18 Impressive Tourist Attractions to See and Things to Do in Edmonton


Edmonton is the capital city of Alberta province of Canada. Some of the most fun things to do in Edmonton, Alberta include exploring history museums, art galleries, amusement parks, historical buildings, nature conservation areas, and winter activities.

The history of the goes back to 1754. But the first establishment, Fort Edmonton, was set up in 1795 as a trading post for Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC). A replica of these trading posts is among the best places to visit in Edmonton. This historical building sits in Fort Edmonton Park, which is the biggest living history museum in North America. Other historical things to see in Edmonton include St. Joseph Cathedral, Alberta Legislation Building, and Rutherford House.

For further insight into history, art, culture, and science you can explore the museums in Edmonton. The city has museums dedicated to contemporary art, classical art, future technology, the history of Alberta, aboriginal culture, botany, zoology, railway, and more.

The city is home to several superlatives in leisure and entertainment as well. Edmonton tourist attractions include the largest indoor wave pool, longest indoor roller coaster, and tallest indoor ride. Edmonton attractions also include the largest mall in North America and the largest indoor amusement park in the world. Alongside the superlatives, these places also have several cool things to do in Edmonton such as rides, slides, games, arcades, theatre, slides, themed venues, skating, ice skating, and more.

Aside from indoor attractions, the city also has several parks with a variety of outdoor activities to do in Edmonton including nature trails, cycling, picnic, boating, and sports facilities. You can also explore theme parks, the most popular among these Edmonton tourist spots is William Hawrelak Park. This park is famous for its huge ice castles. These crafted wonders are a major highlight of Edmonton sightseeing during winter.

The city takes a whole new life in the snow season. There are several fun places to go in Edmonton for winter activities like skiing, ice skating, snowshoeing, snowboarding, and so on.

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Top 18 Tourist Places to Visit in Edmonton in 6 Days (Trip Itinerary)

Day 1

1. William Hawrelak Park

This park is developed around a 5-hectare lake. The park itself is spread over 68 hectares and is one of the best places for outdoor activities to do in Edmonton, Alberta. You will find hiking trails, green spaces, paddle boats, cycling trails, skating, sports facilities, and more. The park is better known for fun things to do in Edmonton in winter. You can enjoy ice skating and snowshoeing at this park. You will need about 2 hours to explore this park.

William Hawrelak Park

2. Alberta Legislature Building

This building was built in 1913 and is known for its beaux-arts style. The building is one of the most beautiful things to see in Edmonton in terms of architecture. You can take a guided tour of this government building. The tour explains the history of the building, important events, architectural features, and artworks. You will need an hour to tour this building.

Alberta Legislature Building

3. Muttart Conservatory

This conservatory was designed by Peter Hemingway and is built like a Pyramid with a glass and steel exterior. It is one of the most famous Edmonton tourist attractions.  The conservatory has more than 800 species of plants. These are grown in a variety of curated climates. You will need 2 hours to explore this conservatory.

Muttart Conservatory

4. Art Gallery of Alberta

This gallery houses more than six thousand works of art including paintings, sculptures, photographs, drawings, art installations, and more. The gallery specifically focuses on Canadian abstract art from different periods. The exhibits keep changing periodically. It is one of the best Edmonton attractions for art admirers. You will need about an hour to tour this gallery.

Art Gallery of Alberta

5. Royal Alberta Museum

This museum focuses on both human and natural history. The collection is divided into galleries dedicated to Life Science, Earth Science, Human History, and Collections Services. It is one of the top things to do in downtown Edmonton, Alberta to learn about aboriginal culture as well. You will need about 2 to 3 hours to tour this museum.

Royal Alberta Museum

Day 2

1. Alberta Aviation Museum

This museum pays tribute to the aviation history of North Alberta and Edmonton. It has the third-largest aviation collection in North America. It is also the only surviving British Commonwealth WW2 hanger. It is one of the most fascinating Edmonton tourist spots. You will see aircraft and fighter planes from different times. You will need about an hour to tour this museum when you visit Edmonton.

