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Things To Do In Edmonton
Edmonton is the capital city of Canada’s province, Alberta. Edmonton is a riverside town, home to the beautiful North Saskatchewan River. It is a fantastic mountain destination and one of the best towns in Canada. The Calgary-Edmonton Corridor connects Edmonton to other popular locations in the region.
The town holds many unmissable festivals and carnivals throughout the year. It has one of the biggest and most exciting malls in America and several beautiful provincial parks that you must visit. Edmonton is a great place to take some time off and relax. It has several urban party venues and natural landscapes, truly making it a town that has the best of both worlds!
Visit the bison of Elk Island National Park
Elk Island National Park is a gorgeous outdoor space. It is located only 30 minutes away from central Edmonton. The park is full of enchanting woods, lakes that are brimming with turquoise waters and wildlife. When here, you will be able to spot a wide variety of animals in their natural habitat.
The most important attraction of Elk Island National Park is the bison. You will be able to see herds of buffalos feeding on the grass across the park. In addition to observing wildlife, the park offers several other activities as well. During the summers, the park is a great place to go hiking. There are many trails for bikers as well.
You can also enjoy a ride on the canoe in the lake with your loved one. Kayaking and camping are some popular summer activities as well. In the winters, the park turns pristine white. It is one of the best areas to explore via snowshoeing and skiing.
Please read more about Alberta and things to do in Grande Prairie.
Bird spotting at Beaver Hills
The Beaver hills of Edmonton have now been heralded as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This is because of the vital role played by the region in preserving some of the most precious species that can be found in Alberta. Beaver Hills is home to a dark sky preserve, a bird sanctuary, and a wilderness center as well.
The region used to be home to the Sarcee Indians and later, the Cree people arrived here to hunt the beavers and buffalos. Over time, Beaver Hills became the center of trade and civilization in the region.
Visit the Muttart Conservatory
Trips can be a great way to nurture curiosity. Visiting new and exciting places can ignite the curious child within us and make children very happy as well. One such recreational and educational place in Edmonton is the Muttart Conservatory. It is located on the southern bank of the North Saskatchewan River. It is a pyramid-shaped glasshouse that is home to some of the rarest plants in the world.
The conservatory preserves plant species from tropical areas like Myanmar and caters to plants from Fiki, Japan, and America. The American redwoods and Australian eucalyptus are cultivated here by experts as well. It is a unique site of horticulture and greenery. This is the best way you can learn about the gorgeous flora of Alberta. You can also visit the high ground above the river to get a jaw-dropping view of the Muttart Conservatory building. It belongs to the Edmonton skyline and is one of the most popularly visited attractions of the town.
Shopping at the Edmonton Mall
It would not be wrong to say that people from all over the world come to Edmonton for a great shopping experience. This is one of the largest shopping centers in Canada and North America. There are several hundred shops, eateries, hotels, cinema halls, and indoor activities that you can get a taste of during your visit to Edmonton. The Edmonton Mall also has its very own ice rink and aquarium- both these attractions can be the highlight of our visit to the mall.
Edmonton Mall has a large and unique structure. It has been divided into several interesting regions, mimicking the popular travel centers of the world. It has its own Europa Boulevard, Bourbon Street, and New Orleans Street among others. These streets parody the look and feel of these travel destinations whilst also having shops from some of the most popular brands in the world. The mall also serves great local and international cuisine. You will be able to taste the best Creole dishes at New Orleans Street.
Edmonton Mall also has its very own adventure park, called Galaxyland. This happens to be one of the largest indoor amusement parks in the world. When here, you can explore the mind-blowing roller coaster rides, waterparks with wave pools. The amusement park is home to some of the largest water slides in the world.
Watch the latest Canadian exhibits at the Royal Alberta Museum
Alberta is one of the most famous travel destinations in Canada. For a lot of people, Alberta, and its capital, Edmonton is the first place they ever visit in the country. Needless to say, the local authorities and the community here have put together the Royal Alberta Museum with a lot of care and consideration.
The Royal Alberta Museum has the perfect blend of old and new exhibitions. There are some permanent exhibitions that pay homage to the rich natural history of the area. In addition to these, the museum also has a facility for temporary installations. Some of the famous installations of the museum include presentations of dinosaur fossils from the ice age, an aquarium full of local fish, and some insects.
