Generally known 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 reworked 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 this planet.
Don’t let that cease you from visiting although, Edmonton’s year-round sights embrace 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. It doesn’t matter what time of yr you go to you’ll at all times discover some wonderful issues to do in Edmonton.
High Issues to Do in Edmonton
Are you prepared to find one of the best issues to do in Edmonton? The capital metropolis of Alberta has one thing to fulfill all tastes in journey. Generally known 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 certain to be one thing happening.
Ebook your airport switch upfront to keep away from airport hassles. Your personal 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 is just not the biggest shopping center on this 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 outlets, 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 unquestionably value a go to.
Even when procuring is just not on the checklist you need to go to the West Edmonton Mall to see the spectacle. Apart from the enjoyable sights, there are number of eating places, shops and boutiques. You possibly can even e-book lodging in one of many two inns on the mall.
- Fantasy Land Resort and Resort – If you wish to keep at West Edmonton Mall, this lodge has theme rooms and is related on to the mall.
- West Edmonton Mall Inn – For a extra reasonably priced possibility simply steps away from the mall try the West Edmonton Mall Inn.
Edmonton World Waterpark
That includes over 17 slides in a tropical, unique setting, World Waterpark is likely one of the finest 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 one among North America’s largest indoor water parks, so it is going to preserve the entire household entertained for hours, if not for an entire day. And don’t fear in the event you didn’t deliver 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, after all, concerning the botanical gardens on the Muttart Conservatory. 4 pyramids characteristic greater than 700 completely different species of crops 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. It is a year-round attraction and the most effective issues to do in Edmonton taking you from Myanmar to Fiji. ‘Ensure to take a stroll to the excessive floor the river for views of the skyline. American Redwoods and Australian Eucalyptus.
Self Guided Audio Tour
Get this self guided audio tour before you permit in your Edmonton journey. You possibly can discover town at your personal tempo as you hearken to info and historical past about Edmonton landmarks and sights. Stops embrace, Sir Winston Churchill Sq., Central Station, Citadel Theatre, Stanley Milner Library, Edmonton Metropolis Corridor, St. Joseph’s Basilica, William Hawrelak Park and extra.
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 great, however don’t stroll away as quickly as you get your images with it. Ensure to go inside for views throughout the Saskatchewan River from its terrace.
The Alberta Legislature Constructing provides free guided excursions via this iconic landmark in Edmonton. Constructed between 1907 and 1913, it’s acknowledged for its gorgeous Beaux-Arts structure. You possibly can verify their web site for particulars.
Don’t miss going outdoors, The Legislature Constructing is surrounded by superbly landscaped gardens and grounds that provide a peaceable and scenic setting for guests to get pleasure from. The gardens embrace 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 folks of Edmonton know benefit from the nice open air. The North Saskatchewan River Valley Parks System covers 18,000 acres combining 20 completely different parks throughout 48 km. Something open air that your coronary heart wishes is on the market on this inexperienced house.
Mountain 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 throughout 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 possibly can go snow tubing.
Some parks you’ll be passing via in the event you hire a motorbike or go for a run embrace:
- Hawrelak Park: A preferred park with a lake, picnic websites, playgrounds, and occasions all year long, together with the Heritage Competition.
- William Hawrelak Park: A big park with a lake, strolling trails, picnic websites, and a number of other occasions all year long, together with the Symphony Underneath 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 throughout the River Valley.
5. Louise McKinney Riverfront Park
One of the fashionable 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. Hire a bicycle to go for a experience on its bike trails or just stroll alongside the waterfront to soak up town skyline views.
Ensure to go to the Chinese language Backyard for some serenity and to see the Edmonton Chinese language Backyard 9 Dragon Wall which encompasses a mural of the Nice Wall of China on one aspect, and 9 dragons.
