Often called the Gateway to the North, Edmonton has 18 hours of solar in the summertime supplying 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 the earth.
Don’t let that cease you from visiting although, Edmonton’s year-round points of interest embrace the biggest shopping center in North America, Canada’s largest residing 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 the very best issues to do in Edmonton? The capital metropolis of Alberta has one thing to fulfill all tastes in journey. Often called 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 may be positive to be one thing happening.
Ebook 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 resort. Your driver will likely be ready with a reputation plate and can monitor your flight so that you don’t want to fret about delays.
1. West Edmonton Mall
West Edmonton Mall will not be the biggest shopping center on the earth (as some are inclined to imagine), 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 duplicate of Christopher Columbus’ ship the Santa Maria utilized in 1492, this mall is unquestionably price a go to.
Even when procuring will not be on the checklist you should go to the West Edmonton Mall to see the spectacle. Apart from the enjoyable points of interest, there are number of eating places, shops and boutiques. You may even e-book lodging in one of many two accommodations on the mall.
- Fantasy Land Resort and Resort – If you wish to keep at West Edmonton Mall, this resort 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 try the West Edmonton Mall Inn.
Edmonton World Waterpark
That includes over 17 slides in a tropical, unique surroundings, World Waterpark is without doubt 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 considered one of North America’s largest indoor water parks, so it would maintain the entire household entertained for hours, if not for an entire day. And don’t fear in case 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
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 function greater than 700 totally different species of vegetation from world wide in three climates – Arid Pyramid, Temperate Pyramid, and Tropical Pyramid. The fourth pyramid is the featured pyramid with seasonal shows and celebrations. It is without doubt 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 among the best issues to do in Edmonton taking you from Myanmar to Fiji. ‘Ensure that 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 allow in your Edmonton journey. You may discover the town at your personal tempo as you take heed to info and historical past about Edmonton landmarks and points of interest. 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 named “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 images with it. Ensure that to go inside for views throughout the Saskatchewan River from its terrace.
The Alberta Legislature Constructing affords free guided excursions via this iconic landmark in Edmonton. Constructed between 1907 and 1913, it’s acknowledged for its beautiful Beaux-Arts structure. You may examine 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 take pleasure in. 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 principle ground of the Queen Elizabeth II Constructing.
4. Edmonton River Valley Parks
The individuals of Edmonton know find out how 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 wishes is accessible on this inexperienced area.
Mountaineering 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. Within the winter, there’s cross-country snowboarding and even a downhill ski slope on the Edmonton Ski Membership the place you’ll be able to go snow tubing.
Some parks you’ll be passing via in case you hire a motorbike or go for a run embrace:
- 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 throughout the River Valley.
5. Louise McKinney Riverfront Park
One of the well-liked parks in Edmonton is the Louise McKinney Riverfront Park. Situated 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 journey on its bike trails or just stroll alongside the waterfront to soak up the town skyline views.
Ensure that 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 may e-book bicycle leases upfront to spin your approach via the streets of Edmonton. Rental contains software bag, spare tubes, flat pedals, pump and helmet. You too can hire an e-bike for a better journey, which we advise 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 may e-book this segway tour that permit’s you expertise Alberta’s Edmonton River Valley in a singular approach on two wheels. You’ll have see of the Edmonton Riverboat alongside the North Saskatchewan river and the scenic Walterdale Bridge which affords stunning views of the Edmonton skyline.
6. TELUS World of Science in Edmonton
The science middle 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 individuals of all ages, children included. Kids and adults alike have the chance to interact in science, collaborating in numerous experiments, and discovering the interactive galleries.
And in case your child has a smooth spot for science, you’ll be able to even arrange a party for him right here! The workers is pleasant, and the meals court docket affords quite a lot of dishes to select from, so you’ll be able to 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 residing historical past museum in Canada and it’s undoubtedly price seeing if you go to Edmonton.
Costumed performers stroll the reproduction of an 1885 avenue and you may tour an 1846 fort from the times of the Hudson Bay fur merchants. Take a journey on the historic avenue automobile 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 would like a take a look at bits and items of Alberta and Canadian historical past the Fort Edmonton Park affords 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 area.
The constructing itself is a formidable piece of structure. However there may be 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 effective place is an effective possibility if you wish to be taught extra about Canadian aviation historical past. The museum is housed in a historic airplane hangar on the former Blatchford Subject, which was as soon as one of many busiest airports in Canada.
Guests can take pleasure in a variety of displays, 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 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 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 displays.
10. Royal Alberta Museum
Situated close to the Artwork Gallery of Alberta, these make for an excellent 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. Devoted to pure historical past with greater than 10 million objects on show. With 82,000 sq. toes of exhibit area, the Royal Alberta Museum (RAM) is the Western Canada’s largest museum.
Go to the RAM Web site for extra data.
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 standard museum, however you’ll undoubtedly get wonderful images in case you determine to take a stroll within the space.
