Things To Do In Edmonton
Edmonton is a vibrant and exciting city, full of things to do and explore. It doesn’t matter if you’re a local resident or just visiting this amazing city, there are countless things to do in Edmonton that you won’t want to miss! Whether you’re looking for outdoor activities, historical sites, or unique cultural experiences, there’s something here for everyone.
Southwest Edmonton
The southwest quadrant of the city is a thriving area. It’s full of plenty of things to do and has easy access to the most fun activities! Take a quick peek below and you’ll see exactly what we mean.
Visit The World-Famous West Edmonton Mall
As one of the largest malls in North America, West Edmonton Mall is definitely a must-see. It’s got everything you could ever want, all under one massive roof – over 800 stores, 100 restaurants, an indoor waterpark, an amusement park, a skating rink, a movie theatre complex, and so much more.
Explore The Edmonton Valley Zoo
The Edmonton Valley Zoo is a great place to learn about the amazing animals that call Alberta home. With over 350 different species of animals, it’s one of the most diverse zoos in the country. Plus, they are always updating and adding exhibits and features, so there’s always something new to see.
Take In Some History at Fort Edmonton Park
Fort Edmonton Park is a living history museum that lets you explore the city’s past. It’s made up of five different sections – the Indigenous Peoples Experience, and replicas of the fort in 1846, 1885, 1905, and 1920 – each with its own unique buildings and exhibits. You can even take a ride on an authentic steam train which will transport you across the length of the park! It is important to note that a lot of the attractions are seasonal, so make sure to plan ahead if you want to visit.
Hit the Slopes at Snow Valley Ski Club
Snow Valley Ski Club is the perfect place to hit the slopes, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skier. With 20 acres of skiable terrain and runs ranging from easy to expert, there’s something for everyone. Plus, when there isn’t snow on the ground, you can still come here for the aerial park, which has a fun – but safe – ropes course. There are also campsites available in the summer months, and the campsite includes access to walking trails and a playground.
Do Some Shopping in Old Strathcona
Old Strathcona is a historic neighbourhood in Edmonton that’s known for its eclectic shops and boutiques. If you’re looking for something unique, you’re sure to find it here. There are also a number of great restaurants and cafes lined down Whyte Ave, so you can easily make a day of it. If you’re planning a visit on the weekend, the Old Strathcona Farmer’s Market is open every Saturday and runs all year long!
Explore The Alberta Legislature Building
The Alberta Legislature Building is the home of the provincial government of Alberta. It’s a beautiful building, inside and out, and it’s definitely worth a visit. Plus, if you’re interested in politics, you can take a tour and learn all about how the government works.
Hike the Scenic Trails Around Whitemud Park
Whitemud Park is a huge park in Southwest Edmonton that’s perfect for a day of hiking. With over 50 km of trails, you can easily spend a few hours exploring all the different paths. And, if you get tired, there are plenty of places to rest and take in the stunning views.
In the winter, families from near and far flock to this park for its toboggan hill. The park is linked to both Terwillegar Park and Hawrelak Park, so you have a lot of additional options for trails, playgrounds, and other open green spaces.
Catch Some Races at RAD Torque Raceway
If you’re a fan of car racing or have young children, you’ll want to check out the schedule at RAD Torque Raceway. They hold races often, one of which is the popular Rocky Mountain Nationals. When there are no races going on, visitors can see the tracks up close, meet the drivers and check out their cars.
Southeast Edmonton
When you choose southeast Edmonton, you certainly won’t be at a loss for things to do. The Anthony Henday makes it easy to take advantage of these entertainment options. Let’s take a look at what Southeast Edmonton has to offer.
Take in the Views at Mill Creek Ravine
Mill Creek Ravine is a beautiful ravine that runs through Southeast Edmonton. It’s a great place to take a walk, have a picnic, or just enjoy the amazing views. Plus, there are plenty of trails to explore, so you can easily spend a few hours here.
If you’re looking for a challenge, you can even hike up to the top of the ravine. It’s a bit of a workout, but the views from the top are definitely worth it.
Get Active at Ivor Dent Sports Park
Ivor Dent Sports Park is a great place to get active, with plenty of sports facilities and open green space. You can play baseball, basketball, tennis, soccer, and more. Or, you can just take a walk or go for a run. The park has been built using environmentally-friendly techniques, and it sometimes is the setting for festivals as well.
Catch a Movie at the Cineplex Odeon South
Looking for a place to watch the latest movies? Cineplex Odeon South is your perfect destination. They show all of the blockbuster hits, and sometimes have special events like screenings of The Polar Express at Christmas time. In addition to movie screenings, you’ll enjoy their food options. They offer more than just popcorn and candy, with hearty choices like burgers and poutine. Plus, there’s a yogurt cafe, Starbucks, pizza place, and gourmet popcorn available – something for everyone!
Check Out The Muttart Conservatory For A Botanical Garden Experience Like No Other
If you love plants and flowers, you’ll definitely want to visit the Muttart Conservatory. It’s a public botanical garden with three huge pyramids, each filled with a different type of plant. The conservatory also has a fourth pyramid that houses rotating exhibitions.
