Sanyukta SrivastavaWhen you need to be away from the hustle and bustle of life, spending time somewhere refreshing and peaceful is a great way to destress. It’s a good thing that Edmonton offers plenty of options for leisure and recreation, like picnics!
Want to learn more? Follow our guide below and head on over to our go-to spots for picnics and get-togethers in the city, if you need ideas for where to go.
1. Alberta Legislature Grounds
Website: https://www.assembly.ab.ca/
Address: 10800 97 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5K 2B6, Canada
Contact details: 780-427-7362
Operating hours:
- Monday and Tuesday – closed
- Wednesday to Sunday – 10 AM to 3 PM
Amenities:
- Garden
- Wading pool
- Benches
- Grounds and landscaped areas
At the heart of the business and legislative district of Edmonton lies a serene and beautiful landscaped area – Alberta Legislature Grounds.
The expansive grounds of “The Ledge” represent a coveted hangout spot for joggers and picnickers who wish to destress after a busy work day.
It offers plenty of lush green spaces and benches to sit on. Moreover, you can also gaze upon the verdant trees and dainty flowers in the well-maintained gardens during summer.
Pro Tip:
Pick a spot at the front of the Alberta Legislature Building to get an unobstructed view of the fountain’s beautiful water patterns!
2. Rundle Park
Website: https://www.edmonton.ca/activities_parks_recreation
Address: 2909 113 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5W 0P3, Canada
Contact details: 780-422-5311
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 5 AM to 11 PM
Amenities:
- Picnic sites
- Playground
- Tennis courts
- ACT Aquatic and Recreation Centre
- Rundle Family Centre
Rundle Park is a good pick for people wanting to take a quick stroll or a leisurely picnic with the whole family. We especially like this quiet park because of its beautiful open fields and man-made lakes.
Besides that, it’s a great spot for big picnics or outdoor parties because the park features amenities like cookstoves, washrooms, and a well-equipped family center.
Kids will also have a field day exploring the two nature-themed playgrounds inside. The playgrounds feature a handful of leaf-canopied tree houses, slides, swings, and climbers.
Pro Tip:
Looking for a quiet and romantic spot for your date? Pick the designated picnic areas that permit responsible liquor consumption to enjoy a sip or two of your favorite bottle of wine while watching the sunset.
3. Whitemud Park
Website: https://www.edmonton.ca/activities_parks_recreation
Address: 13204 Fox Dr. NW, Edmonton, AB T6H 4P3, Canada
Contact details: 780-442-5311
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 5 AM to 11 PM
Amenities:
- Picnic sites
- Multi-use trails
- Toboggan hill
- Designated equine trail
- Parking
Bring some tasty treats and soak up the sun at Whitemud Park. It has a wide-open area that welcomes picnickers from all over the city.
Youngsters and families often flock to the park for a glimpse of nature and wildlife. Of course, Whitemud Park is also a great place for other recreational activities, such as jogging and doing calisthenics.
Moreover, you can access multiple trails past the creek or over the footbridge. Some trails are for walking and cycling, while other designated trails are for horseback riding.
Apart from that, Whitemud Park is a hotspot for birdwatchers because it’s visited by many species, including blue herons, woodpeckers, warblers, and chickadees.
Pro Tips:
- Whitemud Park is next to John Janzen Nature Centre and Fort Edmonton Park, so it’s an excellent starting point if you want to explore Edmonton’s outdoor attractions.
- Barbeque stoves and fire rings with movable grates are situated near the Alfred H. Savage Pavilion.
4. Queen Elizabeth Park
Website: https://www.edmonton.ca/activities_parks_recreation
Address: 10380 Queen Elizabeth Park Road, Edmonton, Alberta
Contact details: 780-442-5311
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 5 AM to 11 PM
Amenities:
- Picnic sites
- Indigenous art park
- Playground
- Walking and cycling trails
- Parking
Tucked away in Queen Elizabeth Park, a little hill that boasts a haven of greenery is a perfect spot for dainty picnics.
Here you can bring a blanket or just settle down in the green grass and enjoy your al fresco lunch or snacks. This spot also offers a scenic view of the city skyline and towering trees around the park.
Another thing that we like about this spot is its proximity to other attractions, including Kinsmen Spray Park and Edmonton Bike Park.
Pro Tip:
You can access the six-lane outdoor pool at select times of the day during summer. Admission for kids under 12 years is free!
5. Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park
Website: https://www.edmonton.ca/activities_parks_recreation
Address: 13221 Buena Vista Rd NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 2R7, Canada
Contact details: 780-442-5311
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 5 AM to 11 PM
Amenities:
- Picnic sites
- Boat launch
- Walking and cycling trails
- Horseshoe pits
- Ball diamonds
Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park is a river valley park that’s a popular hangout spot for many Edmontonians. This is a perfect place for a classic family picnic because the park features 31 drop-in picnic sites and 9 sites that are available for reservation.
Here you can bring your whole family with you to celebrate a fun-filled outdoor birthday party or other events. There are many picnic tables under shelters and tables in the open area, so you can invite all your loved ones.
Besides that, multiple paved parking spots and boat trailer parking are situated around the park for the visitor’s convenience.
Pro Tip:
Some areas are accessible solely through reservations. Make sure to contact the park’s management if you plan to reserve the place for an event.
