When we started this blog we wanted to capture the many epic trails around our home in the Bow Valley. After all there are more trails to explore than there are weekends available. However, it dawned on me last weekend as Michelle and I both headed out for our Saturday long run in Edmonton that we would be remiss if we did not highlight some of the trail system in the Edmonton River Valley. 

Most of our long runs when we are in Edmonton are started at the Strathcona Science park and run toward town as an out and back for as many kilometres as we need to log that weekend. I can easily get 50km along the river with some amazing combination of paved trail, single track or double wide in various areas. 

I usually start at Strathcona Science Park, head across the bridge to Rundle Park, and run along the river back towards town. I usually cross the river and into Goldbar Park, running the trails to Capilano Park and then on past 75th Street along the south side of the river.  The length of the prescribed run determines the turnaround point. I can easily get 25km out if I need to get a full 50km run in. 

On this trip I crossed back over the river to run the north side of the river at 50th Street. After all the years of running in this area I have never run the North side. It was a refreshing change made all the more enjoyable once I decided to take some photos to share with you here. 

For me, this was the first 30km run of back-to-back 30km runs. Michelle had 20km on her training plan and had decided to meet up with a girlfriend for part of her route.  

If you haven’t run in the River Valley I would highly recommend checking out the miles and miles of trails. As you can see by the pictures much of the area is quite pretty. 

Getting There

There are many entry points to the trails, but we usually start at The Strathcona Science Park. Depending on where you live, you could also park at Rundle, Goldbar, Capilano, or any of the many entry points downtown. Coming from Sherwood Park, the Strathcona Science Park is the closest for us. 

Runnability

The trails are all very runnable. There are a few single track options off the main trails that might hit some steep inclines but the entirety of the trail along the river is relatively flat and runnable.