The entire finest issues to do in Edmonton, Canada in our complete information. You’ll be amazed at what to do in Edmonton, regardless of your journey type!

Edmonton was first established as a fur buying and selling outpost by the English in 1795.

As a result of fur buying and selling was such a profitable trade on the time, town was first created as a fort to guard the pursuits of the merchants.

Edmonton additionally grew in significance and measurement all through its historical past as each oil booms and gold rushes introduced individuals and investments into the world. Over time town turned an essential a part of the Canadian nation.

Now, Edmonton is Alberta’s capital metropolis and sits on each side of the North Saskatchewan River.

Edmonton is wealthy in historical past and tradition! There are historic buildings, artwork galleries, and landmarks. Town was even given the nickname “Pageant Metropolis” and has over 2 dozen festivals annually.

This is without doubt one of the many explanation why Edmonton is a favorite metropolis to go to amongst travellers. 

READ MORE: Take a look at our final information to the finest issues to do in Calgary!

In Edmonton you will discover Canada’s largest Residing Historical past Museum, the biggest historic park and North America’s largest shopping center. 

Whether or not you need to go to for the tradition and historical past of town, or you’re on the lookout for out of doors actions to get pleasure from, right here is our checklist of unbelievable issues to do in Edmonton. 

The 13 Finest Issues to Do in Edmonton

Edmonton is centrally positioned within the Canadian province of Alberta. As such, there’s a combination of outside journey and tradition.

Being only a quick drive from close by Calgary to Edmonton, and even nearer to the extremely fashionable nationwide parks of Banff Nationwide Park and Jasper Nationwide Park, town is a good place to proceed your Canadian expertise. 

Moreover, as a result of the world was such a strategic level in Edmonton’s early historical past for its unique settlers, there are a lot of totally different museums to discover. 

However much more thrilling than the tradition and out of doors actions are the locals who make up town.

Recognized for bringing in a number of the most artistic and entertaining festivals, the individuals of Edmonton are very happy with the occasions that they host. 

Whether or not you come to expertise one of many many superb festivals, otherwise you need to discover town’s historical past and tradition, ensure so as to add these actions to your checklist of issues to do in Edmonton!

1) Spend Time With All Types of Critters on the Edmonton Valley Zoo

The Edmonton Valley Zoo is located on the North Saskatchewan River and is residence to over 350 animals.

With loads of mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles within the zoo, you’re going to get to see quite a lot of wildlife in a extra intimate setting than most zoos.

From native Canadian animals such because the arctic wolf, bighorn sheep, and caribou to extra unique animals like a Siberian tiger and a two-toed sloth there are many animals to get pleasure from.

There’s even an elephant from Sri Lanka! Whether or not you like animals large or small a visit to the Edmonton Valley Zoo is not going to disappoint!

• Deal with: 13315 Buena Vista Highway (87th Avenue)
• Hours: Every day 10 am – 4 pm
• Price: Grownup (18-64) $10.95, Youngster (2-12) $7.75 , Youth (13-17) / Senior (65+) $9.95

READ MORE: Right here’s our final Canada journey information that can assist you benefit from your journey!

2) Get pleasure from a Segway Tour of the Edmonton River Valley

One of many extra distinctive methods to go sightseeing in downtown Edmonton is by segway.

Edmonton is residence to the biggest city park in Canada!

With over 150 kilometres of pathways and trails, touring the Edmonton River Valley by Segway is a improbable option to see town sights and over 20 metropolis parks that line the North Saskatchewan River.

Study concerning the wealthy historical past of Edmonton from a neighborhood tour information as you meander in your segway by means of botanical gardens, cross over the river on wood bridges, and cease to absorb the superb views of the Edmonton River Valley. 

You’ll additionally move by the Alberta Legislature Constructing. An imposing constructing within the metropolis, the Alberta Legislature Constructing is a surprising piece of structure you can additionally tour to study concerning the authorities processes within the metropolis.

3) Take a Leisurely Stroll By way of Mill Creek Ravine Park

One of many favorite parks to bike, jog, and stroll by each locals and vacationers is Mill Creek Ravine Park.

Get misplaced amidst the bushes that line Mill Creek as you permit town’s city sights behind.

