High Level Bridge – Edmonton, Alberta - Atlas Obscura
Places near me Random place

High Level Bridge

Edmonton, Alberta

This unique bridge has been a staple across the Saskatchewan River Valley for more than 100 years.  

View all photos
High Level Bridge walkway. Munringus (Atlas Obscura User)
High Level Bridge walkway. Munringus (Atlas Obscura User)
High Level Bridge Munringus (Atlas Obscura User)
High Level Bridge the track level deniseishere (Atlas Obscura User)
High Level Bridge the vehicle level deniseishere (Atlas Obscura User)
368
180
Top Places in Edmonton
Al Rashid Mosque
Edmonton, Alberta
West Edmonton Mall
Edmonton, Alberta
Neon Sign Museum
Edmonton, Alberta
 See All

The High Level Bridge opened in 1913 and was originally designed to connect the communities of Edmonton and Strathcona. However, the two communities became one shortly before the bridge was completed. It was constructed to accommodate rail, streetcar, two-way automobile, and pedestrian traffic.

The bridge was designed by Phillips B. Motley of the Canadian Pacific Railroad. The steel trusses on the concrete piers of the bridge is a design feature rarely seen today. The bridge spans across the Saskatchewan River, hovering around 157 feet (48 meters) above the river and valley below. 

Several structures have been added to the bridge over the years. The most celebrated of these was the Great Divide Waterfall by artist Peter Lewis. Constructed in 1980 for the 75th birthday of Alberta, the man-made waterfall dropped around 50,000 liters of water per minute into the river during holiday weekends and summer months. The falls were shut down by the organization Environment Canada in 2009 due to rising concerns over its effect on the river environment. Attempts have been made to reopen the installation, but none have been cost-effective enough for the city to consider.

In 2013, a campaign called “Light the Bridge” was launched. It resulted in 60,000 LED lights being installed along the bridge for special occasions. The High Level Bridge is also where the city of Edmonton launches fireworks for major events. 

Know Before You Go

The bridge is not far from the Alberta Legislature Grounds. 

celebration transportation bridges architecture
Nearby
Garneau Theatre
0.53 miles
Neon Sign Museum
1.15 miles
'Let's Heal the Divide'
2.95 miles
Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.
Near This Place
Street view of the Garneau Theatre.
Edmonton, Alberta

Garneau Theatre

This is one of the last remaining theatres in Canada to feature an Art Moderne architectural style.
Neon Sign Museum west side of 104 St on TELUS Building
Edmonton, Alberta

Neon Sign Museum

An outdoor installation of 20 vintage signs that once hung in front of businesses throughout town.
Edmonton, Alberta

'Let's Heal the Divide'

A 30-foot neon sign that embraces community togetherness.
Edmonton, Alberta

Al Rashid Mosque

First mosque in Canada, second in North America.
Related Places
Buffalo on Dumbarton Bridge
Washington, D.C.

Dumbarton Bridge

This bridge over D.C.'s Rock Creek Park is sometimes called the "Buffalo Bridge" because of its four buffalo sculptures, which were cast from a single piece of bronze.
Ribblehead Viaduct
Chapel-le-Dale, England

Ribblehead Viaduct

This incredible viaduct was part of the Victorian railway boom and helped the Midland Railway navigate tough terrain.
Vauxhall bridge "Architechture"
London, England

Vauxhall Bridge's Miniature St. Paul's Cathedral

A tiny replica of the iconic London landmark hides on the side of the steel structure.
Henderson Waves.
Singapore

Henderson Waves

The highest pedestrian bridge in Singapore looks like a series of undulating waves rising between two public parks.
In partnership with KAYAK

Plan Your Trip

From Around the Web