22 Awesome Things to do in Edmonton, Alberta in 2023

Known because the Gateway to the North, Edmonton has 18 hours of solar in the summer season providing you with loads of time to benefit from the nice open air. In the colder months, the river valley is remodeled right into a winter wonderland because the Northern Lights dance in the sky. As Canada’s northernmost main metropolis, Edmonton can also be one of many coldest cities in the world. Don’t let that cease you from visiting although, Edmonton’s year-round sights embody the biggest shopping center in North America, Canada’s largest dwelling historical past museum, Canada’s largest historic park and Canada’s largest indoor botanical gardens. No matter what time of 12 months you go to you’ll all the time discover some superb issues to do in Edmonton.

Top Things to Do in Edmonton

Are you prepared to uncover the most effective issues to do in Edmonton? The capital metropolis of Alberta has one thing to fulfill all tastes in journey. Known because the City of Festivals, Edmonton has greater than 50 festivals a 12 months, giving Montreal a run for its cash. So it doesn’t matter what time you go to, there’s certain to be one thing happening.

Book your airport switch in advance to keep away from airport hassles. Your personal driver will take you from the Edmonton Airport (YEG) to your downtown lodge. Your driver can be ready with a reputation plate and can observe your flight so that you don’t want to fear about delays.

1. West Edmonton Mall

West Edmonton Mall just isn’t the biggest shopping center in the world (as some have a tendency to consider), however it’s North America’s largest mall and a really spectacular leisure vacation spot. Featuring greater than 800 retailers, a water park, an ice-skating rink, a golf space, and a duplicate of Christopher Columbus’ ship the Santa Maria used in 1492, this mall is certainly value a go to.

Even if buying just isn’t on the listing you need to go to the West Edmonton Mall to see the spectacle. Besides the enjoyable sights, there are number of eating places, shops and boutiques. You may even ebook lodging in one of many two motels on the mall. 

Fantasy Land Hotel and Resort – If you need to keep at West Edmonton Mall, this lodge has theme rooms and is related straight to the mall. West Edmonton Mall Inn – For a extra inexpensive possibility simply steps away from the mall take a look at the West Edmonton Mall Inn.

Edmonton World Waterpark

Featuring over 17 slides in a tropical, unique surroundings, World Waterpark is among the finest locations to hang around. The water park was opened to the general public in 1986 and is situated contained in the West Edmonton Mall. 

It is one in every of North America’s largest indoor water parks, so it would hold the entire household entertained for hours, if not for a complete day. And don’t fear when you didn’t convey a towel with you in your journey, simply get there and hire a towel on the admissions workplace. 

2. Edmonton Muttart Conservatory

Discover the pyramids! Not those in Egypt, however the ones in Edmonton, Alberta! We’re speaking, after all, in regards to the botanical gardens on the Muttart Conservatory. Four pyramids characteristic greater than 700 totally different species of crops from around the globe in three climates – Arid Pyramid, Temperate Pyramid, and Tropical Pyramid. The fourth pyramid is the featured pyramid with seasonal shows and celebrations. It is among the largest indoor botanical gardens in Canada.

An vital horticultural attraction in Edmonton, Muttart Conservatory is situated on the North Saskatchewan River valley, shut to the downtown space. This is a year-round attraction and top-of-the-line issues to do in Edmonton taking you from Myanmar to Fiji. ‘Make sure to take a walk to the high ground the river for views of the skyline. American Redwoods and Australian Eucalyptus.

3. Alberta Legislature Building

The Alberta Legislature Building is named “The Ledge,” hosts the Legislative Assembly and the Executive Council. The structure of the constructing is excellent, however don’t stroll away as quickly as you get your pictures with it. Make certain to go inside for views throughout the Saskatchewan River from its terrace.

The Alberta Legislature Building affords free guided excursions by this iconic landmark in Edmonton. Constructed between 1907 and 1913, it’s acknowledged for its gorgeous Beaux-Arts structure. You can test their web site for particulars.

Don’t miss going outdoors, The Legislature Building is surrounded by superbly landscaped gardens and grounds that provide a peaceable and scenic surroundings for guests to take pleasure in. The gardens embody a reflecting pool, fountains, and quite a few statues and monuments.