The creek that runs the size of the park was named after a flour mill that was in-built 1878.

Part of the Edmonton, Yukon and Pacific railway as soon as ran the size of the creek. The railway is now the park’s pedestrian and bike path.

When strolling or biking the path you’ll cross 4 wood railway trestles, the biggest one being Mill Creek Trestle at 76 Avenue. In 2004 that trestle turned acknowledged as a Municipal Historic Useful resource. 

Pack a picnic lunch and begin your journey at Connors Rd. Cease and take a break at Historic Whyte Ave to eat your lunch and birdwatch for Chickadees, nuthatches, waxwings redpolls and pine siskins.

Proceed on right down to 63 Ave the place the park ends after which loop again. The whole loop is round 10 kilometres.

• Hours: 5 am-11 pm
• Price: Free

4) Go to One of many Many Festivals Held at William Hawrelak Park

Whether or not you go to Edmonton within the spring, summer season, fall or winter, you may be certain to discover a enjoyable pageant to attend!

There are over 50 festivals held yearly so you may be certain to discover a pageant that fits your fancy.

From Shakespeare performs and movies within the park to exploring ice castles within the winter, there’s by no means a scarcity of thrilling festivals and native food and drinks to relish.

In any case, Edmonton prides itself on being THE Pageant Metropolis!

Some festivals to maintain a watch out for embrace: The Edmonton Movie Pageant (late September), Edmonton Comedy Pageant (mid-October), Luminaria (December), Edmonton Craft Beer Pageant (late Could) and the Freewill Shakespeare Pageant (June to July). 

Additionally take a look at the Edmonton Worldwide Fringe Pageant. Hosted in August yearly by the Fringe Theatre, the Edmonton Worldwide Fringe Pageant is without doubt one of the most well-known arts festivals in Western Canada.

5) Discover the Alberta Aviation Museum 

The Alberta Aviation Museum is without doubt one of the high Edmonton sights.

Constructed within the final remaining World Battle II-era hangar, the museum performs host to quite a lot of aeroplanes all through historical past.

Don’t let its wonky hours throw you off. If you’re into aerospace historical past this museum is certainly value a go to.

With greater than 30 plane on show, many restored from the bottom up, you’ll achieve an understanding of the area’s flight historical past and the position that these planes performed all through the event of Alberta. 

The Alberta Railway Museum is one other fascinating place to go to. When you’re keen on trains and floor transport as well as air transport, head to the Alberta Railway Museum after the plane museum!

• Price: Adults $15 / College students $12 / Youth $10.50 / Youngsters (6-12) $9.50
• Hours: Open Every day 10am – 4pm (shut at 5pm on weekends and in the course of the summer season months)
• Deal with: 11410 Kingsway NW

READ MORE: Don’t miss this checklist of the high Banff sights if you happen to’re heading that method (and you need to)!

6) Store (or Play!) on the Largest Indoor Mall in North America 

One among Edmonton, Canada’s factors of curiosity that’s most original is the West Edmonton Mall.

Dubbed “North America’s Largest Mall,” the West Edmonton Mall boasts over 20,000 parking spots to accommodate big crowds of holiday makers.

Other than providing dozens upon dozens of high-quality identify model retailers, the mall is extra of a theme park than a buying centre.

Points of interest embrace World Waterpark, Galaxyland, Marinelife, Iceland, Dragon Story, Alien Outbreak and each bowling and a mini-golf course.

Visiting the West Edmonton Mall could possibly be a visit in itself as it’s also possible to e book resort rooms within the mall itself!

Whether or not you’ve come to play, store or just take within the huge measurement of the West Edmonton Mall itself, one can find loads of issues to do to maintain you entertained!

• Hours: Every day 10 am – 9 pm
• Deal with: 8882 170 Avenue NW

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7) Go for a Trip on the Excessive Stage Bridge Streetcar

Take a trip on a historic streetcar and see views of Edmonton you gained’t discover elsewhere.

The Excessive Stage Bridge Streetcar is the world’s highest streetcar river crossing!

Journey from downtown Edmonton to the historic Previous Strathcona district.

The trolleys are over 100 years outdated and every has its personal historical past.

