Saturday, June 12, 2021

North Saskatchewan, Quesnel Bridge to Dawson Bridge

We took a three-hour trip down the North Saskatchewan River last week. We put in below the Quesnel Bridge. The water was up a tiny bit over summer levels but there doesn't appear to be much of a spring surge this year.

The Edmonton Queen is still in dry dock at Whitemud Creek.


The water was a little dirty, with the recent rain.

There were a few boats on the water that day. A few days later it was +30 and the river had 100 kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards plus people lounging on all of the available beach space. Also swimmers!


This is the new dock the city has put in below the Groat Bridge in Emily Murphy Park. I'm not sure what I think about these. They may make the river more accessible. But I wonder how much. They actually make it slightly tricker to launch a kayak by occupying the best space and creating something to get caught up against. Meh, whatever.


Overall, it was a lovely paddle through the city.


The new LRT bridge is almost dine and I'm thrilled (as a cyclist) with the new foot bridge underneath the bridge.

Accidental beach was looking a bit beat up when we floated by. It isn't clear to me if the city will be keeping the berms that created the beach.


The pull out at Dawson Park was pretty good. The park was pretty busy that day but getting out was easier than last summer when water levels were lower.


Overall, a lovely float/paddle that took about three hours. Great first river trip for the year.

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