22 Superior Issues to do in Edmonton, Alberta in 2023

Referred to as the Gateway to the North, Edmonton has 18 hours of solar in the summertime providing you with loads of time to benefit from the nice open air. Within the colder months, the river valley is remodeled right into a winter wonderland because the Northern Lights dance within the sky. As Canada’s northernmost main metropolis, Edmonton can be one of many coldest cities on the planet.
Don’t let that cease you from visiting although, Edmonton’s year-round sights embody the most important shopping center in North America, Canada’s largest dwelling historical past museum, Canada’s largest historic park and Canada’s largest indoor botanical gardens. It doesn’t matter what time of yr you go to you’ll all the time discover some wonderful issues to do in Edmonton.

High Issues to Do in Edmonton

Are you prepared to find the perfect issues to do in Edmonton? The capital metropolis of Alberta has one thing to fulfill all tastes in journey. Referred to as the Metropolis of Festivals, Edmonton has greater than 50 festivals a yr, giving Montreal a run for its cash. So it doesn’t matter what time you go to, there’s positive to be one thing occurring.

E book your airport switch upfront to keep away from airport hassles. Your non-public driver will take you from the Edmonton Airport (YEG) to your downtown lodge. Your driver might be ready with a reputation plate and can observe your flight so that you don’t want to fret about delays.

1. West Edmonton Mall

West Edmonton Mall shouldn’t be the most important shopping center on the planet (as some are likely to consider), however it’s North America’s largest mall and a really spectacular leisure vacation spot. That includes greater than 800 retailers, a water park, an ice-skating rink, a golf space, and a reproduction of Christopher Columbus’ ship the Santa Maria utilized in 1492, this mall is certainly price a go to.

Even when buying shouldn’t be on the listing you should go to the West Edmonton Mall to see the spectacle. Moreover the enjoyable sights, there are number of eating places, shops and boutiques. You possibly can even e book lodging in one of many two lodges on the mall. 

• Fantasy Land Resort and Resort – If you wish to keep at West Edmonton Mall, this lodge has theme rooms and is linked on 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

That includes over 17 slides in a tropical, unique surroundings, World Waterpark is likely one of the greatest locations to hang around. The water park was opened to the general public in 1986 and is positioned contained in the West Edmonton Mall. 

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

2. Edmonton Muttart Conservatory

Uncover the pyramids! Not those in Egypt, however the ones in Edmonton, Alberta! We’re speaking, in fact, concerning the botanical gardens on the Muttart Conservatory. 4 pyramids characteristic greater than 700 totally different species of vegetation from all over the world in three climates – Arid Pyramid, Temperate Pyramid, and Tropical Pyramid. The fourth pyramid is the featured pyramid with seasonal shows and celebrations. It is likely one of the largest indoor botanical gardens in Canada.

An necessary horticultural attraction in Edmonton, Muttart Conservatory is positioned on the North Saskatchewan River valley, near the downtown space. This can be a year-round attraction and probably the greatest issues to do in Edmonton taking you from Myanmar to Fiji. ‘Make sure that to take a stroll to the excessive floor the river for views of the skyline. American Redwoods and Australian Eucalyptus.

3. Alberta Legislature Constructing

The Alberta Legislature Constructing is called “The Ledge,” hosts the Legislative Meeting and the Govt Council. The structure of the constructing is excellent, however don’t stroll away as quickly as you get your photographs with it. Make sure that to go inside for views throughout the Saskatchewan River from its terrace.

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

Don’t miss going exterior, The Legislature Constructing is surrounded by fantastically landscaped gardens and grounds that supply a peaceable and scenic surroundings for guests to get pleasure from. The gardens embody a reflecting pool, fountains, and quite a few statues and monuments.

Alberta Legislature Constructing Customer Centre

Don’t miss trying out the Customer 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 positioned on the primary ground of the Queen Elizabeth II Constructing.

4. Edmonton River Valley Parks

The individuals of Edmonton know the right 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. Something open air that your coronary heart needs is accessible on this inexperienced area.

Climbing and biking trails,(fats biking in winter) a golf course, ravines, and lakes and if you’re into zoos, The Edmonton Valley Zoo is inside the parks system. Within the winter, there’s cross-country snowboarding and even a downhill ski slope on the Edmonton Ski Membership the place you may go snow tubing.

