Often known as 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 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 points of interest embrace 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. Often 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 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 resort. Your driver can 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 shouldn’t be the most important shopping center on the planet (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 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 unquestionably price a go to.
Even when procuring shouldn’t be on the listing you have to go to the West Edmonton Mall to see the spectacle. In addition to the enjoyable points of interest, there are number of eating places, shops and boutiques. You may even ebook 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 reasonably priced choice simply steps away from the mall try the West Edmonton Mall Inn.
Edmonton World Waterpark
That includes over 17 slides in a tropical, unique atmosphere, 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 in all North America’s largest indoor water parks, so it should hold the entire household entertained for hours, if not for an entire day. And don’t fear when 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, after all, in regards to the botanical gardens on the Muttart Conservatory. 4 pyramids characteristic greater than 700 totally different species of vegetation from around the globe in three climates – Arid Pyramid, Temperate Pyramid, and Tropical Pyramid. The fourth pyramid is the featured pyramid with seasonal shows and celebrations. It is likely one of the largest indoor botanical gardens in Canada.
An vital 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 finest 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 permit on your Edmonton journey. You may discover town at your individual 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 pictures with it. Ensure that to go inside for views throughout the Saskatchewan River from its terrace.
The Alberta Legislature Constructing gives 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 verify their web site for particulars.
Don’t miss going exterior, The Legislature Constructing is surrounded by superbly landscaped gardens and grounds that provide a peaceable and scenic atmosphere 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 testing 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 easy methods 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 on the market on this inexperienced area.
Mountain climbing 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 may go snow tubing.
Some parks you’ll be passing via when 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 Competition.
- William Hawrelak Park: A big park with a lake, strolling trails, picnic websites, and several other occasions all year long, together with the Symphony Beneath 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 crucial fashionable 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 lovely park to spend a while open air. Hire a bicycle to go for a trip on its bike trails or just stroll alongside the waterfront to absorb 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 ebook bicycle leases upfront to spin your means via 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 neater trip, 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 supply Segway excursions and bike leases in the summertime and fats bike and snowshoe leases within the winter.
You may ebook this segway tour that permit’s you expertise Alberta’s Edmonton River Valley in a novel means on two wheels. You’ll have see of the Edmonton Riverboat alongside the North Saskatchewan river and the scenic Walterdale Bridge which gives lovely 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 an exquisite vacation spot for individuals 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 may even manage a birthday celebration for him right here! The employees is pleasant, and the meals courtroom gives a wide range of dishes to select from, so you may 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 most important dwelling historical past museum in Canada and it’s undoubtedly price seeing if you go to Edmonton.
Costumed performers stroll the reproduction of an 1885 road and you’ll tour an 1846 fort from the times of the Hudson Bay fur merchants. Take a trip on the historic road 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 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 recent structure. Artwork Gallery of Alberta is amongst Canada’s largest galleries that includes modern and historic exhibitions.
9. Alberta Aviation Museum
Are you keen about aviation? The Alberta Aviation Museum is an efficient place is an efficient choice 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 Discipline, which was as soon as one of many busiest airports in Canada.
Guests can take pleasure in a variety of reveals, together with classic plane, engines, and aviation artifacts from the early days of aviation to the trendy period. With 40 plane together with a World Warfare 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 academic packages and occasions for guests of all ages. Kids can take part within the museum’s Junior Pilots Program, the place they will study aviation via hands-on actions and interactive reveals.
10. Royal Alberta Museum
Situated close to the Artwork Gallery of Alberta, these make for an awesome 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 atmosphere. 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 gentle! With some historical past behind it! That is really 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 pictures when you resolve to take a stroll within the space.
12. Alberta Railway Museum
For those who 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 trip (solely obtainable throughout summer season).
Who doesn’t love trains? This museum is house 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 pastime, you may be taught 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 trip in it and luxuriate 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 the perfect half is that you simply get off if you need to go to a store or seize a chew and hop on if you end up able to see extra.
