Edmonton is the farthest north of Canada’s most populous cities. Despite the resultant variation in temperatures (it can go from -40 in the winter to +40 in the summer, not to mention the wind chill!) there are so many things to do in Edmonton, all year round.
While exploring the windy winter streets aren’t always fun, if you’re looking to create an amazing Edmonton itinerary, then read on!
From amazing cultural experiences and festivals to the best food and drinks in the city. You will find something worth visiting this city for!
The history of Edmonton
The area we know as Edmonton today has been home to indigenous people since at least 3000 BC, possibly as far back as 10,000 BC, but in reference to a more recent history of colonization, Edmonton was first founded by Europeans around 1795. This first foundation was originally in the present day location of Fort Saskatchewan, a city around half an hour to the north of downtown Edmonton.
Edmonton became the capital of Alberta in 1904 and still retains that title today.
While the province of Alberta is well known for its oil deposits, there are plenty of unique sights throughout the city of Edmonton. Including West Edmonton Mall, which was the largest shopping centre in the entire world at its opening in 1981 and still the largest in North America to date.
Read more about the many attractions below! If you’re looking for amazing river views and quiet trails to walk along, I can help you find great places to visit!
End of the World Viewpoint
This is quite possibly my favourite viewpoint of the North Saskatchewan River and the winding shorelines covered in trees (not in winter though). While this is technically an illegal viewpoint, it is not enforced as long as you respect neighbouring communities and other hikers.
This is a locals favourite viewpoint, especially at sunset! With purple and pink reflections glistening on the river hundreds of meters below, it’s no wonder why it’s so popular. There has been talk in the past of changing this old concrete retaining wall into an official viewpoint – so check it out before it’s changed forever!
One thing to note is to be careful. The last few meters of the old concrete retaining wall has deteriorated badly and very uneven in spots. As well, at this point, there is no guard rail up to protect you from the steep drop. But don’t worry, if you’re not one for heights, you can still get amazing views without getting anywhere near the edge.
However, it’s worth noting this is scheduled to change. The city of Edmonton is embracing this locally known gem and putting in infrastructure to make it safer for people to enjoy the stunning vistas. Plans to upgrade this viewpoint have been talked about for a while now, but it looks like the End of the world viewpoint is getting the makeover it deserves!
River Valley
Edmonton’s River Valley is massive; in fact, it’s the largest collection of urban parks in all of Canada. With 160km of maintained paths, if you’re after more walking with beautiful views than you can handle, the river valley should be on your must-see list.
Along the different trails, you will get some beautiful waterside views of the North Saskatchewan River. There are also quite a few stunning viewpoints along the river valley from Cliffside lookouts. For one of my favourites, keep reading!
High-level street car
If you’re after an even more aerial view of the river valley, one of my favourite Edmonton attractions is just for you! Crossing over the North Saskatchewan River on a historical train. It’s the highest streetcar bridge crossing in the world and, in my opinion, a must see of Edmonton!
Since 1913, Edmonton has been home to a rail system, originally charging 5 cents a ride (it’s now $6 return for anyone above 5 years old, free for kids under), the High-Level Street Car has become somewhat of an iconic Edmonton attraction.
The route the old streetcars take crosses the North Saskatchewan River at pretty much 109th Street. It takes roughly 10 minutes to get to the other side of the bridge, so there’s plenty of time to get amazing views and photos.
At one point in history, there were actually 3 rail lines in use on this narrow bridge, the streetcars were on the exterior and would actually hand off either side of the edge by 15-20cm (6-8 inches)!
What really interests me is the origins of the streetcars that take people on this sightseeing tour. Since 1996, one car from Osaka, Japan has been running along these rail lines and in 2006, the Edmonton Streetcar Society (run completely by volunteers might I add!) added one more from Melbourne, Australia! I never really expected a great piece of Australian history to be in the city I now live! The final streetcar that originally served Edmonton was refurbished in 2011 and all three run to this day (only one at a time due to the single railway tracks).
This fantastic attraction is runs 3km in length from the south side of the river to the north, with the bridge being 8 feet higher on the south side of the bridge than the north! The main stops are Strathcona and Jasper Place (right across from the legislature of Alberta).
Alberta Legislature
As Edmonton is an “old” capital (in terms of western Canadian timelines) of the province of Alberta (equivalent to being a ‘State’ in other parts of the world), means the that the legislature building in the city is full of history and impressive to look at.