The Royal Alberta Museum also has a gallery that shows exhibits from all across Canada and the world. It also has a special exhibition for kids and a big room where you can observe invertebrates. The Royal Alberta Museum has a thriving cultural history section that showcases the history of aboriginal cultures of the region. When here, you can also visit the souvenir shop and the cafe on the premises for a delightful break.
When in Alberta, you cannot miss visiting Kananaskis Country.
Meet the red pandas of Edmonton Valley Zoo
Edmonton has its plant conservatory and its very own zoo as well. This is the perfect place to visit if you love watching animals in their natural habitat. The zoo was built with the good intention of preserving endangered animal species from the region. Now, at the moment, the zoo is home to around 350 animals that belong to more than a hundred different species.
You can also meet and greet the animals under the supervision of caregivers. Some of the popular animals of the Edmonton Valley Zoo are the lemurs, leopards, arctic wolves, and of course, the red pandas. The zoo also has a bunch of exciting outdoor activities for kids like rides on paddle boats, a toy train, and a lively carousel.
Explore local art at the Art Gallery of Alberta
It is believed that the best way to learn more about a region in a short duration of time is by visiting art galleries. These spaces are syncretic and exciting in nature. Artists from the region get an opportunity to showcase and sell their art and viewers get a chance to know the culture of the region. If you like something, you can purchase art for your home as well.
The Art Gallery of Alberta is a dazzling modernist architecture, located on the Sir Winston Churchill Square of Edmonton. It showcases art pieces from all across western Canada. The gallery is home to astonishing 6000 pieces from the region.
The gift shop of Art Gallery of Alberta has some of the choicest local handicrafts There is a theatre on the campus as well. The best part about the gallery is the can you can enroll yourself for a guide and a tour. They will help you learn more about the art pieces and their exceptional history.
Learn more about Ukrainian Culture at the Cultural Heritage Village
Canada is home to people who belong to multifarious identities. One of its most remarkable creations is the open-air museum located along the Yellowhead Highway of Alberta. It was built by the immigrants that arrived in Canada from regions like Ukraine and Bukovina. These people settled here in the late nineteenth century and its cultural impact is very noticeable.
The immigrants also set up the Village which has now been reconstructed by the Edmonton community. This heritage village has many houses and buildings from the past that have been constructed again. The onion dome for the church here is a popular landmark in the region.
The heritage village has many shops that have been modeled after the blacksmiths of the bygone era. It also has an old-fashioned market, general store, house and so much more. There are professional guides here who can take you around the heritage village and tell you about its unique history. There are Ukrainian cooking workshops and other celebrations that are conducted here throughout the year. You must find the time to visit this cultural extravaganza in Edmonton.
Visit the old town at Fort Edmonton Park
This is the best place to visit in Edmonton if you enjoy historical excavations. Fort Edmonton Park has its very own open-air museum that you can visit with your friends and family. Fort Edmonton Park has a series of old buildings that have been restored by the local community.
There is a fort here that was once built by the Hudson Bay Company in 1846. The community here has also restored an entire street from 1885 in addition to several other buildings from 1920.
Fort Edmonton Park also has a section dedicated to old forms of transport. You can get a ride on the horse cart or on the steam train as well. The John Janzen Nature Centre is also located in close proximity. You can visit the center to know more about the flora and fauna of the region.
Please read more about things to do in British Columbia as well.
Walk by the North Saskatchewan Riverside
Edmonton is a riverside town is built beside the beautiful North Saskatchewan River. Many visitors enjoy taking a stroll along the river during the evening for a rejuvenating experience. You must include the Legislature Building in your Edmonton travel plans. You can head to the top of the building and catch a gorgeous sunset from the terrace.
There are guided tours that will take you on a tour around the attractive building and its campus. The building is known as “the Ledge” within the locals and has been a site of history and celebration. You must visit the Legislative Assembly Visitor Centre to see the best local art on display. When here, you can also try the 4D immersive experience and purchase gifts from the local gifts shop.
Attend a street party at K Days
Edmonton has a thriving local community. The town hosts a unique 10-day long festival known as K Days pr Capital Ex. The festival takes place during the month of July and has been a tradition in the region since 1890. You must attend the festival when in Edmonton. You should make bookings well in advance so as to not miss out on the opportunity to attend the festival.
