Called the Entrance to the North, Edmonton has 18 hours of sun in the summertime providing you a lot of time to delight in the outdoors. In the chillier months, the river valley is changed into a winter season wonderland as the Northern Lights dance in the sky. As Canada’s northern most significant city, Edmonton is likewise among the coldest cities on the planet.
Do not let that stop you from checking out however, Edmonton’s year-round destinations consist of the biggest mall in The United States and Canada, Canada’s biggest living history museum, Canada’s biggest historic park and Canada’s biggest indoor arboretums. No matter what season you visit you’ll constantly discover some incredible things to do in Edmonton.
Leading Things to Do in Edmonton
Are you prepared to find the very best things to do in Edmonton? The capital city of Alberta has something to please all tastes in travel. Referred to as the City of Celebrations, Edmonton has more than 50 celebrations a year, providing Montreal a run for its cash So no matter what time you check out, there makes certain to be something going on.
Reserve your airport transfer ahead of time to prevent airport troubles. Your personal motorist will take you from the Edmonton Airport (YEG) to your downtown hotel. Your motorist will be waiting with a name plate and will track your flight so you do not require to fret about hold-ups.
1. West Edmonton Shopping Center
West Edmonton Shopping Center is not the biggest mall on the planet (as some tend to think), however it is The United States and Canada’s biggest shopping center and a really remarkable home entertainment location. Including more than 800 stores, a water park, an ice-skating rink, a golf location, and a reproduction of Christopher Columbus’ ship the Santa Maria utilized in 1492, this shopping center is certainly worth a see.
Even if shopping is not on the list you need to go to the West Edmonton Shopping center to see the phenomenon. Besides the enjoyable destinations, there are range of dining establishments, shops and stores. You can even schedule lodging in among the 2 hotels at the shopping center.
- Dream Land Hotel and Resort— If you wish to remain at West Edmonton Shopping center, this hotel has style spaces and is linked straight to the shopping center.
- West Edmonton Shopping Center Inn— For a more cost effective choice simply steps far from the shopping center check out the West Edmonton Shopping Center Inn.
Edmonton World Waterpark
Including over 17 slides in a tropical, unique environment, World Waterpark is among the very best locations to hang out. The water park was opened to the general public in 1986 and lies inside the West Edmonton Shopping Center.
It is among The United States and Canada’s biggest indoor water parks, so it will keep the entire household captivated for hours, if not for an entire day. And do not fret if you didn’t bring a towel with you on your journey, simply arrive and lease a towel at the admissions workplace.
2. Edmonton Muttart Conservatory
Discover the pyramids! Not the ones in Egypt, however the ones in Edmonton, Alberta! We’re talking, obviously, about the arboretums at the Muttart Conservatory. 4 pyramids include more than 700 various types of plants from all over the world in 3 environments– Dry Pyramid, Temperate Pyramid, and Tropical Pyramid. The 4th pyramid is the highlighted pyramid with seasonal screens and events. It is among the biggest indoor arboretums in Canada.
An essential horticultural tourist attraction in Edmonton, Muttart Conservatory is found on the North Saskatchewan River valley, near to the downtown location. This is a year-round tourist attraction and among the very best things to do in Edmonton taking you from Myanmar to Fiji. ‘Make certain to walk to the high ground the river for views of the horizon. American Redwoods and Australian Eucalyptus.
Self Directed Audio Trip
Get this self assisted audio trip b efore you leave for your Edmonton journey. You can check out the city at your own rate as you listen to truths and history about Edmonton landmarks and destinations. Stops consist of, Sir Winston Churchill Square, Central Station, Castle Theatre, Stanley Milner Library, Edmonton Town Hall, St. Joseph’s Basilica, William Hawrelak Park and more.
3. Alberta Legislature Structure
The Alberta Legislature Structure is referred to as “The Ledge,” hosts the Legal Assembly and the Executive Council. The architecture of the structure is exceptional, however do not leave as quickly as you get your pictures with it. Make certain to go inside for views throughout the Saskatchewan River from its balcony.
The Alberta Legislature Structure provides totally free assisted trips through this renowned landmark in Edmonton. Built in between 1907 and 1913, it is acknowledged for its sensational Beaux-Arts architecture. You can examine their site for information.