What I personally enjoyed about this building was how diverse the information was. There were statues of the European founders of the settlement of Edmonton, and Alberta, but there were also statues and history that covered other important figures, such as native chiefs who played a critical role in the history of Alberta. There’s also a great section detailing the role of women in the cities history.
I highly recommend taking one of the free tours that leave from the lobby near the entrance every hour, with the last leaving at 4 pm during the week. Each tour runs for around 45 minutes and you’ll learn much about the history. I definitely didn’t know Alberta was named after a Princess who was Governor General in the late 19th century.
The architecture of the Leg (as it’s affectionately known) is also impressive. With construction beginning in 1907, it retains its original elevators and light fittings. This intricate building looked similar to when first built, and that’s pretty amazing when you consider just how long ago that was.
On top of history, Edmonton’s Legislature has a unique point of interest. There’s a special spot that if you stand directly below a light fitting, it sounds like gushing water right above your head! It’s an eerie feeling and made me immediately look up for water – obviously, there pass none, it’s just a random and unintended acoustic feature that echoes the fountain stories below.
Muttart Conservatory
Probably one of the most unique botanical gardens you’ll ever visit. These four glass pyramids glass pyramids are a popular attraction among locals and visitors to Edmonton alike. Each of the structures houses a different climate and the plants that tend to grow in each biome. Arid and tropical are two of the warmest and allow you to escape the winter chill. Don’t forget to check out the seasonal biome, it has seen everything from butterflies to poinsettia-laden pianos.
There is a cafe inside for food and drinks, Offering a step-up from your average cafe (it has well-recognized food and chefs). You can also purchase plants from the gift shop and other local trinkets. For parking make sure to register your vehicles number plate at the cashier. Adults are currently 12.50 and children 6.50 CAD at the time of writing.
West Edmonton Mall
West Edmonton Mall is one of the most visited locations in all of Edmonton for tourists and locals alike. As I mentioned earlier, it built in 1981 and was the largest mall/shopping centre in the entire world (it’s currently the 5th largest). While it’s full of shopping and food courts, it has so much more to offer that makes it stand out above other shopping malls in the city.
There’s an amusement park with many rides including a rollercoaster, a water park, an ice hockey rink, a theme hotel and even a giant pirate ship display. Yeah. It’s a sight in itself.
The water park is as great way to escape the cold winter winds of Edmonton and enjoy the water at the same time. If you’re after a bit of a thrill, the water park offers bungee jumping. They even have surf lessons. As an Australian, I never expected to see surfing lessons inside a shopping centre/mall!
Glow in the Dark mini golf
So far I’ve mentioned a few of my personal favourite things to do, but this one made it into my list because it really is a great activity for the whole family. This mini golf (or putt putt as we call it in Australia), is held completely in the dark, except for the neon glowing course, clubs and creepy figures spread around the 18holes.
If you manage a hole-in-one at the giant green ogre, you will hear him fart… I guess my sense of humour isn’t that mature!
If you’re looking to make the fun last a little longer, Gateway Lanes 10-pin bowling is right next door with a fully stocked bar and restaurant. There’s also a pool hall with plenty of tables so you’ll never have to wait. Tuesday is cheap night, so book ahead if you want to take advantage of their heavily discounted rates!
Walk along Whyte Avenue
Whyte Ave (82nd Avenue) is one of the most popular shopping and nightlife scenes in Edmonton. From unique little shops, to cleverly named pubs and clubs, you can find plenty of things to do (and eat) along Whyte. Nope, that’s not a spelling mistake!
In the summer, stroll along stopping to listen to the many buskers performing, or check out one of the many side-walk festivals or larger festivals that are hosted around this popular hangout.
Situated just south of the North Saskatchewan River, the best part of Whyte is in between 109st and 99st. In between these streets is where I love to visit and is where most of the interesting and exciting activities and places to visit are located.
Mill Creek Ravine
If you follow Whyte Avenue east until around 93rd Street you will cross right overtop of the Mill Creek Ravine. It’s a beautiful trail system in the centre of the city – a perfect place for a scenic walk through the trees as the creek flows alongside you. It’s easy to forget you’re in a city of over a million people when you’re amidst this nature. Walking the winding trails around gives beautiful views of the quiet creek.
If you’re a dog lover (whether or not you have a puppy to walk), the off-leash dog park inside the south side of the ravine is full of friendly and energetic dogs that love the attention.