During this time of the year, the town holds several street parties, dance parties, and parades. You can catch a live performance during this time as well. One of the unique activities of the K Days festival is the gold planning event, named after the Klondike Gold Rush that took place here in the nineteenth century.
Scientific explorations at the TELUS World of Science
The TELUS World of Science building is a part of the modern white building of Edmonton. It is a fun and educational venue that can be very entertaining for people of all ages. You must not miss a visit to the TELUS World of Science if you are visiting Edmonton with kids. This is a great way to entertain them while also igniting scientific curiosity in them.
The TELUS World of Science building has several exhibitions about space, environment, forensics, and robots among other things. The Margaret Zeidler Star Theatre is located here as well. It is a gorgeous planetarium that you can watch a show in. There is an IMAX Theatre located in close proximity as well.
The TELUS World of Science campus also has an on-site observatory. You can stargaze at the campus free of cost with your friends and family. The campus also has a cafe and a gift shop for you to rest and rejuvenate in.
Watch a classical music show at the Edmonton Opera Company
For many people, watching an opera has been a life-changing experience. The power of classical music is unparalleled. Even better for those of us who get a chance to watch it live. The Edmonton Opera Company is a thriving classical music group that conducts many opera events throughout the year in the city.
The Edmonton Opera Company hosts the annual Opera al Fresco festival event in Alberta. The festival takes place in the month of June. University of Alberta Boti=anic Garden is the gorgeous location for the show. The special University was founded in the year 1959 and has been a site of natural beauty ever since. You can visit the Japanese gardens and the Aga Khan Garden of the campus to see some breathtaking architecture and natural landscapes.
The University of Alberta Botanic Garden has several picturesque forest paths that you can explore with your loved ones. It also has terrace areas, pools and ponds, and a splendid waterfall. The University conducts free tours of the campus where they will explain the rich cultural significance of this place in Edmonton.
Visit the Alberta Railway Museum
Railways have become such a common part of our life that we often forget how they came around. The Alberta Railway Museum is a great reminder of the need for innovation and creativity in our lives. When here, you will be able to see more than 75 rail engines and railcars. Some of these are still operational.
The museum has taken very good care of the region’s rich railway heritage. They have preserved old railway stations and railway buildings. The place is very atmospheric and you will feel like you have walked back in time during your visit. The museum conducts short rail rides during the summer months as well. You can also opt for a guided tour of the Railway Museum if you wish to know all the details about the locomotives on display here.
Shop at the entertainment district of Whyte Avenue
Whyte Avenue is one of the biggest entertainment districts in Canada. It is also known as 82 Avenue in the region. It is located towards the southern end of Edmonton, near the old Strathcona. This is the hub for arts and entertainment in Edmonton. Many visitors from the University of Alberta and the surrounding districts visit this avenue for a quick bite or to shop.
Whyte Avenue has now become a heritage area. It is a great place to spend an evening with your friends and family. It has several cafes, eateries, bars, and shopping complexes that you can visit for some downtime.
Live entertainment at the Winspear Center
The Francis Winspear Centre for Music is one of the most underrated gems of Edmonton. It is a performing arts center and it is located in the downtown area of Edmonton. The Edmond Symphony Orchestra performs here and is based out of here. Attending a live performance here would be the icing on the cake for your vacation in Edmonton.
The Winspear Centre for Music happens to have the largest performing arts facility in Canada with the help of private donations. Furthermore, the center can seat more than 1700 people for a show. The hall is acoustic and comes with its own child care center as well. The center also has a parking area so you do not have to worry about these things during the performance. The Winspear Center is located in the Edmonton arts district. You must visit their website to know more about their upcoming performances and special guests.
Visit the surreal ice castles of Edmonton
Alberta is one of the best winter destinations in the world. Edmonton is one of the few North American cities which hosts its own ice castle event. During winter, ice artists from all across Alberta come together to create gorgeous ice sculptures. These ice castles are built by putting together thousands of icicles. The artists build the structures using their own hands.
Nowadays LED displays are added to the ice sculptures giving the setup an even more surreal feeling. There are frozen thrones that you can sit on and click pictures. Some of these castles come with eerie tunnels and slippery slides that you can ride. A few ice castles also have water fountains, adding to the aesthetic beauty of the place.
