Edmonton is known for its natural beauty, culture, history, and attractions. It is a Canadian city located on the North Saskatchewan River in Alberta. Edmonton is also known as the “Gateway to the North” and is Canada’s top tourist destination. Depending on your choice and distance, you can travel to Edmonton by train, bus, plane, taxi, or rental car to vacation with your loved ones! So, if you have any plans to visit it’s great. But if you are still wondering about what’s there to enjoy or if visiting Edmonton is worth it; I must tell you what it holds for you.
1. West Edmonton Mall– Your Shopping Destination
I always get ga ga over the big shopping malls. I am so crazy about exploring that even if I don’t shop, I just love strolling branded stores and eateries there. By the way, do you think I would come out without shopping for anything? Nah!
So, for the shopaholics, I highly recommend you visit the city’s West Edmonton Mall. It is the largest shopping mall in North America, with a 493,000-square-meter area and around 800 stores and different services. West Edmonton houses the largest indoor water park (World Waterpark) and also the largest indoor amusement park (Galaxyland) in North America. Can you imagine how big it is?
Inside West Edmonton Mall, you can explore the golf course, movie theatre complexes, an aquarium, scuba diving, and a huge entertainment center. Enjoy skating in the large indoor skating rink. See here a real-size replica of the Santa Maria (the flagship used by Christopher Columbus to sail to America in 1492). Don’t forget to visit the on-site hotel (The Hotel Fantasyland) in West Edmonton Mall, which has one-of-a-kind themed rooms, including pirates, space, and more.
2. Explore the Muttart Conservatory
If you haven’t ever taken your kids to any conservatory, don’t miss this one. You can have a great time at Muttart Conservatory with your kids. It is an innovative botanical garden designed by British architect Peter Hemingway. It houses three greenhouses, four glass pyramids, and public gardens. This horticulture facility has several species of plants, like American redwoods and Australian eucalyptus, all for conservation and educational purposes.
3. The Alberta Legislature Structure is Inspiring
The Alberta legislature structure, completed in 1913, is also known as “The Ledge.” Here, you can take a guided tour in any of 362 days and learn about the different levels of government, Alberta’s political history and culture, and the daily routine of the legislative assembly. The 45-minute tour also gives an in-depth look at the design, art, and architecture of the structure and the parliamentary ceremonies and traditions that take place here.
4. Fort Edmonton Park: A Beautiful Wooded Parkland
I always tell people to visit popular museums wherever they travel. In Edmonton also, I recommend this amazing destination for you. The Fort Edmonton’s Park is a magnificent living history museum in Canada. It is a great place to witness the evolution of Edmonton’s early history. This park has four sections representing a different era, which includes a reconstructed Hudson’s Bay Fort from 1846, streets from 1885, streets of 1905, and streets of 1920. You can also get to know the brand-new Indigenous people’s experience here. Have some time? Enjoy a ride on a steam train, horse-drawn wagon, or streetcar, or you can also enjoy watching a short film in the restored 1929 Edmonton Capitol Theater.
5. Visiting the Edmonton River Valley Park System is Fun!
Do you know that the Edmonton River Valley Park System is Canada’s largest park in an urban area? It covers more than 77 hectares of land and 160 km of the pathway. There are 20 big parks, 11 lakes, 22 ravines, and different attractions and facilities, such as Fort Edmonton and Edmonton Valley Zoo, Gold Bar Park, a small golf course, and a skating or skiing area. You can also spot wildlife like hares, skunks, porcupines, and deer. You can satisfy your adrenaline rush by cycling, hiking on trails during summer, or skiing in winter. Wow! so much to explore. I am sure you will have enough to explore there.
6. Edmonton Valley Zoo is Unique
Who doesn’t like visiting a zoo? And when you have kids it becomes a must-visit for you. Here you can take your kids to the Edmonton Valley Zoo, located along the banks of the Saskatchewan River. It is home to 350 animals, representing over 100 species worldwide. You can meet and engage with the animals directly as some are taken out with their carrier. Some popular species there are red pandas, snow leopards, lemurs, and arctic wolves. This is a perfect place for kids to enjoy paddle boats, miniature train rides, and a carousel.
7. Witness Alberta’s Indigenous Culture at the Royal Alberta Museum
The Royal Alberta Museum is the largest in western Canada. It was earlier known as the Provincial Museum of Alberta. It showcases over 10 million objects, a marvellous mix of permanent natural and cultural exhibits, including wildlife, entomology, and arachnology, and some temporary rotating exhibits. I highly recommend visiting there. And I have reasons for it-
- The Royal Alberta Museum has three permanent galleries: the Wild Alberta and the Syncrude Gallery of Aboriginal Culture and Natural History.
- You will explore fossils from the dinosaur and ice age, a huge aquarium of native fishes, and live insects of exotic and enormous species.
- Children can enjoy an interactive kid’s gallery.
- In the Cultural History department, you will get to discover aboriginal cultures with artifacts from Blackfoot, Cree, and other First Nations.