Alberta Legislature Building Visitor Centre

Don’t miss testing the Visitor Centre which has a 4D immersive expertise at Pehonan Theatre a visible historical past of the province of Alberta from its indigenous origins to the twentieth century. The Vistor Centre is situated on the principle ground of the Queen Elizabeth II Building.

4. Edmonton River Valley Parks

The individuals of Edmonton know the way to benefit from the nice open air. The North Saskatchewan River Valley Parks System covers 18,000 acres combining 20 totally different parks throughout 48 km. Anything open air that your coronary heart wishes is on the market in this inexperienced house.

Hiking and biking trails,(fats biking in winter) a golf course, ravines, and lakes and in case you are into zoos, The Edmonton Valley Zoo is throughout the parks system. In the winter, there’s cross-country snowboarding and even a downhill ski slope on the Edmonton Ski Club the place you may go snow tubing.

Some parks you’ll be passing by when you hire a motorbike or go for a run embody:

Hawrelak Park: A preferred park with a lake, picnic websites, playgrounds, and occasions all year long, together with the Heritage Festival. William Hawrelak Park: A big park with a lake, strolling trails, picnic websites, and several other occasions all year long, together with the Symphony Under the Sky. Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park: A park with strolling trails, picnic websites, and river entry. Rundle Park: A big park with a golf course, strolling trails, picnic websites, and a playground. Emily Murphy Park: A park with a playground, picnic websites, and river entry. Terwillegar Park: A park with strolling trails, picnic websites, and river entry. Victoria Golf Course: A golf course situated throughout the River Valley.

5. Louise McKinney Riverfront Park

One of the preferred parks in Edmonton is the Louise McKinney Riverfront Park. Located in the center of downtown Edmonton alongside the banks of the North Saskatchewan River it’s a lovely park to spend a while open air. Rent a bicycle to go for a journey on its bike trails or just stroll alongside the waterfront to take in the town skyline views.

Make certain to go to the Chinese Garden for some serenity and to see the  Edmonton Chinese Garden Nine Dragon Wall which incorporates a mural of the Great Wall of China on one facet, and 9 dragons.

You can ebook bicycle leases in advance to spin your method by the streets of Edmonton. Rental contains device bag, spare tubes, flat pedals, pump and helmet. You can even hire an e-bike for a neater journey, which we advise for sightseeing. The River Valley Adventure Company additionally rents bikes in Edmonton.

River Valley Adventures

The River Valley Adventure Company is situated in the park and so they provide Segway excursions and bike leases in the summer season and fats bike and snowshoe leases in the winter.

You can ebook this segway tour that permit’s you expertise Alberta’s Edmonton River Valley in a novel method on two wheels.  You’ll have see of the Edmonton Riverboat alongside the North Saskatchewan river and the scenic Walterdale Bridge which affords lovely views of the Edmonton skyline.

6. TELUS World of Science in Edmonton

The science heart is situated in the Woodcroft neighborhood, shut to Coronation Park. Telus World of Science goals to ignite curiosity and encourage discovery, and this makes it an exquisite vacation spot for individuals of all ages, youngsters included. Children and adults alike have the chance to interact in science, collaborating in totally different experiments, and discovering the interactive galleries. 

And in case your child has a tender spot for science, you may even manage a party for him right here! The employees is pleasant, and the meals court docket affords a wide range of dishes to select from, so you may spend just a few hours right here having fun with the training expertise! 

7. Fort Edmonton Park

Time has stopped at Fort Edmonton Park the place the streets are frozen in time. The 158 acre park is the biggest dwelling historical past museum in Canada and it’s undoubtedly value seeing whenever you go to Edmonton.

Costumed performers stroll the duplicate of an 1885 road and you may tour an 1846 fort from the times of the Hudson Bay fur merchants. Take a journey on the historic road automobile from 1909 and go to the recreation of the 1929 Capitol Theatre. It hosts occasions and concert events.

There is a Hudson Bay Fort and streets recreating Edmonton’s early historical past in 1885, 1905 and 1920. If you desire a have a look at bits and items of Alberta and Canadian historical past the Fort Edmonton Park affords memorable experiences for everybody. Visit the fort for particulars.

