Top 10 Places to Paddleboard in Edmonton
Top 10 Places to Paddleboard in Edmonton
1- North Saskatchewan River
The North Saskatchewan River flows right through the heart of Edmonton, offering paddleboarders a unique blend of urban scenery and natural beauty.
It's ideal for those looking for a more dynamic experience with varying levels of difficulty depending on the river's flow.
Ideal for experienced paddleboarders who want to explore the city from the water while enjoying the natural surroundings.
- Starting Point: Emily Murphy Park, Laurier Park
- How to Get There: Accessible via Groat Road and River Valley Road. Ample parking is available at both Emily Murphy and Laurier Park.
- Amenities: Parking, picnic areas, restrooms.
- Features: City skyline views, wildlife sightings, and various entry and exit points along the river.
2- Rundle Park
Rundle Park is known for its calm, sheltered ponds, making it perfect for beginners and families.
The park offers a peaceful setting with plenty of greenery and is less crowded than other spots.
Great for beginners and those looking for a relaxed paddleboarding experience in a scenic urban park.
- Starting Point: Rundle Park Lake
- How to Get There: Located in the northeastern part of the city, accessible via 118 Avenue and Rundle Park Road NW.
- Amenities: Parking, restrooms, picnic areas, playgrounds, and paddleboard rentals (seasonal).
- Features: Calm waters, picnic spots, and nearby walking trails.
3- Hermitage Park
A hidden gem in northeast Edmonton, Hermitage Park offers a tranquil paddleboarding experience away from the crowds.
The park is rich in wildlife, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers.
Ideal for paddleboarders looking for a peaceful, nature-filled experience within the city.
- Starting Point: Hermitage Pond
- How to Get There: Accessible via Victoria Trail and Hermitage Road. Parking is available near the pond.
- Amenities: Parking, restrooms, picnic areas, fishing spots.
- Features: Quiet setting, abundant wildlife, fishing opportunities.
4- Astotin Lake (Elk Island National Park)
Located within Elk Island National Park, Astotin Lake offers a serene paddleboarding experience surrounded by nature.
The lake is known for its beautiful sunsets and the opportunity to spot bison nearby.
Perfect for those looking to combine paddleboarding with a day of nature exploration and wildlife viewing.
- Starting Point: Astotin Lake Beach
- How to Get There: About a 35-minute drive east of Edmonton via Yellowhead Highway (Highway 16). Follow signs to Elk Island National Park.
- Amenities: Parking, picnic areas, restrooms, campgrounds, and paddleboard rentals (seasonal).
- Features: Scenic views, wildlife sightings, and island chains to explore.
5- Big Lake (Lois Hole Centennial Provincial Park)
Big Lake offers a vast, natural paddleboarding experience just outside of Edmonton.
The lake's expansive size provides plenty of space to explore, making it a favourite for those seeking solitude on the water.
Ideal for paddleboarders who enjoy wide-open spaces and a wilderness-like experience close to the city.
- Starting Point: Lois Hole Provincial Park Day Area
- How to Get There: Located northwest of Edmonton, accessible via Ray Gibbon Drive. Parking is available in the day-use area.
- Amenities: Parking, picnic areas, restrooms.
- Features: Large, open water, birdwatching, and natural surroundings.
6- Telford Lake
Located in Leduc, just outside Edmonton, Telford Lake is known for its wide, open waters and is popular among water sports enthusiasts.
It's an excellent spot for those looking to practice speed and endurance.
Great for paddleboarders who want a spacious and active water environment close to Edmonton.
- Starting Point: Telford Lake Boat Launch
- How to Get There: Located near Leduc, accessible via Highway 2 and 50 Avenue. Parking is available at the boat launch.
- Amenities: Parking, restrooms, paddleboard rentals, and nearby walking trails.
- Features: Open waters, frequent rowing and dragon boat events.
7- Chickakoo Lake Recreation Area
A short drive west of Edmonton, Chickakoo Lake offers a peaceful paddleboarding experience surrounded by trees and wildlife.
The lake is small and sheltered, making it perfect for beginners and those looking to escape the city.
Ideal for beginners or those seeking a tranquil paddleboarding experience in nature.
- Starting Point: Chickakoo Lake Boat Launch
- How to Get There: Accessible via Highway 16 and Parkland Drive. Parking is available within the recreation area.
- Amenities: Parking, picnic areas, restrooms, trails.
- Features: Calm waters, tree protection, and a quiet setting.
8- Lac Ste. Anne (Alberta Beach)
Known locally as Alberta Beach, Lac Ste. Anne is a popular summer destination.
The lake's calm waters and small islands make it a great spot for paddleboarding, especially for those who enjoy a bit of exploration. Perfect for a summer day trip with opportunities for paddleboarding, swimming, and beach activities.
- Starting Point: Alberta Beach Boat Launch
- How to Get There: About an hour west of Edmonton via Highway 16 and Highway 43. Parking is available near the beach.
- Amenities: Parking, restrooms, picnic areas, restaurants, and cafes nearby.
- Features: Sandy beaches, calm waters, small islands to explore.
9- Wabamun Lake
Wabamun Lake is one of the busiest and most popular lakes near Edmonton for water activities.
Despite its popularity, the lake offers plenty of space for paddleboarding, with various docks and launch sites.
Ideal for those looking for a lively and active paddleboarding environment with plenty of amenities.
- Starting Point: Wabamun Lake Provincial Park
- How to Get There: Located about an hour west of Edmonton via Highway 16. Follow signs to Wabamun Lake Provincial Park for parking.
- Amenities: Parking, restrooms, picnic areas, boat launches, and paddleboard rentals.
- Features: Large lake with multiple access points, fishing, and water sports.
10- Victoria Park
Located in the heart of Edmonton, Victoria Park offers a unique urban paddleboarding experience.
Paddle along the North Saskatchewan River while enjoying views of the city skyline.
Perfect for paddleboarders who want to experience Edmonton’s urban landscape from the water while still being close to city amenities.
- Starting Point: Victoria Park Boat Launch
- How to Get There: Accessible via River Valley Road and 116 Street. Parking is available near the boat launch.
- Amenities: Parking, restrooms, picnic areas.
- Features: Urban setting, city skyline views, and access to the North Saskatchewan River.
Edmonton offers a diverse range of paddleboarding spots, each with its unique charm. Whether you’re seeking the thrill of river paddling or the tranquillity of a secluded lake, Edmonton’s waterways provide something for every paddleboarder. So grab your board, and explore the natural beauty that this city has to offer!
