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Fun Things to do in Edmonton
Alberta
city guide
Edmonton, the capital of Alberta and known as Canada's oil province, offers much more than its chilly weather and business-focused reputation. This vibrant city boasts a bustling creative scene, comfortable hotels, funky art museums, and a diverse culinary landscape that goes beyond the famed West Edmonton Mall. Situated along the North Saskatchewan River and surrounded by the natural beauty of Washington and Montana, Edmonton is a modern and cozy area that seamlessly blends old-world charm with contemporary appeal.
The city's eclectic charm can be experienced in various neighborhoods, but the heart and soul of Edmonton can be found in the university district and Whyte Avenue. Here, you'll discover independent movie theaters, retro diners, and charming cocktail bars that showcase the city's unique personality. From admiring the brutalist concrete towers of the 1960s to exploring the green spaces and parks, Edmonton offers a rich tapestry of experiences for visitors.
For those looking to delve deeper into Edmonton's cultural offerings, there are plenty of off-the-beaten-path attractions to explore. From hidden art galleries to quirky local markets, the city is full of surprises waiting to be discovered. Of course, classic favorites such as the Royal Alberta Museum and Edmonton Valley Zoo are always worth a visit.
To stay updated on the latest events, attractions, and dining options in Edmonton, consider following these social media accounts:
1. Instagram: @ExploreEdmonton
2. Twitter: @CityofEdmonton
3. Facebook: @EdmontonTourism
For noteworthy publications that depict things to do in the city, check out:
1. Edmonton Journal
2. Avenue Edmonton Magazine
3. The Yards Magazine
Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, Edmonton offers a dynamic blend of cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, and culinary delights that are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Best time to go
The high season in the city lasts from June to August, and this is the best time to visit Edmonton. Summer shows hot and sunny weather with longer days and milder nights, attracting loads of tourists to Edmonton Heritage Festival, Animethon, or K-Days.
Fun city facts and activities
- Edmonton is the capital of Alberta, which is Canadas oil province. But beyond the chilly weather and business class style, find a bustling creative scene, comfortable hotels, funky art museums, delicious restaurants and more to do beyond your typical visit to West Edmonton Mall. Sitting on the North Saskatchewan river, perched above Washington and Montana, the city is a cozy, modern area boasting its own brand of eclectic charm, blending old and new. Whether admiring the brutalist concrete towers from the 1960s or enjoying the green parks, the heart and soul of Edmonton is found in the university district and Whyte Avenue, peppered with independent movie theaters, retro diners and charming cocktail bars. But we like to go beyond the obvious and, on this list of best things to do in Edmonton, highlight the off-the-beaten-path, diverse attractions and sights that define the city. Yes, we also mention some classic favorites (theyre classic for a reason, after all).
Neighborhoods to explore
- Downtown Edmonton
Ritchie
Strathcona
Aspen Gardens
Garneau
Restaurants
Food Specialties
- Edmonton is the capital of Canadas largest beef producing province, Alberta. It follows, then, that the local food scene is filled to the brim with BBQ smoked sandwiches and potato-based soul food. But foodies should expect much more than the typical meat-based dishes: Edmonton chefs step it up on a daily basis. The best restaurants in Edmonton are charming European-style cafes offering delectable takes on traditional foods, classic hotel eateries with a bustling scene and, in true Western Canadian flair, wood-clad eateries overlooking the stunning Rocky Mountains. It turns out, ladies and gentlemen, that eating in Edmonton is one of the very best things to do while in town.
Edmonton Offbeat activities
Free or cheap things to do
1. Visit the Muttart Conservatory. With its four distinct pyramid-shaped glasshouses, the Muttart Conservatory offers a unique and beautiful experience for nature lovers.
2. Explore the Alberta Railway Museum. This museum features a wide range of rail-related artifacts, from locomotives and cabooses to artifacts from the Canadian Northern Railway.
3. Take a tour of the Edmonton Valley Zoo. This zoo is home to more than 350 animals, and visitors can explore the grounds and learn about the different species.
4. Try a unique escape room. Edmonton has a wide range of escape rooms, from zombie-themed adventures to mysterious puzzles.
5. Go stargazing in the dark sky preserve. Head to the Beaver Hills Dark-Sky preserve to take in the stars, planets, and galaxies.
6. Visit the Telus World of Science. With interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and an observatory, the
Fun things to do in with kids
Free or cheap things to do
1. Edmonton Valley Zoo
A trip to the zoo is always fun and exciting! Climb aboard the miniature train, paddle across the pond, or hop on a merry-go-round and of course, see more than 350 animals in the zoo!
2. Muttart Conservatory
Drop in to the Kids Corner on Tuesdays and Fridays from 10:30 to 11. Parents can sip on a cappuccino from Culina while preschoolers learn all about plants, play games and do crafts. Topics change weekly!
3. Art Gallery of Alberta
Inspire yourself and your preschooler at Tours for Tots, a weekly drop in program for 3 to 5 year olds and parents. Artists aged 6 and up can take part in weekly art camps, and the whole family can come and play at the monthly All-Day Sundays event.
4. John Janzen Nature Center
Visit on weekdays at 11:30 or 2 to participate in John Janzens Backyard, an immersive drop in program of games, educational projects, and outdoor exploring! Stop by on weekends and take part in the daily 2 pm guided walk on the trails around the nature center.
5. Telus World of Science
What will your little ones learn today? Take your toddlers on a trip to Discoveryland, where they can listen to a story, learn about dinosaurs, or pretend to be a scientist at the Exploration Station. Jump around on the Kinetic Dancefloor, or build something in The Workshop!
