North Saskatchewan, Quesnel Bridge to Fort Edmonton Foot Bridge

A few weeks back, I put in below Whitemud Drive and paddled up to the Fort Edmonton foot bridge. It had been a few years since I'd been on the stretch (coming in from Devon) and I have never paddled up and floated back.

Access is below the Quesnel Bridge near Fort Edmonton on the south side of the river. This is a small amount of parking right below the bridge. Otherwise, you'll have to park in the Fort Edmonton lot and hump it a couple of hundred feet.

The current was pretty mellow on the south side of the river, with lots of shallows. It was early evening but, with the days shortening, it was into the sun most of the way upstream.

Lots of gulls and few ducks in the shallows.

The current picks up a bit as you sight the foot bridge. I used it to ferry across right below the bridge (some rocks to hide behind if you need a break). The north bank parallels a path until the Wolf Willow stairs.

I was starting to lose the light so I didn't explore down the north bank much. Some interesting seams and foot paths.

A pretty nice late-season paddle on very clear water with a sunset finish.

This would be a good first time run given how gentle the current was for most of the paddle.