Kayaking on the North Saskatchewan River on a warm day is one of the best ways to experience summer in Edmonton. Whether you’re floating under bridges with the downtown skyline as a backdrop or paddling beside sandy cliffs and forest in this urban wilderness, the views from the water bring a fresh perspective of this river city.
The North Saskatchewan River is a place of deep cultural significance for Indigenous people, a sacred waterway and a vital part of the ecosystem. It flows through Treaty 6, Treaty 8 and the Métis Homeland and is part of the traditional territories and gathering places for the Cree, Blackfoot, Ktunaxa, Nakota Sioux, Iroquois, Dene, Ojibwe, Saulteaux, Anishinaabe, Inuit, and Assiniboine.
It is known by different names throughout Indigenous communities. In nehiyawêwin (Cree) it is called kisiskâciwani-sîpiy, meaning “swift-flowing river.” In Niitsiitapi (Blackfoot) it is called Omaka-ty.
Kayaking on the river is relaxing but can also feel like an adventure. You can choose your pace, paddle fast to get some exercise, or not paddle at all. You’re going with the flow, so you’ll eventually reach your destination!
Paddling the river in Edmonton via kayak is a memorable experience, but the logistics of renting or buying gear and organizing vehicle shuttles down river can be challenging. Even a short trip can feel like a hassle to coordinate, which makes this peaceful float through beautiful nature less accessible.
Thanks to a new company in Edmonton, it doesn’t have to be.
Introducing River Otter Kayak Adventures
River Otter Kayak Adventures is a brand-new, family-run kayak rental and shuttle service in Edmonton. It opened this spring (May 2025) and offers self-guided evening and weekend day trips on the river with all your safety gear, kayak, paddle and ride included.
Paddlers of all abilities can join; you don’t need to organize a group to book a trip. Individuals, couples, parents with children and groups are welcome to book a trip. River Otter Kayak Adventures’ service makes kayaking on the North Saskatchewan River easy, accessible and fun for anyone who wants to have a day on the water.
Their Story
River Otter Kayak Adventures was founded by Peter Cerra and Shannon Bateman, Edmonton-area locals passionate about the outdoors and finding opportunities to explore the natural world around them. Born and raised in Edmonton, Peter has early memories of boating, fishing and watching the old High Level Bridge waterfall. Shannon, originally from the East Coast, was also raised to love the outdoors and has always felt drawn to water.
After kayaking on the North Saskatchewan River for the first time last year, Shannon wondered, “How can I have lived here for this many years and not have done this before?” Then the lightbulb went off. There are probably so many Edmonton locals and visitors who haven’t been on the river, and don’t realize how easy and accessible it can be for people of all abilities.
River Otter Kayak Adventures was born to help more people experience this and they make it easy by providing shuttle services and kayak rentals in Edmonton. The business’s name, River Otter Kayak Adventures, reflects what they are: playful, curious, adaptable and completely at home in the water.
“Kayaking on the river builds a connection to the environment and fuels a curiosity about what people might discover in the river valley. You can slow down, take a deep breath and rediscover the beauty of Edmonton in a different way.”
Shannon Batement, River Otter Kayak Adventures
Self-guided kayaking trips in Edmonton: How it works
River Otter Kayak Adventures provides everything, so all you need to do is meet them at the river and get ready to enjoy a memorable day on the water. Their most common trip allows paddlers to travel 16 kilometres on the river within city limits from Sir Wilfred Laurier Park to Capilano Park.
Using that trip as an example, here’s how it works:
- Meet at Capilano Park (end of the paddle route) and park your car there.
- Sign waivers, receive a safety briefing and basic paddling instructions.
- A shuttle bus takes you to the boat launch at Sir Wilfred Laurier Park (start of the paddle route).
- You get outfitted with a PFD, safety gear, a paddle and a kayak.
- You paddle down the river at your own pace to Capilano Park.
- River Otter Kayak Adventures greets you and collects your gear.