Do not miss out on going outside, The Legislature Structure is surrounded by magnificently landscaped gardens and premises that use a tranquil and picturesque environment for visitors to delight in. The gardens consist of a showing swimming pool, water fountains, and various statues and monoliths.
Alberta Legislature Structure Visitor Centre
Do not miss out on having a look at the Visitor Centre which has a 4D immersive experience at Pehonan Theatre a visual history of the province of Alberta from its native origins to the 20th century. The Vistor Centre is found on the primary flooring of the Queen Elizabeth II Structure.
4. Edmonton River Valley Parks
Individuals of Edmonton understand how to delight in the outdoors. The North Saskatchewan River Valley Parks System covers 18,000 acres integrating 20 various parks throughout 48 km. Anything outdoors that your heart desires is offered in this green area.
Hiking and biking routes,( fat cycling in winter season) a golf course, gorges, and lakes and if you enjoy zoos, The Edmonton Valley Zoo is within the parks system. In the winter season, there’s cross-country snowboarding and even a downhill ski slope at the Edmonton Ski Club where you can go snow tubing.
Some parks you’ll be travelling through if you lease a bike or choose a run consist of:
- Hawrelak Park: A popular park with a lake, picnic websites, play grounds, and occasions throughout the year, consisting of the Heritage Celebration.
- William Hawrelak Park: A big park with a lake, strolling routes, picnic websites, and numerous occasions throughout the year, consisting of the Symphony Under the Sky.
- Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park: A park with strolling routes, picnic websites, and river gain access to.
- Rundle Park: A big park with a golf course, strolling routes, picnic websites, and a play area.
- Emily Murphy Park: A park with a play area, picnic websites, and river gain access to.
- Terwillegar Park: A park with strolling routes, picnic websites, and river gain access to.
- Victoria Golf Course: A golf course situated within the River Valley.
5. Louise McKinney Riverfront Park
Among the most popular parks in Edmonton is the Louise McKinney Riverfront Park. Found in the heart of downtown Edmonton along the banks of the North Saskatchewan River it is a gorgeous park to invest a long time outdoors. Lease a bike to choose a flight on its bike routes or just walk along the waterside to take in the city horizon views.
Make certain to go to the Chinese Garden for some peacefulness and to see the Edmonton Chinese Garden 9 Dragon Wall which includes a mural of the Great Wall of China on one side, and 9 dragons.
You can schedule bike leasings ahead of time to spin your method through the streets of Edmonton. Rental consists of tool bag, extra tubes, flat pedals, pump and helmet. You can likewise lease an e-bike for a much easier trip, which we recommend for sightseeing. The River Valley Experience Business likewise leases bikes in Edmonton.
River Valley Experiences
The River Valley Experience Business lies in the park and they use Segway trips and bike leasings in the summertime and fat bike and snowshoe leasings in the winter season.
You can schedule this segway trip that let’s you experience Alberta’s Edmonton River Valley in a special method on 2 wheels. You’ll have see of the Edmonton Riverboat along the North Saskatchewan river and the picturesque Walterdale Bridge which provides stunning views of the Edmonton horizon.
6. TELUS World of Science in Edmonton
The science center lies in the Woodcroft area, near to Crowning Park. Telus World of Science intends to fire up interest and motivate discovery, and this makes it a terrific location for individuals of any ages, kids consisted of. Kids and grownups alike have the chance to participate in science, taking part in various experiments, and finding the interactive galleries.
And if your kid has a soft area for science, you can even arrange a birthday celebration for him here! The personnel gets along, and the food court provides a range of meals to select from, so you can invest a couple of hours here taking pleasure in the finding out experience!
7. Fort Edmonton Park
Time has actually stopped at Fort Edmonton Park where the streets are frozen in time. The 158 acre park is the biggest living history museum in Canada and it’s certainly worth seeing when you check out Edmonton.
Costumed entertainers stroll the reproduction of an 1885 street and you can visit an 1846 fort from the days of the Hudson Bay fur traders. Take a flight on the historical street cars and truck from 1909 and check out the leisure of the 1929 Capitol Theatre. It hosts occasions and shows.