Alberta Aviation Museum

2. TELUS World of Science

This science museum has several exhibits dedicated to different streams of science. They are named Robo Thespian, Syncrude Environment Gallery, Body Fantastic, Gallery of the Gross, and so on. It is one of the most fun places to go in Edmonton, Alberta for families. The museum has interactive exhibits, activities, and unique experiences. You will need 2 to 3 hours from Edmonton travel to explore this museum.

TELUS World of Science

3. West Edmonton Mall

This is the largest mall in North America and has more than 800 shops. It also has various facilities for fun things to do in Edmonton, Alberta. You can visit casino, cinema theatre, themed shopping areas, waterpark, restaurants, cafes, live theatre, and more. You will need 2 to 3 hours from Edmonton sightseeing to tour this mall.

West Edmonton Mall

4. World Waterpark

This indoor waterpark is part of the West Edmonton Mall. The waterpark is best known for its largest indoor wave pool. Aside from this the place also has other cool things to do in Edmonton, Canada. It recreates a tropical theme with a lot of rides, slides, pools, games, zip-line, and more. You can easily spend a couple of hours at this waterpark.

World Waterpark

Day 3

1. Edmonton Valley Zoo

This zoo has a variety of animals brought in from different parts of the world. You will see red pandas, elephants, wolves, tigers, snow leopards, camels, reindeers, and more. It is one of the best places to visit in Edmonton for family tourists. You will need about 2 hours to tour this zoo.

Edmonton Valley Zoo

2. Fort Edmonton Park

Spread over 158 acres, this park is the largest living history museum in North America. It is divided into 4 sections. Each section represents a period of history and is themed accordingly. It is also an amusement park with a variety of fun things to do in Edmonton in summer and winter. The park has guided history tours, performances, interactive historical experiences, amusement rides, restaurant, cafe and more. The park is also home to Edmonton tourist attractions like a replica of Ford Edmonton and 1885 Street. You will need 2 to 3 hours to tour this park.

I suggest you should get your Admission Ticket to Fort Edmonton Park in advance.

Fort Edmonton Park

3. University of Alberta Botanical Garden

This botanical garden covers 80 acres area and exhibits plant life from different parts of the world. These gardens specifically focus on flora that can thrive in Canadian weather. It is one of the best Edmonton attractions to learn about botany and experience leisurely strolls amidst greenery. This place has several themed gardens including Tropical Plants, Butterfly Greenhouse, Kurimoto Japanese Garden, Native People’s Garden, Aga Khan Garden, and more. You will need an hour to tour this place when you visit Edmonton.

University of Alberta Botanical Garden

Day 4

1. Galaxyland

This is the largest indoor amusement park in the world. It is also the world’s second-largest indoor carnival. The place has a lot of indoor activities to do in Edmonton including roller coasters, rides, carousels, carnival games, arcade games, 7D theatre, 3D theatre, and more. This amusement park is also home to the world’s largest and tallest indoor roller coaster. You can also enjoy the tallest indoor ride in the world in this park.  You can easily spend 3 to 4 hours from Edmonton travel to explore this amusement park.

Galaxyland

2. Ice Castle

These castles are among the biggest attractions of Edmonton sightseeing. They make you feel that you are part of a fantasy world or a fairy tale. These castles are built growing custom icicles and are massive. They are among the best places to visit in Edmonton, Alberta for exploration and to click some amazing pictures. These structures also have ice slides, ice maze, ice rooms, and more. You need about 2 hours to tour the ice castle.

Ice Castle

3. Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village

This heritage village honors the Ukrainian people in Canada and celebrates their culture. The village has 40 buildings that recreate Ukrainian immigrant settlements. You will learn about the history, culture, traditions, and lifestyle of the people at this place. You can also see traditional music and dance performances. It is one of the most fascinating things to see in Edmonton. You will need about 2 hours to tour this place.

Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village

Day 5

1. Elk Island National Park

This national park is one of the best Edmonton tourist spots to explore nature and see wild animals. The park has Elks, Bisons, Deers, Coyotes, Wolves, Black Bears, Mules, Lynxs, and Moose.  This national park is also one of the best places to go in Edmonton for bird watching. You can see pelicans, grebes, herons, hawks, bitterns, swans, and more. It is also known for the top things to do in Edmonton in winter like hiking, trekking, camping, snowshoeing, star gazing, ice skating, cross-country skiing, and more. You will need at least 3 to 4 hours to tour this national park.

Elk Island National Park

Day 6

1. Alberta Railway Museum

This outdoor museum is the third largest railway park in North America. It sheds light on several aspects of the railway industry. The museum has a train terminal, water tanks, working locomotives, and maintenance shops. You will see 75 trains and exhibits concerning the history of the railway. The museum is also known for the prairie rail yard experience, it is one of the coolest things to do in Edmonton. You will need about 2 hours to tour this museum.

Alberta Railway Museum

2. Rundle Park

This 319-acre park was built over a garbage dump. Now the park has green fields, grasslands, lakes, nature trails, and recreational activities. The park also has sports activities and outdoor activities to do in Edmonton such as football, soccer, volleyball, bike trail, golf courses, and more. You can also chill at the park’s public beach. People can easily spend a couple of hours at this park.

Rundle Park

If you are looking for more places to visit in Edmonton, check out the sections below. We have compiled a list of all attractions and activities in and around the city.

Things to do in Edmonton

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Edmonton

  1. Art Gallery of Alberta
  2. Fort Edmonton Park
  3. Royal Alberta Museum
  4. TELUS World of Science
  5. Alberta Legislature Building
  6. Alberta Aviation Museum
  7. Neon Sign Museum
  8. Alberta Railway Museum
  9. Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village
  10. The Heritage Museum
  11. John Walter Museum
  12. Provincial Archives of Alberta
  13. Historic McKay Avenue
  14. Father Lacombe Chapel
  15. University of Alberta Museum
  16. Strathcona County Museum
  17. Harcourt House Artist Run Center
  18. St. Joseph Cathedral Basilica
  19. Paleontology Museum

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Edmonton

  1. Elk Island National Park
  2. Mill Creek Ravine
  3. Sherwood Park Natural Area
  4. Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park
  5. Whitemud Park
  6. Beaumaris Lake
  7. Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary
  8. Big Lake

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Edmonton

  1. West Edmonton Mall
  2. World Waterpark
  3. Muttart Conservatory
  4. Edmonton Valley Zoo
  5. Galaxyland
  6. River Cree Resort and Casino
  7. Hawrelak Park
  8. University of Alberta Botanic Garden
  9. Snow Valley Ski Club
  10. Rabbit Hill Snow Resort
  11. Sunridge Ski Area
  12. Edmonton Ski Club
  13. Terwillegar Park
  14. Rundle Park
  15. Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
  16. Lois Hole Centennial Provincial Park
  17. Edmonton Corn Maze
  18. Borden Park
  19. Professor WEM’s Adventure Golf
  20. Snow Valley Aerial Park
  21. Emily Murphy Park
  22. Louise McKinney Riverfront Park
  23. Ice Palace
  24. John Janzen Nature Centre
  25. Broadmoor Lake Park
  26. Pure Casino Yellowhead
  27. Marine Life Aquarium
  28. Hermitage Park
  29. Millenium Place
  30. Starlight Casino
  31. Kinsmen Park
  32. Century Mile Racetrack and Casino
  33. Pure Casino
  34. St. Albert Botanic Park
  35. RAD Torque Raceway
  36. Sea Life Caverns
  37. Grand Villa Casino
  38. Devon Voyageur Park
  39. Century Casino
  40. Barr Estate Winery
  41. Talus Dome
  42. Gold Bar Park
  43. Victoria Park
  44. Strathcona Science Provincial Park
  45. Gallagher Park

