Sanyukta SrivastavaI once woke up at 5 a.m. to catch the sunrise over the Edmonton skyline. I set up my camera, framed the shot… and watched a low fog roll in and erase everything but one blinking light on a crane. Classic.
If you’ve ever gone chasing that perfect shot only to end up with grey skies and regrets, you’re not alone. Edmonton has incredible views—you just need to know when and where to look.
We’ve got the spots that are actually worth the climb, drive, or detour—no filters required.
Gallagher Park Hill
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Location: 9505 96 Avenue NW
Contact: 780-442-5311
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Website
Gallagher Park Hill is one of those spots in Edmonton that’s easy to miss, but once you’re up there, the view kind of makes you pause for a second.
You get this wide, open shot of the skyline and river valley. If the light hits just right, it gives everything a golden look—great if you’re into photos or just want a quiet place to take it all in.
The hill’s open and grassy, so you can stretch out on a blanket or set up a tripod without feeling cramped. Since it’s right next to the Muttart Conservatory, you also get a pretty cool angle of the pyramids from the top.
Pro tip:
Head there around sunset—it’s less busy, and the skyline starts to light up just enough for those moody city shots.
Strathearn Drive Downtown Lookout
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Location: Intersection of Strathearn Drive NW & 92 Street NW
Contact: For general inquiries, you can contact the City at 311
Operating hours: Accessible 24 hours a day
If you follow Connors Road up and hang a left onto Strathearn Drive, there’s this really chill lookout that’s honestly a nice break from the busier spots.
The benches are set up along the road, right on top of a steep hill, and the view’s solid—you can see most of Downtown, the Muttart Conservatory, and a ton of trees down in the valley.
The whole area is quiet and somewhat underrated. There’s a small spot to park and a paved path if you feel like walking a bit. Nothing fancy, but that’s part of why it works—it’s just a laid-back place to hang out and take in the city.
Pro tip:
Early mornings are worth it if you want the place mostly for yourself.
Floden Park
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Location: 4209 111 Avenue NW
Contact: For general inquiries, you can contact the City of Edmonton at 311
Operating hours: Daily: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Floden Park is one of those spots that flies under the radar, but the views here are seriously worth checking out.
The lookout sits over a bend in the river, so you get this wide-angle shot of the valley with the Capilano footbridge right in front and Edmonton’s skyline off in the distance. Getting most of the city in one shot makes it a solid spot for photos.
The park itself is pretty laid-back. It’s not packed with amenities, but it’s clean and easy to access. You don’t have to hike or climb to get it, which makes it even better for a casual stop.
Pro tip:
There aren’t any washrooms or water fountains nearby, so plan ahead if you’re sticking around for a while.
Rowland Park Lookout
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Location: Dawson Bridge & Rowland Road
Contact: For general inquiries, you can contact the City at 311
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: Open 24 hours
Rowland Park Lookout is a great spot if you’re after some chill time with nice views of downtown Edmonton.
The lookout sits high enough to give you clear sights of the city skyline, the North Saskatchewan River, and landmarks like the Muttart Conservatory and Walterdale Bridge. It’s especially cool at sunrise or sunset when the light hits the city just right.
It’s a nice spot to slow down and enjoy the cityscape without the usual crowd.
Pro tip:
The nearby trails are perfect for a quick stroll before or after taking in the views.
Keillor Point
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Location: 7433 Saskatchewan Drive NW
Contact: For general inquiries, you can contact the City of Edmonton at 311
Operating hours: Open daily from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Keillor Point is a pretty chill spot if you want some nice views without having to go far.
It’s actually part of the old Keillor Road, so when you get up to the fenced lookout, it feels like you’re standing at the “end of the world.”
From there, you get a great view of the North Saskatchewan River winding through the River Valley and surrounding natural landscape—not typically a city skyline, but still a stunning scene.
Pro tip:
The fenced lookout can get breezy, so bring a light jacket even on warmer days to stay comfortable while you enjoy the view.
Wolf Willow Stairs
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Location: Located near Westridge Park
Contact: For general inquiries, you can contact the City of Edmonton at 311
Operating hours: The stairs are accessible 24 hours a day
From the top of the Wolf Willow Stairs, you get a clear view of the forested ravine that separates the river from the Wolf Willow neighborhood.
The lookout faces the Fort Edmonton FootBridge, a steep incline down to the North Saskatchewan River, and some sandy riverside spots. It’s a peaceful place that seamlessly blends city and nature.
It’s a good spot to get outside and enjoy some fresh air without going far.
Pro tip:
Visit in the fall to catch the trees showing off their colors—it really adds to the view.
Whitemud Road in Riverbend
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Location: Along Whitemud Drive NW in the Riverbend area, stretching from 119 Street NW to 91 Street NW
Contact: For general inquiries, you can contact the City of Edmonton at 311
Operating hours: Accessible 24 hours a day
This part of Whitemud Road has one of those views you don’t expect to find unless someone points it out.
The path runs above the riverbank. From there, you can see North Saskatchewan make a full bend through Riverbend. It’s open, west-facing, and gets some nice light in the evening.
You won’t see any official signage or marked viewing area, but it’s easy to spot once you’re there.
It’s peaceful and doesn’t feel crowded, even when a few people are around.
Pro tip:
This spot gets windy, especially in the evenings, so bring a jacket if you’re staying to catch the sunset.
Walterdale Bridge
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Location: 105 Street NW
Contact: For general inquiries, you can contact the City of Edmonton at 311
Operating hours: The bridge is open 24 hours a day
Website
The Walterdale Bridge is one of those places that feels like you’re seeing Edmonton from the cover of a postcard.
If you’re into photos, this spot gives you a clean shot of the river, the bridge’s arches, and the skyline all in one frame.
You also get a mix of modern design with the bridge and the natural landscape around the river and valley below, which makes the whole view feel balanced and relaxed.
Pro tip:
If you’re going for photos, aim for early morning or evening when the sun hits the arches—midday light tends to flatten everything out.
Yurinatus Lookout
Media credit: kathleen_essex
Location: 9525 99B St NW
Contact: For general inquiries, you can contact the City of Edmonton at 311
Operating hours: Accessible 24 hours a day
Yurinatus Lookout is a popular spot for cyclists looking to take a breather and soak in the view.
From here, you can see the river, the James Macdonald Bridge, and Edmonton’s skyline—all in one frame, but from an angle you don’t usually get at the more popular lookouts.
There’s a paved path that runs beside it, a couple of benches to sit on, and enough space to sit without feeling in the way.
The trees nearby frame the skyline well, and you get a slightly elevated angle without having to do any hiking.
Pro tip:
There’s no lighting at night, so plan your visit during daylight if you’re walking or cycling through.
Grant Notley Park
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Location: 116 Street & 100 Avenue NW
Contact: For general inquiries, you can contact the City of Edmonton at 311
Operating hours: Accessible 24 hours a day
Grant Notley Park is a chill spot if you want easy access to green space and great city views.
The park has a bright blue and light pink gazebo, several benches, and a big grassy area perfect for picnics or just relaxing.
From here, you get scenic views of the High Level Bridge, the south part of downtown, and a forested valley. It’s a great place for photographers or anyone wanting a quiet moment with a solid backdrop.
Pro tip:
If you want fewer crowds, try visiting on weekday mornings—perfect for peaceful photos and a quiet walk.