There is a Hudson Bay Fort and streets recreating Edmonton’s early history in 1885, 1905 and 1920. If you desire a take a look at bits and pieces of Alberta and Canadian history the Fort Edmonton Park provides unforgettable experiences for everybody. Go to the fort for information.
8. Art Gallery of Alberta
The residents call it AGA (the acronym for Art Gallery of Alberta). The 8000 square meters structure lies in downtown Edmonton, so you will not have any problems discovering it. Devoted to visual arts highlighting Western Canada. 6000 pieces, present store, dining establishment and theatre area.
The structure itself is an outstanding piece of architecture. However there is more to the AGA than the magic of modern-day architecture. Art Gallery of Alberta is amongst Canada’s biggest galleries including modern and historic exhibits.
9. Alberta Air Travel Museum
Are you enthusiastic about air travel? The Alberta Air Travel Museum is an excellent location is an excellent choice if you wish to discover more about Canadian air travel history. The museum is housed in a historical aircraft garage at the previous Blatchford Field, which was as soon as among the busiest airports in Canada.
Visitors can delight in a vast array of exhibitions, consisting of vintage airplane, engines, and air travel artifacts from the early days of air travel to the modern-day age. With 40 airplane consisting of a The second world war bomber and a reproduction of the Silver Dart, the very first powered aircraft to fly in Canada, this is a dream for history enthusiasts.
The museum likewise provides curricula and occasions for visitors of any ages. Kids can take part in the museum’s Junior Pilots Program, where they can discover air travel through hands-on activities and interactive exhibitions.
10. Royal Alberta Museum
Found near the Art Gallery of Alberta, these produce an excellent mix. The Royal Alberta Museum is a natural and human history museum with the normal See displays clearly Albertan highlighting Alberta’s Heritage and environment. Devoted to nature with more than 10 million items on display screen. With 82,000 square feet of exhibition area, the Royal Alberta Museum (RAM) is the Western Canada’s biggest museum.
See the RAM Site to learn more.
Open Friday– Sunday
11. Neon Indication Museum
Let there be light! With some history behind it! This is really an outside setup of vintage indications. Twenty neon indications initially from shops, railways, and theaters have actually been reconditioned and held on a structure. It’s not your traditional museum, however you’ll certainly get incredible pictures if you choose to walk in the location.
12. Alberta Train Museum
If you get to Edmonton’s northern suburban areas, you can check out Alberta Train Museum. The museum was established in 1976 to protect the train heritage. Here you’ll find over 75 engines and an outstanding collection of still-operating, along with fixed engines. However the emphasize of this see is the chance to go on a train trip (just offered throughout summertime).
Who does not like trains? This museum is house to a large huge collection of classic trains, consisting of steam, diesel, and electrical engines. It likewise has design trains. If you wish to begin a brand-new pastime, you can discover everything about design railroading here. Take an assisted trip for an extensive take a look at rail transport and history in Alberta.
13. High Level Bridge Tram
Owned by the Edmonton Radial Train Society, the High Level Bridge Tram is a heritage tram. Working on the previous Canadian Pacific Train Among the important things to do in Edmonton is to take a flight in it and delight in magnificent views of the city and the river valley.
Your journey through Edmonton’s river valley in the hundred-year-old old tram can take you to Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market and over the High Level Bridge. And the very best part is that you leave when you wish to check out a store or get a bite and get on when you are prepared to see more.
14. Hang Out at Old Strathcona Historic District and White Opportunity
It is likewise referred to as 82 Opportunity, and it is among the very best locations in Edmonton! Lots of make it a concern to get to the coolest area in Edmonton. With a diverse mix of dining establishments, theaters, and various stores, Whyte Opportunity is an arterial roadway going through Old Strathcona.
The opportunity got its name in 1891, after Sir Willian Whyte (superintendent of the CPR’s western department). We can state that Whyte Opportunity is the body and soul of the arts & & enjoyable district, so it is certainly a not-to-miss tourist attraction. Mentioning CPR, The historical Canadian Pacific Train Station is another tourist attraction in the location that was integrated in 1908.