8. The Art Gallery of Alberta is the Best Place for Family Activities
I am feeling overwhelmed writing about the attractions in Edmonton. These are so many and each one seems better than another. For instance, I will tell you about the Alberta Art Gallery. You won’t have any idea that it is home to more than 6,000 artworks, from early local Alberta and western Canadian art to modern artworks worldwide. Moreover, different art, educational, and public programs are offered here for children and adults. You can enjoy and explore the place through talks, movies, late-night Wednesdays, Alberta culture day, and family activities. Hire a guide for a private tour if you want. I suggest you satisfy your tummy with delicious food at nearby restaurants!
9. Downtown Edmonton Has An Amazing Vibe!
Churchill Square is the core of Downtown Edmonton. It is surrounded by city hall, the Alberta Art Gallery, and the Stanley Milner Library. You can walk through the streets of Downtown Edmonton to access the river valley. At the edge of downtown, visit the iconic Hotel Macdonald. Towards West, 104 Street is beautiful, with views of its historic red brick buildings, restaurants and bars, and neon sign museum.
10. Experience the Northern Lights at Elk Island National Park
Elk Island National Park is located east of Edmonton City, within a 30-minute drive. This one is not exactly in Edmonton but you can easily reach there whenever visiting the city. The reason I added it to my list is because it is a beautiful wooded area with lakes and wetlands where you can spot wildlife, stargazing, and watch the Northern lights.
This place is home to bison, tiny pygmy shrews, elk, and species of birds. During summer, you can go camping, hiking, biking, kayaking, canoeing, or golfing. In winter, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular among travellers. I think you shouldn’t miss it whenever you visit Edmonton.
11. TELUS World of Science
TELUS World of Science is an educational science center for people of all ages. Here, you can experience interactive and hands-on science and technology exhibits on space, robots, forensics, and the environment. Enjoy watching short educational movies at the Margaret Zeidler Star Theater planetarium and IMAX theatre—experience stargazing at an on-site observatory. Different varieties of programs, workshops, camps like scout and guide or summer camps, and astronomy classes for adults are also offered there.
12. Learn Edmonton’s History at Neon Sign Museum
I will tell you about this unique Neon Sign Museum. It is the first of its kind in Canada. It is installed on the east wall of the TELUS building and the south wall of the Mercer Warehouse building on 104 streets and 104 avenues. Here, you will learn about Edmonton’s history through the 20 functional historic neon signs. It is always open and free of cost.
13. Know Aviation History at the Alberta Aviation Museum
I must say that Edmonton also holds a lot for the curious visitors. There are many wonderful museums around. One such museum is the Alberta Aviation Museum. It is located near the Edmonton city center airport. Two fighter jets mounted outside are the prominent feature of it. There is a display of 40 aircraft and their related information. Explore a rare aircraft hangar constructed as part of Canada’s pilot training program in World War 2. Also, give yourself a 90-minute guided tour to learn about aviation history!
14. Enjoy a Special Ride at the Alberta Railway Museum
When I am talking about museums there. Let me introduce you to another popular museum. It’s the Alberta Railway Museum. It’s located in the northern suburbs. It is a replica of a small terminal with a station, a water tank, and several shops that will give you the experience of that time. It features some still-operating and static locomotives and rolling stock nationwide. You can also see 75 engines, railcars, original railway buildings, and related artifacts. Anything else? Yes, enjoy the special ride on the vintage trains or a speeder during summertime.
15. Explore Historic Buildings at Whyte Avenue
Now I’ll tell you something interesting. You must visit Whyte Avenue. It is the most popular street in Old Strathcona. You must be wondering why I’m saying that it’s just a street. I would say it’s not like that. Just walk to Whyte Avenue to see a glimpse of Edmonton City. This historic district has many historic buildings as well as trendy parts. You can enjoy your day here by roaming around the music shops, eating and drinking at trendy restaurants and cafes, and visiting the art galleries. Also, tour picturesque Dr. Wilbert Mcintyre Park, where different festivals, public events, or informal gatherings occur.
16. Enjoy the Greenery of Alberta Botanical Garden
Have you heard about Alberta’s University Devonian Botanic Garden? It covers almost 240 acres and is the largest botanic garden in that province. This Botanic garden is divided into two different parts. One of the parts of about 160 acres of area is left in its natural state with trails, and the other half part of about 80 acres of area has different gardens like a Japanese garden, an Indigenous Garden, a tropical greenhouse housing butterflies, and a large number of displays of indoor and outdoor plant species.
You can visit and explore on your own or go for a free guided tour. You can enjoy the annual Opera al Fresco event here, which the Edmonton Opera Company will perform in June. Visit the research center, which offers workshops and educational programs for children or young people.
Best Time to Visit Edmonton City
The summer season, from June to August, is the most favourable time for visiting Edmonton since the city is more beautiful and comes to life with different festivals and activities. However, you can also visit Edmonton during winter if you can bear the low temperatures. In winter, you can enjoy skiing, snowshoeing, visiting ice castles, and fun outdoor activities.
Best Place to Stay in Edmonton City
Different budget, mid-range, and luxurious hotel types are available in the city. You can choose according to your budget. You can check out the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald, a luxurious hotel with mesmerizing views of the Edmonton River Valley.
I hope you found this list helpful for your visit to Edmonton. Take some days off your busy life and plan a family trip to Edmonton. I am sure this city will not disappoint you with its amazing places to travel, fun activities to explore, and some excellent eateries to eat and drink at!
Last Updated on April 22, 2024 by Pragya Chakrapani
