The 13 things to do in Edmonton

A stop in the capital of Alberta is scheduled during your trip to Canada? Discover the 13 best things to do in Edmonton!

Located in the centre of the province and three hours drive north Calgary Edmonton is Canada's most flourishing capital.

Indeed, this city is young: it is only 150 years old! With a juvenile population, it is characterized by its outstanding dynamism and cultural diversity. The city, which has spread over time around the Saskatchewan River, has a calm and vibrant atmosphere.

Between unforgettable attractions and natural landscapes it would be a shame to miss, here are the 13 best things to do in Edmonton. You'll tell us some news!

1. Discover Fort Edmonton Park

A fun and fun historical discovery is the challenge of Fort Edmonton Park. The actors in costumes of the 1800s transport you by their game in time of carriages, old cars and fur trade. The largest Living History Museum in Canada deserves you to stop there when you visit Edmonton.

2. Explore the Elk Island National Park

Visit this national park for a head-to-head with nature during your city trip ! The Elk Island National Park was originally created to support the preservation of wapitis Canada. Today, even if the cervids are still present, they are mostly bison that live on almost 200 km2 of this protected space.

Asphalt routes are used to admire and observe these animals, which represent the largest terrestrial species in Canadian territory. Hiking trails also cross the park.

3. Getting to the Muttart Winter Garden

The Muttart Winter Garden, or Muttart Conservatory , is a charming botanical garden created in 1976. Its four glass pyramids make it one of the most characteristic buildings in Edmonton. Three of them are each dedicated to a particular climate, the fourth being reserved for temporary exhibitions.

Going through the winter garden will allow you to see Edmonton under another aspect, as the site offers in addition to its flora a nice view of the city.

4. Walking around the West Edmonton Mall

This is Alberta’s most popular tourist site. And for cause: The West Edmonton Mall is no other than the largest shopping centre in North America! Even if we are not a big fan of shopping, this one deserves a hint, would it be to say: “I went there! » .

About 500 000 sqm, you will find more than 800 shops, an indoor pool, amusement park, a zoo and even a rink. We told you it was something to do in Edmonton!

5. Have fun at Galaxyland amusement park

Galaxyland is the second largest amusement park in the world, nothing but that! Located inside the West Edmonton Mall, however, it deserved a paragraph on its own. If you like strong sensations, this is one thing to do in Edmonton.

Its four roller coasters and many other carousels, padding cars or large wheel unfold in a fantastic and dreamlike world. A visit for young and old in Edmonton.

6. Amazing in the North Saskatchewan River Valley

The North Saskatchewan River Valley is 22 times the size of Central Park, giving it vertigo. With trails, trails, golf courses or tree-lined paths, it’s a stop in Edmonton.

The premises are in agreement: it is the mandatory meeting of the picnics, Sunday walks or morning joggings. And as the terrain lends to it, you can also give yourself to canoeing, pedal boats and even snowshoes in winter!

7. Admire the Legislative Assembly of Alberta

The Alberta Legislative Assembly Building, The Ledge for the natives, is made to be admired. Its marble pillars and its carved oak facade are themselves a good reason to visit Edmonton. And if we add to this a free visit of the Assembly that takes place every hour, we have probably already managed to sting your curiosity. The staff of the building will passionately expose you to the history and secrets of this Beaux-Arts building inaugurated in 1912.

You will learn more about the works hosted by the Assembly, and about the Famous five these five Canadian women who fought for women's rights. Two of them once sat in the assembly, and gave their names to five parks in Edmonton.

8. Discover the Ice Castles

Edmonton Ice Castle is one of the most popular winter attractions in the country. And one quickly understands why when one finds oneself in front of this building with a penetrating white, where light projections are made. The result is a breathtaking show, which one would almost believe out of an animated film as the magic emerges from it.

A tip however: take a good pair of shoes with you, because the ground is very slippery in places! One to two hours of visit are necessary to be able to admire the ice castle as a whole.

9. Visit the Alberta Art Gallery

The unique architecture of the Alberta Art Gallery competes with the Cité des Sciences de Valencia or Guggenheim Museum de Bilbao .

Within this masterly beauty, more than 6,000 classical or contemporary works are exhibited. From sculpture to painting through installations and photographs, this art gallery located in the centre of Edmonton is a high place of culture in the city. And if you don’t have time to visit her, make at least one detour in front: his building is one thing to see in Edmonton!

10. Walk to the botanical garden of the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta is one of Canada’s most important research institutions. It is therefore no wonder that its buildings and environment are one of the things to see in Edmonton. These include the botanical garden of the university.

On 32 hectares, its landscaped spaces are full of small secret corners, bridges and basins of all kinds. In her womb also elected the Aga Khan garden. With moghole inspiration, it is an interesting turn if Islamic landscape architecture interests you.

11. Discover the Old Strathcona district

For the short story, Old Strathcona is named after the city of Strathcona, formerly located south of Edmonton. The two cities merged in 1912. The Old Strathcona district brings us back to the time the Edmonton Railway Company was installed, the Edmonton Railway Company.

Its beautiful red brick towers are always proudly erected, and their surroundings are punctuated with independent shops and cafés. A resolutely bohemian atmosphere emerges from its alleys which we enjoy to browse. Every Saturday morning there is a peasant market in the neighborhood. If you’re in Edmonton at this time of the week, don’t miss a tour of it and get immersed in its atmosphere!

12. Go to Valley Zoo

In the middle of the city, the Valley Zoo d’Edmonton hosts a beautiful landscaped path that goes to meet birds of prey and other tropical animals. If you're visiting Edmonton with children or simply interested in wildlife, the Valley Zoo deserves a detour.

13. Visit the Alberta Railway Museum

As its name suggests, this museum is dedicated to the equipment of Alberta railway companies and the national railway company. Old locomotives are housed there, and museum staff have stories and anecdotes to no longer finish. A visit to Edmonton if knowing a territory through the prism of its infrastructure is an approach that speaks to you.

How to get to Edmonton?

Capital of Alberta, Edmonton is a relatively well-served city. It houses an international airport, a railway station and a bus station.

Edmonton International Airport includes regular connections to other major Canadian cities as well as many American cities. If you fly from the Iceland or Netherlands , you can also book a direct trip to Edmonton.

If you plan to arrive in Edmonton by air, do not hesitate to use a flight comparison like Skyscanner to find the best route option.

There are also buses to reach Edmonton from the majority of major Canadian cities around the world. Links to Calgary, Red Deer and Fort McCurray are particularly common. The train, for its part, allows to reach Edmonton from remote destinations such as Montreal , Toronto or Vancouver .

To circulate within Edmonton, the car rental offers unparalleled comfort by public transport and allows you to choose in peace your departure times for your activities.

Where to stay in Edmonton?

A city of the size of Edmonton is composed of a good number of neighborhoods, which all stand out by a different atmosphere. It is thus best to know their particularities before stopping your choice of accommodation.

In Downtown, there are some of the city’s highest buildings, as this is where Canada’s business centre is located. Very quiet in winter, this area is animated during the summer season. Saint-Jean is the French area of the city: cafés and shops are Francophone, which should make sure if you are not comfortable with the language of Shakespeare. Whyte Avenue, located near the university campus, is for its part the busiest district of the city.

There is an average of 70 to 100 € for renting a hotel room in Edmonton. To be sure to find the offer that suits you, do not hesitate to use a Compare hotels !

If you want more intimate comfort, feel free to rent one of the charming Airbnb who live in the city!

So, did you update your visit program in Edmonton? What activities did you select? Tell us all in comments!