Some parks you’ll be passing by means of in the event you hire a motorbike or go for a run embody:

• Hawrelak Park: A well-liked park with a lake, picnic websites, playgrounds, and occasions all year long, together with the Heritage Pageant.
• William Hawrelak Park: A big park with a lake, strolling trails, picnic websites, and several other occasions all year long, together with the Symphony Below 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 positioned inside the River Valley.

5. Louise McKinney Riverfront Park

Some of the in style parks in Edmonton is the Louise McKinney Riverfront Park. Positioned within the coronary heart of downtown Edmonton alongside the banks of the North Saskatchewan River it’s a stunning park to spend a while open air. Lease a bicycle to go for a journey on its bike trails or just stroll alongside the waterfront to absorb town skyline views.

Make sure that to go to the Chinese language Backyard for some serenity and to see the  Edmonton Chinese language Backyard 9 Dragon Wall which incorporates a mural of the Nice Wall of China on one facet, and 9 dragons.

You possibly can e book bicycle leases upfront to spin your manner by means of the streets of Edmonton. Rental consists of software bag, spare tubes, flat pedals, pump and helmet. You too can hire an e-bike for a better journey, which we recommend for sightseeing. The River Valley Journey Firm additionally rents bikes in Edmonton.

River Valley Adventures

The River Valley Journey Firm is positioned within the park they usually supply Segway excursions and bike leases in the summertime and fats bike and snowshoe leases within the winter.

You possibly can e book this segway tour that allow’s you expertise Alberta’s Edmonton River Valley in a novel manner on two wheels.  You’ll have see of the Edmonton Riverboat alongside the North Saskatchewan river and the scenic Walterdale Bridge which gives stunning views of the Edmonton skyline.

6. TELUS World of Science in Edmonton

The science heart is positioned within the Woodcroft neighborhood, near 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. Youngsters and adults alike have the chance to interact in science, collaborating in several experiments, and discovering the interactive galleries. 

And in case your child has a tender spot for science, you may even arrange a celebration for him right here! The employees is pleasant, and the meals court docket gives quite a lot of dishes to select from, so you may spend a couple of hours right here having fun with the educational 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 most important dwelling historical past museum in Canada and it’s undoubtedly price seeing while you go to Edmonton.

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

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

8. Artwork Gallery of Alberta

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

The constructing itself is a powerful piece of structure. However there’s extra to the AGA than the magic of contemporary structure. Artwork Gallery of Alberta is amongst Canada’s largest galleries that includes up to date and historic exhibitions. 

9. Alberta Aviation Museum

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

Guests can get pleasure from a variety of reveals, together with classic plane, engines, and aviation artifacts from the early days of aviation to the fashionable period. With 40 plane together with a World Struggle II bomber and a reproduction of the Silver Dart, the primary powered airplane to fly in Canada, it is a dream for historical past buffs.

The museum additionally gives instructional applications and occasions for guests of all ages. Youngsters can take part within the museum’s Junior Pilots Program, the place they will study aviation by means of hands-on actions and interactive reveals.

10. Royal Alberta Museum

Positioned close to the Artwork Gallery of Alberta, these make for a terrific mixture. The Royal Alberta Museum is a pure and human historical past museum with the standard See reveals distinctly Albertan highlighting Alberta’s Heritage and surroundings. Devoted to pure historical past with greater than 10 million objects on show. With 82,000 sq. ft of exhibit area, the Royal Alberta Museum (RAM) is the Western Canada’s largest museum.

Go to the RAM Web site for extra info.

Open Friday – Sunday

11. Neon Signal Museum

Let there be mild! With some historical past behind it! That is truly an out of doors 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 standard museum, however you’ll undoubtedly get wonderful photographs in the event you resolve to take a stroll within the space. 

12. Alberta Railway Museum

When 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. Right here you’ll uncover over 75 engines and a powerful assortment of still-operating, in addition to static locomotives. However the spotlight of this go to is the chance to go on a prepare journey (solely accessible throughout summer season).