There are a lot of things to keep you hectic in the Strathcona Historic District with the Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market, the Strathcona Antique Shopping Center and The Princess Theatre. The Princess Theatre goes back to 1915 and is an excellent location to capture a film in a timeless setting. There aren’t a lot of them left!
This strolling trip takes you through Strathcona and White Opportunity following the history from the Klondike Gold Rush to individuals who lived there. The path starts at the old train station tracing the history of this historical location.
15. Rogers Location
No check out to any Canadian city would be total without seeing a hockey video game throughout the hockey season and Edmonton is no various. The Edmonton Oilers are famous. It was the group that The Great One, Wayne Gretzky made history with throughout his hockey days breaking every record in the book. (regrettable he’s hawking betting advertisements nowadays, however that’s another story)
The Edmonton Oilers dip into Rogers Location which opened in 2016. It is among the very best sports and home entertainment locations in The United States and Canada. When hockey isn’t playing, it hosts numerous occasions and shows.
16. Commonwealth Arena
If you wish to see some Canadian football, make your method to Commonwealth Arena to enjoy the Edmonton Elks (previously Edmonton Eskimos) play. Besides being utilized for the Canadian football league, it is likewise utilized for a range of other sporting and cultural occasions throughout the year.
If you are checking out Edmonton throughout a time without any football on the books, do not fret, there are numerous occasions and music efficiencies throughout the year. Inspect their schedule for occasions.
17. Winspear Center
Winspear Center is house to the Edmonton Chamber Orchestra. The center was opened in 1997 and lies in the town hall. Winspear Center is a carrying out arts centre that hosts various kinds of occasions and shows. The acoustic is incredible, so do not think twice to go see your preferred show here. See what is playing now at their site
18. Edmonton International Fringe Celebration
Are you a theater fan? Then you’ll most likely wish to take a look at The United States and Canada’s biggest and earliest fringe celebration. The Edmonton International Fringe Celebration is kept in August in the Old Strathcona District. Artists and street entertainers line the streets and initial productions occur in the lots of theatres.
The Edmonton Fringe Celebration includes over 1000 efficiencies including over 1500 nationwide and worldwide artists. Here you can experience ingenious theater without fretting that your kids will get tired. Fringe Theater Celebration has household and kids-friendly efficiencies and likewise Theater for Young Audience programs. Take pleasure in 10 days of disrupted enjoyable at the Fringe Celebration in Edmonton!
19. Silver Skate Celebration
Do you remember we stated that Edmonton is a city of celebrations? Yes, even in the dead of winter season, residents go out to welcome the cold. The Silver Skate Celebration is an event of winter season sports and culture that has actually been kept in the Edmonton for more than 3 years.
The celebration is called after a historical speed skating occasion, the Silver Skates, which occurred on the frozen North Saskatchewan River in the early 20th century. Today, the celebration consists of a range of activities such as ice-skating, cross-country snowboarding, snowshoeing, live music, art displays, and food trucks.
The celebration likewise hosts a variety of competitors, consisting of the yearly Canadian Birkebeiner ski race, among the biggest cross-country ski races in The United States and Canada. Have a look at another winter season celebration in Canada Winterlude Travel Plan– The Ultimate Guide to Ottawa
Other celebrations in Edmonton
In the summertime Louise McKinney Riverfront Park is the heart of the celebration scene hosting The River City Shakespeare Celebration, the Edmonton Dragon Boat Celebration, and the Edmonton International Jazz Celebration.
We have actually pointed out that Edmonton is a city of celebrations and a couple of other celebrations to watch out for are the Edmonton Heritage Celebration, The Shakespeare Celebration, The Bright Night’s Celebration
20. Elk Island National Forest and Beaver Hills
Established in 1906, Elk Island National Forest is a safeguarded location in the Beaver Hills area. It was produced to protect and secure the last of the huge elk herds. Found simply 35 minutes from Edmonton, Elk Island NP was the very first wildlife sanctuary in Canada. Besides the huge elk, it has actually likewise been a safe house for the diminishing herds of Plains bison and wood bison for more than a a century.
The park covers a location of 194 square kilometers and is house to a varied series of wildlife besides the bison and elk and it is a popular location for outside leisure, with treking routes, camping sites, picnic locations, and lakes for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing.
