of two lakes, but only one is accessible by car. East Twin Lake is a small oval, extremely deep for a prairie lake (over 100 feet) and crystal clear. The water is so surprisingly clear that it is home to a local scuba diving club! You’ll enjoy looking at fish swimming under the water, through the vibrant plant life along the shoreline. There are also creeks you can paddle up on both sides of the lake. The eastern creek technically leads to the second lake, but the water levels are usually too low to make it all the way.
You can access the lake via Twin Lakes Campground, a county-operated recreation area. The day-use area offers a boat launch, washrooms, a dock and a small beach. However, parking is limited, so come early on weekends to get a spot.
Essential Safety Tips for Paddling in Alberta
Paddling is an adventure, but safety always comes first. Here’s what to keep in mind before heading out:
Wear a PFD
In Alberta, having a properly fitted life jacket on board for each person on your watercraft is mandatory. Rivers, lakes, and even calm ponds can be unpredictable, so wearing your PFD while on the water is recommended. Accidents happen, even on small lakes and gentle rivers. Wearing your PFD can save your life.
You must wear a PFD by law while travelling by boat on the North Saskatchewan River.
Know the law and what you must carry on board.
Transport Canada requires all paddlers to carry:
- A personal flotation device (PFD)
- A buoyant throw rope
- A bailer or pump
- A whistle (sound signalling device)
- A waterproof flashlight (if paddling after dark)
Check the weather and river flow
Check the weather forecast and wind conditions before you paddle. Alberta’s weather can change quickly, especially on open lakes. It’s recommended that you start your trip paddling into the wind, so it can push you back to the launch near the end of the journey when you’re tired.
Check current flow rates if you’re paddling on the North Saskatchewan River in Alberta River Basins. Anything above 250 m³/s can be challenging for beginners. Early spring and high flow rates can also bring other hazards like floating tree branches and debris.
Check for water quality advisories.
Unfortunately, many small lakes in this region are prone to water quality issues throughout the summer. The most common is toxic blue-green algae advisories. Keep in mind that once a lake gets a blue-green algae advisory, it stays for the rest of the season, even if the algae bloom has gone. And, often blooms come and go several times throughout the season.
If you want to know if there is an active bloom, you can call the park or campground nearby. For lakes that don’t have anyone to call, try posting a question on the Edmonton Canoe/Kayak Facebook group. This group of avid paddlers is constantly visiting these locations and is typically fast to respond to algae inquiries!
Dress for the water and the weather.
When paddling, comfortable, flexible, and quick-dry clothing is best. Avoid cotton, as it takes a long time to dry and remains cold when wet. Always pack extra layers in a dry sack, including a windbreaker. If you’re paddling in the shoulder season, dress in layers, including a moisture-wicking base layer, an insulating mid-layer, and a water and wind-resistant shell.
In the summer, sandals, Crocs or water shoes work best. Otherwise, wear shoes and get in your boat off the dock! Protect yourself from the sun by wearing sunscreen and a hat.
Leave no trace
When you are exploring nature, even in a park, it’s essential to follow Leave No Trace principles. That means always packing out everything you pack in, avoiding disturbing wildlife, and paddling respectfully around nesting birds.
It’s also vital to protect our waters from invasive aquatic species. Always clean, drain, and dry your canoe, kayak, or paddleboard after use, especially before moving it into another water body. Doing so will help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species and whirling disease.