8. Art Gallery of Alberta

The locals name it AGA (the acronym for Art Gallery of Alberta). The 8000 sq. meters constructing is situated in downtown Edmonton, so that you received’t have any points discovering it. Dedicated to visible arts emphasizing Western Canada. 6000 items, reward store, restaurant and theatre house.

The constructing itself is a formidable piece of structure. But there’s extra to the AGA than the magic of recent structure. Art Gallery of Alberta is amongst Canada’s largest galleries that includes up to date and historic exhibitions. 

9. Alberta Aviation Museum

Are you obsessed with aviation? The Alberta Aviation Museum is an efficient place is an efficient possibility in order for you to study extra about Canadian aviation historical past. The museum is housed in a historic airplane hangar on the former Blatchford Field, which was as soon as one of many busiest airports in Canada.

Visitors can take pleasure in a variety of displays, together with classic plane, engines, and aviation artifacts from the early days of aviation to the trendy period. With 40 plane together with a World War II bomber and a duplicate of the Silver Dart, the primary powered airplane to fly in Canada, it is a dream for historical past buffs.

The museum additionally affords instructional applications and occasions for guests of all ages. Children can take part in the museum’s Junior Pilots Program, the place they will find out about aviation by hands-on actions and interactive displays.

10. Royal Alberta Museum

Located close to the Art Gallery of Alberta, these make for an ideal mixture. The Royal Alberta Museum is a pure and human historical past museum with the same old See displays distinctly Albertan highlighting Alberta’s Heritage and surroundings. Dedicated to pure historical past with greater than 10 million objects on show. With 82,000 sq. ft of exhibit house, the Royal Alberta Museum (RAM) is the Western Canada’s largest museum.

Visit the RAM Website for extra info.

Open Friday – Sunday

11. Neon Sign Museum

Let there be gentle! With some historical past behind it! This is definitely an outside set up of classic indicators. Twenty neon indicators initially from shops, railroads, and theaters have been reconditioned and held on a constructing. It’s not your typical museum, however you’ll undoubtedly get superb pictures when you determine to take a stroll in the world. 

12. Alberta Railway Museum

If you get to Edmonton’s northern suburbs, you may go to Alberta Railway Museum. The museum was based in 1976 to protect the railway heritage. Here you’ll uncover over 75 engines and a formidable assortment of still-operating, in addition to static locomotives. But the spotlight of this go to is the chance to go on a practice journey (solely out there throughout summer season).

Who doesn’t love trains? This museum is residence to an unlimited huge assortment of classic trains, together with steam, diesel, and electrical locomotives. It additionally has mannequin trains. If you need to begin a brand new pastime, you may study all about mannequin railroading right here. Take a guided tour for an in-depth have a look at rail transportation and historical past in Alberta.

13. High Level Bridge Streetcar

Owned by the Edmonton Radial Railway Society, the High Level Bridge Streetcar is a heritage streetcar. Running on the previous Canadian Pacific Railway One of the issues to do in Edmonton is to take a journey in it and luxuriate in spectacular views of the town and the river valley. 

Your journey by Edmonton’s river valley in the hundred-year-old outdated streetcar can take you to Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market and over the High Level Bridge. And the most effective half is that you just get off whenever you need to go to a store or seize a chew and hop on when you’re prepared to see extra.

14. Hang Out at Old Strathcona Historic District and White Avenue

It is also called 82 Avenue, and it’s top-of-the-line locations in Edmonton! Many make it a precedence to get to the good neighborhood in Edmonton. With an eclectic mixture of eating places, theaters, and totally different retailers, Whyte Avenue is an arterial highway working by Old Strathcona.

The avenue bought its title in 1891, after Sir Willian Whyte (superintendent of the CPR’s western division). We can say that Whyte Avenue is the center and soul of the humanities & enjoyable district, so it’s undoubtedly a not-to-miss attraction. Speaking of CPR, The historic Canadian Pacific Railway Station is one other attraction in the world that was constructed in 1908.

There are loads of issues to hold you busy in the Strathcona Historic District with the Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market, the Strathcona Antique Mall and The Princess Theatre. The Princess Theatre dates again to 1915 and is a superb place to catch a film in a basic setting. There aren’t a lot of them left!