You possibly can e-book bicycle leases upfront to spin your means via the streets of Edmonton. Rental consists of instrument bag, spare tubes, flat pedals, pump and helmet. You can too hire an e-bike for a better experience, 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 and so they provide 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 permit’s you expertise Alberta’s Edmonton River Valley in a singular means on two wheels. You’ll have see of the Edmonton Riverboat alongside the North Saskatchewan river and the scenic Walterdale Bridge which provides 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 a beautiful vacation spot for folks of all ages, youngsters included. Kids and adults alike have the chance to have interaction in science, collaborating in several experiments, and discovering the interactive galleries.
And in case your child has a comfortable spot for science, you possibly can even arrange a celebration for him right here! The workers is pleasant, and the meals courtroom provides quite a lot of dishes to select from, so you possibly can spend a number of 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 once you go to Edmonton.
Costumed performers stroll the reproduction of an 1885 avenue and you’ll tour an 1846 fort from the times of the Hudson Bay fur merchants. Take a experience on the historic avenue automobile from 1909 and go to the recreation of the 1929 Capitol Theatre. It hosts occasions and live shows.
There’s a Hudson Bay Fort and streets recreating Edmonton’s early historical past in 1885, 1905 and 1920. If you need a take a look at bits and items of Alberta and Canadian historical past the Fort Edmonton Park provides 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 gained’t have any points discovering it. Devoted to visible arts emphasizing Western Canada. 6000 items, present store, restaurant and theatre house.
The constructing itself is a formidable piece of structure. However there’s extra to the AGA than the magic of recent structure. Artwork Gallery of Alberta is amongst Canada’s largest galleries that includes modern and historic exhibitions.
9. Alberta Aviation Museum
Are you captivated with 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 Area, 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 provides academic applications and occasions for guests of all ages. Kids can take part within the museum’s Junior Pilots Program, the place they’ll find out about aviation via hands-on actions and interactive reveals.
10. Royal Alberta Museum
Positioned close to the Artwork Gallery of Alberta, these make for an amazing 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 setting. Devoted to pure historical past with greater than 10 million objects on show. With 82,000 sq. toes of exhibit house, 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 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 wonderful images in the event you resolve to take a stroll within the space.
12. Alberta Railway Museum
For those who get to Edmonton’s northern suburbs, you possibly can 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 formidable assortment of still-operating, in addition to static locomotives. However the spotlight of this go to is the chance to go on a practice experience (solely obtainable throughout summer season).
Who doesn’t love trains? This museum is dwelling to an enormous 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 passion, you possibly can study all about mannequin railroading right here. Take a guided tour for an in-depth take 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. Operating on the previous Canadian Pacific Railway One of many issues to do in Edmonton is to take a experience in it and revel in spectacular views of town and the river valley.
Your journey via 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 one of the best half is that you simply get off once you need to go to a store or seize a chunk and hop on if you find yourself able to see extra.
14. Dangle Out at Outdated Strathcona Historic District and White Avenue
It is usually often called 82 Avenue, and it’s the most effective locations in Edmonton! Many make it a precedence to get to the best neighborhood in Edmonton. With an eclectic mixture of eating places, theaters, and completely different outlets, Whyte Avenue is an arterial highway working via Outdated Strathcona.
The avenue acquired its identify in 1891, after Sir Willian Whyte (superintendent of the CPR’s western division). We will 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 traditional 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 practice 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 through the hockey season and Edmonton is not any completely different. The Edmonton Oilers are legendary. It was the workforce that The Nice One, Wayne Gretzky made historical past with throughout his hockey days breaking each document within the e-book. (too unhealthy he’s hawking playing advertisements nowadays, however that’s one other story)
The Edmonton Oilers play at Rogers Place which opened in 2016. It’s the most effective sports activities and leisure venues in North America. When hockey isn’t enjoying, it hosts a number of occasions and live shows.
16. Commonwealth Stadium
If you wish to see some Canadian soccer, make your approach to Commonwealth Stadium to observe the Edmonton Elks (previously Edmonton Eskimos) play. Apart from 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. Test 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 live shows. 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 Competition
Are you a theater lover? You then’ll most likely need to try North America’s largest and oldest fringe pageant. The Edmonton Worldwide Fringe Competition is held in August within the Outdated Strathcona District. Artists and avenue performers line the streets and authentic productions happen within the many theatres.
