The 7 Best Arcades in Edmonton for People Who Love Winning
I’ll admit, I’m not usually one to show off, but when it comes to arcade games, I can get a little competitive. If there’s one thing I can confidently claim expertise in, it’s outscoring my friends and claiming the top spot on the leaderboard.
Arcades might seem like a thing of the past, but in Edmonton, they’re alive and well. Classics like Pac-Man and Mario Kart still hold their charm, but it’s the virtual reality (VR) games that truly elevate the gaming experience to a whole new level.
If you’re up for some weekend fun, I’ve put together a list of the best arcades in the city!
Game OVR
– Media from gameovr2017
Address: 12930 St Albert Trail NW
Contact Details: +1 780 953 4263
Operating Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 1:30 pm to 8:45 pm
Saturday, 11:00 am to 10:00 pm
Sunday, 11:00 am to 6:30 pm
Average Price: $30 per person for 60 minutes, $60 per person for 135 minutes
Virtual reality is all the rage, and I finally got to dive into it at Game OVR. I can totally see why it’s such a hit with the younger crowd. This arcade is a great way to get a taste of the VR world!
The arcade caters to gamers of all ages, offering a variety of 60-minute VR experiences across different themes like horror, mystery, fantasy, and sci-fi. Just pick a theme, choose a game, gear up, and dive into an immersive adventure.
It feels like you’ve stepped right into the video game. My friends and I tried some of their top picks, like Cyberpunk, Escape The Lost Pyramid, and Epic Roller Coasters. We had an absolute blast with each one!
| Tips: Most of the VR experiences require full body movement, so if you or your companion have any physical limitations, simply tell the staff members and they’ll choose an experience that best fits your capabilities. There are no height or age requirements, though! Some of the rooms will have you working up a sweat, so wear comfortable clothing and bring an extra set of clothes in case the experiences get a little too intense! To save a little more cash, I highly recommend booking on a weekday. The arcade offers a 10% discount on weekday bookings! |
Arkadium Retro Arcade
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Address: 130 Broadway Blvd #180
Contact Details: +1 780 400 1995
Operating Hours:
Wednesday, 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Thursday, 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Friday, 5:00 pm to 12:00 am
Saturday, 12:00 pm to 12:00 am
Sunday, 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Average Price:
Adults: $20 (weekends), $15 (weekdays)
Child: $15 per person
Family Package: $55 per 4-member family
Arkadium Retro Arcade is the ultimate destination for retro gaming enthusiasts. Here, you’ll be greeted by a vast collection of classic pinball machines and iconic video games like Pac-Man, Bubble Hockey, Crazy Taxi, Dance Dance Revolution, and Donkey Kong.
On my first visit, I recognised only a handful of games, but I had an absolute blast discovering the older ones. With dozens of machines spanning from classics to modern hits, Arkadium Retro Arcade is a must-visit for anyone who loves retro gaming!
| Tips: If you’re bringing your kids, keep in mind that many of the arcade games here are vintage and may require a bit of extra care when handling. The arcade allows children aged 6 and above to play, but those under 13 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. If you can’t get enough of the fun, you can actually rent the classic machines for a day or a few hours at your desired location. Learn more about it on this page. |
Beercade
– Media from beercadewhyte
Address: 10544 82 Ave NW
Contact Details: +1 780 699 2383
Operating Hours:
Tuesday to Sunday, 5:00 pm to 2:00 am
Average Price: Between $10 and $25 per person
If you’re searching for an arcade that’s exclusively for adults, Beercade is the place to be. This pub serves up a great selection of drinks and bar snacks, allowing you to enjoy a night of fun and games as you compete with friends in the arcade section.
