Edmonton River Valley Askiy-Geo Discovery Tour

Embark on a journey into Edmonton’s past as you visit some historic and sacred sites within North America’s largest urban parkland, the Edmonton River Valley. Walk in the footsteps of Indigenous Peoples who continue to visit this ancient gathering place on Turtle Island for over 11,000 years. Come learn and honour local First Nations, Métis, and early European ancestors along with the holistic history of amiskwacîwâskahikan (Beaver Hills House in nêhiyawêwin/Cree), which is the traditional territorial name for Edmonton.

To begin in a good way, your geo-experience will start with an opening circle and a later tobacco offering, as well as smudging in a sacred burial ground/Fort Edmonton Cemetery. You will also learn about the extensive history of their region’s fur trade, hiding in plain sight, which stretches across 112 years from 1795 to 1907.

Join Keith Diakiw, a proud Métis guide and professional geologist, imparts his expertise on Edmonton’s extensive natural and cultural history.

NOTE: This geo-adventure begins/ends in front of the John Walter Museum (9180 Walterdale Hill NW), and free parking is available at the Kinsmen Sports Centre.

Length: ~5 km

Time: 2–2.5 hours; weekends (1300 to 1530 hrs)

Level of Difficulty: Fairly Easy with a minor elevation gain, however, the majority of the trails are paved and makes for an easy hike.

Significant Features:

• John Walter Museum
• Walterdale Bridge
• Fort Edmonton IV historical site
• Sacred First Nations’ Burial Ground / Fort Edmonton Cemetery / Alberta’s first Catholic and Methodist Cemeteries

Trailhead Location: Kinsmen Sports Centre Parking Lot – East Side (Free parking).

Address: 9100 Walterdale Hill, Edmonton, AB T6E 2V3