The North Saskatchewan River, an absolute gem of a waterway, starts its journey from the beautiful Jasper Area in Western Alberta. It meanders its way through the province until it reaches Saskatchewan, where it meets up with the South Saskatchewan River. Together, they make a grand entrance into Lake Winnipeg.
But hey, let's not forget the real star of the show: Edmonton! This lively city sits right smack in the middle of it all, giving boat lovers and paddling enthusiasts a boatload of opportunities to dive into some awesome river paddling action in the heart of Alberta's capital city.
The North Saskatchewan is a cruisy Class 1 river that makes for a simple paddle. You still need to look out for the typical river hazards like rocks, branches hanging off shore, or high water levels during spring, but it is a fun and relaxing river. Be sure you still bring the required safety gear, which are outlined at the end of this article.
The North Saskatchewan through Edmonton is great for all type of craft including kayaks, canoes, rafts, and stand up paddleboards.
Below you will find access points from west to east starting in Devon and ending in Fort Saskatchewan. Remember, you can access the river anywhere that you have permission and deem accessible and safe. The following is a list of the more common put in and take out spots on the river in the Edmonton area. Remember to dress properly for conditions, be safe, and paddle with a buddy.
You can expect the same on-water experience from any of the sections below, so pick the one that best suits the amount of time you have and where you are in the city. Most of these locations can be either put-ins or take-outs, so pick the stretch of water you want to do and have fun!
North Saskatchewan River Access Points
- Devon Bridge, Devon
- River Valley Lions Campground, Devon
- Terwillegar Park, Edmonton
- Whitemud Park & Creek, Edmonton
- Laurier Park Boat Launch, Edmonton
- Emily Murphy Park, Edmonton
- Rafter’s Landing, Edmonton
- Dawson Park, Edmonton
- Capilano Park/50th St. Boat Launch, Edmonton
- Hermitage Park, Edmonton
- Twp. 540/C.R. Sewage Plant, Fort Saskatchewan
- Red Coat Landing, Rivers Edge Park, Fort Saskatchewan
- Transport Canada Boating Guidelines
AQ Outdoors Edmonton Kayak & SUP Courses
Places to Kayak/SUP/Canoe on the North Saskatchewan River in and around Edmonton
Important Note All these points are listed on the "Devon to Edmonton" paddling trip on your go-to site for river trips around the world: Paddling Maps. The individual locations in this article do not have their own separate entries in paddling maps.
To use Paddling Maps and this article, simply to go the Devon to Edmonton Trip Page and treat it as the single place to find river information about the North Saskatchewan, then use the "Map" tab to see the access points.
Devon Bridge, Devon
[100 Saskatchewan Avenue West, Devon]
Easily accessible, motor boat launch, lots of parking, and washroom available. Also makes for a great picnic spot.
[River Information on Paddling Maps]
River Valley Lions Campground, Devon
[1140 Saskatchewan Avenue East, Devon]
Park outside the gate, then the launch is a 1km walk in. Park staff recommend the Devon bridge launch, as it's an easily accessible alternative.
[River Information on Paddling Maps]
Terwillegar Park, Edmonton
[End of Rabbit Hill Road NW, Edmonton]
Hand launch. The walk to the river is long and a portage cart may help. Portage carts easily attach to any canoe, kayak, or SUP, enabling you to roll them to the river, instead of carrying them. This saves a lot of energy and potential injury. Many of these carts collapse to make them easier to store in your boat or on your SUP.
[River Information on Paddling Maps]
Whitemud Park & Creek, Edmonton
[Off Fox Drive by the Equine Centre, Edmonton]
Park in the small lot, then it's a short carry to the river. There's sometimes a seasonal floating dock upstream of confluence with Whitemud Creek. For a launch on the opposite side of the river near the same location, check out the Laurier Boat Launch below.
[River Information on Paddling Maps]
Laurier Park Boat Launch, Edmonton
[13221 Buena Vista Rd NW, Edmonton]
This is a motor boat launch. Washrooms are available and it's a great picnic spot. There's also a seasonal floating dock. This is just downstream of the Whitemud Park access listed above.
[River Information on Paddling Maps]
Emily Murphy Park, Edmonton
[11904 Emily Murphy Park Rd, Edmonton]
Launch under the bridge at the west end of the park. The north side of the parking lot doesn't have restrictions and has free washrooms available.
[River Information on Paddling Maps]
Rafter’s Landing, Edmonton
[9734 98th Avenue NW, Edmonton]
Access can be difficult if the river boat, used for city tours, is parked here.
[River Information on Paddling Maps]
Dawson Park, Edmonton
[North of 10286 and 89th St, Edmonton]
Access is below the washroom building on the sandy hill. Park in the lot and hand launch.
[River Information on Paddling Maps]
Capilano Park/50th St. Boat Launch, Edmonton
[South side of river, end of 50th St., Edmonton]
Use caution, there may be submerged rocks and debris. This launch has trailer and motor boat access; parking is limited.
[River Information on Paddling Maps]
Hermitage Park, Edmonton
[2115 Hermitage Rd., Edmonton]
Washrooms on site. Boat access isn’t ideal -- recommend using Capilano Access instead.
[River Information on Paddling Maps]
Twp. 540/C.R. Sewage Plant, Fort Saskatchewan
[End of Township Rd. 540, between Edmonton and Fort Saskatchewan]
Some parking available. Hand launch, no washrooms available.
[River Information on Paddling Maps]
Red Coat Landing, Rivers Edge Park, Fort Saskatchewan
[End of River Valley Dr, Fort Saskatchewan]
Motor boat launch, easy access, limited parking.
[River Information on Paddling Maps]
Further Information
*** Please check the following links for more information and opportunities. ***
This paddling time chart by the city of Edmonton can help you plan your trip accordingly.
[Distance Between North Saskatchewan River Access Points]
This city of Edmonton link has additional paddling and park info.
[City of Edmonton Parks and Recreation Info]
Edmonton Paddling Clubs
If paddling with other like-minded folks sounds like a good time then click the following links for local paddling clubs and organizations!
[UAPS, United Albertan Paddling Society]
[North West Voyageurs Canoe Club]
[Edmonton Whitewater Paddlers]
Transport Canada Boating Guidelines
If you want to meet Transport Canada's boating guidelines (50 ft. of floating rope, bailing device, signalling device) in a single, affordable product, be sure to check out the North Water 4 Bailer -- a throwbag, rope, whistle, and bailer all in one!
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For more paddling options around Edmonton (and the world!) simply go to Paddling Maps.
If you are looking to get more experience on the water our Edmonton location (and Calgary location) offer a full range of kayak and SUP instructional programs. We also offer rental kayaks, SUPs and gear to help get you out on the water in and around Calgary.
Feel free to contact us at either our Calgary or Edmonton locations for more information on product, rentals, courses or paddling information.
AQ Outdoors Contact
Edmonton: (p) 780 463-4892 (e) info@aquabaticsedmonton.com
Calgary: (p) 403 288-9283 (e) info@aqoutdoors.com
