Edmonton attractions

Finding fun things to do in Edmonton is easy! Edmonton has a large number of interesting tourist attractions that range from sports to shopping to concerts.

One of Edmonton’s best-known attractions is West Edmonton Mall. Many visitors to WEM stay at Best Western Westwood Inn because we’re only five minutes from West Edmonton Mall.

Have a look at our list of things to do in Edmonton. You’ll have to keep coming back to do all of them!

Shopping

Edmonton is well known for its shopping experiences. You’ll find great shopping opportunities all over the city.

West Edmonton Mall - The world famous West Edmonton Mall has more than 800 stores & attractions. WEM is billed as the world’s largest entertainment & shopping centre.

South Edmonton Common - If you love to shop, South Edmonton common could keep you busy for days. This south Edmonton retail complex has a number of big name outlet stores and much more.

Old Strathcona Shopping & Historical District - Also known as Whyte Ave, this shopping district has a number of interesting historic buildings, restaurants, interesting shops & live theatres. You’ll want to catch the summertime trolley tours & walking tours.

Culture/Museums/Science

The capital of Alberta, Edmonton has many interesting cultural experiences. History and culture buffs will find many fascinating stops throughout the city. If science is your interest, you’ll want to check out the Royal Alberta Museum, Telus World of Science and the Canadian Petroleum Interpretive Centre.

Alberta Legislature - Take a free tour of the Alberta Legislature buildings (Edmonton is the capital of Alberta) and learn about Alberta’s rich history. The Legislature ground overlook the beautiful North Saskatchewan river.

Fort Edmonton Park - Learn all about Edmonton’s history. There are recreated streets from 1885, 1905 and 1920, as well as a recreation of the 1846 fort. The Hudson Bay Company built the original fort in 1795. Enjoy the streetcar rides, displays and a steam train.

Royal Alberta Museum - The popular Royal Alberta Museum has many interesting displays to keep everyone in the family interested. From the country’s largest collection of mounted birds to the Syncrude Gallery of Aboriginal Culture, there are many travelling and permanent exhibits to fill your day.

Art Gallery of Alberta - With a brand new building, the AGA has 85,000 square feet of space. There are more than 5,000 works of art from regional artists and the gallery has many regional, national and international tours coming through.

Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village - The Ukranian Village gives you a chance to see how some of Alberta’s largest immigrant group lived in the pioneer days. The site is just under a half hour east of Edmonton and is worth the trip to see the village and actors in period costumes.

Telus World of Science (TWOS) - The whole family will love the Telus World of Science and all it has to offer. There are all sorts of permanent and travelling exhibits, the Margaret Zeidler Star Theatre planetarium and the IMAX Theatre.

Canadian Petroleum Interpretive Center - The oil and gas industry is what powers the Alberta economy. At CPIC you can try out the games, displays and there are guides who can explain how the petroleum industry works. There’s even a working drilling rig.

Sports

Edmontonians love their sports and you’ll be able to catch NHL hockey, CFL football, Indy car racing and much more.

Edmonton Oilers - The NHL Edmonton Oilers season runs from October through April at Rexall Place close at Northlands Park.

Edmonton Eskimos - The Canadian Football League Edmonton Eskimos play from June to November and Edmonton is home to the Grey Cup game in November 2010. You’ll want to book a hotel room early to catch it!

Edmonton Capitals- If you like baseball, you’ll want to catch the Golden Baseball League Edmonton Capitals and they play from May to August.

Edmonton Oil Kings- The Edmonton Oil Kings are Edmonton’s WHL hockey team and their season runs from Sept. to March.

Horse racing - The sport of kings has a home at Northlands Park where you’ll be able to catch horse racing action live or simulcast. When the horses aren’t racing, you can enjoy the gaming facilities and dining.

Rexall Indy - Remind yourself to be in Edmonton in July to catch the exciting Indy auto race.

Canadian Finals Rodeo - Mid-November is a great time to be in Edmonton for the entire week. Canadian Finals Rodeo is has all the top bull-riders and more.

Gardens & Wildlife

Muttart Conservatory - With four glass pyramids, the Muttart Conservatory allows you to explore temperate forests, floral paradise, an exotic jungle and desert oasis. Newly renovated, the Muttart is located in Edmonton’s scenic river valley and has a number of shows.

Devonian Botanic Garden - Just southwest of Edmonton, in Devon, you will be able to enjoy the University of Alberta’s 80-acre garden and 110 acres of natural space. There are flower gardens, a Japanese garden and native plant reserves. Come and enjoy the wetlands, natural landscapes and gardens.

Edmonton Valley Zoo - If you love animals, then the Edmonton Valley Zoo is a must-see. There are over 100 endangered, exotic and native animals at the zoo, including Lucy the Elephant, camels, tigers and much more. The kids will also enjoy the miniature trains and animal rides.

Elk Island National Park - Photographers will love Elk Island National Park, 50 kilometres east of Edmonton, and home to bison, caribou, coyotes, beavers and moose. There are also many bird species to be found around the lakes, meadows, hills and bogs in the area. There are in excess of 100 kilometres of trails for hiking and skiing.

Concerts & Festivals

Capital Ex - July – In addition to entertainment such as concerts and comedians, you’ll also find games, displays, rides and tons of fun in this 10 day exhibition at Northlands Park. It’s easy to get to using transit.

International Fringe Theatre Festival - August - This festival is full of funny, strange and unusual theatre acts and runs for 11 days. It’s a very popular festival and it all takes place in the Old Strathcona Historical District around Whyte Avenue.

Heritage Festival - August - Travel all around the world in one day without leaving Edmonton. Edmonton’s Heritage Festival celebrates crafts, food and culture with more than 60 cultural pavilions.

Folk festival - August – Enjoy Edmonton’s annual folk music festival with performers from all over the planet.

A Taste of Edmonton - Food festival - July

Kiwanis music festival - April

dEdmonton - October is the scariest month in Edmonton. Enjoy horror movies, zombies in the parade & more.

Northlands Park - Make sure to check the Northlands Park schedule to see what conference, home show or trade show is coming next.

Concerts - Edmonton

Edmonton Festivals

Edmonton festivals II