Shopping in Edmonton

  1. St. Albert Farmer’s Market
  2. West Edmonton Mall
  3. Old Strathcona Farmer’s Market
  4. High Street
  5. 124 Street
  6. Kingsway Garden Mall
  7. 102 Street
  8. The Manulife Place
  9. Super Flea Market
  10. Edmonton City Centre
  11. Bountiful Farmer’s Market
  12. South Edmonton Common
  13. Southgate Centre
  14. Whyte Avenue
  15. The Commerce Place

Beaches & Islands in Edmonton

  1. Accidental Beach

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventures in Edmonton

  1. Skiing
  2. Hiking
  3. River Boating
  4. Trekking
  5. Camping
  6. Kayaking
  7. Wildlife Safari

Sightseeing in Edmonton

  1. 82 Avenue Northwest
  2. ICE District
  3. High-Level Bridge
  4. Sir Winston Churchill Square
  5. 100 Street Funicular
  6. Walterdale Bridge
  7. River Valley Road Northwest
  8. 109 Street Northwest
  9. 106 Street

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Edmonton

  1. Padmanadi
  2. Frida Urban Taqueria
  3. Biera
  4. MEAT
  5. OEB Breakfast Co.
  6. Tres Carnales
  7. Yokozuna
  8. Mediterranean Tapas
  9. Braven
  10. RGE RD
  11. The Harvest Room
  12. Sepp’s Pizza
  13. Woodwork
  14. Siam Thai Kitchen
  15. Corso 32
  16. The Marc
  17. Dorinku Tokyo
  18. Little Brick
  19. La Ronde
  20. Vaticano Cucina
  21. YEG Burger
  22. The Bedouins
  23. Little Brick

Where to Stay in Edmonton?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range, and Budget Hotels in Edmonton. You can check the below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Edmonton.

Luxurious Hotels

  1. Fairmont Hotel Macdonald
  2. Coast Edmonton Plaza Hotel by APA
  3. The Westin Edmonton
  4. Fantasyland Hotel
  5. Metterra Hotel on Whyte
  6. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel West Edmonton
  7. Campus Tower Suite Hotel
  8. Varscona Hotel on Whyte
  9. Canterra Suites Hotel
  10. Delta Hotels by Marriott Edmonton Centre Suites

Mid-Range Hotels

  1. Matrix Hotel
  2. Radisson Hotel & Convention Center Edmonton
  3. Courtyard by Marriott Edmonton Downtown
  4. Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Edmonton St. Albert
  5. Home2 Suites by Hilton West Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
  6. Sandman Signature Edmonton South Hotel
  7. Candlewood Suites West Edmonton – Mall Area, an IHG Hotel
  8. Hampton Inn and Suites by Hilton Edmonton/West
  9. Hyatt Place Edmonton-West
  10. Wingate by Wyndham Edmonton West

Budget Hotels

  1. TownePlace Suites Edmonton South
  2. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Edmonton South, an IHG Hotel
  3. Tru by Hilton Edmonton Windermere
  4. Sawridge Edmonton South
  5. Radisson Hotel Edmonton South
  6. Best Western Plus South Edmonton Inn & Suites
  7. Best Western Plus City Centre Inn
  8. Hampton Inn by Hilton Edmonton/South, Alberta, Canada
  9. Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Edmonton North
  10. Super 8 by Wyndham Edmonton South

TripAdvisor

Custom Tours Package in Edmonton

How to Reach Edmonton?

By Air

The city is served by Edmonton International Airport. You can get direct flights to visit Edmonton from Montreal, Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, San Francisco, Seattle, Frankfurt, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Ottawa, Victoria, Amsterdam, Cancun, Halifax, Orlando, Regina, and several other cities in North America and Europe.

You can get cabs and buses to get to the city from the airport.

By Road

You can get direct trains to reach Edmonton from Prince Rupert, Vancouver, Jasper, Winnipeg, and Toronto. You can also get connecting trains from other VIARail routes.

You can get direct buses to reach Edmonton from several cities in Canada and northern cities of the USA. On the other hand, if you are planning to visit Edmonton by road, you should head for highway routes 16, 21, and 2.

By Water

There are no direct water routes for Edmonton travel.


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