Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park

Stretching along the scenic north bank of the North Saskatchewan River, Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park is one of the most beloved green spaces that Edmonton takes pride in. This vast 33-hectare area is a perfect example of the harmonious blend of recreational infrastructure and the natural beauty for which Canada is famous.

The park offers visitors plenty of opportunities for quality leisure: from nine spacious picnic sites for large groups to tennis courts and baseball diamonds. One of the main features of this site is its *inclusivity* — a convenient granular trail along the river is accessible for strollers, allowing everyone to enjoy the peaceful views of the river valley.

Younger guests will be delighted by the modern Coyote Playground, featuring unique sculptures and kinetic elements. And thanks to its proximity to the popular Storyland Valley Zoo, the park serves as the perfect starting point for a full day of family adventure.

For more information about booking sites or park rules, you can use the following contact details:

In this park, everyone will find an activity to their liking, whether it's an active workout or quiet contemplation of the river scenery. Hiking enthusiasts can set off on a scenic route along the shore, while those who prefer team sports will appreciate the two baseball diamonds and tennis courts. In summer, the park is particularly lively: children enjoy spending time at the splash pad and the massive playground with its wooden towers and log climbers.

For pet owners, the park offers an excellent *off-leash area* with river access. Here, dogs can not only run freely and play frisbee but also cool off in the water at a designated beach. If you're looking for something unique, try your hand at geocaching — searching for hidden caches using GPS coordinates, many of which are located in this part of the river valley.

Don't miss the chance to have a classic picnic at one of the numerous sites equipped with everything needed for large groups. If you're looking for a change of scenery, you can cross the pedestrian bridge to the neighboring Hawrelak Park or visit the Storyland Valley Zoo to meet its inhabitants and ride the miniature train.

The most convenient way to reach the park, located at 13221 Buena Vista Rd NW, is by car. The main route from the city center is via Whitemud Drive or Buena Vista Road. There are several paved parking lots on-site, as well as a separate granular lot for zoo visitors and a dedicated area for vehicles with boat trailers.

For those using public transport, bus routes are available with stops in the Buena Vista area or directly at the zoo entrance. You can also always call a taxi from anywhere in the city, providing a quick and comfortable transfer right to the start of the walking trails.

If you prefer an active way to get around, scenic cycling and walking paths lead through the river valley to the park. For example, you can walk from neighboring Hawrelak Park via a convenient pedestrian bridge, enjoying the natural views along the way.

This green space received its modern name in honor of the prominent statesman Sir Wilfrid Laurier, who was Canada's first French-speaking Prime Minister. He held this post for four consecutive terms and personally visited the city in 1905 for the ceremony proclaiming Alberta a full province.

Initially, the site was known simply as Laurier Park. However, in 1987, authorities decided to officially rename it Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park to highlight the politician's knighthood, granted to him by Queen Victoria in her Diamond Jubilee year. This became an important symbol of recognition for his contribution to the region's history.

The park grounds are also home to the famous zoo, which opened its doors in 1959 under the name Storyland Valley Zoo. Although the word "Storyland" eventually disappeared from the official title, the theme of children's fairy tales and adventure is still felt in its atmosphere, and the park itself remains a key part of the extensive system of recreational areas along the North Saskatchewan River.

For a standard introduction to the park, most visitors need 2 to 4 hours. This is enough time to take a leisurely stroll along the three-kilometer riverside trail, take beautiful photos, and relax in one of the well-equipped recreation areas.

If your plans include hosting a full picnic, visiting the adjacent zoo, or playing team sports on the fields, we recommend setting aside half a day for your visit. This is especially true for families with children and dog owners, as the local playgrounds and beach area tend to keep visitors engaged for a long time.

The park is hospitably open to visitors daily throughout the year. Official operating hours are from 05:00 to 23:00 Monday through Sunday, allowing you to enjoy everything from early sunrises to quiet evenings at sunset.

Please note that access to specific facilities on-site, such as the Storyland Valley Zoo or rental services, follows their own schedules, which may differ from the general park hours.

The park's location in the scenic river valley makes it easy to combine your visit with other nearby points of interest. Exploring the surrounding areas will significantly enrich your trip, offering both active entertainment and peaceful relaxation zones.

Within a radius of several kilometers, you will find numerous family-friendly sites as well as world-class entertainment centers.