Because the trip ends where your car is parked, you don’t have to worry about shuttling vehicles or dealing with boat rental returns. If you want to bring your own kayak, you can still use the shuttle service at a discounted rate.
What to bring
Like any outdoor adventure, it’s important to dress for the weather and come prepared. Dress in layers, so you can remove clothing if the temperature increases. Synthetic materials work best on the water as they dry quickly and don’t get cold when wet.
Here’s a quick list of what to bring when kayaking on the North Saskatchewan River:
- Hat and sunscreen
- Drinking water
- Bagged lunch, snacks, etc. (please no nuts due to allergies)
- Wind breaker and/or rain gear
- Older shoes or sandals
- A warm layer for inclement weather
- Swimwear (optional)
- Ziplock bag or waterproof containers for your phone, camera and other electronics.
Pack your extra clothing and gear in a dry sack or waterproof bag (a plastic bag can work) to keep it dry. Please note that a cooler will not fit in the kayaks, while there is room for a bagged lunch and snacks.
Safety and environmental protection
Safety is a priority whenever exploring the outdoors, especially on water. Before you head out on your river adventure, the team at River Otter Kayak Adventures ensures you receive a properly fitted PFD and other safety gear required, including a pump or bailer, throw rope, and whistle.
Effective May 12, 2025: A life jacket (PFD) must be worn at all times while in, on or holding onto any vessel on the North Saskatchewan River in the City of Edmonton. Please read the Public Spaces Bylaw for more information.
You’ll also receive a safety briefing and paddle instruction, so you know what to do in the (very low) chance your kayak tips over. They check wind forecasts and river flow rates before every trip to ensure each guest’s safety.
Protecting the natural environment is also a priority. That means packing out everything that you pack in, avoiding leaving anything on shore or in the water, and being respectful of the land and local wildlife. Learn more about responsible travel in the outdoors.
Book your kayaking trip on the North Saskatchewan River
River Otter Kayak Adventures offers trips on Wednesday evenings, Saturdays and Sundays from Sir Wilfred Laurier Park to Capilano Park. Space on each trip is limited, so please book in advance.
They will also have new routes for those who want to paddle outside the city, coming soon. Stay tuned!
Meeting location
Capilano Park main parking lot. See the smiley face on the map.
Departures:
- Saturdays and Sundays at 9:15 AM and 3:15 PM
- Wednesday at 4:15 PM
Time and Distance
- Shuttle drive: 40 minutes
- Paddle time: 2 – 3.5 hours
- Distance: Approximately 16 km
Pricing
- Single Kayak: $100
- Tandem Kayak: $130
- Bring your own kayak and gear (shuttle service only): $50
*Pricing includes transportation for one person (two in a tandem kayak), one kayak rental, paddles, PFD and safety gear.
Can I bring my kids?
Kids are welcome to participate! One child may accompany an adult in a tandem kayak. Youth must be at least 16 years old to operate a single kayak. All kids under 18 will require signed permission from a legal guardian.
What’s next for River Otter Kayak Adventures?
Shannon and Peter hope to get more people kayaking on the river this summer, including Edmonton residents and visitors. Their long-term vision is to partner with schools and organizations that offer outdoor education programs so children and youth can experience kayaking in Edmonton.
They’d also like charitable work to be part of their business. To promote water safety awareness and donate proceeds to organizations like the Life Saving Society.
In addition, they hope to partner with local, like-minded business owners to create experiences that include health, wellness and the outdoors. For example, imagine a Flow and Float with a local yoga studio or a Sunday morning Coffee and Kayaks with a local coffee bean roaster.
Would you like to collaborate with them? Reach out to River Otter Kayak Adventures!
“We truly are a local, family-run business, and we want everyone to have a positive, joyful experience on the water. It’s accessible, beginner-friendly and one of the best things you can do to experience the natural beauty in Edmonton.”
Shannon Bateman, River Otter Kayak Adventures
Have Questions?
Check out River Otter Kayak Adventures’ FAQS!
For more paddle adventure ideas, read about 10 amazing places to go paddling near Edmonton.