Elk Island is likewise understood for its dark sky protect. In the winter season, Alberta’s nights are long producing outstanding chances to see the Northern Lights. Elk Island National forest provides a special chance to stargaze under a few of the clearest night skies in the nation.
The Elk Island National forest is quickly available from Edmonton. The Yellowhead Highway goes through the park. You will need to get a pass to go through the park, however the views are definitely magnificent. Find out more: One Of The Most Lovely National Parks in Canada
21. Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Town
Found 50 km east of Edmonton, the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Town (understood in your area as The Town) is an outdoor museum committed to maintaining the Ukrainian Culture and history fo the Ukrainian immigrants who concerned Canada.
The town is house to over 30 genuine historic structures, consisting of houses, churches, schools, and farm structures. These structures have actually been thoroughly protected and brought back, supplying visitors with a peek into the past.
The town is embeded in a stunning rural landscape that provides visitors a tranquil and peaceful environment. The town’s natural setting consists of rolling hills, forests, and streams, making it a perfect location for a field trip from Edmonton.
22. Journey to Jasper
No journey to Edmonton would be total without seeing the Canadian Rocky Mountains and Jasper National Forest. If you drive, you can get to Jasper from Edmonton in about 4 hours. You can likewise take a bus, however it will be a longer trip, around 5 hours. By train is no less than 6.5 hours.
Regardless of the reality that it is not extremely simple to arrive, a journey to Jasper is among the very best things to place on your order of business while in the location. Jasper National Forest is the biggest park in the Canadian Rockies, and this is simply among the important things that makes Jasper an attractive location for lots of tourists. Take A Look At all the Incredible Things to do in Jasper
How to Get to Edmonton
Edmonton International Airport YEG), is 30 km from the city. To navigate Edmonton and Alberta we extremely recommend leasing an automobile. You can take a look at Vehicle Leasings for rates and schedule. Cabs, Uber and airport shuttle bus can take you downtown.
If you aren’t leasing an automobile, you can employ an airport taxi or take The Edmonton Skyshuttle. Uber and Lyft are likewise offered. We recommend scheduling a personal motorist ahead of time to take the trouble out of discovering transportaiton when landing.
By Vehicle: Edmonton is quickly available by cars and truck, with numerous significant highways travelling through the city. The Yellowhead Highway (Highway 16) links Edmonton to British Columbia to the west and Saskatchewan to the east. The Queen Elizabeth II Highway (Highway 2) links Edmonton to Calgary to the south. Other significant highways that link to Edmonton consist of Highway 216 (Anthony Henday Drive) and Highway 28. Compare Vehicle Rental Costs for Edmonton here.
Edmonton is 3 hours straight north of Calgary up Highway 2. By Canadian requirements, this is a brief drive. Get your Tim Hortons Double Double and get driving. Compare cars and truck rental rates here.
However if you wish to take a more picturesque drive, make your method to Banff and increase the Icefield’s parkway to Jasper and after that onward to Edmonton. Why not make a complete loop?
By Train: Do not eliminate the train. Edmonton can be reached by significant Canadian cities like Toronto, Vancouver, Winnipeg or Saskatchewan. Via Rail runs train services to Edmonton from other significant Canadian cities, consisting of Vancouver and Toronto. The Edmonton train station lies in the heart of the city at 12360 121 St NW, making it quickly available by public transit, taxi, or cars and truck.
By Bus: Numerous bus business, such as Greyhound, deal services to Edmonton from other Canadian cities, consisting of Calgary, Vancouver, and Winnipeg. The Edmonton bus station lies downtown at 10041 103 St NW, making it quickly available by public transit, taxi, or cars and truck.
Last words about your journey to Edmonton, Alberta
A year-round location, Edmonton has plenty to use visitors. And it’s tough to make a list of the leading activities to attempt while in the city, particularly if you have little time.
Some select to come to Edmonton and invest the majority of their time on the golf course, while others discover it tough to leave The United States and Canada’s biggest shopping center as there is no scarcity of home entertainment there. If you do choose to schedule a holiday in Edmonton ensure you go out to enjoy its stunning parks, cultural destinations, and museums. Edmonton has a lot going on!