Lots of young adults come here to enjoy a few pints of beer or cocktails while they play rounds of air hockey, Mario Kart, racing simulators, pinball, and so much more. They have over 100 arcade games in the collection, so you’ll be spoilt for choice.
| Tips: The pub strictly enforces a 10:00 pm cutoff for guest list entries. If your group doesn’t arrive on time for your reservation, you won’t be admitted. The pub regularly hosts tournaments on select games for guests to participate in. You’ll need to register in advance for the tournament you want to join, and they usually post dates and details on their official Instagram page. You can win prizes and tokens that you can use to buy more rounds of drinks! |
Gateway Entertainment Centre
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Address: 3414 Gateway Blvd NW
Contact Details: +1 780 435 1922
Operating Hours:
Monday to Thursday, 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Friday, 4:00 pm to 12:00 am
Saturday, 11:00 am to 12:00 am
Sunday, 11:00 am to 11:00 pm
Average Price: Starting from $9 per person, per game
Gateway Entertainment Centre may be popular as a bowling alley, but did you know that they offer more than just that? There’s a section inside the centre that’s lined with arcade games that you can play for hours on end.
You can visit the arcade whenever you want to take a break from bowling, pool, or laser tag. There are loads of entertainment options in one space to keep you and your friends occupied!
| Tips: In order for you to play at the arcade, you’ll need to book a lane for bowling. You’re allowed to play at the arcade at any time during your visit, but just make sure you play bowling too! If you want to get a better bang for the buck, I recommend booking lanes by the hour. Rates start at $80 per hour, which already includes shoe rental for a maximum of 6 persons per lane. |
SPEEDERS
– Media from speedersedmonton
Address: 12808 170 St NW Unit 16
Contact Details: +1 780 451 4377
Operating Hours:
Monday to Thursday, 11:00 am to 10:00 pm
Friday to Saturday, 11:00 am to 12:00 am
Average Price: Starting from $5 for prepaid load
Whenever my friends and I feel the need for speed, we think about SPEEDERS right away. This entertainment centre houses a go kart track, axe throwing arena, darts section, duckpin bowling alley, and a modern arcade.
By modern, we mean that most of the games here are VR-assisted racing games, giving you a racing experience as close to the real thing. Rides and games come with special effects, moving chairs, and a whole lot of multiplayer fun!
| Tips: The arcade is completely operated on a self-service basis. There are kiosks around the area where you can purchase cards and load them with credits that you can use to pay for games inside. To make the most out of your arcade experience here, I recommend getting the largest prepaid load available. The bigger the load you buy, the more bonus credits you get! |
The VR Volt
– Media from thevrvolt
Address: Inside Londonderry Mall, 1 Londonderry Mall
Contact Details: +1 780 239 9444
Operating Hours:
Monday to Friday, 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Saturday, 9:30 am to 6:00 pm
Sunday, 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Average Price: Starting from $15 for prepaid load
Another VR arcade you should check out is The VR Volt. This arcade lets guests experience what it’s like to drive a Formula One car, ride a minecart through an abandoned mine, explore the jungle, and so much more.
Children can participate as long as the experiences they choose are appropriate for their age since not all experiences are designed for kids. If you’re after something more intense, I’d suggest opting for the zombie apocalypse VR experience!
| Tips: If you want to try out all the VR machines in one day without waiting for your turn, you can book the entire arcade for a few hours. Package rates will vary depending on the duration and the number of people joining you. You can contact the arcade via phone for inquiries! Note that the arcade operates on an online system wherein you pay for a membership and top up your member card for game credits. There is a one-time joining fee and minimum load requirement of $15 upon signing up, though! |
Funnyvrgame
– Media from funnyvrgame
Address: 8170 50 St NW #411
Contact Details: +1 780 239 9444
Operating Hours:
Monday to Friday, 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Saturday and Sunday, 11:00 am to 7:00 pm
Average Price: Starting from $30 per person per hour
Funnyvrgame is a fantastic arcade for fans of both VR and retro gaming. The space offers a great mix of both, with everything from basketball hoops to miniature billiards tables.
Their VR lineup includes a VR cinema, racing simulators, and first-person shooter experiences. You can dive into a movie that feels incredibly lifelike, speed down a track in a race against friends, or embark on an adrenaline-pumping mission.
| Tips: Keep your kids entertained after the arcade by taking them to the playground. While they enjoy the massive jungle gym, you can relax in the nearby waiting area and keep an eye on them. Need a break from the kids? The arcade offers a perfect escape for parents! For just $30, you can leave your little ones in the care of trained staff who will keep them entertained within the arcade’s facilities. Meanwhile, you can enjoy a child-free date and relax without any worries! |