Scenic Views · Fishing · Alberta
A 68-hectare river valley park in central Edmonton with a lake, paved trails, a big playground and the Heritage Amphitheatre. Reopened in 2026 after a three-year rebuild, with a new restaurant and boat rentals.
William Hawrelak Park sits in the North Saskatchewan River valley near the University of Alberta, built around a 5-hectare lake with meadows and shady picnic spots on every side. It reopened in March 2026 after being closed for about three years for rehabilitation, and returning visitors say the work shows: new landscaping, benches, fireplaces and public art, and an esplanade in the middle of the lake area.
It's a place to spend an afternoon. Visitors mention a 2 km loop around the lake, paved trails linking into the wider river valley network, a new nature-themed playground with a huge slide that families rave about, and accessible washrooms. A restaurant and patio now operate in the main pavilion, and there are raised fire pits, wood-burning stoves and bookable picnic sites. The Heritage Amphitheatre with covered seating hosts concerts and festivals.
On the lake, paddling is through the boathouse rentals only, with kayaks, paddleboards and pedal boats available; the City says private equipment, swimming and fishing aren't permitted on the lake. For your own canoe or kayak, there's a hand launch with a floating dock on the North Saskatchewan River on the park's west side, and the river can be fished under Alberta's sportfishing regulations.
Most feedback is warm, but one visitor wished the path stayed by the water all the way round rather than running past roads and parking, and wanted a marked split between walkers and cyclists. Canada geese are everywhere. Entry is free, and events can fill the lots.
Summarised from visitor reviews on Google Maps. Based on 4,128 Google reviews. Conditions and rules change — check current park, access and fishing regulations before you go.
