Things to Do in Edmonton: Edmonton, AB Places to Go and Things to Do

Posted by EdmontonRealEstate .ca on Thursday, December 10th, 2020 at 10:41am.

Things to Do in Edmonton

Located in the province of Alberta, the capital city of this Canadian province located on the North Saskatchewan River is at the north end of what Canada defines as the "Calgary–Edmonton Corridor." With a population of close to a million people as of 2019, Edmonton is Alberta's second-largest city after Calgary and Canada's fifth-largest municipality.

Those who are planning on visiting or even moving to Edmonton are bound to be curious about what people do for fun in this city. Keep reading to learn where all the best parks, restaurants, shopping centers, and other places to visit and things to do in Edmonton are.

Edmonton Outdoor Adventures

Though this northern city may have more cold and harsh weather in the winter months, that doesn't mean that there isn't still plenty to do outdoors. Everyone can enjoy some outdoor activities in the summer, winter, and everywhere in between in Edmonton.

Parks

Parks in Edmonton

  • Rundle Park
  • Hawrelak Park
  • Terwillegar Park
  • Edmonton River Valley
  • Elk Island National park
  • Gallagher Park

With eighteen hours of daylight in the summer, you are sure to enjoy your time outside at one of the many parks in this city. Elk Island National Park features not only a beautiful beach, but also 11 different hiking trails and various wildlife such as bison, elk, and over 250 species of birds to see.

At about 19,000 acres, Edmonton River Valley is North America's largest urban park. With skate parks, tennis, pickleball, volleyball and basketball courts, disc golf, golf courses, picnic areas, fitness parks, and athletic tracks, there are endless activities to do here. With twenty parks and over 90 miles of hiking trails, this expansive park even has something or people who want to jet ski, boat, fish, and more.

Known for its popular four-day music festival, Edmonton Folk Music Festival, Gallagher Park also is a great spot outside the music festival to bike, ski, walk, and view the city skyline.

Water Recreation

Water Activities in Edmonton

  • Kayaking
  • River surfing
  • Canoeing
  • Scuba diving
  • Waterparks
  • Paddleboarding

Edmonton is known to have the North Saskatchewan River running through it, which begins in Jasper National Park and ends by flowing into Hudson Bay. There are numerous boat landings along the river, and it is a popular spot for kayaking.

Kayakers aren't only limited to the North Saskatchewan River, though. Only about 20 miles from Edmonton, Islet Park is a quiet lake with a myriad of wildlife and plant life. Additionally, Wabamun Lake offers fishing and overnight stays at its campgrounds. Those who love the waterfront may even be interested in purchasing a lakefront home in Edmonton.

Even if it isn't spending time in some natural bodies of water, you can have some fun indoors no matter the season in the pools or going down waterslides at the West Edmonton Mall or World Waterpark Edmonton. This waterpark boasts the world's largest indoor wave pool, along with 17 unique waterslides.

Hiking & Biking Trails

Edmonton Trails

  • Patricia Ravine Trail
  • Mill Creek Ravine
  • Wolf Willow Ravine
  • Kinnaird Park Trail
  • Whitemud Park Trail

Back on land, Edmonton's river valley has about 100 miles of multi-use paths and dirt trails for biking, walking, and hiking. Everyone from amateur and casual hikers to hikers with years of experience and a hunger for challenge can find a trail that suits them.

For some easier hikes, check out trails such as Mill Creek Ravine Trail to North Saskatchewan River, Whitemud Creek Trail, North Saskatchewan River Loop, or Terwillegar Park Footbridge. Or, some more moderate or difficult hikes for more experienced hikers include Mactaggart Sanctuary Path, Kinnaird Park Highlands Hiking Trail, Capilano Park Loop Trail, or Wolf Willow Trail Loop.

Don't be deterred by the season; hikers can enjoy the outdoors in Edmonton no matter the season. Check out the beautiful sights of this northern city.

Edmonton Shopping

Shopping Centers in Edmonton

  • West Edmonton Mall
  • Southgate Centre
  • Edmonton City Centre
  • Kingsway Mall
  • Westmount Shopping Centre
  • Mill Woods Town Centre
  • Londonderry Mall

What better place to shop than in the city with North America's largest shopping mall? The West Edmonton Mall boasts 800 stores and services, including over 100 dining venues, two hotels, and nine world-class attractions like Galaxyland, World Waterpark, Ed's Bowling, and Dragon's Tale Blacklight Mini Golf.

Even though Edmonton is home to the continent's largest mall, don't forget to support and shop locally here, too! There is an array of unique shops to check out and support. Whyte Avenue is which is known for eclectic and funky fashion and other items like home decor and other miscellaneous goods. For finding women's stores and art galleries, 124th Street offers fun vintage shops and a year-round farmer's market, as well as other events and festivals throughout the year.

For a more upscale experience with boutiques and restaurants, 4th Street Promenade has stores like The Helm and Evoolution. Or try out 104th Street, one of downtown's most popular areas. In the summer months, this street is known for the City Market taking over many blocks.

