Edmonton City Walks and Trails, Part 1

Edmonton’s massive river valley park system has more trails than you think – 160 kilometres to be exact!  It’s a four-season destination to enjoy hiking, biking, snowshoeing, cross country skiing or the simple pleasure of fresh air and bright sunshine.

There are trails for all ages and abilities with so many different landscapes to explore, but we’ve selected ones that are rated as “Easy” so that everyone can enjoy them.  This week, we’ll share some of the trails we recommend on this part one of city walks and trails.

edmonton outdoor trails and hikes

Dawson and the Hoodoos

Did you know Edmonton has hoodoos?  Well, you do now!  You’ll find them just at the start of this city trail that is 2 kilometres round trip.  Start out from Dawson Park which is just outside of downtown and known as Edmonton’s Garden as it has many large trees and green open space.  The trail is also off-leash friendly for dogs, other than at picnic sites.

edmonton outdoor trails and hikes

Hermitage Park to Fraser Ravine

This path which starts at Hermitage Park is 5 kilometres long.  Hermitage Park has ponds, and access for boating, and the trail runs nearby the river at points.  The best part is the look out at the Fraser Ravine, where you can get a stunning view of the river.  Of course, there is a steep flight of stairs to get to the view, but it’s worth the effort!

edmonton outdoor trails and hikes

Whitemud Ravine South

This trail is particularly picturesque as it winds through a nature preserve of old-growth forest and more than 150 species of birds and animals.  The round trip is 5 kilometres, the second longest of our list, through forest and creekside areas.  Because of the dense forest, there can tend to be lots of mosquitos during warmer months so be sure to wear long sleeves/pants and bring along the bug spray.

edmonton outdoor trails and hikes

West River’s Edge Loop

You can also find river valley trails outside the city, and we love this one in Fort Saskatchewan.  The West River’s Edge Loop starts in the park of the same name, near the Red Coat Landing boat launch.  At 6 kilometres, the trail is long, but not challenging.  While the path follows alongside the river, views of it are obscured by forested areas most of the way, but there are quite a few viewing decks to get a better look.

We sourced our selections and information from the fantastic guides created by the River Valley Alliance.  In an upcoming part two, we’ll profile even more great city trails, but if you want to read ahead, check out their website.

Do you love urban adventure?  We’ve got lots of curated content that you can check out to plan the perfect active getaway.  Check out the architecture in the Oliver neighbourhoodplan a picnic, or check out nearby Elk Island Park where the bison roam!  And because not all urban adventure is free, you might want to check out our 1, 2, 3 Pick Your Rewards Deal.  It includes your hotel booking at the best available rate PLUS high-value inclusions like gas cards, Ultimate Dining Cards and prepaid MasterCards.

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Terms and Conditions

The “1,2, 3 Pick Your Rewards”, Terms and Conditions and Blackout Dates 

Rewards Program campaign dates

Reward package available to book from January 5, 2022 for stays to December 31, 2025 for rewards except for possible blackout dates. At present there are no blackout dates scheduled.

Rewards are subject to while supplies last.  Substitutions of equivalent kind, value may be made as necessary.  Rewards are non-transferable, no cash value, no cash back.

  • Rewards are non-transferable, non-exchangeable, have no cash value, no cash back.
  • Rewards cannot be combined with any other offer or promotion.
  • Reward deal is net non-commissionable.

Blackout dates

At present there are no blackout dates scheduled. 

In the event blackout dates are scheduled, any guest who makes a booking for a hotel stay during the blackout period prior to the blackout period being named will receive the rewards they are booked for. 

Rewards Program offerings

Book one night’s stay with Edmonton’s Best Hotels and receive your choice of one of three $50 rewards excluding blackout dates:

  • $50 Gas Card or
  • $50 Prepaid Mastercard, or
  • $50 Ultimate Dining Card

Book two night’s stay with Edmonton’s Best Hotels and receive your choice of one of five reward packages excluding blackout dates:

  • $150 prepaid MasterCard, or
  • $75 Gas card and $75 MasterCard, or
  • $75 Gas card and $75 Ultimate Dining Card, or

Book three night’s stay with Edmonton’s Best Hotels and receive your choice of one of four reward packages excluding blackout dates:

  • Three Night Reward 1: $225 Prepaid Mastercard
  • Three Night Reward 3: $75 Ultimate Dining Card + $75 Prepaid Mastercard + $75 Gas Card

One choice of reward per stay. 

Guest must be 18 years of age or older at time of redemption. 

Prepaid Mastercard’s can be used for online purchases only. In Canada, prepaid Mastercard’s cannot be used at any retail outlet (including your hotel) with point-of-sale systems.

Rewards distribution

Rewards will be emailed directly to guests within 48 hours of Edmonton’s Best Hotels confirming their check-in.  Rewards are not provided by the hotel’s front desk.   All rewards are sent electronically. 

Reservations

Guest must reserve a minimum of 24 hours prior to arrival.

Rewards are NOT available for reservations made less than 24 hours in advance of arrival.

Reservations made directly with hotels and not through Edmonton’s Best Hotels are not eligible for rewards. No exceptions. Rewards are only provided to guests who book through Edmonton’s Best Hotels online booking platform.  Booking reservation confirmations will have Edmonton’s Best Hotels branding on them. Rewards not provided for hotel reservations during specified blackout dates.

Reservations cannot be extended by hotels for additional rewards.

Guests may add a night to an existing one-night deal reservation and receive additional rewards if the request is made a minimum of 24 hours in advance of arrival.

Booking terms and conditions

Rewards provided for more than one night, must be for consecutive nights under one registration under one name at one property. In addition, no more than up to three consecutive nights will be honoured. If a guest checks in for three days and then checks out and re-checks in for the next day, this is considered a consecutive night booking even if the second booking is made at different hotel.  

There must be a minimum of three days between bookings.

Multiple reservations for the same person for the same night(s) is considered a double booking and only one of those bookings will be eligible for rewards. For example, if a guest books two nights on x and y date and then makes another two-night booking for the same dates at the same hotel or another hotel, EBH considers this a double booking and will honour rewards for only one of those bookings. 

Is there a limit on the number of bookings I make on different dates?  Edmonton Best Hotels welcomes repeat business.  Some of our guests visit Edmonton every month.  Please note as stated earlier there must be a minimum of three days between bookings. Please also note stated blackout dates.

Cancelling and date changes to reservations

If a guest wants to cancel or change the dates of their booking.

What if I want to cancel my booking?  Edmonton Best Hotels must cancel your booking (not the hotel).  If you want to cancel, contact info@edmh.ca and let us know.  We will cancel your booking and send you a cancellation number for your records.  Please do not cancel directly with the hotel.

What if I want to change the dates of my booking?  You must contact Edmonton Best Hotels at info@edmh.ca and let us know you want to make a date change.  Your original booking must be cancelled first.  You will receive a cancellation number for your records.  Then, you must rebook for your new dates.  The hotel nor Edmonton’s Best Hotels cannot make date changes to the original booking.  Please note this does not guarantee you will receive the same hotel rate when you rebook for different dates.

Any questions, please contact Edmonton Best Hotels at info@edmh.ca 

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