Being among the largest cities in Alberta, Edmonton is often seen as the gateway to Jasper National Park and great places to visit in Alberta. However, Edmonton is not just a gateway city, it is actually a wonderful city to visit in its own right. With a heads up of the best things to do in Edmonton scattered across the city, it’s the kind of place you can stay for a few days, before heading out to the great outdoors. Over the years we have visited Edmonton and loved our stay. There are heaps of restaurants, Edmonton’s famous ice castles, fat biking routes and much more. It’s the kind of Alberta city that’s great any time of year. Even if the winter weather is a little cold. Heck, what am I saying, it can be freezing! But don’t let that put you off, it just makes for incredible things to do in Edmonton. So, have a look at some of the best places in Edmonton to visit on your trip. Have a great time exploring Alberta. 1.) Visiting Muttart Conservatory It may not seem like one of the best things to do from the outside, but don’t let that fool you. All the wonderful things inside the glass pyramids. As you can see, hidden inside is one of Canada’s largest botanical gardens and well worth a visit at any time of the year. Best of all, the Muttart Conservatory houses more than 700 different plants from all over the world. And guess what, you don’t just need to be a botany fanatic to fall in love with this place. It’s a great way to see how these ecosystems work. Oh, and if you’re running out of time, Muttart Conservatory is sometimes late into the evening on certain days of the week. Plan ahead and book tickets before you go. you’ll love it. Further Read: A One-Week Itinerary To Explore Edmonton 2) Fort Edmonton Park First, Fort Edmonton is huge! You’ll need plenty of time to see it all – but don’t let that put you off. Perfect for the whole family, Fort Edmonton is an excellent place to learn more about the history of the First Nations people and the European and Canadian settlers who called this area home. It’s a great way to see a piece of history and the teams that run and show the history are so passionate. One thing to note, it can get really busy on the weekends. To avoid the crowds, visit mid-week. After a morning in the park, head to downtown Edmonton and grab a seat at Little Brick Café for lunch. This totally casual and cool café is a joy and the food is very healthy and delicious. Further Read: Best Things To Do In Alberta 3.) Rogers Place Well Rogers Place was my first ever place for a hockey game, and I LOVED it! I still remember the chant – Let’s Go Oilers! Though, the truth is, I never realized how violent hockey can be. There are some serious push-ups and push-ups while you’re on the ice. Luckily we weren’t playing around and watching from the benches (with hot dogs in hand). We absolutely loved it and it was one of the best things to do in Edmonton on an evening out on the town. Before arriving in town, check the website for tickets and book in advance. It’s a totally cool and fun atmosphere. Further Read: The Best Things To Do In Banff 3) Edmonton Mall So, the Edmonton Mall may be one of the biggest malls you’ve ever been to! I swear we don’t get them that big in London. Visiting is one of the best things to do in Edmonton on a cold or gloomy day. As you can see, it’s all inside, which makes it perfect in the colder months. Anyway, the great thing about Edmonton Mall is that it’s not just a typical mall full of shops. Yes, there are firm favorites and brand name stores out there but it’s so much more than that. Honestly, you can spend days indoors, especially in the huge water park, bowling alley, and indoor amusement park. In fact, it’s got one of the highest indoor roller coasters in the entire world. Yes, I admit, I screamed home while riding. Further Read: What It’s Like to Visit the Edmonton Mall 4) Elk Island National Park Although technically not in Edmonton itself, Elk Island National Park is a short drive away. Home to all kinds of wildlife, the park contains lakes and wetlands, and is very scenic. Go watch buffaloes roaming the fields in the summer or go cycling too. If you’re visiting in the winter, take a guided tour to go snowshoeing. We absolutely loved it and it really made for a special experience. Looking for a place to have dinner after back in Edmonton? Baijiu’s book. It has an Asian inspired menu that is absolutely delicious and the ambiance is really cool. We loved it…even the roasted cauliflower which I usually steer clear of. Further Read: Snowshoeing In Elk Island National Park 5.) Alberta Legislative Building The Alberta Legislative Building stands high above Edmonton and is perhaps one of the most famous sites in the city. If you plan well, you can go on a free guided tour on Saturdays (between 12 and 3pm) throughout the halls and take in the history and evolution of the Alberta Legislative Building. Once inside, you’ll learn all about the history of the building’s construction in 1913 and its current functions. Not only that, but you will also come across some amazing old architecture. 6.) TELUS World of Science Possibly the largest science center in all of Alberta, visiting TELUS World of Science is one of the best things to do in Edmonton when visiting with the family. As you can see, it is full of cool science facts and quirky exhibits that make it great fun with kids. It’s all very practical and fun. Oh, and don’t forget to see the out-of-this-world theater and planetarium exhibits! Before you go, have a delicious breakfast at District Café. The food here is amazing and their pastries and eggs are very good. 7.) Art Gallery of Alberta Located in Churchill Square, the Art Gallery of Alberta is one of the largest and best galleries to explore in all of Alberta. You could literally spend hours inside, especially with all the seasonal and permanent exhibits that make it so special. Once here, be sure to check out the building itself. Not just fine art here. Honestly, the architecture is amazing. Anyway, besides that, check out the recent art galleries we loved. Just be warned, parking can be difficult around this area, so plan ahead. Want to keep costs low? The Art Gallery of Alberta allows admission absolutely free between 4 and 7 p.m. on the last Thursday of each month. Further Read: Visiting the Art Gallery of Alberta 8.) Edmonton Fat Biking Well this is a winter activity in Edmonton that we loved. We booked our ride with Revolution Cycle and absolutely loved our trails around town. It was a great way to explore, even in the cooler temperatures. Just be sure to book your Edmonton fat biking tour before you arrive. Spaces can be limited, especially at peak times. Afterwards, head to one of the tastiest Mexican restaurants in Edmonton. It’s called Rostizado and their tacos are SO good! Plus, their cocktails (with mezcal whipped) are delicious. Further Read: Bicycling In Edmonton 9.) This old Strathcona Farmer’s Market is one of the best farmers markets in Alberta – go! We absolutely loved showing up while staying near you and it was always our go-to for snacks and sweets. It is just off 82nd Avenue (NW) and within easy reach of the main streets. You kinda can’t miss a Saturday. Once you get here, be sure to wander through the hundreds or so local vendors and get some local goodies. It’s one of the best things to do in Edmonton, however, you’ll leave stuffed, I guarantee you! They have great wine vendors, Grandma Bear with the tastiest baked goodies and so much more. 10.) The Neon Sign Museum Okay, so the Neon Sign Museum may not sound like one of the best things to do in Edmonton — but hear me out! Yes, it’s not the usual type of place you might visit but it’s not too far from Rogers Place and really easy to visit if you’re in that area. The museum itself is completely outdoors and can be viewed completely free from the sidewalk (24 hours a day). Yes, you may only stop for 5-10 minutes, but it’s worth watching as you stroll the streets of Edmonton. Next, go to MEAT which is not far from Old Strathcona Farmer’s Market. If you are a meat lover, you will love this spot. Their ribs are very good and juicy. Further Read: Best Things To Do In Alberta 17 Best Things To Do In Alberta, Canada Check out the best of Great Britain! Head over to our YouTube channel for travel videos!