The Edmonton Fringe Competition options over 1000 performances that includes over 1500 nationwide and worldwide artists. Right here you possibly can expertise progressive theater with out worrying that your little ones will get bored. Fringe Theater Competition has household and kids-friendly performances and in addition Theater for Younger Viewers reveals. Get pleasure from ten days of interrupted enjoyable on the Fringe Competition in Edmonton!
19. Silver Skate Competition
Do you bear in mind we stated that Edmonton is a metropolis of festivals? Sure, even within the useless of winter, locals get out to embrace the chilly. The Silver Skate Competition 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 pace skating occasion, the Silver Skates, which came about on the frozen North Saskatchewan River within the early twentieth century. In the present day, the pageant consists of quite a lot of actions similar to ice-skating, cross-country snowboarding, snowshoeing, reside music, artwork reveals, and meals vans.
The pageant additionally hosts numerous 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 Competition, the Edmonton Dragon Boat Competition, and the Edmonton Worldwide Jazz Competition.
We’ve got talked about that Edmonton is a metropolis of festivals and some different festivals to maintain a watch out for are the Edmonton Heritage Competition, The Shakespeare Competition, The Vivid Night time’s Competition
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. Apart from 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 fashionable vacation spot for outside 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 glorious alternatives to see the Northern Lights. Elk Island Nationwide Park provides a singular alternative to stargaze below a number of the clearest night time skies within the nation.
The Elk Island Nationwide Park is well accessible from Edmonton. The Yellowhead Freeway goes via the park. You’ll have to get a move to undergo the park, however the views are completely spectacular. Learn extra: The Most Stunning 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 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 setting. 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. For those who drive, you will get to Jasper from Edmonton in about 4 hours. You can too take a bus, however it is going to be an extended experience, roughly 5 hours. By practice is a minimum of 6.5 hours.
Even though it’s not very straightforward to get there, a visit to Jasper is likely one of the finest issues to place in your to-do checklist whereas within the space. Jasper Nationwide Park is the biggest 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.
Learn how to Get to Edmonton
Edmonton Worldwide Airport YEG), is 30 km from town. To get round Edmonton and Alberta we extremely recommend renting a automobile. You possibly can try Automotive Leases for costs and availability. Taxis, Uber and airport shuttles can take you downtown.
For those who aren’t renting a automobile, you possibly can rent an airport taxi or take The Edmonton Skyshuttle. Uber and Lyft are additionally obtainable. We advise reserving a personal driver upfront to take the trouble out of discovering transportaiton when touchdown.
By Automotive: Edmonton is well accessible by automobile, with a number of main highways passing via 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 hook up with Edmonton embrace Freeway 216 (Anthony Henday Drive) and Freeway 28. Evaluate Automotive Rental Costs for Edmonton right here.
Edmonton is 3 hours straight north of Calgary up Freeway 2. By Canadian requirements, it is a quick drive. Seize your Tim Hortons Double Double and get driving. Evaluate automobile rental costs right here.
However if you wish to take a extra scenic drive, make your approach 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 practice. Edmonton will be reached by main Canadian cities like Toronto, Vancouver, Winnipeg or Saskatchewan. By way of Rail operates practice providers to Edmonton from different main Canadian cities, together with Vancouver and Toronto. The Edmonton practice station is positioned within the coronary heart of town at 12360 121 St NW, making it simply accessible by public transit, taxi, or automobile.
By Bus: A number of bus corporations, similar to Greyhound, provide providers 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 automobile.
Ultimate phrases about your journey to Edmonton, Alberta
A year-round vacation spot, Edmonton has lots to supply guests. And it’s tough to make a listing of the highest actions to attempt 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 tough to depart North America’s largest mall as there isn’t any scarcity of leisure there. For those who do resolve to e-book a trip in Edmonton be sure you get out to get pleasure from its stunning parks, cultural sights, and museums. Edmonton has quite a bit happening!