This strolling tour takes you thru Strathcona and White Avenue following the historical past from the Klondike Gold Rush to the individuals who lived there. The route begins on the outdated practice station tracing the historical past of this historic space.

15. Rogers Place

No go to to any Canadian metropolis could be full with out seeing a hockey recreation through the hockey season and Edmonton is not any totally different. The Edmonton Oilers are legendary. It was the crew that The Great One, Wayne Gretzky made historical past with throughout his hockey days breaking each report in the ebook. (too dangerous he’s hawking playing advertisements as of late, however that’s one other story)

The Edmonton Oilers play at Rogers Place which opened in 2016. It’s top-of-the-line sports activities and leisure venues in North America. When hockey isn’t taking part in, it hosts a number of occasions and concert events.

16. Commonwealth Stadium

If you need to see some Canadian soccer, make your method to Commonwealth Stadium to watch the Edmonton Elks (previously Edmonton Eskimos) play. Besides getting used for the Canadian soccer league, it’s also used for a wide range of different sporting and cultural occasions all year long.

If you might be visiting Edmonton throughout a time with no soccer on the books, don’t fear, there are a number of occasions and music performances all year long. Check their schedule for occasions.

17. Winspear Center

Winspear Center is residence to the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. The heart was opened in 1997 and is situated in the town heart. Winspear Center is a performing arts centre that hosts several types of occasions and concert events. The acoustic is fabulous, so don’t hesitate to go see your favourite live performance right here. See what’s taking part in now at their web site

18. Edmonton International Fringe Festival

Are you a theater lover? Then you’ll in all probability need to take a look at North America’s largest and oldest fringe pageant. The Edmonton International Fringe Festival is held in August in the Old Strathcona District. Artists and road performers line the streets and unique productions happen in the numerous theatres.

The Edmonton Fringe Festival options over 1000 performances that includes over 1500 nationwide and worldwide artists. Here you may expertise progressive theater with out worrying that your little ones will get bored. Fringe Theater Festival has household and kids-friendly performances and likewise Theater for Young Audience reveals. Enjoy ten days of interrupted enjoyable on the Fringe Festival in Edmonton!

19. Silver Skate Festival

Do you bear in mind we mentioned that Edmonton is a metropolis of festivals? Yes, even in the lifeless of winter, locals get out to embrace the chilly. The Silver Skate Festival is a celebration of winter sports activities and tradition that has been held in the Edmonton for greater than three a long time.

The pageant is known as after a historic velocity skating occasion, the Silver Skates, which befell on the frozen North Saskatchewan River in the early twentieth century. Today, the pageant contains a wide range of actions comparable to ice-skating, cross-country snowboarding, snowshoeing, dwell music, artwork displays, and meals vehicles.

The pageant additionally hosts plenty of competitions, together with the annual Canadian Birkebeiner ski race, one of many largest cross-country ski races in North America. Check out one other winter pageant in Canada Winterlude Itinerary – The Ultimate Guide to Ottawa

Other festivals in Edmonton

In the summer season Louise McKinney Riverfront Park is the center of the pageant scene internet hosting The River City Shakespeare Festival, the Edmonton Dragon Boat Festival, and the Edmonton International Jazz Festival.

We have talked about that Edmonton is a metropolis of festivals and some different festivals to hold an eye fixed out for are the Edmonton Heritage Festival, The Shakespeare Festival, The Bright Night’s Festival

20. Elk Island National Park and Beaver Hills

Founded in 1906, Elk Island National Park is a protected space in the Beaver Hills area. It was created to protect and defend the final of the massive elk herds. Located simply 35 minutes from Edmonton, Elk Island NP was the primary wildlife refuge in Canada. Besides the massive elk, it has additionally been a protected haven for the dwindling herds of Plains bison and wooden bison for greater than 100 years.

The park covers an space of 194 sq. kilometers and is residence to a various vary of wildlife moreover the bison and elk and it’s a fashionable vacation spot for outside recreation, with mountaineering trails, campgrounds, picnic areas, and lakes for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing.

