Skip the tourist traps and visit the best hidden gems in Edmonton instead
I know that technically, Edmonton is a well-known city, but it still feels underrated to me. Most people associate it with large-scale oil sands and diamond mining operations, but this city is more than just that!
Edmonton is teeming with hidden gems that prove this city deserves more love than it’s currently getting. From peaceful parks and actual islands in the middle of a river to neighbourhood dining spots offering delicious food in a cozy setting—this city has secrets to share!
Here are some of the best hidden gems worth visiting of the usual tourist traps.
Underrated Landmarks
Queen Mary’s Market
– From: queen_marys_markets
Address: 12011 111 Ave NW
Operating Hours:
- Saturday—10 am to 6 pm
- Sunday—11 am to 6 pm
Contact Number: +17804138998
If you want to feel like a true local, stop by Queen Mary’s Market. This is the city’s largest indoor market, so you can find all sorts of goodies here! It has a play area with rides and toys, so children can have fun here too.
Browsing this market always makes me feel like I’m a kid let loose in a candy store. I usually frequent the record stall to check out vinyls, and then I move into the bookstore to see if there are any titles that catch my eye.
And then, when I’m tired of shopping, I go to the food court and order a meal and beverage to fill up my energy well.
| Pro Tip: If you’re planning to drive, free parking is available here. |
Keillor Point
– From: exploreedmonton
Address: 7433 Saskatchewan Dr NW
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—5 am to 11 pm
Contact Number: +17804425311
Keillor Point is often nicknamed “The End of the World,” which I know sounds dramatic, but that’s just the vibe you’ll get here.
This place is a lookout deck at the top of a riverbank. And since it’s in a remote location hundreds of feet above the ground with only the view of the river in front of you, the serenity just makes you think you’re at the end of the world.
The view is even better when you come here for sunset. The sun setting the sky and river ablaze with golden fire is like the hopeful ending of a dystopian movie!
| Pro Tip: I recommend bringing an umbrella and a portable chair here, especially if you’re planning to hang out for a while. There’s basically no shade or proper benches here. |
Historic McKay Avenue School Archives and Museum
– From: historic_mckay_avenue_school
Address: 10425 99 Ave
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday—9 am to 3 pm
Contact Number: +17804221970
Edmonton is a city rich in history, so going to a museum is a must! While checking out popular museums like the Royal Alberta Museum is fun, why not visit a hidden museum too, like the Historic McKay Avenue School Archives and Museum?
It’s in the actual school building, which has been preserved since 1881. So, you’ll feel like you’ve travelled back in time here! I love stopping by the classrooms and looking through the photos in the gallery, which highlight the city’s early political history.
| Pro Tip: This museum has a venue that you can rent for special events and meetings. |
Cougar Island Beach
– From: johndiepfamilyphotos
Location: On the North Saskatchewan River, near the Fort Edmonton Footbridge
One of the coolest things about Edmonton that I love telling people about is that there’s an actual beach park right on the North Saskatchewan River. And people are always surprised when they hear about it!
The Cougar Island Beach is cut off from the riverbank by a shallow channel, hence giving the appearance that it’s a real island. It’s a lovely pocket of serenity in a bustling city, and I love just sitting by the shore and getting lost in my thoughts.
| Pro Tip: Please check the tide levels and weather before coming here. This is for your safety because, during heavy rain, the island isn’t accessible in high water. Sometimes, it can even go underwater! |
Muttart Conservatory
– From: muttartconservatory
Address: 9626 96a St NW
Operating Hours:
- Friday to Tuesday—10 am to 5 pm
- Wednesday and Thursday—10 am to 9 pm
Contact Number: +17804968755
Okay, technically, Muttart Conservatory isn’t a “hidden” gem, but I still think it’s quite underrated and deserves more hype. I mean, it’s our very own pyramids!
Instead of housing mummies inside, the Muttart pyramids are glasshouses with 700 plant species. The interior is very much like a whimsical fantasy paradise, and the music and beautiful pieces of artwork just add to that ambiance.
| Pro Tip: If you’re hungry, there’s a restaurant on-site called Cafe Bloom. |
River Valley Swing
– From: lindork
Address: 75 Street NW
Now, here’s a true hidden gem. The River Valley Swing is exactly what you would expect: it’s a wooden swing right by the riverbank, so when you sit down on it and take a swing, you’ll feel like you’re flying over the river!