Purchase a spherical journey move and attempt to catch a trip in every trolley after which go to the streetcar museum without cost!

Edmonton #1 is the unique trolley that left service in 1951. It wasn’t till 1979 when the trolley was introduced again into service and journeys throughout the excessive degree road bridge started.

The streetcars are run by native volunteers who do an incredible job offering details about Edmonton and the historical past of the streetcars and space. 

Be certain to hold money with you as they don’t settle for playing cards. 

• Price: Age 6 and over: $7.00 (round-trip) or $4.00 (one-way) Household: $25.00 (round-trip)

8) Benefit from the Nice Outdoor at Elk Island Nationwide Park

If the nice outdoor is extra your type then plan to go to Elk Island Nationwide Park.

It’s positioned simply 35 minutes east of Edmonton.

Initially based in 1906 as an Elk refuge, it was Canada’s first wildlife protect.

Although it began as a refuge to guard one of many final large elk herds within the space, Elk Island Nationwide Park turned an essential space for the safety of American Bison.

It’s residence to over 700 Bison, 400 plain Bison and 300 wooden Bison.

There are numerous totally different species of mammals you can see there together with, mule deer, whitetail, moose, coyote, lynx, beaver, porcupine and generally black bear and wolves.

You may also discover over 250 fowl species. 

With over 80 kilometres of trails, mountaineering is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Elk Island, you might even stumble upon a herd of Bison or Elk!

The park is part of the Beaver Hills Darkish Sky Protect, making it an incredible place to stargaze!

Elk Island Nationwide Park is open 24hrs so no worries about when to reach, the later the higher.

You could even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights whereas there!

There are quite a few out of doors actions you are able to do whereas there.

From cross nation snowboarding and ice skating within the winter to windsurfing, kayaking and swimming in the summertime! 

Nice enjoyable is for certain to be discovered by all in Elk Island Nationwide Park.

9) Do Some Fingers-On Science on the TELUS World Of Science

The TELUS World of Science is a non-profit interactive facility with the aim of inspiring individuals to embrace science as a option to change the world.

With the slogan, “celebrating science,” the ability has quite a lot of actions and leisure designed to make science enjoyable.

Whereas a few of these are seasonal actions that rotate periodically, plan to expertise the RASC Observatory, IMAX films and interactive science experiments.

There are additionally displays on Marvel’s Universe and the true universe through a space-themed gallery.

Whether or not you’re travelling with youngsters or are a child at coronary heart, the TELUS World of Science ought to undoubtedly be in your checklist of what to do in Edmonton. 

• Price: Adults $33.95, Youngster (3-12) $25.25, Youth (13-17) / Senior (65+) $29.95
• Deal with: 11211 142 Avenue NW
• Hours: Open day by day 10am – 5pm

READ MORE: 15 superb issues to do in Winnipeg.

10) Go to the Royal Alberta Museum

If you wish to find out about Alberta’s wealthy historical past and tradition, then a go to to the newly designed Royal Alberta Museum is a should!

The Royal Alberta Museum vividly tells the story of its individuals, tradition and historical past and offers guests an expertise they gained’t discover wherever else.

There are pure and human historical past displays narrating the historical past of Alberta’s landscapes, individuals and animals.

Additionally, you will study concerning the Indigenous, whose historical past might be present in all six human historical past halls.

Youngsters will benefit from the museum as nicely with a hands-on exhibit and a bug gallery. 

• Deal with: 19810 103a Ave NW
• Hours: Open day by day 10am – 4pm (Closed Tuesdays)
• Price: Grownup (18-64) $21, Youngster (underneath 6) Free , Youth (7-17) $10 Senior (65+) $14

11) Watch the Oilers Play at Rogers Place

A quite enjoyable and distinctive Edmonton exercise is to look at the Oilers play skilled hockey at Rogers Place area.

Based in 1971 by W.D. Hunter and Dr. Chuck Allard, the Oilers are one of many first twelve skilled hockey groups.

The Oilers dominated the Stanley Cup within the Nineteen Eighties, profitable a document (tied solely with the Penguins) 5 championships.

They haven’t gained since, however don’t let that cease you from seeing a sport!

