Hiking River View Trail in Parkland County

A North Saskatchewan River Valley Hike in Alberta Canada

River View Trail Via the Devonian Trail

Hiking River View Trail in Parkland County is an excellent choice for hikers looking for a more challenging trail in the Edmonton area. Between the hills and the stairs, this trail is a wonderful place to build some fitness before heading out for a Canadian Rocky Mountain adventure. The North Saskatchewan River Valley in Parkland County near the Town of Devon, Alberta, Canada is a beautiful river of green. Even though it is less than a 15-minute drive from Edmonton the River View Trail in Parkland County feels likes a great escape into nature.

Hiking River View Trail in Parkland County

This hike begins from Prospector's Point. The trail begins with a long and sometimes steep climb out of the river valley. Not to worry though, there are plenty of benches to rest at along the way. Even better, there are nice views of the North Saskatchewan River Valley. After about 1.5km of hiking up the hill there will be a fork in the trail. The path to the left is the continuation of the Devonian Trail which leads to the University of Alberta Botanic Garden. However, the path to the right is the River View Trail. From here, the trail descends a long staircase back down into the river valley. The River View Trail in Parkland County, Alberta follows along the valley for a couple of kilometers before reaching the final staircase. Currently, Hiking River View Trail in Parkland County ends at the top of this staircase. Altogether, there are over 500 steps between the two staircases.

River View Trail Summary

Distance - 7.9km
Route Type - Out & Back
Elevation Gain - 196m
Difficulty - Moderate
Time Needed - 1.5-2 hours
Trail Surface - Gravel pathway
Trailhead - Prospector's Point Parking Lot
Dogs - Allowed and must be on leash
Permitted Uses - Hiking, biking, running

River View Trail a Part of Beaver Hill Road

Beaver Hill Road is the name for what will be a connected and continuous 100km long trail system following the North Saskatchewan River. Once completed, the trail will stretch from Town of Devon and Parkland County in the West, through the City of Edmonton and onto Fort Saskatchewan in the East. Nearing completion, the trail is currently 70% completed. One of the unfinished sections is the piece that will connect the River View Trail from the top of the second set of stairs back down into the river valley and across a future foot bridge into Devon, Alberta, Canada. However, once Beaver Hill Road is complete it will be the longest river valley hiking trail in North America!

Imrie Lands

Hiking River View Trail in Parkland County was made possible by a lady named, Mary Louise Imrie. She was the first female architect in Western Canada and one of the first in Canada to own her own firm. Wishing to share the beauty the area she donated the land to the province so that all could one day enjoy it.

Prospector's Point Gold Panning

Prospector's Point near the Town of Devon, Alberta is one of the province's hot spots for gold panning. In fact, it is common to see people gold panning along the riverbanks here. Gold panners here are searching for flakes of gold known as flour gold. Although you are unlikely to become rich gold panning here, you will likely find some. If this is an adventure that you are interested in, reach out to the Alberta Gold Prospectors Association for information on how to get started.

Prospector's Point in Parkland County is an excellent place to spend a hot summer's day by the river. It is a popular spot for picnicking, fishing, and wading in the river. As tempting as it may seem, please don't try to swim across to the other side. There are strong currents in the area which make it unsafe.

Devonian Trail to River View Trail Map

After the Hike

After Hiking River View Trail in Parkland County head into the Town of Devon for treat. A few locally owned and independent spots to pick from include Phalika's for Thai food and ice cream and Next Five Brewing for craft beer. Finally, if you are looking for a good cup of coffee, then the best place in town is at Shift Happens Bicycle Repair Shop. Cyclists love their coffee, so it makes perfect sense that the local bike shop is also the best coffee shop too.

Other Trails Nearby

In addition to completing the Devonian Trail there are a number of other trails nearby. The Town of Devon has an extensive trail network that can be accessed from Voyageur Park or from the Devon Lions Campground. Looking across the river from the Devonian Trail you can see Voyageur Park in Devon. Also on the south side of the river and on the other side of the bridge is the Up to Stew Trail we hiked last winter.