Who doesn’t love trains? This museum is dwelling to an unlimited huge assortment of classic trains, together with steam, diesel, and electrical locomotives. It additionally has mannequin trains. If you wish 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. Excessive Degree Bridge Streetcar

Owned by the Edmonton Radial Railway Society, the Excessive Degree Bridge Streetcar is a heritage streetcar. Working on the previous Canadian Pacific Railway One of many issues to do in Edmonton is to take a journey in it and revel in spectacular views of town and the river valley. 

Your journey by means of Edmonton’s river valley within the hundred-year-old previous streetcar can take you to Outdated Strathcona Farmers’ Market and over the Excessive Degree Bridge. And the perfect half is that you simply get off while you need to go to a store or seize a chunk and hop on when you find yourself able to see extra.

14. Cling Out at Outdated Strathcona Historic District and White Avenue

It is usually often called 82 Avenue, and it’s probably the greatest 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 street working by means of Outdated Strathcona.

The avenue obtained its identify in 1891, after Sir Willian Whyte (superintendent of the CPR’s western division). We are able to say that Whyte Avenue is the center and soul of the humanities & enjoyable district, so it’s undoubtedly a not-to-miss attraction. Talking of CPR, The historic Canadian Pacific Railway Station is one other attraction within the space that was inbuilt 1908.

There are many issues to maintain you busy within the Strathcona Historic District with the Outdated Strathcona Farmers’ Market, the Strathcona Vintage 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 previous prepare station tracing the historical past of this historic space.

15. Rogers Place

No go to to any Canadian metropolis can be full with out seeing a hockey recreation throughout the hockey season and Edmonton isn’t any totally different. The Edmonton Oilers are legendary. It was the staff that The Nice One, Wayne Gretzky made historical past with throughout his hockey days breaking each report within the e book. (too dangerous he’s hawking playing adverts lately, however that’s one other story)

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

16. Commonwealth Stadium

If you wish to see some Canadian soccer, make your strategy to Commonwealth Stadium to look at the Edmonton Elks (previously Edmonton Eskimos) play. Moreover getting used for the Canadian soccer league, it is usually used for quite a lot of different sporting and cultural occasions all year long.

If you’re 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. Examine their schedule for occasions.

17. Winspear Heart

Winspear Heart is dwelling to the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. The middle was opened in 1997 and is positioned within the metropolis heart. Winspear Heart is a performing arts centre that hosts various kinds 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 enjoying now at their web site

18. Edmonton Worldwide Fringe Pageant

Are you a theater lover? Then you definitely’ll most likely need to take a look at North America’s largest and oldest fringe pageant. The Edmonton Worldwide Fringe Pageant is held in August within the Outdated Strathcona District. Artists and road performers line the streets and unique productions happen within the many theatres.

The Edmonton Fringe Pageant options over 1000 performances that includes over 1500 nationwide and worldwide artists. Right here you may expertise progressive theater with out worrying that your little ones will get bored. Fringe Theater Pageant has household and kids-friendly performances and likewise Theater for Younger Viewers reveals. Take pleasure in ten days of interrupted enjoyable on the Fringe Pageant in Edmonton!

19. Silver Skate Pageant

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

The pageant is known as after a historic velocity skating occasion, the Silver Skates, which passed off on the frozen North Saskatchewan River within the early twentieth century. At present, the pageant consists of quite a lot of actions resembling ice-skating, cross-country snowboarding, snowshoeing, reside music, artwork reveals, and meals vans.

The pageant additionally hosts quite a few competitions, together with the annual Canadian Birkebeiner ski race, one of many largest cross-country ski races in North America. Take a look at one other winter pageant in Canada Winterlude Itinerary – The Final Information to Ottawa

Different festivals in Edmonton

In the summertime Louise McKinney Riverfront Park is the center of the pageant scene internet hosting The River Metropolis Shakespeare Pageant, the Edmonton Dragon Boat Pageant, and the Edmonton Worldwide Jazz Pageant.

We now have talked about that Edmonton is a metropolis of festivals and some different festivals to maintain an eye fixed out for are the Edmonton Heritage Pageant, The Shakespeare Pageant, The Brilliant Evening’s Pageant

20. Elk Island Nationwide Park and Beaver Hills

Based in 1906, Elk Island Nationwide Park is a protected space within the Beaver Hills area. It was created to protect and defend the final of the large elk herds. Positioned simply 35 minutes from Edmonton, Elk Island NP was the primary wildlife refuge in Canada. Moreover the large elk, it has additionally been a secure 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 dwelling to a various vary of wildlife in addition to the bison and elk and it’s a in style vacation spot for out of doors recreation, with mountain climbing trails, campgrounds, picnic areas, and lakes for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing.

