Devon River Valley Trail Near Edmonton, Alberta

The Devon River Valley Trail is a hidden gem near Edmonton, Alberta. It’s a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The Town of Devon maintains about 10-km of multi-use paved trails, and they’re the perfect place for an evening stroll. Bella thought so, too!

Devon River Valley Trail with the Legs of Fire Stairs — The Devon River Valley is perfect for pups!

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About Devon River Valley Trail

Devon River Valley Trail at North Saskatchewan River — Selfie with the North Saskatchewan River.

Location: Devon, Alberta
Distance: 4 km out and back
Difficulty: Easy (or moderate due to stairs)
Elevation: 63 metre gain
Time: Approx. 45 mins – 1 hour
Dog-friendly: Yes, but must be kept on leash.
Features: The Devon River Valley Trail offers much more than meets the eye. While it might not be a destination trail, it’s an easy detour enroute to Edmonton or Calgary, and a quick 30-minute drive from Edmonton. I counted 295 steps on the Legs of Fire Stairs, so you’ll get a good leg workout. There are paved and unpaved trails, beach access, and picnic tables. For a short trail, there’s a lot going on!

Devon River Valley Trail has 295 stairs — There are at least 295 steps on the Legs of Fire Stairs.

Finding the Trailhead

Devon River Valley Trail parking — Parking for the Devon River Valley Trail.

There are a few different places to park for Devon’s River Valley Trail. Because I wanted to start with the Legs of Fire Stairs, I parked on River Drive not far off the Devonian Way Highway. See the map below for Google Maps directions. There were no other cars in this area, so I figured the trail was quiet. There’s also an outhouse beside the trailhead.

If you’d like to start from the other direction, there’s ample parking at the Voyageur Park parking lot next to the boat launch. This parking area can be accessed on Saskatchewan Avenue West.

Walking the Devon River Valley Trail

Devon River Valley Trail stairs — Some say there are 300+ steps. I counted 295.

If you want to escape the city crowds, check out the Devon River Valley. The Devon River Valley Trail follows the North Saskatchewan River outside of Voyageur Park. It’s a short 4-km walk with nice river views… and a good leg workout! The round trip will likely take 45 mins to an hour. When I started, I descended about 80 metres to the water’s edge on the Legs of Fire Stairs. I counted 295 steps. Remember, what goes down, must come up!

We continued through the forested trail and eventually found beach access. There are picnic tables as well, and nice spots to relax by the water. One of the delightfully unique parts of this trail is the “Mental Health Capacity Building” signs with helpful reminders to take care of ourselves. I’ve never seen this before.

After the first set of stairs, the gravel trail continues through the forest.

Devon River Valley Trail forest — Delightful evening stroll in the woods.

So many people! I try to let them know. (Great signs)

Benches, garbage cans, and more along the trail.

The second set of stairs (I counted 214 steps).

Devon River Valley Trail stairs with dog — Bella enjoyed all the stairs.

Devon River Valley Trail stairs view — Need a break? Take a bench!

There’s access to the North Saskatchewan River.

Devon River Valley Trail river views — A nice evening walk.

It’s nice to get out of the city and into the woods.

Several picnic tables and fire pits by the river.

North Saskatchewan River near the bridge.

Voyageur Park

Devon River Valley Trail eventually meets up with Voyageur Park. They call it a sanctuary for wildlife and people, and I’d say that’s an accurate description. When I visited, it was a peaceful evening stroll and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. The park has plenty of space for individuals and families to enjoy the day.

There are garbage cans and toilets along the way. I hike with my dog, Bella, and usually bring a smell-proof bag along. On this shorter walk, it was very easy to just toss her poo in the garbage.

After a brief stop at the park, Bella and I returned the way we came. I thought about grabbing an ice cream cone for the road, but (uncharacteristically) decided against it. We meandered back through the forest to burn our legs once more. Truthfully, the stairs weren’t thatttttt bad.

“David Thompson. Explorer. Paddled by this spot on many trips from 1798 to 1812.”

Washrooms at Voyageur Park (and a food truck to the side).

Know Before You Go

This is a beautiful park in a small community. Visitors should make a special effort to make sure they’re taking care of the trails. That means staying on marked paths, picking up after your dog, and leaving no trace. Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints. As I mentioned, this is a very well-maintained trail with toilets and garbage cans available.

Initially, I ended up down by the golf course, where I believe the Devon River Valley Trail extends. I didn’t have enough time, so I backtracked to the start of Legs of Fire. If you’re looking for a longer jaunt, here’s a map of the area to plan your visit.

While it’s a short trail, you’ll likely still want to bring a day pack with you I like to bring water, snacks, rain shell, first aid, and other essentials with me.

Devon River Valley Trail Map

Have you walked the Devon River Valley Trail? Tell me about your experience in the comments below.

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Thomas Coldwell

Thomas Coldwell is a Canadian outdoor enthusiast and creator of Out and Across. Originally from Nova Scotia, Thomas is based near St. George, New Brunswick, on the beautiful Bay of Fundy. He has lived in four provinces and has travelled to 16 different countries so far. Thomas can often be found hiking, paddling, and camping in the great outdoors.

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