The Best Things to Do in Edmonton, a Wild Blend of Nature, Science, and Spooky Fun!
Edmonton is no place for boredom. Between swimming in the continent’s largest mall, tracking down ghosts, “time-traveling,” and flying down snow-covered slopes, there are tons of things to do here.
And since the Sunny Edmonton team has tried a few of the said activities (okay, maybe more than a few), we have all the tips and tricks you’ll need to not end up in an epic fail compilation!
Splash around at World Waterpark
– From whereistarablog
Address: West Edmonton Mall, 8882 170 Street Northwest
Contact Details: +1 780-444-5300
Operating Hours: Daily – 11 am to 6 pm
If you’re looking for wave-riding thrills, the World Waterpark is your one-stop shop. This tropical-themed paradise has the world’s largest indoor wave pool and 17 slides that come in all shapes, heights, and colors.
Kiddos can waddle around in the splash pad and tackle mini slides while adrenaline-seeking adults can brave the spinning ones. And for those not into getting wet, the 143 m (470 ft) zipline offers a heart-pounding ride at speeds up to 40 km/h!
| Tip: Not a good swimmer? Sign up for their swimming lessons! |
Step back in time at Fort Edmonton Park
– From fortedmontonpark
Address: 7000 143 St NW
Contact Details: +1 780-496-7381
Operating Hours: Sat to Sun – 10 am to 5 pm
As Canada’s largest living museum, Fort Edmonton Park is a time machine to the late 18th century and 1920s. Here, you’ll experience historical reenactments, recreated villages, and interactive exhibits, complete with dedicated actors who amp up the immersion levels.
On top of that, the park sprawls across 158 acres of woodland along the North Saskatchewan River, making it a must-hit for nature buffs. Kids and kids at heart will also enjoy old-school carnival rides that came straight out of a 1920s fair.
| Tip: From weddings to private parties, Fort Edmonton Park can host any shindig! Book it here. |
Explore the wild side of Elk Island National Park
– From _brettwsmith_
Address: 54401 Range Rd 203, Fort Saskatchewan
Contact Details: +1 780-922-5790
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Fri – 9 am to 6 pm
- Sat to Sun – 9 am to 8 pm
Elk Island National Park puts our wildlife lovers in their happy place. With wolves, elks, black bears, plains bison, and over 250 bird species, this UNESCO-designated paradise looks and feels like a different world, but it’s actually just 35 mins from the city center.
As for activities, it’s your call: observe the wildlife, hike the scenic trails, join a tour, or have a lovely picnic by Astotin Lake. In our case, we went for the camping experience and were fortunate enough to enjoy the Northern Lights without skyscrapers ruining the view.
| Tip: Prices here change. Prepare your wallet by checking the latest fees. |
Discover 5 million artifacts at The Royal Alberta Museum
– From royal_alberta_museum
Address: 9810 103a Ave NW
Contact Details: +1 825-468-6000
Operating Hours:
- Wed – 10 am to 4 pm
- Thu – 10 am 8 pm
- Fri to Sun – 10 am to 4 pm
The Royal Alberta Museum is a treasure trove of wonders.
Are you into prehistoric giants? They have dinosaurs. A botany buff? Over 125,000 specimens await. Space enthusiast? Their 145-kg meteorite will have you starstruck.
Seriously, with over 5 million artifacts on display that range from colossal creatures and tiny bugs to everyday items and ancient weapons, this is a hotbed for the ever-curious. Plus, there are programs like puzzle-solving and puppet shows, ideal for the little ones.
| Tip: What’s better than visiting this museum? Swinging by when there’s an event. Check the schedule here! |
Glide along the North Saskatchewan River with River Valley Adventure Co
– From rivervalleyadventureyeg
Address: Louise McKinney Park, 9735 Grierson Hill, N.W.
Contact Details: 780-995-7347
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Wed – 11 am to 5 pm
- Thu to Sun – 10 am to 9 pm
River Valley Adventure Co. makes Edmonton’s River Valley easy on the legs. Just glide on a Segway, a self-balancing transportation device that’s easy to learn and very convenient.
When it comes to the views, Mother Nature dominates the scene. You’ll cruise through or along pristine trails, shady parklands, and stunning river vistas for a smooth 60 to 90 minutes—no hiking boots required.
| Tip: No need to stress about parking. There’s plenty of room at the Louise McKinney Parking Lot, and the western section even offers 2 hours of free parking. |
Attend a show at Winspear Center
– From winspearcentre
Address: 4 Sir Winston Churchill Square Northwest & Corner of 99 Street &, 102 Ave NW
Contact Details: +1 780-428-1414
Concerts happen everywhere, but at the Winspear Center, they happen with style. The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra calls this spot home, and it’s as grand as it gets, with curved terraces making sure 1,668 fans hear every note in its full glory.
Its primary draw, however, lies in the flexible acoustics, adjustable thanks to velour curtains and banners. Whether it’s the orchestra sending out thunderous sounds to every corner or a cabaret wooing you with intimate tunes, musical magic is guaranteed.
| Tip: Secure your tickets ASAP if you want the best prices. |
Reconnect with nature at Muttart Conservatory
– From muttartconservatory
Address: 9626 96a St NW
Contact Details: +1 780-496-8755
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Tue – 10 am to 5 pm
- Wed to Thu – 10 am to 9 pm
- Fri to Sun – 10 am to 5 pm
You can’t call yourself a plant lover and skip the Muttart Conservatory. Green and sprawling with orchids, palms, desert exotics, and even a corpse flower, this place is a green thumb’s Eden.
