It sounds kind of weird when I say that I love finding ‘walls’ in Edmonton—and wherever I travel. (Instagrammable Walls that is!) It has become such a fun way for me to explore and discover neighbourhoods, locally and beyond, and something I love seeing others doing on their travels now too!
I bring up my love of walls because I’ve also discovered that a good hunt for a ‘swing’ has become something I apparently enjoy doing and sharing with others too, that also sounds a bit weird, ha!
Walls and swings, it’s a thing!
There was a lovely swing in Canmore a few years ago (sadly it is no longer there). I had lots of fun finding Edmonton’s River Valley Swing (north of the river) with Mike last summer. And we even visited a swing in the Kitsilano neighbourhood of Vancouver (though, I had trouble getting on due to high tide, lol).
Recently, there’s been a lot more online chatter about a south Edmonton swing located in Windermere—a south side Edmonton River Valley Swing!
Thanks to @moimarisse on Instagram for sending me the address this spring!
I finally got around to exploring this Windermere river valley this June with my friend Kathy and am happy to share some photos, video and tips for when you go.
Now, some have been calling this a secret swing, but honestly, it’s not.
I think as soon as a swing gets shared on social media, it’s not secret anymore lol.
But even more than that, much like the Edmonton River Valley Swing (north of the river), this one in Windermere also has a Google Maps location that was put on there by the swing’s creator!
And, this swing (area) even has its own designated name: Brandy’s Landing!
Explore Brandy’s Landing: Edmonton River Valley Swing (Windermere)
This swing and nearby bench was built in January 2019 in loving memory of a boy named Brandy. (Sir Brandy J. Asper). There is a dedication on the bench, along with a little sign on the swing post that reads #BrandysLanding.
Explore Brandy’s Landing: Edmonton River Valley Swing (Windermere)
This swing and nearby bench was built in January 2019 in loving memory of a boy named Brandy. (Sir Brandy J. Asper). There is a dedication on the bench, along with a little sign on the swing post that reads #BrandysLanding.
Who built Brandy’s Landing and why?
Instagram posts for the swing first started to appear with the hashtag #BrandysLanding in May 2019.
The very first swing post was by an Edmontonian named Cory Chafe.
On the Google listing for Brandy’s Landing, Cory writes:
I built this spot out of respect for the legend himself, our ol boy Brandy. He would want y’all to enjoy it so here it is posted up on the map. Have fun, play safe and whatever you do don’t wuss out, send it HIGH! Clean up after yourself for the next person please, fam.
I love this!!! I love that Brandy would have wanted everyone to enjoy it and I love that Cory built this in his honour, and shared the location so others could enjoy. That’s really cool. Brandy seems like an amazing guy and it’s so nice there’s this lovely memorial for him in the river valley.
I did ask Cory if he wanted to share more information about Brandy through this blog and he said some things are better off left a mystery—which is also cool. I imagine through this swing that Brandy was a really fun and adventurous, outdoorsy kind of guy.
Please when you visit, think of and thank Cory and Brandy for your fun! :)
How to get to Brandy’s Landing
This part is actually quite easy because there’s a literal Google Maps Location for it.
Brandy’s Landing is located near 17103 23 Avenue just off Windermere Crescent. Follow this on Google! There is a paved road that takes you nearly to the riverbank. Park on the sloped, paved road that starts to slope south once 23 Avenue cuts off (you can’t miss it). Take the paved river valley trail on foot towards the river and then take your first left to go down a path that after a few minutes will take you to the swing (it will be on your right).
If you keep going straight down the original path instead of turning left, you’ll just end up in the water, which is fine too! When we went, two people were swimming. How fun!
Brandy’s Landing is an extremely cute little spot somewhat hidden from the main river valley walking path, set right along the North Saskatchewan river bank in south Edmonton (Windermere). From the main walking trail, you’ll be able to see the #Brandy’sLanding sign on the tree, through the trees.
You can get down in that first spot (when you see #BrandysLanding sign to your right), but it’s a bit tricky. If you just walk a few steps more, there’s more obvious dirt steps down to the bench and the swing. Not a great idea to visit when it’s raining because it will certainly be slippery and muddy.
@lindorable Edmonton’s south side river valley swing was built in 2019 in memory of Brandy J. Asper. 🤍 ##yeg ##brandyslanding
♬ Summer – Marshmello
When is the best time to go to Brandy’s Landing?