The Best Edmonton Festivals
Edmonton is well known for its festivals. In fact, is known as “the Festival City”. If you look hard enough, you can find a festival for everything. From cultural food experiences such as Heritage Days to the amazing talent on show at the Street Performers Festival. Edmonton’s got it all. And it’s not just during the summer. Want to see some ice sculptures AND a giant bonfire? Sure, Edmonton has that too!
I’ve even seen a banner hanging up for a “Twins and Triplets Festival!” Since I’m neither a twin or a triplet, I won’t be covering that one today. However, here are a rundown of some of my personal favourites!
Edmonton Heritage Festival
Personally my absolute favourite of all the yearly Edmonton Festivals. It’s all about the melting pot of cultures that make Edmonton the diverse city that it is.
What really surprised me is the melting pot of culture within Edmonton when I first arrived in the city. Even though Australia seem to flock to the rocky mountains, we even had our own tent! The kangaroo slider burgers sold out really fast!
Cultural diversity brings along with it many great things. Food and art being two major components of the celebration. This is what Heritage Days showcases. Different foods, singing, dancing and artworks and handicrafts
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While the whole experience is incredible, it is the different types of cuisine available at Edmonton’s Heritage Days that always keeps me coming back! I always eat way too much and end up filling up before i get to try even half of what I want! Luckily, it’s a multi-day event.
Heritage Days is always held in Hawrelak Park and 2018 was no different. There were over 90 different nationalities were present at this year’s event.
The way this festival operates is to buy tickets, through cash or card, at the tickets booth. Each food or drink (there are always plenty of new things to try!) has a ticket value and you exchange these tickets for your dish. Some of them are legit full plate dishes.
Entry to the Edmonton Heritage Festival is free, but bring an item for the Edmonton Food Bank. Canned food works well and can be given at the entrances.
Edmonton International Street Performers Festival
Edmonton is home to an amazing street performers festival. All different artists travel from all around the globe come to the city and perform acts they have spent years, possibly decades perfecting. This isn’t a festival of mediocre performers and buskers, these acts have trained and honed their skills to make this an event you won’t soon forget.
From acrobatics to comedy to magic, and everything in between. This festival has seen it all. One of my favourites I have watched multiple years now is Reuben DotDotDot. A fellow Australian and an amazing acrobat, but also an overall cheeky bloke! Many of the acts incorporate fire and juggling from heights. It makes me nervous just watching from the crowd, but it’s always a good day/evening out.
Taste of Edmonton
A reoccurring theme to this article is food. The multicultural aspects of Edmonton play another part in a great food festival. Taste of Edmonton showcases many amazing restaurants in the city, and the range of edibles available is amazing.
From tacos to sushi to bannock and burgers and so much more – you won’t come away hungry that’s for sure! This year there was a native treat called Bannock. This fried bread is served with butter and/or jam and is a must try! It’s so tasty!
This festival works the same as Heritage Days, you buy your tickets from the ticket booth, and exchange the tickets for anything you’d like to try! It’s a great system and ensures you only eat what you want.
They also have a stage that showcases both local and national talent, so you’re never short on entertainment with your eats!
There are plenty of vegetarian options as well.
Fringe Festival
Edmonton’s Fringe Festival is widely recognised as being one of the best and most established of its kind in the world. This annual arts festival is held in August and has something for everyone.
Whether its comedy, improv, or something a little more serious, each year there is a wide variety of plays and acts.
Fort Edmonton Area
There is plenty to see and do around the area of Fort Edmonton Park. You can purchase a ticket to enter the park itself and learn about historical buildings from the late 19th century and early 20th century, a reconstruction of the old Fort Edmonton. There are even special events taking place throughout the year in Fort Edmonton Park, but general admission is closed during the winter months.
There are also some notable activities to do around the wooded parkland area – John Janzen Nature Centre is mostly for younger kids and provides interactive exhibits of all types of plants and animals. If you’re looking for a nature walk, taking the path from the nature centre takes you along a quiet path. Winding through a small forest of birch trees and an offshoot of the path finds a walking bridge over the North Saskatchewan River and gives great views of the surrounding area.
Best Restaurants In Edmonton
Amazing restaurants in Edmonton. Edmonton has always had an incredible food scene, but it’s definitely gaining more praise these days as a foodie city.
Below I’ve listed the ones that I love the most and consistently serve amazing meals!
Lemongrass Cafe
This is a lesser known restaurant in Edmonton. However, it is one of my top places to eat. I always seem to crave the peanut satay soup here! Located on 51st Avenue, it’s not in the “hot spots”, but is well worth the extra little drive, or effort to sort out the bus routes to get here.
