It’s a little chilly out there this week, but the forecast is looking warm next week. Take advantage of the single digit temperatures and head outside for a winter walk. Edmonton has many trails that are just as beautiful in the winter as they are in the summer.
“There are some trails by Alfred H. Savage Centre in the Whitemud Ravine area, which are gorgeous in the wintertime,” says Makennah Walker, communications and marketing specialist for River Valley Alliance. “The viewpoints within it are beautiful.”
Whitemud Park connects to a system of trails including the river valley loop, the Whitemud Creek walking bridge and the Grandview staircase. Whitemud Park also has an accessible parking lot and a public washroom, which are two factors Walker recommends people check into before heading to a new trail, especially in the winter months.
When choosing a trail, Walker says anything in the central area of the city are great for beginners as they are more likely to be maintained. Watch out for slippery stairs, icy paths and large hills.
Another great option for a winter walk is the newly opened Tawatinâ Footbridge, which connects the Riverdale and Cloverdale neighbourhoods. The 260-metre bridge crosses the North Saskatchewan River and features over 400 works of art by Métis artist David Garneau. Take a break from looking at his creations to sneak a look at the downtown Edmonton skyline. A variety of trails branch off from both neighbourhoods including the Louise McKinney Riverfront Park on the north side of the bridge and Henrietta Muir Edwards Park on the south side.
“There are so many studies around the correlation between exercise and mental health, as well as just getting outside and getting some sun,” says Walker.
Walking outside for just 10 minutes can brighten your mood. Be sure to dress for the weather. Walker recommends having spikes for your boots for icy conditions and dressing in layers, but avoid cotton as the material, when sweaty, leads to rapid body temperature loss. Stick to wool instead, which keeps you warm.
Find more trails in the Edmonton area on the River Valley Alliance website.