Edmonton Restaurants

Restaurants in Edmonton

  • MEAT
  • Sabor Restaurant
  • Padmanadi
  • Vaticano Cucina
  • Hathaway's Diner
  • Tres Carnales Taqueria

Edmonton is known as the capital of beef. It's true—the city is the capital of Alberta, Canada's top beef-producing province. As such, it is flowing with delectable beef dishes to sample. For those who love a good steak or slice of prime rib, some of the best can be found at restaurants such as the Highlevel Diner and LUX Steakhouse + Bar.

Although there is so much red meat to enjoy in Edmonton, that definitely is not all that they have to offer as far as delicious dining goes. Padmanadi is a delicious vegan and vegetarian restaurant offering Chinese, Indian, Indonesian, and Thai-inspired dishes that anyone can enjoy, regardless of their dietary practices. Bar Clementine has a creative cocktail and food menu, with drinks like an Absinthe Frappé, the Hanky Panky, and Corpse Reviver #2. Another different culinary experience can be found at Sofra Turkish Restaurant & Wine Cellar, which serves authentic Turkish food.

Arts & Culture in Edmonton

With many museums, art galleries, and theatres to explore your more creative side, check out the venues and experiences to find in Edmonton.

Museums

Museums in Edmonton

  • Royal Alberta Museum
  • Alberta Aviation Museum
  • Westlock Pioneer Museum
  • TELUS World of Science

To learn a bit about the history of Alberta, the Royal Alberta Museum will soon be the largest museum in western Canada. Opened in 1967, this museum focuses on the local history and anthropology of Alberta.

For those who love airplanes, check out the Alberta Aviation Museum which is located inside one of the last RCAF World War II hangars. For a different kind of history, the Westlock Pioneer Museum and Stony Plain and Parkland Pioneer Museum are also interesting to discover.

Art Galleries

Art Galleries in Edmonton

  • Edmonton Art Gallery
  • Bearclaw Gallery
  • West End Gallery

The Edmonton Art Gallery houses over 5,000 works of fine art, as well as different exhibitions, events, and features. Besides this larger gallery, a few other local places include Bearclaw Gallery with clay work, wood carving, jewelry, and more, as well as Mr. Frame and Scott Gallery.

Dance & Theatre

Performing Arts in Edmonton

  • The Citadel Theatre
  • The Roxy Theatre
  • Mayfield Dinner Theatre
  • The Varscona Theatre

For those who love the performing arts, seeing some live theatre in Edmonton is also fun to enjoy. The Citadel Theatre, one of the largest not-for-profit theatres in all of North America, has plays of all sizes, from intimate cabarets to Broadway theatre. The Roxy Theatre also has some great plays by a Canadian playwright. For dinner and a show, the Mayfield Dinner Theatre has musicals, mysteries, and more.

To support local theatre, look no further than The Varscona Theatre, which originally opened in 1982 in an abandoned fire hall. Eight theatre companies use the single theatre, so there's a huge variety of shows that can be seen in just this one building. Between musicals, plays, and improv, there's something for everyone at the Varscona Theatre. Another old fire-hall-turned-theatre space across the street, the Walterdale Playhouse, is iconic as one of the oldest amateur theatre groups in Western Canada.

Edmonton Nightlife

Bars, Clubs, and Music in Edmonton

  • Black Dog Freehouse
  • Baiju
  • Alchemy
  • El Cortez
  • The Common
  • 9910
  • Blues on Whyte Pub
  • Station on Jasper

When going out on the town for the night in Edmonton, everyone is sure to have a blast. And for those who love being close to the action, there are even condominiums for sale downtown, so all of this will be in their backyard.

The previously-mentioned Bar Clementine is a great place to get a unique drink that can't be found anywhere else, but there are plenty of other great bars in the area. Black Dog Freehouse is a popular venue on the aforementioned Whyte Avenue. It spans three floors, including a rooftop bar space. On Saturdays, this place is known for its "Hair of the Dog" event with live music.

For those who are looking for a bar that is even more unique and offers drinks that can't be gotten at the typical bar, try Baiju. This is an Asian-inspired cocktail bar and eatery that serves up original drinks with names such as Last Days in Vietnam, Ha Long Bae, Sakura Spritz, and Baiju Barbie, all in a trendy and dimly-lit place.

When spending time downtown, Alchemy is another trendy cocktail bar, located in the JW Marriott Ice District complex. Featuring curated vintage and modern cocktails, there are drinks such as "Peach, Don't Kill My Vibe," "Mars Attacks!" or a "Bling 'n' Tings."

For those who want to hit the dance floor, bust a move on at El Cortez tequila bar, The Common, or 9910 nightclub. For live music, check out Blues on Whyte Pub, Starlite Room, or Station on Jasper are great places to listen to the local talent.

Never a Dull Moment in Edmonton

Edmonton is a city full of excitement, even if it might not seem like it at first glance. This northern city is more than meets the eye, and it has the perfect combination of outdoor activities and indoor fun. With so much to do in such a large city, it's no wonder why people are flocking to Edmonton's most popular neighbourhoods to look for their new home. Come visit Edmonton and see what all the buzz is about.

If you're looking for the perfect Edmonton home, contact EdmontonRealEstate.ca in partnership with Justin Havre at (780) 800-9644 to get in touch with a local Edmonton real estate agent and discover your new dream home today.

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