The best road cycling routes around Edmonton
4.4
(28)
1,148
riders
76
rides
Road cycling around Edmonton is characterized by its extensive urban parkland, primarily the North Saskatchewan River Valley, which offers over 160 kilometers of maintained pathways. The terrain includes winding paths, some steeper grades, and numerous ravines and bridges that provide varied cycling experiences. This network connects urban settings with natural river valley trails, offering diverse routes for road cyclists.
Best road cycling routes around Edmonton
- The most popular road cycling route is Tawatina Bridge – Wedgewood Ravine loop from Muttart, a 28.2 miles (45.3 km) moderate trail that takes 2 hours 14 minutes to complete, exploring river valley paths and notable bridges.
- Another top favourite among local road cyclists is RiverSide 100 loop from Riverbend, a moderate 21.0 miles (33.8 km) path. This route offers varied terrain through the river valley, providing scenic views.
- Local road cyclists also love the Forest Heights Park – Rundle Park loop from Corona, a 44.7 miles (72.0 km) trail leading through multiple urban parks and extensive river valley sections, often completed in about 3 hours 27 minutes.
- Road cycling around Edmonton is defined by the North Saskatchewan River Valley, extensive urban parkland, and numerous ravines and bridges. The network offers options for easy, moderate, and difficult ability levels.
- The routes in Edmonton are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 30 reviews. More than 1,100 road cyclists have used komoot to explore Edmonton's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 1, 2026
4.8
(13)
81
riders
45.3km
02:14
380m
380m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
5.0
(3)
84
riders
34.5km
01:46
310m
310m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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68
riders
68.6km
03:13
530m
530m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
51
riders
62.7km
02:51
350m
350m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
39
riders
30.6km
01:28
190m
190m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Tips from the Community
The beautiful North Saskatchewan River begins at the Saskatchewan Glacier in the Rockies and flows east through Edmonton and across central Alberta and Saskatchewan. It’s a popular location for paddling and fishing, with long stretches of forested banks and gravel bars. The river connects parks and trails and serves as a water source for several communities along its course.
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Government House Park sits on the banks of the North Saskatchewan River, offering a peaceful escape within Edmonton’s river valley. Known for its wide paved paths and river views, the park is a popular with cyclists and walkers and its trails connect to the city's extensive trail system. While it once hosted a ski hill in the 1960s, today the landscape is better known for its open picnic areas, river views, and winter toboggan hill.
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Groat Bridge spans the North Saskatchewan River, carrying traffic and pedestrians between the river valley communities of Glenora and Mayfair. Opened in 1955, the twin-span structure offers fantastic elevated views of the surrounding parkland. Recent upgrades have widened its shared-use path, making it a key crossing for both commuters and recreational users.
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Located south of the city center, Strathcona is a pleasant neighborhood to live in. Its parks and street art create a peaceful setting for businesses and the cultural life that fuels its dynamism.
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ICE District is a vibrant neighbourhood in Edmonton. Rogers Place, an ice hockey arena that also hosts concerts, along with the Stantec and Edmonton Towers, showcase the city's modernity. The lights of the Neon Sign Museum, on the other hand, lend a more vintage feel to the area. It's also a great place to go out for a meal or a drink.
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Louise McKinney Park sits along the North Saskatchewan River just southeast of downtown Edmonton, offering wide river views and easy access to the city’s river valley trail network. Its paved pathways, grassy terraces, public art, and picnic areas make it a popular starting point for walks or bike rides toward Riverside, Rossdale, or Cloverdale. The park is also home to the Chinese Garden, adding a cultural landmark to this scenic stretch of riverfront.
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Rundle Park offers a mix of paved and natural trails, perfect for walking, jogging, or cycling. The park features open grassy areas, a small lake, picnic spots, water fountains, river views, and playgrounds, making it ideal for family outings. In winter, the trails are often used for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
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Spanning the North Saskatchewan River near downtown Edmonton, the James MacDonald Bridge is a key link between the city’s north and south sides. Pedestrian and cycling paths run alongside traffic lanes, providing sweeping views of the river valley and skyline. It’s part of Edmonton’s river valley trail network, often used as a crossing between parks like Nellie McClung and Louise McKinney.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many road cycling routes are available around Edmonton?
Edmonton offers a wide variety of road cycling routes, with over 80 options available. These routes cater to different skill levels, including easy, moderate, and difficult terrains, primarily exploring the extensive North Saskatchewan River Valley.
What kind of terrain can I expect on Edmonton's road cycling routes?
Edmonton's road cycling routes primarily follow the North Saskatchewan River Valley, featuring a mix of winding paths, some steeper grades, and numerous ravines and bridges. The extensive urban parkland provides varied cycling experiences, connecting urban settings with natural river valley trails.
Are there any easy road cycling routes suitable for beginners in Edmonton?
Yes, Edmonton has 36 easy road cycling routes. An excellent option for beginners is the Tawatina Bridge loop from University of Alberta, which is 23.0 km long and offers a gentle introduction to the area's scenic paths.
What are some notable landmarks or viewpoints I can see while road cycling in Edmonton?
Many routes offer views of iconic landmarks and natural features. You can cycle past the High Level Bridge, the Kâhasinîskâk Pedestrian Bridge, and the Talus Dome. The river valley itself provides numerous scenic viewpoints, such as those found along the Tawatina Bridge – Wedgewood Ravine loop from Muttart.
What do other road cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Edmonton?
The road cycling experience in Edmonton is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 30 reviews. Cyclists often praise the extensive network of maintained pathways within the North Saskatchewan River Valley, the varied terrain, and the beautiful natural scenery that blends urban and natural environments.
Are there any longer road cycling routes for experienced riders?
For those seeking longer rides, Edmonton offers several moderate to difficult routes. The Forest Heights Park – Rundle Park loop from Corona is a substantial 72.0 km trail that leads through multiple urban parks and extensive river valley sections, providing a challenging and rewarding experience.
Can I find routes that pass through parks or natural areas?
Absolutely. Edmonton's road cycling is defined by its access to the North Saskatchewan River Valley, which includes numerous parks like William Hawrelak Park, Emily Murphy Park, Rundle Park, and Victoria Park. Routes like the John Janzen Nature Centre – Fort Edmonton Park loop from University will take you through significant natural and recreational areas.
What is the best time of year for road cycling in Edmonton?
The best time for road cycling in Edmonton is typically from spring through fall, when the weather is mild and the pathways are clear of snow and ice. The extensive network of maintained pathways is most enjoyable during these seasons, allowing full access to the river valley's natural beauty.
Are there any circular road cycling routes in Edmonton?
Yes, many of Edmonton's road cycling routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the popular RiverSide 100 loop from Riverbend, which offers varied terrain and scenic views within the river valley.
Are there any attractions near the road cycling routes that involve lakes or water features?
Yes, while cycling, you might find yourself near several beautiful water features. Highlights include the Big Lake Viewing Deck, Guinevere Park Lake and Boardwalk, and Hermitage Park Pond, which offer pleasant stops and views.
What is the overall difficulty level of road cycling in Edmonton?
Edmonton offers a range of difficulties for road cyclists. Out of 80 routes, 36 are easy, 43 are moderate, and 1 is difficult. This variety ensures that both casual riders and experienced cyclists can find suitable challenges within the region's diverse terrain.
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