Elk Island can be recognized for its darkish sky protect. Within the winter, Alberta’s nights are lengthy making for wonderful alternatives to see the Northern Lights. Elk Island Nationwide Park gives a novel alternative to stargaze underneath a few of the clearest night time skies within the nation.

The Elk Island Nationwide Park is definitely accessible from Edmonton. The Yellowhead Freeway goes by means of the park. You’ll have to get a move to undergo the park, however the views are completely spectacular. Learn extra: The Most Lovely Nationwide Parks in Canada

21. Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village

Positioned 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 Tradition and historical past fo the Ukrainian immigrants who got here to Canada.

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

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

22. Journey to Jasper 

No journey to Edmonton can be full with out seeing the Canadian Rocky Mountains and Jasper Nationwide Park. When you drive, you will get to Jasper from Edmonton in about 4 hours. You too can take a bus, however it is going to be an extended journey, roughly 5 hours. By prepare is a minimum of 6.5 hours.

Although it isn’t very simple to get there, a visit to Jasper is likely one of the greatest issues to place in your to-do listing whereas within the space. Jasper Nationwide Park is the most important park within the Canadian Rockies, and that is simply one of many issues that makes Jasper an interesting vacation spot for a lot of vacationers. Take a look at all of the Wonderful Issues to do in Jasper.

The way to Get to Edmonton

Edmonton Worldwide Airport YEG), is 30 km from town. To get round Edmonton and Alberta we extremely counsel renting a automotive. You possibly can take a look at Automobile Leases for costs and availability. Taxis, Uber and airport shuttles can take you downtown.

When you aren’t renting a automotive, you may rent an airport taxi or take The Edmonton Skyshuttle. Uber and Lyft are additionally accessible. We propose reserving a personal driver upfront to take the effort out of discovering transportaiton when touchdown.

By Automobile: Edmonton is definitely accessible by automotive, with a number of main highways passing by means of town. The Yellowhead Freeway (Freeway 16) connects Edmonton to British Columbia to the west and Saskatchewan to the east. The Queen Elizabeth II Freeway (Freeway 2) connects Edmonton to Calgary to the south. Different main highways that connect with Edmonton embody Freeway 216 (Anthony Henday Drive) and Freeway 28. Evaluate Automobile Rental Costs for Edmonton right here.

Edmonton is 3 hours straight north of Calgary up Freeway 2. By Canadian requirements, it is a brief drive. Seize your Tim Hortons Double Double and get driving. Evaluate automotive rental costs right here.

However if you wish to take a extra scenic drive, make your strategy to Banff and go up the Icefield’s parkway to Jasper after which onward to Edmonton. Why not make a full loop?

By Practice: Don’t rule out the prepare. Edmonton may be reached by main Canadian cities like Toronto, Vancouver, Winnipeg or Saskatchewan. By way of Rail operates prepare companies to Edmonton from different main Canadian cities, together with Vancouver and Toronto. The Edmonton prepare station is positioned within the coronary heart of town at 12360 121 St NW, making it simply accessible by public transit, taxi, or automotive.

By Bus: A number of bus firms, resembling Greyhound, supply companies to Edmonton from different Canadian cities, together with Calgary, Vancouver, and Winnipeg. The Edmonton bus station is positioned downtown at 10041 103 St NW, making it simply accessible by public transit, taxi, or automotive.

Remaining phrases about your journey to Edmonton, Alberta

A year-round vacation spot, Edmonton has lots to supply guests. And it’s troublesome to make an inventory of the highest actions to strive whereas within the metropolis, particularly if in case you have little time. 

Some select to return to Edmonton and spend most of their time on the golf course, whereas others discover it troublesome to depart North America’s largest mall as there is no such thing as a scarcity of leisure there. When you do resolve to e book a trip in Edmonton ensure you get out to get pleasure from its stunning parks, cultural sights, and museums. Edmonton has rather a lot occurring!