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The top 10 attractions in Edmonton

Bison, Elk Island National Park, Edmonton, Alberta

The top 10 attractions in Edmonton

From the continent's first, biggest and wildest Fringe Theatre FestivalExternal Link Title to a shopping mallExternal Link Title that spans over 48 city blocks, Edmontonians have never been afraid to do things a little differently. As Canada's youngest and fastest growing capital city, Edmonton is a hotbed of cultural diversity that embraces new ideas and experimentation. Here are the best ways to play, sightsee, tour, and relax in Alberta's Capital.

 

North Saskatchewan River Valley

North Saskatchewan River Valley
Cycling, walking, or paddling the huge River Valley is a must - credit: Edmonton Tourism

There's green space, and then there's the North Saskatchewan River Valley.External Link Title This vast collection of scenic parks is 22 times bigger than New York City's Central Park. Over 150 kilometres of trails, pathways, and golf courses connect 20 parks, where locals and visitors picnic, bike, run, kayak, canoe, stand-up paddleboard, take a paddle boat or Segway, and, in winter, snowshoe and ski (both cross-country and downhill).

West Edmonton Mall

West Edmonton Mall
West Edmonton Mall - credit: Edmonton Tourism

If you're thinking some big chain stores and a food court, readjust your lens. This nearly 500,000-square-metre mall External Link Titleis the largest in North America, with 800+ stores, 100 dining venues, a massive indoor wave pool with 17 water slides and a lake, plus amusement park, and ice skating rink. You can stay at one of two hotels, including one aptly named Fantasyland for its 120 themed guest rooms. 

Elk Island National Park

Elk Island National Park
Bison in Elk Island National Park - credit: Edmonton Tourism

You'll want to spend time in Elk Island National ParkExternal Link Title, just east of the city -- hike, snap pictures of wildlife, lay on the beach, and, come sundown, watch the Northern Lights. Canada's largest fully enclosed park is a refuge for moose, elk, lynx, black bears, gray wolves, 250 species of birds, and herds of plains bison imported from Montana and rescued from extinction. Get stuck in a bison traffic jam on purpose or snowshoe and stargaze in the serene wilderness.

Alberta Legislature

Alberta Legislature
Alberta Legislature - credit: Edmonton Tourism

Set atop the banks of the North Saskatchewan River, the Alberta Legislature is a marvel of marble pillars and carved oak. Discover the Alberta Legislature External Link Titleon a free guided tour, offered hourly. Ask about the Famous Five who fought for women's right to vote. Learn about the fascinating stories behind the portraits and magnificent art. Glance at the bejeweled gold and silver ceremonial Mace. And don't forget to listen for the phenomenon known as the "magic spot".

The Art Gallery of Alberta

Art Gallery of Alberta - credit: Edmonton Tourism
Art Gallery of Alberta - credit: Edmonton Tourism

A striking architectural landmark reminiscent of Bilbao's Guggenheim, downtown's Art Gallery of AlbertaExternal Link Title is one of the province's prominent cultural venues. The 6,000 paintings, sculptures, and installations on display at this premier venue include historical and contemporary, international and Canadian works.

Rogers Place and the Edmonton Oilers

Edmonton Oilers NHL Hockey Game
Edmonton Oilers NHL Hockey Game - credit: Edmonton Tourism

With its stunning curvilinear architecture and an interior that'll make you think you just stepped onto the Starship Enterprise, Rogers PlaceExternal Link Title is sure to make your jaw drop. Home to young phenom Connor McDavid and the Edmonton OilersExternal Link Title hockey team, the arena features state of the art technology including the largest high definition screen in the National Hockey League. Rogers Place also regularly welcomes some of the world's biggest music acts all year long.

University of Alberta Botanic Garden

University of Alberta Botanic Garden
University of Alberta Botanic Garden - credit: Edmonton Tourism

Be amazed by the wealth and diversity of nature at the stunning University of Alberta Botanic GardensExternal Link Title - a must-visit for lovers of flora, fauna and beautiful things. With 80 acres of display gardens (and 110 additional acres of natural areas and ecological preserves), there's tons to explore. Don't miss the new Aga Khan GardenExternal Link Title--4.8 hectares of modern architectural beauty inspired by Moghul traditions, and designed for the Edmonton region's climate and topography.

Festivals galore

Ice Castles, Edmonton
Ice Castles, Edmonton - credit: Edmonton Tourism

Shakespeare under an open sky? You got it. A winter festival with sculptures made of ice and...fire? No problem. With over 60 festivals annuallyExternal Link Title, there's no shortage of excitement to fill your stay - whether it's 30 degrees above, or below. The Edmonton Folk Music FestivalExternal Link TitleInternational Fringe Theatre FestivalExternal Link TitleFlying Cano? Volant Festival External Link Titleand Boardwalk Ice on Whyte External Link Titleare just the beginning.

Outdoor winter activities

Cross-country skiing, Edmonton
Cross-country ski through Edmonton’s beautiful parks - credit: Edmonton Tourism

Edmontonians don't hibernate, they strive to make Old Man Winter proud with outdoor patios, city-wide snowball fights, deep freezer races, and a spectacular view of the Northern Lights. Strap on a pair of snowshoesExternal Link Title and you're off on an exhilarating day trip through areas like Elk Island National Park External Link Titleor Edmonton's river valleyExternal Link Title, or slip on some skates and head to one of the city's many outdoor rinksExternal Link Title. Downhill ski or snowboard at Snow Valley Ski Club, Rabbit Hill Snow Resort or Edmonton Ski ClubExternal Link Title, or cross-country ski through one of Edmonton's beautiful parks. You can't help but have a great time when you've got good company and the glory of a northern winter.

Fort Edmonton Park

Fort Edmonton Park
Fort Edmonton Park - credit: Edmonton Tourism

History is fun at 1800s-era Fort Edmonton ParkExternal Link Title, where actors dressed in period costume barter for beads at the fur trading post and socialize at the train station. Learn about four time periods: the 1846 fort, 1885 community, 1905 railway boom, and 1920 commerce hay day. You'll see horse-drawn carriages, historic cars, and 75 structures, including many originals, at Canada's largest living history museum. Fort Edmonton is currently in the process of creating the Indigenous Peoples Experience - a new signature exhibit which will showcase the Indigenous culture of Treaty 6 Territory.

Ready to explore museums, shop the biggest mall in North America, and experience the glory of a northern winter? See you in EdmontonExternal Link Title!