The city of Edmonton, also referred to as the “Gateway to the North,” offers a wide range of activities to engage in. With a generous 18 hours of sunlight during the summer, there is ample time for outdoor expeditions. During the winter, the city transforms into a captivating wonderland illuminated by the Northern Lights.
Despite its cold temperature, Edmonton boasts year-round attractions, including the largest shopping mall in North America, Canada’s most extensive living history museum, the most expansive historical park, and breathtaking indoor botanical gardens. Whether you visit during the summer or winter, Edmonton presents an array of captivating experiences. Enhance your vacation by familiarizing yourself with Edmonton’s top attractions with the help of visitors visa.
Top things to do in Canada
West Edmonton Mall
The narrative of West Edmonton Mall unfolds as a depiction of the inventive individuals who transformed an ordinary shopping mall into a renowned icon. This globally unparalleled and all-encompassing complex amalgamates a sanctuary of retail, accommodation, and amusement. The West Edmonton Mall is a trailblazer in the domain of multipurpose entertainment hubs, flawlessly merging retail, entertainment, and lodging.
Drawing inspiration from the vibrant urban marketplaces of ancient Persia, where commercial ventures and amusement harmoniously coexisted, the Mall strives to fulfill a multitude of consumer needs within a single establishment.
With its enormous size of 5.3 million square feet, the Mall is comparable to the size of a small city and is even accredited as a zoo. There are more than 800 shops and services at West Edmonton Mall, including 12 world-class attractions, two hotels, a variety of dining establishments, and a wide variety of specialty businesses that welcome tourists of all ages. The city has established itself as Alberta’s top tourism destination with 30.8 million visitors a year.
Edmonton Muttart Conservatory
Uncover the wonders of Edmonton, Alberta, where the pyramids you’ll find are not of the Egyptian variety, but rather the exquisite floral gardens nestled within the Muttart Conservatory. With four pyramids to explore, each flourishing in its own unique climate zone—dry, moderate, or tropical—over 700 plant species from across the globe are showcased. As one of Canada’s largest indoor botanical gardens, the fourth pyramid also hosts seasonal displays and events.
Situated in Edmonton’s scenic North Saskatchewan River valley, just a stone’s throw away from the bustling city center, the Muttart Conservatory is a renowned attraction that welcomes visitors all year round. Embark on a captivating journey through its botanical marvels, transporting you from the enchanting landscapes of Myanmar to the captivating beauty of Fiji. And don’t miss the opportunity to wander along the river’s elevated path, treating yourself to panoramic vistas of the city skyline, all while being mesmerized by the majestic American Redwoods and captivating Australian Eucalyptus.
Edmonton River Valley Parks
Due to the expansive North Saskatchewan River Valley Parks System, residents of Edmonton delight in spending their time outdoors. This vast network of 20 parks spans across 18,000 acres, providing an extensive array of outdoor pursuits throughout the year.
During the wintertime, the verdant expanse presents opportunities for fat biking, hiking, and cycling routes, as well as a golf course, ravines, and lakes. Nature enthusiasts can embark on a tour of the Edmonton Valley Zoo, which is part of this system. The Edmonton Ski Club offers activities such as cross-country skiing and snow tubing during the winter season.
With each park offering its own unique selection of outdoor activities within the awe-inspiring River Valley backdrop, notable parks include Hawrelak Park, William Hawrelak Park, Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park, Rundle Park, Emily Murphy Park, Terwillegar Park, and the Victoria Golf Course.
Alberta Railway Museum
The ARM, a compact terminal-like establishment with a depot, water reservoir, and workshops, is an open-air institution that exhibits railroad machinery and structures. Its primary focus is on narrow-gauge railways, the Canadian National Railways (CNR), and the Northern Alberta Railways (NAR).
Among its assortment are antique steam locomotives dating back to 1913 and CN9000, Canada’s pioneering diesel locomotive. These are both operated by dedicated volunteers for the museum. The interpretive displays showcase a variety of engines, including both diesel and steam models, as well as a work train, a passenger railway, and a postal car.
Ongoing restoration efforts cover a wide range, from near-original conditions to a “last used” state. During extended weekends in the summer, visitors have the opportunity to ride on either steam or diesel trains, as well as in automobiles. Additionally, a gift shop is available, offering refreshments, beverages, and keepsakes.
Fort Edmonton
Step into the 1800s at Fort Edmonton Park and immerse yourself in the wonders of the past. Embrace the enchanting charm of history as actors adorned in traditional attire exchange beads at the fur trading post and socialize at the charming train station. This captivating museum showcases four distinct historical periods: the fort in 1846, the village in 1885, the railway boom in 1905, and the pinnacle of trade in the 1920s.
Embark on a journey through time amidst classic automobiles, horse-drawn carriages, and an impressive array of 75 structures, many of which hold significant historical value. As the largest living history museum in Canada, Fort Edmonton Park offers a profound glimpse into the intricate tapestry of the nation’s past and the evolution of its towns.
Rogers Place
Attending a hockey game is a must-do when visiting a Canadian city, and Edmonton should be at the top of the list during the hockey season. The Edmonton Oilers, a legendary hockey team associated with Wayne Gretzky, known as “The Great One,” have their home in this city. Gretzky’s remarkable achievements have made history by breaking numerous records.
Rogers Place, an esteemed sports and entertainment complex that opened its doors in 2016, serves as the venue for Oilers’ games. It is widely acknowledged that this facility is one of the finest in North America. Apart from hosting various concerts and events, it also presents hockey-related activities, ensuring that there is always something thrilling happening at Rogers Place.
Outdoor winter activities
Residents of Edmonton enjoy the winter weather by enjoying a variety of fun outdoor activities rather than staying indoors. Winter brings the city to life with people enjoying outdoor patios, playing snowballs, and even taking part in unusual events such as deep freezer races. The Northern Lights provide an additional natural display.
The beautiful river valleys of Edmonton and Elk Island National Park are great places to explore on snowshoes. The city has a number of outdoor skating rinks that are popular alternatives to skating on the street. At Snow Valley Ski Club, Rabbit Hill Snow Resort, or Edmonton Ski Club, you can ski and snowboard downhill. For a more relaxing winter experience, cross-country ski through the city’s parks.
You can enjoy Edmonton’s winter months, no matter how cold it may be, with excellent company and a sense of adventure.
Conclusion
Ultimately, Edmonton has a wide range of activities and attractions suitable for people of all ages and interests. No matter what you choose to do here, you will enjoy a great experience, whether you explore its rich history at museums, enjoy outdoor activities in the river valley, enjoy bustling festivals, or enjoy its diverse culinary scene. Edmonton is Alberta’s vibrant capital, so discover some of the top things to do there.
