Taking The Path Less
Travelled With Chris Tse
BY CHRIS TSE – BLITZ CONDITIONING
To say that the Edmonton River Valley is the crown jewel of
our city would be an understatement. So much of our history
and culture has revolved around the North Saskatchewan
River and it’s exciting to see that we have begun to explore
even more of it. Dragon boat festivals, triathlons, and win-
ter carnivals are all centered around this park system that
is twenty-two times the size of Central Park in New York.
Whether you are fat-biking over the snowy winter scapes or
hiking through the evergreens that reach endlessly towards
the sky, there are so many ways to access this escape from
the urban jungle.
In the past few years, I have become more passionate than
ever about getting people out and active. Personal training
and teaching group fitness are just the beginning - we need
to show people the amazing possibilities they can accom-
plish when they have been empowered by their own health.
When you show a tourist or even someone born in Edmon-
ton those little gems for the first time, they gain a new pas-
sion and respect for what this city has to offer.
Much of the Valley is covered in multi-use pathways which
provide paved or gravel paths everyone can access. For
those who seek more of an adventure you are only a few
feet away from single track trail. The single track trails have
been largely carved-out by mountain bikers and hikers
who want to get a bit deeper into the woods and challenge
themselves with jaw-dropping descents and breathtaking
views. I wanted to show you a few of my favourite spots to
hike, run, and bike:
- WOLF WILLOW STAIRS
It may be a bit of a hike but park at Fort Edmonton Park
and go across the footbridge to the Wolf Willow area. If you
want a bit more of an adventure, head right of the staircase
and that will lead you to “Two Truck Trail” which eventually
crosses back to the north side of the Quesnell Bridge which
allows you to loop back to the parking lot.
- HAWRELAK PARK: CONNECTS TO LAURIER, EMILY
MURPHY, AND QUESNELL BRIDGE
If you are looking for a great staging place to explore so
many different parts of the river valley this is it. Hawrelak
Park connects to so many other parks through single track,
multi-use, and paved trails. Each of the trails affords a dif-
ferent set of challenges - big drop offs and muddy spots to
off-leash furry dog friends can all be found in this area.
- KINSMEN TO EMILY MURPHY
MASTER’S DEGREE TRAIL
Park at the Huskie’s Football Field and go west towards the
High Level Bridge and Emily Murphy Park. You will be met
with a few different choices for paths: multi-use and single
track. For those who want a bit more of an adventure fol-
low the multi-use pathway to a hill and it will split-off into
a single track trail called the Master’s Degree - It’s a roller
coaster ride so enjoy!
These three trail systems are great for all skill levels and
hikers, runners, and bikers alike. Hope this helps you get out
there and to have some fun! ALL PHOTOS BY CHRIS TSE