It’s such a cute swing, and with the river and the opposite shore with its green trees as the background, it makes for a perfect photoshoot location. If you’re daring enough, you can even stand on the swing. Anything for the perfect shot, am I right?
| Pro Tip: The swing is tricky to get to. It’s right at the end of a little dirt hill, and it’s quite steep. I recommend wearing shoes with strong grip outsoles so that you won’t slip when going down. |
Sea Life Caverns
– From: mz_blondeee
Address: 8882 170 St NW, West Edmonton Mall
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—11 am to 4 pm
- Friday to Sunday—11 am to 5 pm
Contact Number: +17804445300
West Edmonton Mall is a popular landmark in Edmonton, but since it’s such a big mall—in fact, it’s the largest shopping mall in all of North America—there are some places inside that fall under the radar. One example for me is Sea Life Caverns.
It’s an underground aquarium, giving the illusion that you’re underwater with your favourite marine animals! There are over 100 species here, and my personal favourites are the penguins and sea turtles.
| Pro Tip: Want to see a sea lion up close? Then come to the sea lion shows, which operate every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 2 pm. Tickets are only available at the Sea Life Caverns ticket booth. |
Old Strathcona Antique Mall
– From: yegantiquemall
Address: 10323 78 Ave NW
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday—11 am to 5 pm
- Thursday—11 am to 7 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—10 am to 5 pm
Contact Number: +17804330398
If you love all things antique, then I have the spot for you: Old Strathcona Antique Mall. This sprawling space houses about 300 booths, so you can find all sorts of antique treasures and rare collectibles here.
I love coming here to browse the furniture section and just look at the different wooden cabinets, drawers, tables, and chairs that are available. I’m also excited to see vintage items like candelabras and pendants. I don’t really need them, but they make my home look even more interesting.
| Pro Tip: Sometimes, this shop hosts themed events. For example, every spring, there’s a Spring Fashion Show featuring clothes from the past. And there’s also the Vintage Kitchen Show, which highlights all sorts of vintage furniture. |
Underrated Restaurants
Annie Rue Ice Cream
– From: annierue_icecream
Address: 6531 111 St NW
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday—2:30 pm to 9 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—12 pm to 9 pm
Calling all ice cream lovers—you have to stop by and give Annie Rue Ice Cream some love! This charming little ice cream shop specializes in premium ice cream with unique flavours, and I can’t recommend them enough.
I recommend trying the Halva and English Toffee ice cream, which is just super decadent. Vanilla is the first flavour you’ll taste, followed by the buttery and indulgent sweetness of toffee. There are also pieces of toffee and halva, which add a satisfying crunch.
| Pro Tip: Gift a fellow ice cream lover a gift card from this shop. |
Sai Woo Garden
Address: 10571 97 St NW
Operating Hours: Wednesday to Monday—4 pm to 9:30 pm
Contact Number: +17804259994
I first heard about Sai Woo Garden from Reddit (someone made a post asking for hidden gem restaurants, and it was one of the recommendations). I tried it out of curiosity, and now I can’t believe it took me so long to check this place out.
This restaurant specializes in authentic Cantonese cuisine. My current favourite thing to order is the beef broccoli (I love how tender the beef pieces are and how umami-rich the sauce is) with a side of special fried rice. It’s such a hearty and comforting meal!
| Pro Tip: If you’re dining with a group, I recommend calling the restaurant and booking a reservation ahead of time. |
Caffè Sole
– From: solecoffee
Address: 10025 102A Ave NW, Edmonton City Centre
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—7 am to 6 pm
- Saturday—10 am to 6 pm
Contact Number: +18776941896
Inside Edmonton City Center, you can find, in a little nook, Caffè Sole, and it’s such a great place to just sit down and do some work on my laptop or read a book. It’s so cozy and warm!
The food is great as well. I recommend getting the cured sammie, which is jam-packed with all my favourite sandwich fillings: salami and provolone. So, with every bite, I get to enjoy an explosion of savoury, salty, and cheesy goodness.
| Pro Tip: If the weather permits it, take a seat on their outdoor patio. It’s even cozier over there. |
Sunbake Pita
– From: sunbakepitabakery
Address: 10728 134 Ave NW
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday—8 am to 8 pm
- Sunday—8 am to 7 pm
Contact Number: +17804728405
If you’re craving a good Middle Eastern dish, stop by Sunbake Pita. In my many visits here, they haven’t disappointed me yet!
