Top 10 Things To Do In Edmonton, Alberta
Edmonton, the capital of Alberta, is a vibrant city on the North Saskatchewan River that serves as the centre of the Edmonton metropolitan region in the heart of central Alberta.
Often referred to as the Gateway to the North, boasts a remarkable 18 hours of sunshine in the summer, providing ample time for outdoor activities. In winter, the city’s river valley transforms into a snowy wonderland where the Northern Lights grace the night sky.
No matter what time of year you visit, here are the top 10 things to do in Edmonton, Alberta.
In this blog, we will cover the following:
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1. West Edmonton Mall
West Edmonton Mall, often mistakenly referred to as the largest mall in the world, is actually the largest shopping and entertainment complex in North America. With over 800 stores, a water park, ice skating rink, golf course and a replica of the Santa Maria ship used by Christopher Columbus in 1492, it’s an impressive destination worth exploring.
Even if shopping isn’t your primary goal, a visit to the West Edmonton Mall is a spectacle not to be missed. In addition to the fun attractions, the mall offers a wide selection of restaurants, stores and boutiques. You can even stay in one of the two hotels in the mall itself.
2. Elk Island National Park
Established in 1906, Elk Island National Park is a protected area in the Beaver Hills region set aside to protect the last remaining large herds of elk. This park, which is only a 35-minute drive from Edmonton, was Canada’s first wildlife sanctuary. Over the last century, it has served as a refuge for plains bison and wood bison as well as moose.
Covering an area of 194 square kilometers, the park is home to a variety of other wildlife in addition to these iconic species. Elk Island is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and offers hiking trails, campsites, picnic areas and lakes for fishing, kayaking and canoeing.
3. The Art Gallery of Alberta
This 8,000-square-meter building, also known as the AGA (Art Gallery of Alberta), is located in downtown Edmonton. The gallery focuses on visual art with an emphasis on Western Canada and features a collection of 6,000 works, a gift store, a restaurant and a theater space.
In addition to its impressive modern architecture, the AGA is characterized by its diverse range of contemporary and historical exhibitions, making it one of the largest galleries in Canada.
4. Alberta Legislature Building
Standing proudly on the banks of the North Saskatchewan River, the Alberta Legislature is a masterpiece of marble columns and ornately carved oak. Explore this architectural wonder by taking part in the free guided tours offered hourly.
Discover the inspiring stories of the Famous Five, the champions of women’s suffrage, and learn more about the fascinating stories behind the portraits and exquisite artwork. Don’t miss the opportunity to admire the ornate gold and silver mace and be sure to listen to the fascinating phenomenon known as the “magic spot.”
5. University of Alberta Botanic Garden
Be enchanted by the richness and diversity of nature in the breathtaking University of Alberta Botanic Gardens. This is a must-see destination for anyone who appreciates the beauty of plants, wildlife and all things beautiful. With 80 hectares of stunning display gardens and another 110 hectares dedicated to natural areas and ecological sanctuaries, there’s a wealth of wonders to discover.
Be sure to visit the recently opened Aga Khan Garden, which spans 4.8 acres of modern architectural splendour inspired by Mughal traditions and designed to thrive in Edmonton’s unique climate and topography.
6. Royal Alberta Museum
Immerse yourself in Alberta’s rich history and environment at the Royal Alberta Museum. This museum celebrates Alberta’s unique heritage and natural wonders through its captivating exhibits. Dedicated to both natural and human history, the museum has an impressive collection of over 5 million objects that tell the story of Alberta.
With 82,000 square metres of exhibition space, the Royal Alberta Museum (RAM) is the largest museum in Western Canada, making it a must-see destination for anyone interested in exploring the province’s diverse past and incredible biodiversity.
7. Muttart Conservatory
Discover a world of botanical wonders at the Muttart Conservatory in Edmonton, Alberta. Unlike the Egyptian pyramids, these four pyramids house a lush collection of over 700 plant species from around the world, showcasing three distinct climate zones: Arid, Temperate and Tropical. The fourth pyramid becomes a living centerpiece through seasonal exhibitions and celebrations.
As one of Canada’s largest indoor botanical gardens, the Muttart Conservatory offers a year-round horticultural experience that will take you from Myanmar to Fiji and beyond. Don’t forget to stroll up to the river level for stunning skyline views, surrounded by American redwoods and Australian eucalypts. It’s a must-see attraction in Edmonton for nature lovers and explorers of all ages.
8. North Saskatchewan River Valley
Discover the sprawling beauty of Edmonton’s North Saskatchewan River Valley, a green oasis 22 times larger than New York City’s Central Park. With over 150 kilometers of hiking trails, paths, golf courses and scenic parks, this natural wonderland offers endless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.
Whether you picnic, bike, run, kayak, canoe, stand-up paddleboard or even take a Segway adventure, the river valley welcomes locals and visitors alike. And when winter blankets the landscape, it transforms into a snowy playground for snowshoeing and skiing, including cross-country and downhill options. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore this vast, year-round recreational paradise.
9. Rogers Place
Experience the thrill of Canadian field hockey by watching an Edmonton Oilers game during the season. This legendary team, once coached by Wayne Gretzky, is an integral part of the city’s sports history. The Oilers play their home games at Rogers Place, a state-of-the-art sports and entertainment center that opened its doors in 2016.
When field hockey isn’t taking center stage, the arena hosts a variety of events and concerts, so there’s always something exciting going on at Rogers Place. Don’t miss the chance to be part of the action and cheer on the Oilers at this world-class facility.
10. Edmonton River Boat
Embark on the Edmonton Riverboat for a scenic cruise on the North Saskatchewan River. Formerly known as the Edmonton Queen, this riverboat has been refurbished by its new owners at a cost of one million dollars. You can choose from a variety of options, including weekend brunch, dinner cruises or a quiet sunset cruise.
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