14. Hold Out at Outdated Strathcona Historic District and White Avenue
Additionally it is generally known as 82 Avenue, and it’s among the finest 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 operating via Outdated Strathcona.
The avenue obtained its title in 1891, after Sir Willian Whyte (superintendent of the CPR’s western division). We will say that Whyte Avenue is the guts 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 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 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 sport throughout the hockey season and Edmonton isn’t 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 document within the ebook. (too dangerous 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 among the finest 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 approach to Commonwealth Stadium to look at the Edmonton Elks (previously Edmonton Eskimos) play. In addition to getting used for the Canadian soccer league, it’s also used for a wide range 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. Verify their schedule for occasions.
17. Winspear Heart
Winspear Heart is house to the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. The middle was opened in 1997 and is positioned within the metropolis middle. Winspear Heart is a performing arts centre that hosts several types of occasions and concert events. The acoustic is fabulous, so don’t hesitate to go see your favourite live performance right here. See what’s taking part in now at their web site
18. Edmonton Worldwide Fringe Competition
Are you a theater lover? You then’ll in all probability need to try North America’s largest and oldest fringe competition. The Edmonton Worldwide Fringe Competition 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 Competition 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 Competition has household and kids-friendly performances and likewise Theater for Younger Viewers exhibits. Take pleasure in ten days of interrupted enjoyable on the Fringe Competition in Edmonton!
19. Silver Skate Competition
Do you keep in mind we stated that Edmonton is a metropolis of festivals? Sure, even within the lifeless 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 many years.
The competition is called after a historic velocity skating occasion, the Silver Skates, which befell on the frozen North Saskatchewan River within the early twentieth century. Right now, the competition consists of a wide range of actions resembling ice-skating, cross-country snowboarding, snowshoeing, dwell music, artwork reveals, and meals vehicles.
The competition 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 competition in Canada Winterlude Itinerary – The Final Information to Ottawa
Different festivals in Edmonton
In the summertime Louise McKinney Riverfront Park is the guts of the competition scene internet hosting The River Metropolis Shakespeare Competition, the Edmonton Dragon Boat Competition, and the Edmonton Worldwide Jazz Competition.
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 Competition, The Shakespeare Competition, The Vibrant 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 shield the final of the massive elk herds. Situated simply 35 minutes from Edmonton, Elk Island NP was the primary wildlife refuge in Canada. In addition to the massive 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 house 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 wonderful alternatives to see the Northern Lights. Elk Island Nationwide Park gives a novel alternative to stargaze underneath among the clearest night time 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 cross to undergo the park, however the views are completely spectacular. Learn extra: The Most Lovely Nationwide Parks in Canada
21. Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village
Situated 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 house to over 30 genuine historic buildings, together with properties, 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 about in a picturesque rural panorama that gives guests a peaceable and stress-free atmosphere. The village’s pure setting consists of rolling hills, forests, and streams, making it a super 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 may get to Jasper from Edmonton in about 4 hours. You too can take a bus, however it will likely be an extended trip, roughly 5 hours. By prepare is a minimum of 6.5 hours.
Even supposing 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 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.
Learn how to Get to Edmonton
Edmonton Worldwide Airport YEG), is 30 km from town. To get round Edmonton and Alberta we extremely counsel 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 may rent an airport taxi or take The Edmonton Skyshuttle. Uber and Lyft are additionally obtainable. We propose reserving a non-public driver upfront to take the effort out of discovering transportaiton when touchdown.
By Automotive: Edmonton is definitely 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. 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 approach 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 prepare. Edmonton could be reached by main Canadian cities like Toronto, Vancouver, Winnipeg or Saskatchewan. Through 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 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.
Ultimate phrases about your journey to Edmonton, Alberta
A year-round vacation spot, Edmonton has loads to supply guests. And it’s troublesome to make an inventory of the highest actions to attempt whereas within the metropolis, particularly when 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 isn’t any scarcity of leisure there. For those who do resolve to ebook a trip in Edmonton be sure you get out to take pleasure in its lovely parks, cultural points of interest, and museums. Edmonton has rather a lot occurring!
