Landowner Rights & Trail User Responsibilities

The Waskahegan Trail is a unique resource that exists only because of the generosity of landowners. Before you set foot on the trail:

  1. Know the landowner rights and the trail user responsibilities.
  2. Check the trail conditions

Laurier Park and Whitemud Trails

Eleven hikers came out in beautiful weather to hike the riverside trails in Edmonton’s west end.

At Laurier Park, along the river’s north side, the Silver Skate Festival was on. A highlight was the Heritage Village venue where we heard the Abraham Lake Singers play drums and sing.

Here are two of the seven ice sculptures:

We also saw three woodpeckers in a tree, all at once.

Lunch at Laurier was outside, just because the weather was so beautiful.

On the Whitemud (south) side of the river, it’s become trickier to find stairs from the trail to the street level above. The stairs from Groat Road/Saskatchewan Drive have been removed because of the Hawrelak Park renovation. There is an older set from the top of Keillor Road, and these were clear. By paying strict attention, we successfully negotiated the nearly two hundred steps without incident.

The question was asked, “Did we have to climb them on the return?!!” And no….

You can find more photos on Flickr.

Where we’re going next.

Northeast River Valley Park Hike

It was our inaugural hike on the newly-opened Northeast River Park. Eight hikers met for a wondrous winter walk through the snow covered surroundings.

The snow fell softly and intermittently as we followed the river towards Hermitage Park, up to the point where a new bridge is being constructed.

Near the turn-around point, Martha treated us to homemade cranberry cookies. This was particularly welcome as lunch was still a distance away, at our starting point, where there was a heated shelter and washrooms. In warmer weather, you would love the extensive deck that overlooks a pond, and picnic tables for a lunch alternative.

As for wildlife, we spotted a small flock of waxwings, and many tracks of rabbit, and possibly coyote. Here is the zoom-in on a pair of bald eagles that were captured in one photo taken on scouting day.

Considering the temperatures of only several days previous, we felt quite fortunate to be out in relatively warm, comfortable weather to enjoy this new (to us) piece of trail.

Thanks to everyone who came out to the hike, to Martha for the cookies, and to the City of Edmonton Parks people. You can see all the photos on Flickr.

Where we’re going next.