Elk Island can also be recognized for its darkish sky protect. In the winter, Alberta’s nights are lengthy making for wonderful alternatives to see the Northern Lights. Elk Island National Park affords a novel alternative to stargaze beneath a number of the clearest night time skies in the nation.

The Elk Island National Park is definitely accessible from Edmonton. The Yellowhead Highway goes by the park. You can have to get a move to undergo the park, however the views are completely spectacular. Read extra: The Most Beautiful National Parks in Canada

21. Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village

Located 50 km east of Edmonton, the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village (recognized domestically as The Village) is an open-air museum devoted to preserving the Ukrainian Culture and historical past fo the Ukrainian immigrants who got here to Canada.

The village is residence to over 30 genuine historic constructions, together with properties, church buildings, colleges, and farm buildings. These constructions have been fastidiously preserved and restored, offering guests with a glimpse into the previous.

The village is ready in a picturesque rural panorama that provides guests a peaceable and stress-free surroundings. The village’s pure setting contains rolling hills, forests, and streams, making it a really perfect vacation spot for a day journey from Edmonton.

22. Trip to Jasper 

No journey to Edmonton could be full with out seeing the Canadian Rocky Mountains and Jasper National Park. If you drive, you will get to Jasper from Edmonton in about 4 hours. You can even take a bus, however will probably be an extended journey, roughly 5 hours. By practice is at least 6.5 hours.

Despite the truth that it’s not very simple to get there, a visit to Jasper is among the finest issues to put in your to-do listing whereas in the world. Jasper National Park is the biggest park in the Canadian Rockies, and that is simply one of many issues that makes Jasper an interesting vacation spot for a lot of vacationers. Check out all of the Amazing Things to do in Jasper.

How to Get to Edmonton

Edmonton International Airport YEG), is 30 km from the town. To get round Edmonton and Alberta we extremely recommend renting a automobile. You can take a look at Car Rentals for costs and availability. Taxis, Uber and airport shuttles can take you downtown.

If you aren’t renting a automobile, you may rent an airport taxi or take The Edmonton Skyshuttle. Uber and Lyft are additionally out there. We recommend reserving a non-public driver in advance to take the effort out of discovering transportaiton when touchdown.

By Car: Edmonton is definitely accessible by automobile, with a number of main highways passing by the town. The Yellowhead Highway (Highway 16) connects Edmonton to British Columbia to the west and Saskatchewan to the east. The Queen Elizabeth II Highway (Highway 2) connects Edmonton to Calgary to the south. Other main highways that join to Edmonton embody Highway 216 (Anthony Henday Drive) and Highway 28. Compare Car Rental Prices for Edmonton right here.

Edmonton is 3 hours straight north of Calgary up Highway 2. By Canadian requirements, it is a brief drive. Grab your Tim Hortons Double Double and get driving. Compare automobile rental costs right here.

But in order for you to take a extra scenic drive, make your method to Banff and go up the Icefield’s parkway to Jasper after which onward to Edmonton. Why not make a full loop?

By Train: Don’t rule out the practice. Edmonton will be reached by main Canadian cities like Toronto, Vancouver, Winnipeg or Saskatchewan. Via Rail operates practice providers to Edmonton from different main Canadian cities, together with Vancouver and Toronto. The Edmonton practice station is situated in the center of the town at 12360 121 St NW, making it simply accessible by public transit, taxi, or automobile.

By Bus: Several bus corporations, comparable to Greyhound, provide providers to Edmonton from different Canadian cities, together with Calgary, Vancouver, and Winnipeg. The Edmonton bus station is situated downtown at 10041 103 St NW, making it simply accessible by public transit, taxi, or automobile.

Final phrases about your journey to Edmonton, Alberta

A year-round vacation spot, Edmonton has a lot to provide guests. And it’s tough to make an inventory of the highest actions to attempt whereas in the town, particularly if in case you have little time. 

Some select to come to Edmonton and spend most of their time on the golf course, whereas others discover it tough to go away North America’s largest mall as there isn’t a scarcity of leisure there. If you do determine to ebook a trip in Edmonton be sure to get out to take pleasure in its lovely parks, cultural sights, and museums. Edmonton has rather a lot happening!