Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Edmonton, Alberta

Renowned for its natural beauty, rich culture, historical significance, and diverse attractions, Edmonton presents an experience for all visitors. Home to Canada’s largest living history museum, the nation’s largest historical park, and North America’s most extensive shopping mall, the city boasts an array of options. Furthermore, its vibrant theatre scene, numerous professional sports teams, and remarkable architecture contribute to its allure.

Offering a variety of outdoor recreational activities alongside numerous indoor opportunities, Edmonton stands out as one of Canada’s premier tourist destinations. From shopping and dining to hiking, skating, and skiing, there is an activity to cater to every interest.

Here are the best activities to engage in during your visit to Edmonton:

1. Visit the Mall

The West Edmonton Mall is a remarkable shopping destination, encompassing a massive 490,000 square meters and housing over 800 stores and services, making it the largest mall in North America.

With an annual footfall exceeding 32 million visitors, the mall attracts shoppers as well as individuals seeking its numerous attractions.

This vast establishment features theme parks, a water park, a miniature golf course, four movie theatre complexes, and an extensive entertainment center. Additionally, it boasts a large indoor skating rink located at the mall’s heart.

2. Stroll Through a Park

Similar to the mall, Edmonton’s River Valley Parks is a substantial area comprising 20 distinct parks, collectively 22 times larger than Central Park in New York City.

The River Valley Parks provides an excellent retreat from the urban environment. It features 22 ravines, 11 lakes, golf courses, and nature centers.

During warmer months, it is a popular location for cycling, hiking, and camping. In winter, the hiking trails transform into cross-country ski trails, while four hills are utilized for downhill skiing. Notably, this expansive park system can be accessed through trails originating from the city.

3. Visit the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village

Edmonton is home to a significant Ukrainian community, with settlers arriving as early as 1899. The Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village highlights this rich history.

This open-air museum is designated as a provincial historic site and is located just outside the city. It features over 30 historic buildings, gardens, and monuments that illustrate the life of settlers between 1899 and 1930.

Staff members dress in traditional attire and engage in activities that reflect daily life from that era, including gardening, baking bread (which you can sample), and craftsmanship demonstrations.

4. Explore the Downtown Core

Edmonton’s Arts District is centered around Churchill Square, which is the venue for numerous cultural festivals and was once the city’s original Market Square.

Surrounding the square are notable landmarks, including City Hall, the Art Gallery of Alberta, the National Bank, and the Francis Winspear Centre for Music.

The Arts District is also home to various boutiques and art shops, in addition to being within walking distance from both the Central Business District and the Warehouse District.

5. Go on a Historic Walking Tour

The Strathcona Historic District is located in South Central Edmonton. Once the city’s commercial nucleus, it has evolved into a provincial historic area.

Despite its historical significance, this district boasts a modern and vibrant atmosphere, featuring streets lined with cafes, trendy shops, and a lively nightlife.

The district encompasses five city blocks, stretching from 102 Street to 106 Street and from 85 Avenue to 80 Avenue. Historic buildings in the neighborhood include the Strathcona Hotel, the Canadian Pacific Railway Station, the Princess Theatre, and the South Side Post Office.

6. Enjoy a Festival

Throughout the year, Edmonton hosts numerous festivals, earning its reputation as ‘Canada’s Festival City.’ One of the notable events is The Works Art & Design Festival, occurring between June and July.

The Edmonton International Fringe Festival, recognized as the largest of its kind in North America, takes place every August. If you cannot attend that event, consider participating in the Edmonton International Street Performer’s Festival.

In November, the Canadian Finals Rodeo and Farmfair presents a significant event, second only to the rodeo in Las Vegas. K-Days, a prominent summer exhibition, is characterized by rides, games, and shows over a span of ten days.

7. Explore the Museums

Edmonton is home to a host of museums that cater to history enthusiasts. The largest of these is the Royal Alberta Museum, housing over 10 million items representing the native tribes of the area.

The Alberta Aviation Museum features a collection of military and civilian aircraft, including the Cranwell CLA.4, de Havilland Mosquito MK B35, and one of only two BOMARC missiles in Canada. The more contemporary Telus World of Science includes an IMAX theatre, a planetarium, and an observatory.

