Edmonton is the capital city of Alberta. It's home to 1.3 million people. The Edmontonians live in a city with year-round interest, North America's largest mall and access to wonderful natural beauty.
Moving to St. Albert means you get the peace of living in a suburb, without being far from a world-class city. Learn about different things to do in Edmonton.
Things to Do in Edmonton
Barely a week goes by without a festival in Edmonton. Many of these events are annual celebrations with long traditions.
As well as the special events there are attractions that are available all year round. Edmonton has museums and attractions for all tastes. Add to that a diverse food and drink offer to please the most demanding of tastes.
Living in St. Albert means you can have the best of the small city of St. Albert and the big city that is Edmonton. Let's start the adventure.
Indigenous Experiences
The indigenous people of the Edmonton area include the Métis, Blackfoot, Salteaux, Nekota Sioux and Cree. This rich culture is celebrated in Edmonton with several festivals and permanent exhibitions.
The Edmonton Indigenous Peoples Festival is held every year. It's led by the Canadian Native Friendship Centre of Edmonton. These events are also part of the National Indigenous Peoples Day and feature entertainment, an artisan marketplace and opportunities to taste indigenous food.
Museums
If you love to visit museums there's plenty for you in Edmonton. The Alberta Aviation Museum features a display of historic aircraft and information about them. Little ones can be pushed around the exhibits in strollers made to look like small planes.
The Alberta Railway Museum preserves an important aspect of Canadian heritage. The contribution of railway engineering to the development of Canada and Edmonton is displayed here with something for old and young alike.
A museum with a very niche interest is the quirky Neon Sign Museum. It's a unique insight into a time when neon was the innovative way of attracting the attention of customers to stores, bars, and restaurants. It's nostalgic for those that remember these former downtown features and educational for the young.
Natural Beauty
Mill Creek Ravine is a popular attraction with trails and plenty of flora and fauna to see. Take a walk and enjoy peace and quiet while in the city. The trails are suitable for exploring at all times of the year and you can even ride a bike here.
William Hawrelak Park is a venue for several festivals but it's great to visit anytime too. Take a paddleboat for a ride, take a picnic or simply explore the trails. In winter there is a skating pond for the more energetic visitor.
If your preference is indoor natural beauty take a visit to Muttart Conservatory. The botanical garden isn't just a visitor attraction. It's also a centre for scientific research.
On a bigger scale, the Elk Island National Park on Highway 16 East is place for encounters with truly wild Canadian fauna. Bison, elk, moose, and beaver can be found here. There is also a wide range of birds including herons, owls, and geese.
Shopping
The largest mall in North America is here in Edmonton. The West Edmonton Mall is huge with over 800 stores. It also has entertainment, restaurants and fun for the whole family.
For a retail experience that's a little smaller but still very special, visit Old Strathcona Farmers' Market. It's an indoor farmers market providing all-year-round fresh produce direct from the farm to you. It includes handmade crafts, skincare products, plants and you can have a tasty meal there too.
If your preference is outdoor shopping rather than malls, then 4th Street Promenade may be for you. Shops and restaurants share this more traditional shopping area. See it at Christmas time when the lights are twinkling everywhere and there's plenty of Christmas spirit.
Food and Drink
Craft breweries have sprung up all over the world in recent years. Edmontonians have their fair share.
Town Square Brewing Co. is an award-winning tap house. This is a venue for friends to meet or a family gathering.
Sea Change Brewing Co. combines supplying craft beer with being a venue on the Edmonton music scene. A great night out.
Take a trip downtown to the H.V. Shaw Building. Here you'll find Yellowhead Brewery. It's a historic location and a tried and tested craft brewery with 10-years’ experience of brewing.
Your choice of coffee shop may be as important to you as a restaurant is to a gastronome. In Old Strathcona, try Block 1912 for fine coffee and fruit pies.
Café Leva serves meals along with their very special coffee. Coffee Bureau serves coffee and tea with fresh cookies and croissants.
If food is your thing then take a food tour. The walking food tour takes in Edmonton's food highlights as well as introducing you to the people who make it. Chefs, business owners, and artisans share their stories to bring to life the food of Edmonton and its culture.
Dining in Edmonton is an eclectic mix of styles. Uccellini is a popular Italian restaurant with a reputation for service and a special tasting menu. Baijiu is a small intimate characterful restaurant with an Asian vibe.
Music and Dance
Dance and music are always part of great nightlife and Edmonton has plenty to offer. The Funky Buddha, The Buckingham and The Common might make it into your list of favourite places to strut your stuff. If you need a little Dutch courage, the tequila cellar at El Cortez's might help.
Live music is a regular feature of The Station and the Starlite Room. Both feature local, national and international musical talent.
Blues music fans will love Blues on Whyte. There's a dance floor and the live music is on seven days a week.
Make a Plan
There are so many things to do in Edmonton you need to plan. Check the festival calendar and clear your diary. Make a date with friends and family and take some time out to get to know Edmonton.
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