There’s plenty to explore, from the beautiful Kinnaird Ravine to Borden Park and the adjacent Edmonton Urban Farm. Many people in our area are avid gardeners, so you’ll find no shortage of vegetables and flowers to appreciate during the summer months. 

Do you need to escape the city but don’t have the time or means to go anywhere? If you haven’t yet explored Kinnaird Ravine and Kinnaird Park, then you are truly missing out.

Head to Sheriff Robertson Park just off 82 Street and 111 Avenue. Park on the street (ensure there are no Stadium parking restrictions in effect). Walk across the park/playground area to the trees to the path down into the ravine. Discover nature and art along the way. Beautiful murals are mounted along the trail at the beginning of the walk. Parkdale-Cromdale Community League hosts annual nature walks through Kinnaird Ravine. This summer, they plan to do a berry picking ravine walk to learn about how different cultural groups have used and continue to use the berries.

Prefer wide open sunny spaces with great views? Head to the east end of 111 Avenue or Jasper Avenue in Viewpoint to access Kinnaird Park. The beautiful old brick house at 7696 Jasper Ave stands at the entrance to a lovely ridge overlooking the river. There are a number of benches to sit in the sun. You can be adventurous and take one of the dirt trails down the bank to the walking trails below in Dawson Park.

The Edmonton Urban Farm is the perfect day trip where food meets education. Learn more about where your food comes from and how to grow it yourself. The farm plays an important role in increasing food security and teaching community members about farming within city limits: exploreedmonton.com/industry/edmonton-urban-farm.

Borden Park is a staple in Highlands. With over 100 years of picnics, strolls, and Frisbee games to its name, the park is a great place to spend an afternoon in nature. Sculptures and other artworks are scattered throughout the park, and a natural swimming pool makes it easy to cool off in the summer heat: edmonton.ca/activities_parks_recreation/parks_rivervalley/borden-park.

Community gardens are becoming an essential part of RCP communities. They are the perfect way to bring more greenery and fresh produce into the inner city while also building community connections. In 2021, Alberta Avenue Community League organized a bike tour of community gardens. You can still find the approximately 7.6 km tour map bit.ly/AbAvegardentour and discover the gardens yourself. If you’re lucky, you may find gardeners to give you a tour, otherwise peek at the gardens through their fences. Save this one for the height of summer, when the gardens are bursting with colour and blooms. 

Bike routes

Not only are RCP neighbourhoods walkable, they are set up for easy bike access. The bike lanes just off 118 Avenue make for a scenic and safe ride, and the shared walking and biking trails that run past the Coliseum are perfect for a longer bike ride. There are also plenty of lower traffic roadways in RCP neighbourhoods great for city biking. Visit the City of Edmonton’s Route Map for more options: edmonton.ca/transportation/cycling_walking/bike-maps-and-routes

City of Edmonton walking maps 

Walk Edmonton created 10 sample walking routes in Alberta Avenue, ranging from 1.4 to 5 km in length. The routes loop through residential areas, through Sheriff Robertson Park and the Kinnaird Ravine, and past sports fields and playgrounds. The longest route loops around Eastwood: edmonton.ca/sites/default/files/public-files/assets/Avenue_Community_Walking_Map.pdf?cb=1652115705