12. Alberta Railway Museum
For those who get to Edmonton’s northern suburbs, you’ll be able to 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 journey (solely accessible 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 wish to begin a brand new interest, you’ll be able to be taught 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. 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 the 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 the very best half is that you simply get off if you need to go to a store or seize a chunk and hop on if you end up able to see extra.
14. Grasp Out at Outdated Strathcona Historic District and White Avenue
It’s also often called 82 Avenue, and it’s among the best 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 totally different outlets, Whyte Avenue is an arterial street working via Outdated Strathcona.
The avenue bought its title 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 lots 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 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 workforce that The Nice One, Wayne Gretzky made historical past with throughout his hockey days breaking each file within the e-book. (too dangerous he’s hawking playing adverts nowadays, however that’s one other story)
The Edmonton Oilers play at Rogers Place which opened in 2016. It’s among the best 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 wish to see some Canadian soccer, make your strategy to Commonwealth Stadium to observe the Edmonton Elks (previously Edmonton Eskimos) play. Apart from getting used for the Canadian soccer league, it’s also used for quite a lot of different sporting and cultural occasions all year long.
In case you are 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 Middle
Winspear Middle is residence to the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. The middle was opened in 1997 and is positioned within the metropolis middle. Winspear Middle 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 taking part in now at their web site
18. Edmonton Worldwide Fringe Pageant
Are you a theater lover? Then you definately’ll in all probability need to try North America’s largest and oldest fringe pageant. The Edmonton Worldwide Fringe Pageant 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 Pageant options over 1000 performances that includes over 1500 nationwide and worldwide artists. Right here you’ll be able to expertise revolutionary 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 exhibits. Get pleasure from ten days of interrupted enjoyable on the Fringe Pageant in Edmonton!
19. Silver Skate Pageant
Do you bear 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 many years.
The pageant is known as after a historic pace skating occasion, the Silver Skates, which befell on the frozen North Saskatchewan River within the early twentieth century. As we speak, the pageant contains quite a lot of actions resembling ice-skating, cross-country snowboarding, snowshoeing, dwell music, artwork displays, and meals vehicles.
The pageant additionally hosts a lot of 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 have now talked about that Edmonton is a metropolis of festivals and some different festivals to maintain a watch out for are the Edmonton Heritage Pageant, The Shakespeare Pageant, The Vibrant 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. Situated 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 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 in addition to the bison and elk and it’s a well-liked vacation spot for outside recreation, with mountaineering trails, campgrounds, picnic areas, and lakes for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing.
Elk Island can be identified 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 affords a singular alternative to stargaze underneath among the clearest evening skies within the nation.
The Elk Island Nationwide Park is definitely accessible from Edmonton. The Yellowhead Freeway goes via the park. You’ll have to get a go to undergo the park, however the views are completely spectacular. Learn extra: The Most Stunning Nationwide Parks in Canada
21. Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village
Situated 50 km east of Edmonton, the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village (identified regionally 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 residence to over 30 genuine historic buildings, together with houses, church buildings, colleges, and farm buildings. These buildings have been rigorously preserved and restored, offering guests with a glimpse into the previous.
The village is ready in a picturesque rural panorama that gives 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. Journey to Jasper
No journey to Edmonton could be full with out seeing the Canadian Rocky Mountains and Jasper Nationwide Park. For those who drive, you may 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 practice is a minimum of 6.5 hours.
Even if it isn’t very straightforward to get there, a visit to Jasper is without doubt 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 Superb Issues to do in Jasper.
Tips on how to Get to Edmonton
Edmonton Worldwide Airport YEG), is 30 km from the town. To get round Edmonton and Alberta we extremely recommend renting a automobile. You may 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’ll be able to rent an airport taxi or take The Edmonton Skyshuttle. Uber and Lyft are additionally accessible. We advise reserving a personal driver upfront to take the trouble out of discovering transportaiton when touchdown.
By Automotive: Edmonton is definitely accessible by automobile, with a number of main highways passing via the 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. Examine 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. Examine automobile 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 Prepare: Don’t rule out the practice. Edmonton may be reached by main Canadian cities like Toronto, Vancouver, Winnipeg or Saskatchewan. Through Rail operates practice companies to Edmonton from different main Canadian cities, together with Vancouver and Toronto. The Edmonton practice station is positioned within the coronary heart of the town at 12360 121 St NW, making it simply accessible by public transit, taxi, or automobile.
By Bus: A number of bus corporations, 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 automobile.
Closing phrases about your journey to Edmonton, Alberta
A year-round vacation spot, Edmonton has loads to supply guests. And it’s troublesome to make a listing of the highest actions to strive whereas within the metropolis, particularly when you’ve got little time.
Some select to come back to Edmonton and spend most of their time on the golf course, whereas others discover it troublesome to go away North America’s largest mall as there is no such thing as a scarcity of leisure there. For those who do determine to e-book a trip in Edmonton ensure you get out to take pleasure in its stunning parks, cultural points of interest, and museums. Edmonton has lots happening!