6. Edmonton Public Library
Visit the Makerspace to try a 3D printer, make music in the sound booth, or turn your childrens drawings into their very own book! Babies and new parents can socialise at Baby Laptime, toddlers can learn sign language and play with a giant parachute during Sing, Sign, Laugh and Learn, and bigger kids can drop in for Lego Club!
7. Alberta Aviation Museum
Visit on Sunday between 1 -2pm to take part in themed drop in programs at the Alberta Aviation Museum. Your 2 to 6 year olds will love the stories, games, and the chance to see real airplanes up close!
8. Winspear Center
Introduce your little one to the sounds of Mozart and Beethoven. Newborns and preschoolers will love the parent and tot Music Box Babies classes. Preschoolers will have the chance to look at the towering Davis Concert Organ up close during Wee Ones at the Winspear, and the whole family can watch childrens movies come to life during select concerts.
9. West Edmonton Mall
Why visit one attraction, when you can see them all? The West Edmonton Mall Toddler Time Season Pass will get you and your family unlimited access to the World Waterpark and Galaxy Land from November to June. Take them bowling at Eds Bowling, or skating at the Mayfield Toyota Ice Palace.
10. Caf̩ OPlay
Parents, are you dreaming of sipping on a perfectly handcrafted latte, in a coffee shop where kids are not just welcomed, but encouraged to play? Caf̩ OPlay is the perfect combination of both, offering a caf̩ (with goldfish crackers and baby food on the menu!) and a state of the art play space for children up to 6 years old. 5667 Riverbend Road/ Ph: 780 758 7529
11. Gymnastics
Flip, summersault, or bounce on a giant trampoline! The whole family can drop in during the open gym sessions at Ortona Gymnastics, Phoenix Gymnastics, Salto Gymnastics, St.Albert Gymnastics, or Champions Gymnastics.
12. Dance
Keep your kids happy, and let them dance! 3 to 7 year olds can try the Happy Feet program at Dance Code Studio. Children as young as two can get moving in the parent and tot Dynamic Dance class, and 3-4 year olds can explore movement and imagination in Footlights and Fancy Feet, both offered through the City of Edmonton, and at a discount for anyone with a Leisure Access Pass!
13. Clay and Cupcakes
Inspire your preschoolers with new textures and colors. Drop in to Clay and Cupcakes for the monthly Mommy/Daddy and Me class, and paint a handprint or footprint keepsake to take home with you. If you cant make the monthly class, the Caf̩ will be happy to schedule you (and 6 toddlers) in on the day of your choice, perfect for birthday parties!
14. U Play
Your little ones can dive into the ball bit, slide down five slides, play with giant foam toys, and run through the obstacle course at U Play. If they arent tired out after all that, head into the Trampoline Park!
15. Jump 360 Trampoline Park
Every Friday from 11am to 12pm, the park is closed to the general public, and open just for Parents and Tots at Jump 360 Trampoline Park. Children 3 and under jump for free with a regular adult admission, and children 5 and under are welcome to attend as well. Teach your little ones how to fly as you leap through the air!
City data and FAQ
Is Edmonton worth visiting?
Edmonton is one of Canada's fastest growing cities, beating the likes of Vancouver and Toronto. It's got plenty to see and do, diverse scenery and the most sunny days in the whole of the country. Yes, along with Calgary, Edmonton is the sunniest place in Canada reason enough to visit in my opinion!
What is Edmonton famous for?
It hosts a year-round slate of festivals, reflected in the nickname "Canada's Festival City". It is home to North America's second largest mall, West Edmonton Mall (the world's largest mall from 1981 until 2004), and Fort Edmonton Park, Canada's largest living history museum.
What is Edmonton famous food?
Edmonton is the capital of Canada's largest beef producing province, Alberta. It follows, then, that the local food scene is filled to the brim with BBQ smoked sandwiches and potato-based soul food. But foodies should expect much more than the typical meat-based dishes: Edmonton chefs step it up on a daily basis.
How many festivals are there in Edmonton?
Edmonton heats up in summer as more than 60 festivals and events take over the city.
Landmarks in the city
Edmonton, Alberta is a vibrant city with a number of landmarks and tourist attractions. Here are some of the most notable ones:
1. West Edmonton Mall - One of the largest shopping malls in the world, featuring over 800 stores, a water park, an indoor amusement park, an ice rink, and more.
2. Alberta Legislature Building - A beautiful Beaux-Arts style building that houses the provincial government and offers free guided tours.
3. Muttart Conservatory - A botanical garden featuring four glass pyramids with plants from different biomes around the world.
4. Fort Edmonton Park - Canada's largest living history museum, showcasing the history of Edmonton through interactive exhibits and historical buildings.
5. Edmonton Valley Zoo - Home to over 350 animals from around the world, including endangered species like red pandas and Amur tigers.
6. Art Gallery of Alberta - A contemporary art museum with a diverse collection of Canadian and international art.
7. Elk Island National Park - A short drive from Edmonton, this park offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, hiking, and stargazing.
8. Rogers Place - Home to the NHL's Edmonton Oilers, this state-of-the-art arena also hosts concerts and other events.
9. High Level Bridge Streetcar - Take a historic streetcar ride across the High Level Bridge for panoramic views of the city and the North Saskatchewan River.
10. Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village - An outdoor museum that showcases the history and culture of Ukrainian pioneers in Alberta.
These are just a few of the many landmarks and attractions that Edmonton has to offer.