6. Fort Edmonton Park
Website: https://www.fortedmontonpark.ca/
Address: 7000 143 St NW, Edmonton, AB T6H 4P3, Canada
Contact details: 780-496-7381
Operating hours:
- Monday and Tuesday – closed
- Wednesday to Sunday – 10 AM to 5 PM
Amenities:
- Picnic sites
- Capitol Theatre
- Wagon and pony rides
- Indigenous People Experience
- Midway and Exhibition
Located in the historic district of the city is the ever-famous Fort Edmonton Park. Here you can access a range of attractions that features the culture and history of Edmonton.
While the park offers many dining options and food stalls inside, you can also opt to set up a picnic outside. If you don’t have the time to explore the whole park and just want to enjoy the panoramic view of the river valley, we recommend going on a picnic in nearby spots.
You can find nearby green spaces and picnic sites where you can stay for free. One of our favorite hangout spots is the covered picnic shelter near Gyro Park.
Nonetheless, there are various picnic table locations available in Fort Edmonton Park, so you can still enjoy your picnic inside.
Pro Tip:
Parking in Fort Edmonton Park is free, but the spots are limited, so securing a spot can take time and effort. We recommend traveling there by public transportation, especially during weekends.
7. Government House Park
Website: https://www.edmonton.ca/activities_parks_recreation
Address: 9938 Groat Rd NW, Edmonton, AB T5N 3H9, Canada
Contact details: 780-442-5311
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 5 AM to 11 PM
Amenities:
- Picnic sites
- Toboggan hill
- Walking and cycling trails
- Parking
- Public viewpoints
There are countless picnic spots in Edmonton, and one of the top favorites is the Government House Park.
Here you can unwind and savor a picnic experience around the well-manicured lawns or the beautiful ground picnic benches.
Want to burn some calories after enjoying a hearty al fresco lunch? We recommend exploring the accessible paths and trails along River Valley Road and Mackinnon Ravine.
Pro Tip:
If you’re looking for accessible grab-and-go food options, nearby restaurants on Jasper Avenue and 124 Street are worth checking out.
8. University of Alberta Botanic Garden
Website: https://www.ualberta.ca/botanic-garden/index.html
Address: 51227 AB-60, Parkland County, AB T7Y 1C5, Canada
Contact details: 780-492-3050
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 6 PM
Amenities:
- Picnic sites
- Kurimoto Japanese Garden
- Tropical Showhouse
- Aga Khan Garden
- Natives People Garden
If you want the premium picnic experience, visiting the University of Alberta Botanic Garden is a must.
The Twilight Picnic Experience is certainly a unique take from the usual picnic scenes. You see, for $125, you’ll get admission for two people to the garden and gourmet picnic boxes prepared by the in-house chef.
We think this picnic is a bit on the high end, but we like that they can cater to an array of customers, including those who prefer vegetarian, halal, gluten-free, and child-friendly choices.
Pro Tips:
- Bar carts (for wines and other drinks) are only available in Aga Khan Garden and Kurimoto Japanese Garden.
- Bringing outside food and drinks inside is not allowed inside.
9. Emily Murphy Park
Website: https://www.edmonton.ca/activities_parks_recreation
Address: 11904 Emily Murphy Park Rd NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 2B6, Canada
Contact details: 780-442-5311
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 5 AM to 11 PM
Amenities:
- Picnic sites
- Playground
- Hand/carry boat launch
- Walking and cycling trails
- Parking
Emily Murphy Park is a narrow strip of parkland situated on the southside river valley that’s also a favorite picnic spot in the city.
It may be smaller than other parks in Edmonton, but it’s spacious enough to house 30 picnic sites, one covered picnic area, and a small playground.
Aside from picnics, the site is also a great spot for camera buffs because the paved pathways inside are lined with vibrant coniferous, and deciduous trees. The pathways and trails are also relatively open for runners and bikers, so you can mingle and meet new people.
Pro Tip:
Emily Murphy Park is a good kickstart point if you want to explore the North Saskatchewan River Valley trails. You see, the park has a 2.25-kilometer loop trail that connects to Kinsmen Park, Hawrelak Park, and Victoria Park!
10. Borden Park
Website: https://www.edmonton.ca/activities_parks_recreation
Address: 7507 Borden Park Rd NW, Edmonton, AB T5B 4W8, Canada
Contact details: 780-496-1117
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 5 AM to 11 PM
Amenities:
- Picnic sites
- Formal flower gardens
- Pavilion
- Public artworks
- Sports fields
Escape the noise of the city and take a day trip picnic at Borden Park. This is a newly revitalized park, so it comes with features and amenities that you can’t find elsewhere.
This spot is perfect for an artsy picnic getaway with friends or family. Once you secure a picnic site, you can enjoy an outdoor barbecue party since each site is equipped with barbeque pits.
However, if you don’t have the time to prepare your own food, you can also order from nearby barbeque restaurants.
What we like most about Borden Park is that it features a variety of majestic sculptures and unique public art installations. You can check them out or simply enjoy your picnic while gazing at each artwork.
Our top picks among the artworks and sculptures are the Vaulted Willow and Mirrored Pavilion. These two offer a kaleidoscope of color and design that will certainly catch your eye.
Kids and kids-at-heart will also be thrilled with the nature-themed playgrounds inside. The playgrounds feature monkey bars, cable climbers, swings, tree trunk hoppers, and more!
Pro Tip:
There are some picnic sites inside that offer a covered shelter and power. Just make sure to book your preferred site in advance since these spots are only available on a first-come, first-served basis.
