Whitecourt River Slides at Festival Park: Family Guide (2026)
Two hours northwest of Edmonton, Whitecourt built something no other Alberta town has: free water slides carved into a park. The Whitecourt River Slides at Festival Park (formerly Rotary Park) are two man-made creeks with a series of pools and drops that you ride on your own tube, ending in a shallow pool - that’s perfect for kids of all ages - and their adults.
This is part of our full guide to the best outdoor waterparks in Alberta.
Whitecourt River Slides
There are two routes you can take down the river slides - one mellower, one quicker. Little kids, can start with the mellow one and work up to the quicker path. At the bottom, a shallow pool brings both slides together where kids will exit the water. It’s slippery! Bring water shoes if your kids aren’t sure on their feet.
The best part is that adults can go down this river run too - not like Discovery Canyon, where it’s a bit more difficult to get down as an adult. The best part? The slides aren’t the only place to play. There’s a whole afternoon of fun here.
Beside the slides are a playground and spray park. The best move? Find a spot between the two areas!
The JumboJumper, a giant air pillow for all ages (new in 2023)
A concession stand, picnic areas, and washrooms. You’ll find the air-fillingstation for your tubes on the south side of the concession.
Know Before You Go
Location: Festival Park, end of 51 Street, downtown Whitecourt (turn north off Highway 43)
Cost: Free - bring your own tube! Any type of pool float works well for the river slides, but tubes are the easiest. If you can find a tube with mesh bottoms, those work best for toddlers and preschoolers.
Make It a Day (or Weekend)
The drive is an easy two hours on divided highway. Many families camp nearby and hit the slides two days in a row. there are campgrounds in and around Whitecourt, plus Hard Luck Canyon (a short hike to a waterfall) and Blue Ridge Recreational Area both provide a fun side quest if you haven’t tired out the kids running up and down the slides all day!
FAQs
Are the Whitecourt River Slides really free? Yes. The river slides in Festival Park are completely free, run by the Town of Whitecourt. Bring your own tube (there’s a free air filling station on site).
Is the water warm? It's natural river water, so it's refreshing - warmer late in summer, brisk in June. Colder days may run cooler - but come wth fewer crowds.
Can toddlers do the slides? Yes! The River slides are deep enough that an adult can easily go down the course in a tube with a toddler - or two! We’ve done it for years.
Back to our full guide: Best Outdoor Waterparks in Alberta