Within the 2016/17 season, they made the playoffs and have since drafted a number of the finest hockey gamers. 

Rogers Place is a more moderen area, in-built 2016.  

12) Take a Step Again in Time at Fort Edmonton Park

By far, one of many high issues to do in Edmonton is to go to Fort Edmonton Park. Fort Edmonton is Canada’s largest dwelling historical past museum.

The park has 4 areas representing the historical past of Edmonton from the fur commerce in 1846 to the Metropolitan period in 1920.

In the summertime you’ll be entertained by costumed historic actors that stroll every road. The totally different areas embrace each unique and rebuilt constructions.

The thought of Fort Edmonton Park started when the stays of the unique fort was demolished in 1915. The fort has since been rebuilt to scale and went on show when the park opened in 1974.

On the entrance, you’ll board a steam prepare that can take you to the fort.

From there you possibly can stroll to every road representing a special period, 1846 road, 1885 road, 1905 road and 1920 road. 

There’s not simply historical past at this park. There are numerous occasions held there yearly, together with reside theatre and concert events on the Capitol Theatre.

Seize a tasty beverage on the Mahogany Room Bar on 1920 road earlier than going to Halfway to trip the Ferris Wheel or Carousel or play a spherical of miniature golf at Tom Thumb.

There’s loads of enjoyable available at Fort Edmonton Park! 

At present Closed for Renovation however is reopneing in Could 2022! Test the web site for updates. 

13) Tour the Artwork Gallery of Alberta

The Artwork Gallery of Alberta is without doubt one of the high sights in Edmonton.

The constructing itself is tremendous fashionable and distinctive, and the artwork gallery inside hosts a powerful show of visible arts.

You’ll discover numerous particular exhibitions showcasing native artists, in addition to artwork shows that embrace all kinds of genres and types.

When you’re a fan of artwork, the Artwork Gallery of Alberta is a should do!

• Deal with: 2 Sir Winston Churchill Sq.
• Hours: Every day 11am – 5pm, shut at 7pm on Thursdays, Closed Mondays/Tuesdays
• Price: $14 Common Admission, $10 college students/seniors

Edmonton Journey Information

Now that we’ve proven you all the most effective issues to do in Edmonton, and the highest Edmonton sights, it’s time to seek out out the place to remain and the place to eat!

We’ve put collectively this mini journey information that can assist you benefit from your time within the metropolis.

Finest Lodging – The place to Keep In Edmonton

After you might have discovered what to see in Edmonton, now it’s time to find out the most effective place to remain the night time.

Canada is just not probably the most reasonably priced nation wherein to journey.

Nonetheless, like many locations all over the world, there are all the time choices for the budget-savvy traveller. 

Lodging in Edmonton will vary from conventional hostels to quite a lot of decisions in resort high quality.

Every will give you the chance to get pleasure from your time wandering by means of town while realizing that you’ve an incredible place to return for the night time. 

With that stated, these are a couple of of the most effective choices you should have as you spend time in Edmonton sightseeing and exploring town. 

The Finest Hostel In Edmonton – HI Edmonton 

HI Edmonton is a novel hostel positioned in a quiet neighbourhood near the historic district of Previous Strathcona.

The realm affords up loads of artwork, tradition and leisure making this hostel probably the greatest locations to remain!

HI Edmonton can be near the River Valley the place there’s a mountaineering and biking path system. 

HI Edmonton affords each personal and dorm-style rooms. Dorm decisions are for both male or feminine and you’ll select between 2 or 8-bed dorms.

There’s a personal courtyard with a BBQ and picnic tables. Different facilities embrace free wifi, an incredible frequent space with a ping pong and pool desk, laundry providers and safety lockers.

Visitors which have stayed right here rave concerning the pleasant employees, cleanliness, and being near retailers and nightlife. 

Costs begin at $26 for a shared dorm and $58 for a non-public room. 

Finest Price range Lodging For {Couples} – Consolation Inn Edmonton West

Though half of a giant chain resort, the Consolation Inn Edmonton West affords an incredible worth when it comes to affordability and facilities.

There’s quite a lot of room choices, starting from a single king or queen mattress to double beds.

