Where to Paddle on the North Saskatchewan River in & around Edmonton

Where to Paddle on the North Saskatchewan River in & around Edmonton

AQ Staff
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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!

AQ Outdoors Edmonton Kayak & SUP Courses

AQ Outdoors Paddling Gear

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.Where to paddle on the North Saskatchewan in Edmonton

Devon Bridge, Devon

devon bridge north saskatchewan river access points

[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]

Devon Bridge Launch

River Valley Lions Campground, Devon

river valley lions campground north saskatchewan river access points

[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]

Lions Club Launch

Terwillegar Park, Edmonton

terwillegar north saskatchewan river access points

[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]

Terwillegar Park launch

Whitemud Park & Creek, Edmonton

whitemud park and creek north saskatchewan river access points

[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]

Whitemud park Launch

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]

Laurier Launch

Emily Murphy Park, Edmonton

emily murphy north saskatchewan river access points

[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

rafters landing page north saskatchewan river access points

[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]

Rafters Landing

Dawson Park, Edmonton

dawson park north saskatchewan river access points

[North of 10286 and 89th St, Edmonton]

Access is below the washroom building on the sandy hill. Park in the lot and hand launch.

 Dawson Launch

[River Information on Paddling Maps]

Capilano Park/50th St. Boat Launch, Edmonton

capilano north saskatchewan river access points

[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]

Capilano Launch

Hermitage Park, Edmonton

hermitage park north saskatchewan river access points 

[2115 Hermitage Rd., Edmonton]

Washrooms on site.  Boat access isn’t ideal -- recommend using Capilano Access instead.

[River Information on Paddling Maps]

Hermitage Launch

Twp. 540/C.R. Sewage Plant, Fort Saskatchewan

twp 540 north saskatchewan river access points

[End of Township Rd. 540, between Edmonton and Fort Saskatchewan]

Some parking available. Hand launch, no washrooms available.

[River Information on Paddling Maps]

township 540 fort sask launch

Red Coat Landing, Rivers Edge Park, Fort Saskatchewan

red coat landing north saskatchewan river access points

[End of River Valley Dr, Fort Saskatchewan]

Motor boat launch, easy access, limited parking.

[River Information on Paddling Maps]

 Red Coat Landing.

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]

[Ceyana Canoe Club]

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!

North Water 4 Bailer Throwbag

North Water 4 Bailer Throwbag

$53.95

North Water 4 Bailer Review The North Water 4 Bailer Throwbag is one of AQOutdoors' best selling safety accessories. The North Water 4 Bailer Throwbag contains a buoyant heaving line, a sounding device, a hi vis reflector, and lastly a… Read More

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.

paddling maps

 

AQ Outdoors Contact

Edmonton:  (p) 780 463-4892 (e) info@aquabaticsedmonton.com

Calgary:  (p) 403 288-9283  (e)  info@aqoutdoors.com

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