Edmonton, Alberta, in Western Canada combines the feel of the city with the serenity and adventure of nature in one simple location. If the scenery doesn’t encourage you to visit Edmonton, you’ll also be happy to know that Edmonton is one of the sunniest cities in Canada and one of the fastest-growing and hippest cities. One thing’s for sure – you won’t get bored in Alberta’s capital city. Here are some fun things to do and see in Edmonton, AB

Segway Tour

Get to know the city in a fun way by taking a guided tour on a segway.

A segway is a two-wheel-standing vehicle that allows you to get around the city easily without getting tired. They are easy for just about any reasonably healthy person to operate, including older children and teens. In fact, they will probably love the way of getting around town, only making the experience better for them. You can take the tour in the day for a great opportunity to see the city, or you can take the tour at night for a beautiful look at the city skylines and night lights. Specifically, look for a tour that includes a stop for ice cream or a drink if that’s what you want to do during your vacation.

Scavenger Hunt

Another fun way to get to know the city is to participate in a scavenger hunt with your group. You and your friends will work together to complete the scavenger hunt, stopping at local hot spots along the way. You have to race against the other teams, but you can always come back to interesting attractions after you win. Winners usually earn a treat, but you can up the stakes by adding a side bet to the game with your friends.

West Edmonton Mall

Good shopping isn’t only in Paris and Milan. You can enjoy a nice shopping excursion by stopping at the West Edmonton Mall. However, the mall is a lot more than just a mall. The mall is the 5th largest mall in the entire world, and it spans over 48 city blocks. It also has the world’s largest indoor lake. Outside of the array of shops, you will also find:

  • Water park
  • Amusement center
  • Restaurant center
  • Hotel
  • Bingo hall
  • Imax theater

Everyone can find something to do. You can go to a restaurant while your mother plays bingo and the kids enjoy the water park. You can spend the entire day at the mall alone, but don’t forget about all of the wonderful outdoor activities you can enjoy.

Elk Island National Park

Elk Island National Park, one of the best national parks in Canada, is only about an hour away from Edmonton, so it makes the perfect day trip for you and your group to experience the natural wildlife in the area.

According to the park itself, it contains the highest concentration of hoofed animals in one location in the entire world. You will see buffalo, birds,  and muskrats. You’ll also get the chance to breathe the fresh air and take in the sights while walking or biking on the numerous hiking trails. You can also enjoy cross-country skiing and other outdoor activities during the winter.

Fort Edmonton Park

Fort Edmonton Park is the country’s largest living history museum, and it’s significantly larger than Central Park in New York.

Essentially, the park attempts to recreate different periods of Edmonton’s early history. In some cases, they use preserved historical artifacts and historic buildings, too. People dressed in traditional garb can teach visitors about things like the fur trade and how pioneers lived their daily lives. You’ll find a classic 1920s saloon that still offers pickled eggs for roughly $1. Traveling around the park, you can use old streetcars and other archaic modes of transportation (or walk).

Ice Castles

The magic of winter comes to life when you visit the popular ice castles in Edmonton in the wintertime.

The ice castles consist of numerous icicles formed together by professional sculptors to create majestic structures. Ice castles only exist in 5 cities in North America, and Edmonton’s may be the best. You can admire the structures from afar, but the real adventure happens as you wander around them and through them. The artists create the structures to be somewhat interactive with tunnels for you to walk through. The castles are lit up with LED lights to really enhance the visual experience. If you plan correctly, you can even admire the ice castles during the northern lights for a really unique experience.

Don’t forget your camera (or your hand warmers).

High-Level Bridge Streetcar

Edmonton boasts the highest streetcar bridge not in Canada, but the world.

It’s a perfect way to get a bird’s eye view of the city and the North Saskatchewan River (as long as you’re not afraid of heights).

The ride only costs $5, but the views you receive are priceless.

The streetcar was built in 1912, and the city has kept the original form as much as possible.

It’s not only a ride. It’s rather practical, too. In fact, you can travel downtown Edmonton using the streetcar, putting you right back in the heart of the action.

Whyte Avenue

When in Edmonton, you need to make your way down Whyte Avenue. Whyte Avenue is the main street of the arts and entertainment district, so there’s always something exciting happening. You can stop at numerous cafes, restaurants, and bars. You’ll also find classic book shops, record shops, and art galleries.

If you come at the right time of year, you may also encounter one of the festivals or events that take place on the popular street.

The annual Art Walk allows artists to sell their work on the street. Whyte St. also hosts the Edmonton International Fringe Festival every year.

Honorable Mentions:

We couldn’t cover absolutely everything here.

Also, visit the following attractions:

  • Royal Alberta Museum
  • Edmonton Valley Zoo
  • Alberta Botanic Garden
  • Alberta Legislature Building
  • Edmonton Convention Centre
  • Alberta Railway Museum
  • Alberta Aviation Museum
  • Telus World of Science
  • Neon Sign Museum
  • Jasper National Park
  • Art Gallery of Alberta
  • Edmonton Opera Company
  • John Janzen Nature Centre
  • Margaret Zeidler Star Theatre
  • Fairmont Hotel Macdonald
  • Fort Saskatchewan
  • Louise McKinney Riverfront Park
  • Reynolds Alberta Museum

Conclusion

As soon as you land at Edmonton City center airport, the adventure of visiting Edmonton begins. Make the most of your time in Edmonton by choosing your favorite Edmonton attractions in advance. Anything that you don’t get to, you can always save for your second trip. Visit Dr. Molly Rodgers Dental Clinic if you need dental services in Edmonton, AB. Call us today!

References:

https://matadornetwork.com/trips/11-big-facts-about-edmonton-you-probably-didnt-know/

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g154914-Activities-Edmonton_Alberta.html

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