Every room comes commonplace with a kitchenette full with a microwave, espresso, fridge and minibar.

Moreover, rooms and customary areas have quick WiFi out there for company and satellite tv for pc/cable tv. 

There’s a restaurant on-site or you possibly can splurge on room service as nicely.

If you keep on the Consolation Inn Edmonton West you’re inside strolling distance to key sights corresponding to Deep Sea Journey, West Edmonton Mall and the World Waterpark.

Or request a taxi or Uber trip to take you to close by websites.

With charges beginning round USD$60 you gained’t be capable of beat the worth for the situation. 

Finest Mid-Vary Resort – Staybridge Suites West Edmonton

For these on the lookout for an incredible worth whereas exploring the Edmonton sights, the Staybridge Suites West Edmonton is all the pieces you can want or need.

Rated excessive for its location, cleanliness, consolation and repair there’s little or no extra that you can ask. 

All rooms embrace free WiFi and a complimentary breakfast. The resort boasts a bar (serving free cocktails Tuesday – Thursday evenings), an indoor swimming pool and health club facility.

You’ll additionally discover a kitchenette in your room with a microwave and fridge.

If it is advisable to get a little bit work accomplished on the aspect, every room additionally comes with a desk and workspace and the resort has enterprise facilities by means of its enterprise centre.

If you’re travelling with your personal automobile, parking is free and most of the finest issues to do in Edmonton are inside minutes away.

Or you possibly can organize for an airport shuttle or taxi providers all through town.

And a bonus is that the resort is pet-friendly so in case you are travelling together with your fur child you possibly can plan to remain right here with out worrying about sneaking her or him in!

Rooms vary in value and begin at simply over USD$100. However you should have extra of an unbiased dwelling kind of really feel, quite than a resort really feel, as every room is a studio with quite a lot of mattress choices.

You gained’t really feel extra snug with the value wherever else within the metropolis! 

Finest Luxurious Resort In Edmonton – Fairmont Resort Macdonald

If you wish to really feel like royalty throughout your keep in Edmonton, the Fairmont Resort Macdonald provides you the chance to splurge a little bit with out breaking the financial institution.

Exceptionally rated for room consolation and cleanliness, and site.

Located within the metropolis centre, the highest issues to do in Edmonton are actually proper exterior your entrance door. 

However if you happen to’d like to remain on the resort and chill out, this is without doubt one of the finest choices you might have. With a backyard, sizzling tub, sauna and steam room throughout the resort you possibly can anticipate to set again and revel in your keep.

And if you happen to’d prefer to throw in a little bit train, there’s a health centre and indoor pool throughout the resort and mountaineering paths simply exterior. 

The Fairmont Resort Macdonald additionally encompasses a restaurant and bar.

It additionally affords room service if you happen to aren’t within the temper to exit or need to chill out in your room watching tv after a protracted day exploring Edmonton. 

Rooms begin round USD$160 and give you the chance to e book queen, king or double beds in every room.

You may also improve to a king suite if you happen to’re feeling notably luxurious!

Finest Eating places in Edmonton

Because the capital of Alberta, downtown Edmonton has quite a lot of selection within the varieties of delicacies supplied.

From conventional Canadian dishes like poutine to worldwide flavours of every kind, you gained’t want to fret about what to eat if you are busy having fun with the highest issues to do in Edmonton.  

Price range: La Poutine

You possibly can’t say you’ve visited Canada with out having fun with a scrumptious meal of poutine.

As its identify suggests, La Poutine makes a speciality of providing reasonably priced variations of the potato, cheese and gravy dish for all manners of choice. 

Mid-range: Homefire Grill 

The Homefire Grill affords reasonably priced conventional Canadian and Native American meals with key native elements corresponding to bison and elk.

With reasonably priced costs, you possibly can get pleasure from a tasty beer or cocktail whereas having fun with the environment of the restaurant. 

Excessive-Finish: RGE RD

With specialties corresponding to duck, bison, pork bellies and perogies you’re entering into high-quality eating at its finest with a meal at Rge RD.

You’ll actually be paying high greenback for what you get. However in case you are on the lookout for a improbable dinner with distinctive service in an incredible environment, you gained’t be upset right here.