Fort Edmonton Park is recognized as Canada’s largest living history museum, representing various historical eras through its four distinct sections.

8. Attend a Game

Edmonton boasts several professional sports teams, with the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers being the most celebrated, known for its association with the legendary Wayne Gretzky. Attending a game during hockey season is highly recommended.

Other notable professional sports teams include the Canadian Football League’s Edmonton Eskimos and North American Soccer League’s FC Edmonton, often competing against their counterparts in Calgary.

Additionally, the city has numerous junior sports teams, which provide an entertaining viewing experience and the potential to spot emerging hockey, football, or soccer talent.

9. Go Skiing

There are four prominent ski slopes in close proximity to Edmonton that are ideal for winter visits. These locations include Edmonton Ski, Snow Valley, and Sunridge Ski Area.

Among the top skiing destinations is Jasper, located 365 kilometers to the west of the city, nestled in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, often accessed via Edmonton.

Jasper is not only an exceptional recreational area but also offers stunning natural vistas, contributing to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

10. Observe Animals

The Edmonton Valley Zoo is home to over 350 animals representing more than 100 species. The zoo actively raises funds and awareness for endangered species.

Featuring eight distinct areas, each housing various animals from diverse regions, the Inner Zoo represents the oldest section, featuring meerkats, otters, red pandas, emus, and alpacas.

Makira Outpost is a newer section designed for the zoo’s lemurs, while Carnivore Alley houses larger felines. The Elephant House and Exhibit is dedicated to the elephants.

11. Explore a Botanical Garden

The Muttart Conservatory is a prominent city landmark and operates as a botanical garden featuring three greenhouses and four pyramids, along with public gardens.

Designed by British architect Peter Hemingway, the four pyramids are arranged around a central nucleus and showcase plants from various biomes, including Australia, Asia, and Canada.

The conservatory is also home to a variety of trees, such as eucalyptus, tropical evergreens, and redwoods, alongside an array of flowers including begonias, roses, geraniums, and water lilies. Conclude your visit with a meal at the onsite café.

12. Shop Till You Drop

In addition to the West Edmonton Mall, the city features multiple shopping districts. The South Central area is an excellent starting point, known for the vibrant Whyte Avenue.

Central’s 124th Street is lined with boutiques, high-end furniture shops, and designer outlets. It is also the location of Gallery Walk, ideal for those seeking unique artwork. City Centre Mall offers major brand shopping.

Kingsway Mall, located in North Edmonton, is the second largest shopping center in the city, featuring over 200 stores distributed across two levels.

13. Dine

Edmonton offers an extensive selection of dining options featuring global cuisine. Central Edmonton stands out as the top area for culinary experiences, offering authentic Italian, Mexican, Chinese, and Portuguese dishes.

The Central district also features an array of fine dining establishments serving exquisite French, Continental, and Japanese cuisine prepared with exceptional skill. Affordable dining options can also be found throughout this area, alongside mid-range restaurants.

South Central is another excellent district for food enthusiasts, offering Indian, Tex-Mex, Italian, and Korean cuisine, among other options. This area is particularly known for budget-friendly options, largely due to the presence of the University of Alberta.

14. Observe Mammals

Elk Island National Park is home to both the smallest and largest terrestrial mammals in North America: the pygmy shrew and the wood bison. This park is located approximately 35 kilometers east of Edmonton.

Covering 194 square kilometers, the park is relatively compact but remarkable. It is home not only to these mammals but also to mule deer, lynxes, porcupines, and coyotes.

Bird species present in the park include red-necked grebes, double-crested cormorants, great blue herons, American bitterns, and red-tailed hawks. Additionally, there is a bison conservation center within the park.

15. Try Your Luck at the Races

Northlands Park is recognized as the largest horse racing track in Alberta, with its racing season running from February to June. Established in 1990, it features a restaurant with a view of the race track.

During the off-season, visitors can try their luck at slot machines located in the lounge, offering a Las Vegas-style experience alongside an additional restaurant specifically for slot players.

There are two other dining establishments onsite, one featuring screens that broadcast the races, while the other is designated for private functions. Additionally, a beer garden and barbecue area is available during the warmer months.