My go-to order is the chicken shawarma wrap, a classic option. The chicken pieces are tender and bursting with earthy and spicy flavours, and they taste better with the zesty pickles and tangy pickled turnips. Smear a generous dollop of toum as well because it adds a lovely kick of garlicky notes.
| Pro Tip: If you’re planning an event, you can book their catering services. |
Flat Boy Burgers
– From: flatboyburgers
Address: 9908 78 Ave NW
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—11:30 am to 10 pm
- Friday—11:30 am to 12 am
- Saturday—11 am to 1 am
- Sunday—11 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +17802174650
One thing I love about California is the smash burgers there, so every time I come back to Edmonton, that’s the first thing I’ll miss. Fortunately, this city now has Flat Boy Burgers, so I can satisfy my smash burger cravings whenever I want.
I always get mine with triple patties. I know it’s not a healthy choice; it’s just so good! The patties are super juicy and savoury, and when paired with classic American cheese, they taste even more indulgent.
This place is also best known for its key lime pies. It’s creamy with a nice sweet-and-sour flavour!
| Pro Tips: You can actually make your burger vegetarian or vegan for an extra fee. |
Loma House
– From: loma.house.restaurant
Address: 9142 23 Ave NW
Operating Hours: Wednesday to Monday—12 pm to 8 pm
Contact Number: +17804668391
If you’re vegetarian or vegan, don’t worry because I haven’t forgotten you. Loma House is my recommendation for delicious vegetarian and vegan eats.
I love getting the dim sum here. My current favourite is the BBQ bun, which is made with seitan tossed in a lovely smoky, savoury BBQ sauce.
For something sweet, I order the matcha cakes. These are glutinous rice flour balls with a sweet green tea filling. I love how chewy the skin is and how the matcha flavour is distinct but not overpowering.
| Pro Tip: Frozen take-home options are available. I recommend buying some (especially the dim sum ones) so that you have something to snack on. |
Co Due Hue
– From: codohue.ca
Address: 6960 76 Ave NW, Regency Plaza
Operating Hours: Wednesday to Monday—11 am to 8 pm
Contact Number: +17802506960
I love a hearty bowl of pho, especially on a cold day, and one of the best places to get this is Co Due Hue. This family-owned-and-run restaurant has been operating for over 10 years, and it’s become a staple in the neighbourhood.
I always get the beef noodle soup with medium rare beef and beef balls. The soup’s flavour profile is rich and complex. I like to add kimchi as a side dish for a kick of spice.
| Pro Tip: If you’re driving, there’s plenty of parking here, and it’s free of charge too. |
El Puerto de Acajutla
– From: restaurantacajutla
Address: 11302 107 Ave NW, Arwa Barwaka Merchandise
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday—11 am to 8 pm
- Friday and Saturday—11 am to 9 pm
- Sunday—11 am to 7 pm
Contact Number: +17804261308
Yes, even cities up north like Edmonton still have dining spots that serve amazing Latin American food! El Puerto de Acajutla—or Acajutla, as the locals like to call it—is one of these dining spots, and it’s so underhyped in my opinion!
I’m a big fan of the chile con carne here. The beef strips are sauteed with tomato, onions, and bell peppers, so they have a tangy, almost acidic taste. There’s also a side of rice and two tortillas, and these are great for cutting through the beef’s intense flavours.
| Pro Tip: If you’re sensitive to gluten, let your server know so that the chef can prepare a gluten-free version for you. |
Dogpatch
– From: dogpatchyeg
Address: 10158 90 St NW #101
Operating Hours:
- Monday—11 am to 4 pm
- Tuesday to Thursday—11 am to 8 pm
- Friday—11 am to 10 pm
- Saturday—10 am to 10 pm
- Sunday—10 am to 4 pm
Contact Number: +17807618700
Dogpatch is one of my recent favourite discoveries, and I need more people to know about it. This place is a bistro pub, and the vibes and food are absolutely immaculate!
Since this is a pub, expect to find a menu full of classic pub fare. You can’t go wrong with the iconic fish and chips. The pan-fried rockfish is super crispy, and the rémoulade sauce is a lot tangier than your typical tartar sauce. And of course, the chips are thick and perfectly salty.
| Pro Tip: On weekends, you can enjoy the pub’s exclusive brunch menu. On Wednesdays from 4 pm to 8 pm, the pub hosts Burger N’ Beer Night. This lets you enjoy a burger with sides and beer at a discounted price. |