Celebrate and explore Edmonton’s beautiful river valley on World Rivers Day

Public Service Announcement

Celebrate and explore Edmonton’s beautiful river valley on World Rivers Day

Celebrate Edmonton’s beautiful river valley and facilities this World Rivers Day on September 22. There are many activities around the city to celebrate this special day. Edmonton’s history and culture have been shaped by the North Saskatchewan River, especially as a vital gathering place in the Beaver Hills for various peoples.

Ways to enjoy World Rivers Day in Edmonton

John Janzen Nature Centre

Date: September 22

Event Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Facility Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Location: 7000 143 Street

Cost: Regular Admission

Capital City Clean Up is also providing litter kits available for pick-up on site. Existing drop-in programming will have a river theme.

John Walter Museum

Date: September 22

Facility Hours: 1 to 4 p.m.

Location: 9180 Walterdale Hill NW

Cost: Free

Opening specifically for today to celebrate. There will be history talks about Edmonton’s connection to the river and ferries.

Muttart Conservatory

Facility Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Location: 9626 96A Street

Cost: Regular Admission

Check out the Frogs and Friends feature pyramid to celebrate all things frogs and water-related.

Outdoor Adventure Experience Programs

Date: September 22

Facility Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

World Rivers Day – Learn to Canoe (family session)

Location: Hermitage Park, 2115 Hermitage Rd NW

Cost: Free

Park Rangers: City of Edmonton Park Rangers will be on-site until 11 a.m. to talk about river safety and answer questions. Park visitors are welcome to come say hello.

Weather permitting. Park Rangers will also be out on the North Saskatchewan River patrolling. Capital City Clean Up and Park Rangers are providing supplies to Fort Edmonton Park (Litter kits and river safety resource materials). These resources will be available inside the Indigenous Peoples Experiences.

Other ways to celebrate

For more ideas, visit an Edmonton River Valley Park, enjoy the comprehensive trail system with the help of a trail map and check out the World Rivers Day website.

Please note: In the event of extreme weather/poor air quality, please check with the individual event organizers prior to heading out.

River Safety

Since 2022, there has been an increase in warnings issued and the need for river rescues. In 2023, Park Rangers conducted 7,500 safety compliance checks, a 33 per cent increase compared to 2022. There were also 2,489 warnings issued for lack of safety equipment gear, a 159 per cent increase and 19 river rescues which was a 73 per cent increase compared to 2022.

As of September 8, 9,400 safety compliance checks were done while on the river, a 31 per cent river usage increase compared to 2023. Additionally, 3,006 warnings were issued under the Canada Shipping Act for safety equipment which includes bells, whistles, throw line and buckets. This is a 21 per cent increase compared to 2023. For river safety tips, visit edmonton.ca/activities_parks_recreation/parks_rivervalley/river-safety.

Background

The North Saskatchewan River flows within the North Saskatchewan watershed across central Alberta and into Saskatchewan. The river travels 1,287 km from its origin in the Columbia Icefield in the Rocky Mountains of western Alberta to Saskatchewan. This route transects four of Alberta’s six natural regions from Rocky Mountains, Foothills, Boreal Forest and Parkland.

Besides the Clearwater and Christina rivers near Fort McMurray, the North Saskatchewan is the second river in Alberta (designated in 2003), outside of a national park, to be recognized in the Canadian Heritage Rivers System.

The Canadian Heritage Rivers System is a collaboration between the federal, provincial and territorial governments. It gives national recognition to Canada’s rivers and encourages long-term stewardship of the natural, cultural, and recreational values for the benefit and enjoyment of all Canadians from present and into the future.