Things to Do Outside this Summer

With plenty of space to roam, Edmonton is the perfect place to soak up 17 hours of sunshine and connect with nature. Plan your summer escape and get ready to set your 'out of office'! From visiting roaming plains bison at Elk Island National Park to hitting river valley trails tucked away in the heart of the city, there's something for every explorer.

It'll be hot out there, folks! Beat the heat this summer with a cool cone from Made by Marcus, Kind Ice Cream or Yelo’d Ice Cream. Head to Julios Barrio for one of their famous Bull Dogs, or pop by one of the city's craft breweries for a frosty cold one. Break up your day with a bit of air-conditioned shopping along Whyte Avenue, 124th Street or 4th Street Promenade.

Always make sure to drink plenty of water, wear a hat and load up on SPF when you're spending time outside!

There's green space, and then there's the North Saskatchewan River Valley. Edmonton's river valley has over 150 km of trails that are perfect for jogging, cycling, and taking in the picturesque city vistas. Not sure where to start? Here are 5 trails to try this summer. A large portion of the city's trails are tree-lined, so you can cool off under a canopy, no problem.

Rather explore the city by water? Canoe your way along the North Saskatchewan River spotting wildlife and taking in the city's beautiful skyline with Edmonton Canoe or Haskin Canoe. Feeling adventurous? Blaze your own trail on a Segway tour with River Valley Adventure Co. Want to experience that bird's eye view? Get your head in the clouds with Edmonton Regional Helicopters. Prefer to sail through the river? No problem, Edmonton Riverboat has you covered to cruise down the river with a one-of-a-kind view of the city.

Summer is the perfect time to take a trip down patio lane. Stop in at one of the city's incredible local eateries and make the most of the long, hot summer nights… you’re never alone with a cold drink in your hand! Check out our "Best Summer Patios" blog for a list of the best outdoor watering holes in the city.

You love being out in the sunshine, almost as much as you love a tasty treat. We get it! Food Bike Tour Ltd. provides active culinary experiences that you and your loved ones can all enjoy together. Get the wheels in motion with a delicious Edmonton Food Bike Tour as you head out to taste local menu favourites!

Be your own tour-guide with a little help from technology! The Commonwealth Walkway App is a great guide to exploring Edmonton's river valley while reading and listening to one of five storylines (Indigenous, History, Family, River & Winter). The Fruit Loop Society of Alberta has created an augmented reality tour that allows you to discover the past, present, and future of Edmonton's diverse community. This self-guided tour takes you across the downtown core, from Beaver Hills Park to the Neon Sign Museum.

Edmonton's street art game has exploded in the last few years, thanks to the visionary team at Rust Magic. Check out their list of mural locations and plan your self-led expedition around the city to discover incredible large-scale works by international and local artists. Visit their Instagram page for some visual inspiration!

Amiskwacîwâskahikan, also known as Edmonton, is located on Treaty 6 Territory, home to many nations including the Cree, Saulteaux, Blackfoot, Sioux, and Métis People. Take a self-directed tour with our handy guide to the city's remarkable Indigenous landmarks and spaces and check out our guide to exploring ᐄᓃᐤ (ÎNÎW) River Lot 11∞. Talking Rock Tours provides interactive tours that reveal the history of the land with a Métis guide and geologist who combines his culture and knowledge of geology. You'll see Edmonton's landscapes in a whole new light!

Venture further to Metis Crossing, the first major Métis cultural interpretive centre in Alberta. Here you can Paddle into the Past with a voyageur canoe experience, or explore the 'Visions, Hopes, and Dreams' at Métis Crossing Wildlife Tour. The wildlife park is home to rare white bison, wood bison, plains bison, elk, and Percheron horses.

Join Wild Calm Forest Therapy on an introspective walk in the woods. Close your laptop, put your phone down and connect with Edmonton's remarkable urban greenspaces. Your guide will invite you to take a deep breath and be present in the moment. Forest Therapy, also known as Forest Bathing, is a research-based practice that helps you connect with your senses, with yourself, and with your surroundings. You'll embark on a slow, guided walk in the woods - approximately 3 hours in the summer months.