The architecture is next-level too: 4 glass pyramids courtesy of the award-collecting Peter Hemingway. Each pyramid also holds a different biome, from tropical to arid.
| Tip: Seasonal events occur in the Conservatory’s Feature Pyramid. Learn what’s on or what’s coming for a visit that’s extra special. |
Catch a ride on the High Level Bridge Streetcar
– From yegstreetcar
Serviced Area: Edmonton
Contact Details: +1 780-437-7721
Modern transportation is nice and all, but nothing beats a ride on the refurbished High Level Bridge Streetcar. It’s a trip down memory lane that connects the hustle and bustle of downtown Edmonton to the charm of Old Strathcona.
Once it starts chugging, prepare for nostalgia overload. Iconic sites like Whyte Avenue and 100-year-old High Level Bridge make the journey timeless, and a museum with streetcar history even awaits at the Strathcona stop.
| Tip: You can privately charter the streetcar but only outside regular operating hours. |
Ignite your curiosity at TELUS World of Science
– From twosedm
Address: 11211 142 St NW
Contact Details: +1 780-451-3344
Operating Hours: Daily – 9 am to 5 pm
We might not be Einstein’s reincarnation, but TELUS World of Science definitely had us hooked from entry to exit. The whole place felt and looked like a massive laboratory, loaded with robots, extinct sea creatures, celestial wonders, and even tree houses.
What stood out for us, both literally and figuratively, was the dinosaur display—an absolute staple for Edmonton families. Life-sized animatronics with ultra-realistic sounds and movements fill the room, so prepare to face off against a T. rex or triceratops.
| Tip: TELUS can host themed birthday parties for kiddos ages 5 to 12. |
Celebrate creativity at The Art Gallery of Alberta
– From youraga
Address: 2 Sir Winston Churchill Sq
Contact Details: +1 780-422-6223
Operating Hours:
- Wed – 11 am to 5 pm
- Thu – 11 am to 7 pm
- Fri to Sun – 11 am to 5 pm
One glance at the bizarre, curvilinear canopy of the Art Gallery of Alberta and we knew we were in for a mind-blowing experience. And boy, did the exhibits deliver.
We wandered through 6 gallery spaces, with 2 specifically for kids, displaying more than 6,000 art pieces—think sculptures and paintings galore. Plus, there are temporary exhibits, each exploring a different topic, like space, history, and the environment.
| Tip: Since the Gallery’s temporary exhibits regularly get updated, know what’s currently on to see if the displays are right up your alley. |
Experience the thrills at Galaxyland Powered by Hasbro
Address: West Edmonton Mall, 8882 170 St NW #2784
Contact Details: +1 780-444-5300
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Thu – 12 pm to 5 pm
- Fri to Sat – 11 am to 7 pm
- Sun – 11 am to 6 pm
Galaxyland is a Hasbro-themed amusement park sprawling over 3-and-a-half acres in West Edmonton Mall. In other words, it’s where kids (and kids at heart) go to crank their joy levels up to eleven.
Over 35 thrilling rides and attractions light up this spot, from colorful bumper cars and futuristic laser tag missions to kid-friendly coasters and Monopoly-themed games. Sugary, easy-baked bites are also up for grabs, perfect for fueling up between rides.
| Tip: Before purchasing a ticket, check their maintenance schedule. |
Shop ‘til you drop at Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market
– From strathconamarket
Address: 10310 83 Ave NW
Contact Details: +1 780-439-1844
Operating Hours: Sat – 8 am to 3 pm
Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market may not match the thrill of Galaxyland, but it’s undeniably part of Edmonton’s heart and soul. Established in 1983, this market offers local goods that won’t leave your wallet with nothing but air.
Moreover, the produce here is seasonal; there’s no risk of munching on last year’s harvest. Collectors will also find a treasure trove of handmade crafts and jewelry, and some antiques if they get lucky.
| Tip: You can park at the Old Strathcona Theater District. You’ll find the hourly rates here. |
Chase ghosts with Edmonton Ghost Tours in Old Strathcona
– From edmontonghosttours
Address: 10322 83 Ave NW
Contact Details: +1 780-289-2005
Operating Hours: Daily – 7 pm to 8 pm
A-tier produce isn’t the only thing you’ll discover in Old Strathcona; book a tour with Edmonton Ghost Tours and you might just encounter some specters too. The best part? It will only set you back about 15 to 20 bucks.
The 1-hour tour is a dark and spooky stroll through the area, where you’ll pass by reportedly haunted spots like the Princess Theater and Strathcona High School. And to amp up the eerie vibes, a storyteller will share spine-tingling tales about these haunted locales!
| Tip: Get spooked in style by scoring some of their merch! |
Hit the slopes at Rabbit Hill Snow Resort
– From skirabbithill
Address: 20715 57 Ave SW
Contact Details: +1 780-955-2440
“Winter (winter in edmonton) is coming” doesn’t seem quite so ominous when you’ve booked a trip to Rabbit Hill Snow Resort. With 40 acres of heart-pumping snowboard and ski (skiing edmonton) trails, this 70-year-old winter wonderland has firmly established itself as an Edmonton favorite.
Oh, and no need to sweat if you’ve never slid down snowy slopes before; lessons are available. And for those who are too occupied during the colder months, the resort still has you covered in summer with its tube park. Fun knows no season here!
| Tip: There’s always something happening here, no matter the season. Check the website to find an event that piques your interest! |