From walking trails with bison, to a spree at Canada's largest shopping mall, there is something for everyone in Edmonton. We're here to help you explore the best that our city has to offer. We've compiled a list of top recommendations to help you experience the area's most popular attractions and hidden gems. Come find out what 18 hours of sunlight a day feels like in the summer, or how the first snowfall paints our river valley like an artist's infinite canvas. Your next adventure starts here.
Elk Island National Park
Just 35 minutes east of Edmonton lies a natural wonderland open all year long! Spread a blanket and gaze at a starry sky free from city lights or follow the footprints of a bison and learn how this magnificent animal was brought back from near extinction. In addition to being an important refuge for bison, elk and more than 250 bird species, Elk Island National Park is also an oasis of calm for day picnickers and overnight campers alike.
Alberta Aviation Museum
Relive Edmonton's rich aviation history in the museum's hanger at the City Centre Airport, and see vintage planes dating back to the 1920s. The Alberta Aviation Museum has over 40 display cabinets and exhibits, 27 historic aircraft on display, an active aircraft restoration area, personal artifact displays of famous Bush Pilots W.R. 'Wop' May, Stan McMillan, and others, as well as special annual events.
Alberta Legislature Grounds
The Alberta Legislature is home to a significant part of Alberta's rich history. Statues of Chief Crowfoot and Princess Alberta stand in the rotunda. View portraits of former Premiers and Lieutenant-Governors that line the halls of the third and fourth floors, or take a stroll in the 57 acres of park surrounding the building!
Devonian Botanical Gardens
Explore the 'back-country' aspect of the Devonian Botanical Garden on one of their winding nature trails. Highlights of this picturesque attraction include live butterflies, Japanese Gardens, Native Gardens, and nature trails. The Devonian Botanical Gardens are located five minutes north of Devon on Highway 60. The garden is approximately 30 minutes from downtown Edmonton, the U of A campus, and St. Albert. The garden is only 15 minutes southwest of West Edmonton Mall.
Roger's Place
Downtown Edmonton's newest addition in the centre of ICE district. Spectacular, iconic and inspiring are just some of the words being used to describe the new home of the Edmonton Oilers. Rogers Place is an arena built for fans. Among its many significant features are a lower bowl of over 9,000 seats, terrific sightlines, wide concourses, leading food and beverage offerings and the latest in technology. Whether attending an Oilers game or the biggest of concerts, guests of Rogers Place will experience it all in the most dynamic of entertainment environments
TELUS World of Science
A hands-on space and science museum is the TELUS World of Science! With an IMAX theatre, planetarium, exhibits, and observatory, jump into the fun of finding out!
Fort Edmonton Park
Visit a 'living museum' tracing Edmonton's history back to 1846. Nibble your way through history by sampling a variety of traditional foods baked right at Fort Edmonton Park. From wagon tours to an old-fashioned carnival to a traditional celebration of bringing in a harvest, this is one attraction worth seeing!
Royal Alberta Museum
The Royal Alberta Museum is one of Canada's most popular museums. Set in a park just west of downtown, the Museum offers a full range of exhibits and activities for every age level and interest. Feature exhibitions at the Museum are changing all the time with some of the finest human and natural history collections in the country.
Edmonton Valley Zoo
Located on the west side of the city, next to Laurier Park, the Valley Zoo is home to over 400 animals including about 20 endangered species. This facility is an accredited Species Survival Plan breeding center for five species including Cotton-Top Tamarins, Siberian Tigers, and Snow Leopards. There are many hands-on activities for all ages, including Old Macdonald's farm petting zoo.
Old Strathcona Historical Area
Explore the nooks and crannies of one of the most happening and funky arts, shopping, and leisure centers in Edmonton. With historical buildings dating back to 1891, this area is known for it's exuberant spirit, great shopping, and cafes. Home to some of the funkiest boutiques in town where you can find that special something you never thought you'd find. Or just sit back and relax with some java and watch the world go by -- the view is always interesting.