A bison traffic jam is one situation that Google Maps can’t prepare you for! With hundreds of free-roaming bison at Elk Island National Park, you just might catch a glimpse of a herd grazing in an open meadow or stopped in the middle of the highway with steam rising from their woolly coats in the morning. Just 35 minutes east of Edmonton, Elk Island provides some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in North America. Pro tip: plan to visit the park during the week to avoid crowds!

The park is also part of the Beaver Hills Dark Sky Preserve, meaning it’s a stellar location for stargazing. Bring a blanket, a basket full of late-night snacks, (ahem, stock up on delicious food from local restaurants and bakeries) and gaze up at the starry sky where you’ll see star clusters, nebulae and galaxies.

VespaYEG is the newest way to discover the city, on an exciting Vespa tour around Edmonton's most beautiful streets. You'll find hidden gems and local treasures with the help of a dynamic guide. All tours begin with a complimentary Mocha, Latte, Americano, or Espresso at District Moto. Afterward, you'll cruise towards Edmonton's finest historical backdrops, including the Alberta Legislative Grounds, University of Alberta, and the High Level Bridge.

Summer tubing at Rabbit Hill is open for the season! This exciting attraction is the first of its kind in the Edmonton area. Trade your skis for a large inflatable tube and keep the downhill race going in Rabbit Hill's specially designed tubing lanes! Between the exhilarating rides, be sure to rest in the sunshine on their outdoor deck with a scoop of ice cream or a refreshing beverage from Town Square Brewing Co.

Look up, wayyyyy up! Imagine climbing through a mix between an enormous treehouse and a giant jungle gym - that's what you'll find at Snow Valley Aerial Park. This incredible tower of obstacles and games is the first of its kind in Canada and 3rd in North America. With dedicated kid's routes and routes for adults, there is something for every level of adventurer!

Be sure to check out the other summer experiences on the docket at Snow Valley - Target Golf and Whitemud Creek Mining Company.

Dust off your camera or smartphone and get ready to capture the city's summer glow. Edmonton has plenty of Instagrammable locations just waiting to be discovered. Peruse out our list of picture-perfect hidden gems in our article: Edmonton's Best Photo Spots. You'll see the city from a whole new perspective while taking your Instagram page to the next level.

Dust off your clubs and discover the many pristine golf course in and around Edmonton. We've gathered some of our favourite public and semi-private places to perfect that swing! The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and you're ready to nail that hole-in-one. The best afternoon ever awaits!

With 80 acres of gardens and 110 acres of natural areas, the University of Alberta Botanic Garden is a must-visit for garden lovers. Highlights include the Tropical Plant and Butterfly Greenhouse, Kurimoto Japanese Garden, diverse peony collection, captivating Bromeliad Greenhouse, elegant Primula Dell, Native People's Garden, and the Aga Khan Garden—a 4.8-hectare architectural beauty. Witness nature's marvels in this meticulously maintained oasis!

Pick up snacks from Edmonton's incredible restaurants and fill your basket to the brim. Then layout your blanket at one of our favourite picnic spots! Or step-up your picnic game with the help of YEG Picnic, where this local company will plan and set up the ultimate luxury experience - perfect for special occasions! If you've got a little extra time, you can also take a 40-minute drive to enjoy a charcuterie dinner while listening to live performances at the beloved Twilight Picnic events that occur at the University of Alberta Botanical Gardens, a stunning 240-acre garden southwest of the city.

Cool off and see Edmonton from the North Saskatchewan River! Raft rentals from River Valley Adventure Co. come with everything you need for a day out on the water including an inflatable raft, oars, a pump, bailer, personal floatation devices and a repair kit. Paddle your way along the river with Haskin Canoe's Voyageur Canoe Tours, a one-of-a-kind opportunity to transport through Edmonton's backyard. Edmonton Canoe also offers canoe or kayak experiences. Interested in paddleboarding? Check out Edmonton Paddleboarding! RiverWatch's Summer EcoFloats also offers guided urban river floats down the North Saskatchewan River while taking in stunning scenery and learning about the river's history, culture, and biodiversity.

Explore Edmonton's iconic places with YEG Scoot! Embark on an exhilarating adventure while riding an electric scooter around the city's most unique spots. YEG Scoot offers high-performance scooters and custom experiences curated by locals. This outing is perfect for date nights, team activities, and spending time with friends. Weeeee!