The best traffic-free bike rides in River Valley Area

There are over 45 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes in the River Valley Area, offering a variety of experiences for all skill levels. You'll find a good mix of easy, moderate, and challenging options.

Yes, the River Valley Area offers many easy routes perfect for families and beginners. Nearly half of the routes are rated as easy, providing gentle terrain and safe, car-free environments. For a moderate option that's still very accessible, consider the Terwillegar Park Footbridge – Fort Edmonton Footbridge loop from South Campus/Fort Edmonton Park, which is just over 18 km long.

The River Valley Area, particularly around Edmonton, is known for its extensive urban parkland and natural beauty. Along the routes, you can explore deep ravines like Mill Creek Ravine, MacKenzie Ravine, and Whitemud Creek Ravine. You'll also encounter impressive bridges such as the High Level Bridge and the Kâhasinîskâk Pedestrian Bridge, offering scenic views of the river.

Absolutely. For those seeking a greater challenge, there are several longer and more difficult routes. The Hermitage Park – Ainsworth Dyer Memorial Bridge loop from Avonmore is a difficult 60 km route with significant elevation changes, perfect for experienced touring cyclists looking for a substantial ride.

The komoot community highly rates the River Valley Area, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Reviewers frequently praise the extensive network of paved and unpaved trails, the beautiful river valley scenery, and the feeling of being immersed in nature while still being close to urban amenities. The car-free nature of these routes is consistently highlighted as a major benefit.

Yes, many of the no-traffic routes in the River Valley Area are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point without retracing your steps. Examples include the Terwillegar Park Footbridge – Fort Edmonton Footbridge loop from Cameron Heights and the Walterdale Bridge – Mill Creek Ravine loop from Fort Edmonton.

The best season for touring cycling in the River Valley Area is generally from late spring through early autumn (May to October). During these months, the weather is typically mild, and the trails are clear of snow and ice, offering the most pleasant riding conditions. Fall foliage also provides stunning scenery.

Given that many of the River Valley Area's no-traffic trails are within or adjacent to urban areas like Edmonton, you'll find numerous opportunities for cafes, restaurants, and other amenities. Many routes pass through or near parks and communities where you can easily find places to refuel and relax.

Cycling times vary greatly depending on the route length and your pace. Shorter, easy routes like the Terwillegar Park Footbridge – Fort Edmonton Footbridge loop (18.4 km) can take around 1.5 to 2 hours. Longer, more challenging routes, such as the Hermitage Park – Ainsworth Dyer Memorial Bridge loop (60 km), can take 4 hours or more to complete.

While popular sections can see more activity, the extensive network of trails means you can often find quieter segments, especially on weekdays or by exploring routes slightly further from the most central urban parks. Look for routes that venture deeper into the ravines or connect to less-trafficked natural areas for a more secluded experience.

Yes, the River Valley Area is increasingly embracing gravel riding. While this guide focuses on no-traffic touring, the region offers a mix of paved roads and unpaved county or forest service roads, particularly in areas like the Arkansas River Valley. This provides excellent opportunities for adventure biking beyond the dedicated paved paths.