While the list of activities that one can enjoy has greatly been decreased this winter, the outdoors is always open. Why not grab a hot coffee from a local coffee shop to go and explore a trail in the river valley.
We asked our followers what their favourite local places to grab a coffee that is close to a trailhead? We have compiled a list of five local cafes to grab a coffee that can be combined with a hike close by in the river valley from everyone's feedback. For their hours of operation, check their websites before heading over, as many cafes have adjusted hours during this time. All of the trails below are dog-friendly with your furry friend on a leash. Please remember to trek responsibly and dispose of any single-use coffee cups in a garbage bin located along the trail.
Ch Cafeteria
14802 Stony Plain Rd, Edmonton, AB T5N 3S5
A locally-owned coffee shop and chocolate store. Their specialty Cafe de Olla coffee made with cinnamon and brown sugar comes highly recommended. They even have dog biscuits when your furry friend is accompanying you on an adventure.
Just across the street on the opposite side of Stoney Plain Road is the Mackinnon Ravine Access that leads down to a paved trail that runs a total of 8 km to Louise Mckinney River Front Park if you did the entire length of the trail. For a shorter option, take the trail for 2.5km to Government House Park and turn around at the river.
Little Brick Cafe
10004 90 ST NW, EDMONTON, AB, T5H 4P4
A locally-owned coffee shop in the heart of the river valley. They have a rotating selection of coffee beans from roasters from the west coast, so there is always something new to try.
A five-minute walk from Little Brick can access the Dawson Park Trail that follows along the river for 1.8km to Dawson park. To extend your walk check out our blog TrailTrek How-to: Dawson Park to Capilano Bridge.
Mill Creek Cafe
9562 82 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6C 1B9
An independent family-run café that loves homemade.
Steps away from the Mill Creek Cafe are the Mill Creek Ravine trails with a beautiful trail. To learn more about this trail, read our trail trek blog: Mill Creek Ravine.
Culina on the Lake
Hawrelak Park Pavillion 9330 Groat Rd NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 2A8
Edmonton's first licenced lakeside patio is located in Hawrelak Park inside the Pavillion. Culina on the lake is in the perfect location to grab a coffee and go for a walk on one of the many trails around the park.
One option is the William Hawrelak Park Riverside Walk that begins by picnic site 2 and loops around the river on a double-wide trail for 4.7 km
HomeRoom Diner
#4 Athabasca Ave, Devon Alberta
HomeRoom is dedicated to fresh, quality, local foods and beverages. They Serve Battlegrounds Coffee that is roasted right at the diner.
A short walk away; you will find the Devon River Valley Trail loop, which is just over 3km. This trail is rated as moderate, with one set of stairs that lead down to the river. For more details on this trail, check out our blog TrailTrek How-to: Devon River Valley Trail in Voyageur Park.