The capital of Alberta might not be your first go-to destination in the province, but the lively city has so much to offer. Try these best things to do in Edmonton.
From quirky museums and wintery fun, there is plenty to keep you moving in Edmonton.
Best things to do in Edmonton, AlbertaHow do these rankings work?
1. Visit the Neon Sign Museum
The Neon Sign Museum is actually a free, outdoor exhibit featuring 20 of Edmonton’s most beloved signage from the past. The neon shines all-day, everyday and can be seen on foot or by car. So, load up with your friends and go for a drive, or better yet, take a walk to explore the area surrounding 104th street too.
2. Shop Old Strathcona
Old Strathcona is a vibrant district filled with design-forward shops, restaurants, bars and galleries. Many of them feature the work of local artists, designers and culinary craftsmen. Stop by Sugared&Spiced for a delicious treat or a latte at Transcend Coffee.
3. See wildlife in Elk Island National Park
Elk Island National Park is less than an hour north of Edmonton and is home to a massive bison population. There are hiking and snowshoeing trails as well as an ice skating path, but go to see the wildlife. Though there’s no guarantee, talk to a ranger to increase your chances of seeing and learning about the bison.
4. Get active at Snow Valley Ski Club
Whether you just can’t wait to get skiing in Banff or you want to hit the slopes during a quiet visit to Edmonton, Snow Valley Ski Club is an easy way to get time in on the slopes. It’s a year-round resort, so it is possible to go hiking or zip-lining during warmer months too. Keep in mind this is a beginner to intermediate ski area, so there are fewer advanced lines.
5. Tour Strathcona Distillery
Strathcona Distillery is the smallest distillery in North America and the first-ever Edmonton distillery. They gather all of their ingredients that go into making their gins and vodka. The seaberry gin is delicious, but the barrel-aged juniper gin is really special. So, go for a tour and a tasting.
6. Visit the Muttart Conservatory
The Edmonton botanical gardens are housed inside these pyramids, which are three distinct climate-controlled biomes. Across the temperate, arid and tropical environments, they feature more than 700 species of plants. So, take a day to wander through the varied landscapes for a day of nature closer to downtown.
7. Visit the Ice Castle
Each year once the weather turns cold, icicles are farmed and used to create this incredible Ice Castle. It’s filled with slides, nooks and plenty of photo opportunities with colourful back-lighting. So, bundle up and take your camera–along with a battery pack because the cold will zap your phone or camera.