Despite what the weather reports have been telling you last month, summer is here and it’s time to get outdoors for a workout! If you need some ideas on where to go or what to do, check out some of my most favourite places to workout in Edmonton and area.

Find A Park

There are plenty of trails in the Edmonton area for walking, jogging, hiking, cycling and getting active.  Some of my favorites are Elk Island National Park, Cooking Lake – Blackfoot Provincial Park, Gold Bar Park, Hawrelak Park and Lions Park.

  • Elk Island National Park of Canada is beautiful and located less than an hour east of Edmonton. It is home to over 250 species of birds and herds of free roaming bison, deer, moose and elk.  Whether it is hiking, pick nicking or overnight camping, there is plenty to do at Elk Island National Park.
  • Cooking Lake – Blackfoot Provincial Park is in Strathcona County, east-southeast of Edmonton. There are plenty of trails for hiking, cycling, horseback riding, and a lake for canoeing/kayaking.
  • Gold Bar Park is located on the south bank of the North Saskatchewan River at the end of 50th Some of the features include free parking, off leash area along river, picnic tables, walking and cycling trails, pavilion with washrooms, water fountain and phones.
  • Hawrelak Park offers a lake (paddleboat rentals are available) and covered picnic tables as well as plenty of hiking/biking trails. There are onsite washrooms and free parking.
  • Lion’s Park is in St. Albert. It is one of the few parks in the Edmonton area that offers outdoor fitness equipment.  With sheltered picnic areas, free parking, a playground, walking/biking trails, fire pits and washrooms, this is one park you will want to check out.

Step Up to the Stairs

You either love them or hate them, but stairs are an effective way to improve lower body strength and cardiovascular fitness.  Did you know that the City of Edmonton has over 50 set of stairs in the river valley? The top three sets of stairs that most people talk about are:

  • Glenora Stairs (east of the Royal Glenora Club and west of the LRT Bridge/ High Level Bridge) up to Ezio Faraone Park (11004-97 avenue). An amazing view of the High Level Bridge and Edmonton’s south-of-the-river skyline.  The park at the top is a hub for fitness, so bring a yoga mat and stretch or use one of the benches for tricep dips.
    Stair count: 202
  • Hotel MacDonald Stairs (Rossdale Road at the north entrance of the Low Level Bridge) up to the top of McDougall Hill and Hotel MacDonald (behind the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald 10065-100 Street).

Stair count: 201

  • Grandview Stairs (Fox Drive close to Whitemud Ravine, Whitemud Park, 13204 Fox Drive) up to Grandview Heights neighborhood. These stairs have perks: public washrooms, water fountains, and ample parking. Plus, the green space at the bottom is ideal for hill sprints.

Stair count: 242

Add to Your Run

  • Walk or Jog up every stair or every second stair
  • Side step up the stairs (make sure to do both sides)
  • Utilize the platforms to do additional exercises like squats, lunges, push ups off the railings or benches, triceps dips if there are benches or step ups
  • Count every 50 steps and complete calf raises on the edge of the last stair (10-15 reps)

It is important to note some safety considerations when doing a stair workout.   Ensure that with every step your foot is completely planted on the stair.  Hold the hand rail as needed, especially on the way down.  Engage your core, don’t forget to breathe and enjoy the scenery and fresh air!

Next time you want to get outside for a workout, consider finding a trail, park or a set of stairs to push your physical fitness to the next level.  MacEwan University Sport and Wellness offers a Value-Added (drop-in) group fitness classes for summer, try City Centre Runners 5:30-7 p.m. on Wednesdays.

by Cindy Hunt

Cindy Hunt is certified with the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiologists as a Certified Personal Trainer.  She has a Bachelor of Arts degree and graduated with Honours from the NAIT Personal Fitness Training Program.  She holds numerous group fitness certifications.  Her passion lies in motivating others to get active and pursue a healthy lifestyle.  She has worked with athletes, dancers, aquafit participants, pre and post-natal woman, older populations and anyone who is looking to reach their fitness goals.