This is also an amazing place to try the local favourite – green onion cakes. Such a tasty appetizer!
Padmanadi
Whether you’re a vegetarian, vegan or omnivore, this vegan cafe with a blend of Asian fare will make anyone’s mouth water. This is a must visit, no two ways about it!
Every month There is a buffet and I never leave without needing a food-induced nap. Trying little bits of all the delicious dishes is just too much temptation. If you want recommendations, Bakmi Goreng is a great noodle dish.
Their curry chicken is a house special and is amazing (and the best yellow curry you’ll ever have?), as it the…
There’s no need to worry about crossing over with meat products as everything in the restaurant is vegan! And for all the meat eaters out there, not only is it almost impossible to tell the difference sometimes, it is delicious!
La Poutine
Poutine is one of Canada’s most well-known foods. The large restaurant chains like McDonald’s and Tim Hortons in Canada have their own version, but if you try them and think they are…well shit… then you kinda got yourself into that mess. If you want to try a consistently tasty and well made Poutine, La Poutine is my suggestion!
On top of the traditional (which my partner is a strong believer is the only way to try it), they have a huge variety of specialty poutine.
If you’re a vegetarian, don’t worry, they have lots of veggie (and vegan) options. Many other places will use gravy derived from meat products… but not at La Poutine- and trust me meat eaters, you will not notice the difference!
La Poutine is located just north of Whyte Ave on 109st. If you make it to the river, you’ve gone too far!
How to get around Edmonton
Let’s be real, public transit in Canada is not the greatest… but Edmonton does have a few options to help you out.
While there is a Light Rail Transit system (LRT), the train is quite limited to stops. It’s great to get north and south to a general area, but it’s unlikely it will drop you at the front door of where you want to go.
Buses are another option in the city of Edmonton. However, they can be also lacking in their routes and can take a while to get to where you’re going (especially in rush hour!). If you’re going to a popular spot, such as West Edmonton Mall (West Ed) or Whyte Ave area, it shouldn’t be too hard to find a route, but heading to the outskirts of the city can be time-consuming and involve multiple transfers.
If you would like a greater freedom in the downtown and Whyte Ave area, I highly suggest the car-sharing app Pogo! I use it and as long as you’re driving within the allocated area, it’s cheap and convenient.
Other options include renting a car, which may be more beneficial in the end depending on your overall plans, or using taxis/ubers.
Should you visit Edmonton’s “Silver Balls”, officially known as the “Talus Dome”?
When I first arrived in Edmonton, back in 2013, I was told time and time again the Talus Dome, or “silver balls” were the #1 attraction on TripAdvisor for a while. Not sure if I believe it or not.
I’ll be the first to admit, that it’s not my cup of tea. If you’re driving onto Whitemud Drive, from Fox Drive, these giant silver, shining balls will be on your right. Trust me, you can’t miss them. Especially if the sun is reflected at just the right angle, they can be almost blinding!
Costing around $600,000 to build, two artists from Los Angeles erected this sculpture back in 2011. Even now, once in a while, I hear the subject of the Talus Dome find it’s way into a conversation.
So if you’re into sculpture art, then this might be a must see for you. It sure is unique and unforgettable!
The Talus Dome is also a short walk from the Fort Edmonton car park. head to the east side of the bridge, and the south side of the river. They are pretty hard to miss!
Additional Edmonton information
My major tip for the city is about transportation – as I mentioned earlier, Pogo is a great car share app! Sign up in the app, and you can hire a car for as little as 47 cents, per minute, for the downtown and Whyte Ave area! Once you hit the 15minute mark, the cost can become a little expensive. Great for short trips around the city.
A complete guide to the city of Edmonton’s transport can be found here: https://www.edmonton.ca/transportation.aspx
Winter in Edmonton can be incredibly cold. This is coming from Australian, but seasoned locals say the same year after year! Make sure you dress for the conditions.
The city of Edmonton Highlights
- The river valley is stunning. No matter the time of year!
- Edmonton Festivals. Each one is unique and fun! Plus some great food!
- You can find any amazing meal inside the city of Edmonton.
Additional Canada Reading
Have you visited Edmonton? I’d love to know what you think should be added to my list of things to see, eat and do in Edmonton! Drop me a comment below!
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Happy and safe travels,
Ben – Horizon Unknown