The park was originally named Mayfair Park before being renamed in 1967 to honor William Hawrelak, who served three terms as the Mayor of Edmonton.
The park's lake is artificial and was engineered to support recreational activities like ice skating in winter and paddle boating in summer.
It is a central hub for the annual Silver Skate Festival, which is the longest-running winter festival in Edmonton.
The park underwent a significant multi-year rehabilitation project starting in 2023 to improve drainage, lighting, and park infrastructure.
The park's design is heavily influenced by the natural topography of the North Saskatchewan River valley and its surrounding escarpments.
William Hawrelak Park is a 68-hectare park located within the North Saskatchewan River valley in Edmonton, Alberta. It features a large artificial lake that serves as a focal point for year-round outdoor recreation. The park contains expansive open spaces, picnic areas with fire pits, and integrated trails for walking and cycling. It serves as a primary outdoor venue for major local events, including the Edmonton Heritage Festival and the Silver Skate Festival. The site is part of the larger North Saskatchewan River valley park system, the largest urban park area in Canada. In 2026, the park continues to undergo ongoing revitalization efforts to upgrade infrastructure and improve environmental resilience. The park includes designated areas for paddle boat rentals during the summer months. It is strategically positioned to provide direct access to river valley cycling and pedestrian networks.
The pedestrian bridge overlooking the main lake with the city skyline in the distance.
Utilize the designated fire pits for picnics, but ensure you bring your own firewood as it is not always provided on-site.
Check the City of Edmonton park status website before arriving, as large events occasionally restrict access to portions of the park.
Bring comfortable walking shoes to take advantage of the extensive trail connections that extend well beyond the park boundaries.
Do not attempt to swim in the lake, as it is designed for aesthetic and surface-level recreational use, not for swimming.
Portions of the park may be subject to seasonal closures for events or maintenance; always verify the current construction status via the city website.
Practice 'pack-in, pack-out' waste management; keep pets on a leash in designated areas.
