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The North Saskatchewan River is a hallmark of Edmonton’s landscape. It is used year-round for many activities. However, in the winter, it is never safe to walk near or on the River ice.
It is never safe to walk near or on the River ice! Although the North Saskatchewan River looks desirable for hiking, skating, and cross-country skiing in the winter, its ice is unstable due to the moving water underneath. If a person or a pet falls through ice, call 911 immediately. Do not attempt a rescue. For more information about the river and ice safety, please see our Ice Safety web page.
The North Saskatchewan River can be unpredictable, with fast underwater currents, strong undertows and unforeseen hazards such as underwater debris, floating trees and wood, and muddy shorelines. Swimming and diving without wearing a personal safety floatation device is strongly discouraged.
Water quality of the North Saskatchewan River and other untreated natural waters often fluctuate, and at times may not meet Health Canada guidelines for activities such as swimming and wading. Water quality can quickly change due to rainstorms and events upstream.
If this is an emergency, call 911 and ping your location.
Before You Leave Home
Prior to Entering the Water
Safety Requirements for Small BoatsIf it floats, it’s a boat! Things like air mattresses, tubes, paddle boards, floating islands, inflatables, rafts and dinghies are all considered a Small Vessel. As noted in the Safe Boating Guide, all boats under six meters in length must carry:
Full water and boat regulations available from Transport Canada.
Boat LaunchesVehicle Launch Etiquette
Boating Etiquette
If you enjoy exploring the River Valley with your dog or pet in the summer, please ensure you are aware of your surroundings and that your pet obeys voice commands. Keep your pet in sight at all times. If you take your pet on the river with you, please be sure that you supervise swimming pets. Never leave your dog unsupervised by any body of water and remember your pet should be outfitted with a lifejacket when swimming or boating.
Recreational activities in North Saskatchewan River and other untreated natural waters could present a human health risk through intentional or incidental immersion and ingestion of untreated natural waters including primary contact activities (for example: swimming, bathing, wading, windsurfing and waterskiing) and secondary contact activities (for example: canoeing and fishing). It is strongly advised to check Alberta Environment and Parks for water quality guidelines before recreating near and on the river.
Aquatic invasive species can pose significant negative impacts to human health or the economy. They can also cause harm to the environment such as displacing native species, reducing biodiversity and overall health of an area.
Learn how to keep Alberta's bodies of water safe: Aquatic Invasive Species
The North Saskatchewan River is regularly patrolled by Park Rangers and the Edmonton Police Service. This is to ensure compliance on a range of matters such as safety checks, Small Vessel Regulations and the Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Act.
| Online | Contact 311 Online |
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If you are calling from outside of Edmonton: 780-442-5311
| Phone | 311 |
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| TTY | 711 |