As you can see in our pictures, the river is pretty brown during this time of year (June 2020), due to sediment, however based on my pictures from my visit to Edmonton’s other river valley swing (which occurred in August 2019), the river was much bluer.
So if you’re planning a visit to really any Edmonton swing that sits along the shores of the North Saskatchewan River, later in the summer might make more sense for brighter, bluer river photos (and other water adventure—did you know you can #BaskOnTheSask?)
Please don’t litter in Brandy’s Landing!
When my friend Kathy and I went, there were cups and straws littered all around the bench. Please don’t do this. This type of behaviour will lead to us (Edmonton, collectively), not being able to have nice things. Don’t bring food and drinks to this spot, or if you do, please take it with you when you leave. It’s like, the least you can do. Please also don’t just throw trash into the river.
On that same note, please be respectful of the neighbourhood. Drive as per speed limits as you are driving through residential neighbourhoods to get down to that sloped road to the river valley.
Also note that this area does seem to be pretty popular. We arrived just minutes before a group of five came down, so we tried to be mindful of how much time we were spending on the swing before leaving to let them have their turn. I think it’s great if something can bring more people out exploring the river valley, but please it responsibly!
What’s the best way to get on and off the swing?
My friend Kathy was definitely less graceful getting on the swing (see photos, LOL). But I actually love how this swing is set up (thanks Cory!) and think it makes it really easy to access.
The swing is attached to two trees on either side of the seat, and then there’s a wooden log that goes across the ground that gives you additional height so it’s easier to reach the swing rope (pull it closer to you standing on the log) and then put your one leg over the seat, push off (holding both sides of the rope) before swinging your other leg over.
I sort of wish we had seen Cory’s swing advice before we went (the “don’t wuss out and be sure to SEND IT!” part) so we could have planned to be in bathing suits and maybe even swing / jump right off into the water for a swim too. (If you’re going, do that! How fun).
Where to eat and play in Windermere (south west Edmonton)
I actually frequent this area of the city a lot so yes, I do have some suggestions for what else you should be doing while you’re there having fun with Brandy’s Landing.
Places to Eat or Drink in Windermere
- I am such a huge fan of XIX Nineteen restaurant located at 5940 Mullen Way. The Ahi Tuna Twists are a must order. Drink-wise, I love the Pearjito. You won’t go wrong with any of the other dishes (from burgers to short ribs to salads).
- I LOVE the bubble tea at The Alley located right by the Windermere movie theatre. I’e tried the Snow Velvet Peach Matcha, Apple of my Eye, and Deerioca Matcha and love them all (except the cups are smaller than what you’d find at other bubble tea spots in town).
- Try the full-flavoured, fast casual Tiffin Fresh Kitchen! You basically Build Your Own Indian food. I usually go Tiffin 3 (3 items + rice or noodles) for $16. Then add paneer or gobi, kashmiri lamb, butter chicken, or lemongrass beef curry. Plus garlic naan. Lots of garlic naan. And a mango lassi!
- Share some “Assaggini” or “little tastes” from Buco Pizzeria + Vino Bar. The whipped ricotta bruschetta is amazing. I also love the Italian sausage. They’ve got great pastas and pizzas too!
Other Instagrammable Areas
- In 2019, I worked with The Adams Agency and Keswick Landing to curate pop-up Instagrammable Walls in the Keswick Landing neighbourhood! As of writing this post (June 2020), I know that one of the walls was still up in the neighbourhood: Big Love by artist Nigel Hood. Go take some photos with Big Love!!
Catch a movie or go shopping
- I mean, when theatres are re-opened again and if you feel safe going to them. But the Windermere Cineplex is a VIP Theatre so we used to watch movies here a fair bit, including our annual Christmas night family movie.
- There’s also all sorts of other shops in the area, part of the Currents of Windermere. So eat, shop, and then play in the river valley during your visit to the neighbourhood!
Enjoy! and share your swing photos using #BrandysLanding
I love that this ISN’T a secret swing! Use the hashtag. Share the location. But be respectful of the area and of nature. Pick up after yourself. Be safe. Think of Brandy. Thank Cory. If people are there before or after you, be respectful of their time too (don’t hog the swing!)
And have fun exploring Edmonton’s river valley and this area of the city!!
1 Comment
Good afternoon Linda
The photos in your clip show you trespassing on private land . As an owner of this land I am letting you know that the paved path you are shown walking on is private . You may do some research before you post and encourage other people to trespass. Feel free to read to educate yourself on the laws of Alberta on trespass .