“Burtonsville expanded down to the flats north of the Saskatchewan River and many people consider parts of the district one of the most beautiful spots along the river. Children could watch the steamboat go up the river from Edmonton, past Burtonsville until it made its last trip in 1914. It was interesting to watch the logs go down the river, from the west in the spring. Following the logs came the men and horses riding on large rafts which were called wannigans by the Metis.”
Just south of Burtonsville, Goose Island (now known as Burtonsville Island Natural Area) is a place unlike many. The area is made up of many small islands surrounded by a fork in the North Saskatchewan River. The Natural Area can be used for hunting, wildlife viewing and cross-country skiing. The area is also used extensively for outdoor survival training.