Categories: Lifestyle

Edmonton’s Hawrelak Park is back after three years and here’s what to know

Photo via City of Edmonton - Local Government/Facebook

Hawrelak Park is known as the heart of many of Edmonton’s biggest festivals and events, but after its three-year closure, it’s got so much more to offer than just a location.

According to the City of Edmonton, this park spans 68 hectares and boasts more than just River Valley views. Hawrelak Park has wide‑open meadows, shady picnic spots, and an adjacent five‑hectare lake. Here, you can find an extensive, accessible paved pathway system perfect for walking and cycling year-round, including a lakefront walkway to enjoy the scenery.

With its official grand reopening held this past May, the park’s festivities and activities are in full swing.

We’re here to give you all the information you’ll need before going to the park for a picnic, a hang out, or simply a walk in the field. No matter what the occasion, we’ve got all the details.

What to know before visiting Hawrelak Park

Photo via City of Edmonton/Instagram

What’s new at Hawrelak Park?

After being closed for three years of construction, Hawrelak Park opened with a whole bunch of fabulous new amenities. This includes a brand-new playground, as well as upgrades like renovated picnic shelters, drop-in picnic sites, and an upgraded Heritage Amphitheatre.

There’s also a new perimeter path and new multi-use trails that are fully paved, supporting safe, inclusive, and accessible use for people of all ages and abilities.

How do I get to Hawrelak Park?

Located just off Groat Road, there are a couple of ways for you to get to this centrally located park.

There are two bus routes that offer service directly to Hawrelak Park: Route 51 (University-Castle Downs via Westmount) and Route 902 (University-NAIT via Wîhkwêntôwin). Both of these buses stop on Groat Road outside of the park, with a paved pathway providing accessible entry into the park from the southbound stop.

Where can I park?

If you’re opting to drive, there’s a big parking lot with accessible spots available as soon as you pull into the area. In addition to the main parking lot, there’s also lakeside parking available as well.

What are the park hours?

The park is open from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., with entrance gate vehicle access only from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

What is there to do?

This park is the perfect picnic site in the city, so it’s not a bad idea to grab a couple of friends and have a cute summer day out. You can book picnic tables for yourself on the City of Edmonton website, ensuring you’ll have a spot for your afternoon plans.

If you’re looking for something a bit more active, this park is located in the river valley. This means it has some of the best trail systems around. On the City’s website, you’ll be able to explore all the paths for walking, running, and biking ahead of you.

Can I paddle or swim in the lake?

You can also take on the lake yourself. Hawrelak Recreation Co. is the only licensed boathouse on the Hawrelak Park lake, with a small, carefully chosen fleet for their calm-water rentals. Whether it’s paddle-boarding, kayaking, or taking on a pedal boat with a friend, there is something for everyone.

While you are allowed to paddle, there is absolutely no swimming allowed in the lake, nor is private equipment.

Are there any places to eat?

Lift Me Up on the Lake is Hawrelak Park’s own restaurant located in the main pavilion. Having just opened this year, this new food service vendor offers a convenient spot for folks to grab a bite. If your furry friend has come along, no worries; there is a dog-friendly patio!

Here, you can easily grab something from the bakery counter, serving fresh bread, croissants, and cinnamon buns. Or, you can just as easily take a seat and eat a full, delicious meal.

Can I bring my dog?

Hawrelak Park is a dog-friendly park, but only on-leash. Dogs are also not allowed inside park facilities or pavilions. This comes with the exception of Lift Me Up on the Lake’s dog-friendly restaurant patio.

Is Hawrelak Park free?

This park is completely free to the public. Those looking for boat rentals or looking to stop at the restaurant will have to pay accordingly, but entering the park itself comes at no cost.