The best time to visit is during the spring or summer when the gardens are in full bloom. But even in the winter, the conservatory is still worth a visit.
Let the Kids Burn Off Some Energy at Treehouse Indoor Playground
Treehouse Indoor Playground is the perfect place to take young children. They’ll have a blast climbing, sliding, and playing in the huge indoor playground. Plus, there’s a cafe on-site, so you can relax while the kids wear themselves out.
When the weather is nice, you can also take advantage of the outdoor playground. It has a splash pad, so the kids can cool off in the summer months.
Northwest Edmonton
Now let’s take a look at the list we put together of some of the things to do in Edmonton if you’re up in the northwest area. Whether you’re looking to commune with nature or want to learn something new, we think you’ll like our suggestions.
Check Out The Mayfield Dinner Theatre
The Mayfield Dinner Theatre is one of Edmonton’s favourite locations for a night out, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a great place to enjoy a delicious meal while being entertained by some of the best live performers in the city. Showcasing a variety of different theatrical productions throughout the year, there’s sure to be something here that everyone will enjoy.
Take To The Skies At The Alberta Aviation Museum
The Alberta Aviation Museum is the perfect place for aviation enthusiasts. With over 30 vintage aircraft on display, as well as a variety of interactive exhibits, it’s a great place to learn about the history of aviation. Plus, guided tours are available if you want to arrange a field trip for a class.
Learn Something New at the TELUS World of Science
The TELUS World of Science is one of Edmonton’s most popular attractions. With a variety of interactive exhibits and a planetarium, it’s a great place to learn about science. Plus, there are often special events and programs happening, so there’s always something unique to see and do.
There are plenty of activities to keep younger children entertained, like the space gallery, environment gallery, health gallery, and robotics gallery. And travelling exhibits ensure there are new things to check out for returning visitors.
Grab Some Unique Gifts on 124 Street
124 Street is one of Edmonton’s top shopping destinations. With a variety of unique shops and boutiques, it’s the perfect place to find gifts for friends and family. You’ll also find plenty of great places to eat on 124 Street, so you can refuel after a day of shopping. Best of all, these shops are all small, locally-owned businesses. When you shop here, you’re supporting the local economy.
Northeast Edmonton
Last, but certainly not least is northeast Edmonton. Let’s see what this area of the city has to offer!
Soak Up the Sun at Rundle Park
Rundle Park is a huge park that’s perfect for a day of relaxing. With over 80 hectares of space, there’s plenty of room to wander around. And if you’re feeling active, you can take advantage of the many trails, sports facilities, and playgrounds. There’s also a golf course nestled in the park and is one of the more affordable places to play a round in Edmonton.
Catch a Game or a Show at Rogers Place
Rogers Place is a multipurpose facility that’s home to the Edmonton Oilers and Edmonton Oil Kings. It’s also a popular concert venue with new shows being announced regularly. See who’s coming to town soon and catch a show by your favourite artist!
Whether you’re a sports fan or not, Rogers Place is worth a visit. With its stunning architecture and state-of-the-art facilities, it’s one of the most impressive buildings in the city.
Explore the Royal Alberta Museum
The Royal Alberta Museum is one of the largest museums in Western Canada. With over 84,000 square feet of exhibition space, it has a lot to offer. With galleries devoted to natural history, human history, and science and technology, there’s something here for everyone.
And, if you’re travelling with children, they’ll love the children’s gallery, where they can touch and play with a variety of different objects. There are also travelling exhibits, so you’ll have a reason to go back again and again.
When it comes to things to do in Edmonton, you’ll find no shortage of amazing options. Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s downtown core or enjoying the beauty of the region’s many outdoor parks and recreation areas, there’s something for everyone here. Whatever your interests may be, there is sure to be an activity or attraction that will grab your attention and keep you busy for hours on end. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start experiencing all that Edmonton has to offer!
Originally published September 17, 2018, updated October 13, 2022
About the Author:
At Sterling Homes, our mission is to provide the opportunity for affordable homeownership without compromise. Over the last 70 years, Sterling Edmonton has quickly become one of Edmonton’s most popular builders. We bring more than seven decades worth of exceptional customer service, superior design and unparalleled craftsmanship to the greater Edmonton area. As a member of the Qualico Group, Sterling Homes focuses on greater Edmonton’s finest family communities, while being able to offer some of the region’s most family friendly prices thanks to volume purchasing power for materials, trades and land. This has not only made Sterling one of Edmonton’s bestselling, move-up builders, but also one of the industry’s most respected home providers. It is through our uncompromising commitment to our customers that we proudly deliver the Sterling Advantage – that’s why each and every home we build includes a 10-year home warranty, a completion guarantee and new home warranty excellence rating. Our Advantage is our pledge that, when you build your dream home with Sterling, we will deliver a timely, well-built home you’re sure to enjoy for years to come.
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