Autumn Adventures. No passport required.
Sweater weather never looked better! Who needs the Shangri-La of distant places? Leave your passport in your drawer and discover adrenaline-packed adventure, incredible local attractions, and boundless outdoor experiences just waiting to be explored in Edmonton. With a lush river valley views of amber and gold, there's no need to venture far. Get ready to fall in love with Edmonton all over again.
As your favourite attractions, experiences and restaurants begin to reopen, be sure to continue practicing safe spatial distancing, frequent hand washing and following the guidelines put in place to keep everyone safe.
Where the Bison Roam
Thirty-five minutes east of Edmonton lies a wild oasis at Elk Island National Park. With hundreds of free-roaming bison, 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. The park is also part of the Beaver Hills Dark Sky Preserve, meaning it’s a stellar location for stargazing. Give glamping and try and check out the incredible new Geo Domes at Elk Island Retreat. Bring a blanket, a basket full of late-night snacks, (ahem, stock up on delicious food from local restaurants and bakeries - check out our massive list here) and gaze up at the starry sky where you’ll see star clusters, nebulae and galaxies. Note, some areas of the park are not yet reopen. Click here for the latest!
Art & Culture Collide
In the heart of downtown Edmonton you'll find The Arts District, home to both the Royal Alberta Museum and the Art Gallery of Alberta. The Royal Alberta Museum (or RAM as it is known to locals), preserves, researches, interprets, and exhibits objects and specimens related to the heritage of Alberta's people and natural environment. This diverse museum pulls back the curtain on Alberta's legendary stories and dynamic history. The RAM is currently limiting visitor numbers and issuing time-ticket admission, so purchase your tickets online ahead of time!
Art lovers, rejoice! The Art Gallery of Alberta is open to the public from Thursday to Sunday every week. With an exterior of zinc, glass and steel inspired by Edmonton’s unique northern environment, the gallery exudes creativity even from the outside. Take in everything from original contemporary to historical exhibitions from Alberta, across Canada and around the world. Looking to explore the AGA from home? The gallery is proud to offer online programming including live webinar events, hands-on art activities and more!
Won't you take me to dino-town?
In this 40-acre prehistoric preserve, you’ll discover a land populated with dinosaurs that ruled the planet 250 million years ago. No need to charge up the ol' DeLorean, the days of the dinosaurs roar to life at Jurassic Forest (open until October 12)! Meet life-size dinos face to face just minutes from Edmonton and millions of years from the present. Watch herbivores like Stegosaurus and Triceratops graze peacefully while primeval predators like Albertosaurus and Tyrannosaurus stalk in the shadows.
Go wild!
The Edmonton Valley Zoo, home to hundreds of species of plants and animals from around the world, is a perfect family outing. Bring along the kids for a chance to see the endangered peregrine falcon, native prairie dogs, a zebra, fox, and bighorn sheep. Bird lovers can meet the snowy owl, bald eagle, and great-horned owl. Hoot twice if you love owls! Check out the Polar Extremes exhibit that gives visitors an up-close view of seals, sea lions, and arctic foxes. Please make sure to purchase tickets in advance and follow all the safety measures put in place!
You Better Believe it!
Head to TELUS World of Science and discover a remarkable collection of intriguing objects and astonishing artifacts from Ripley's Believe It or Not! What’s even more amazing than Robert Ripley’s legendary compendium of oddities, anomalies, and fantastic feats? The science that underlies them! This exhibit is the perfect activity for the whole family. Big kids and little kids alike will love adventuring through the remarkable realms of scientific discoveries and real artifacts!
Shop 'til you drop
You’ll find everything from big-name retailers to local boutiques in Edmonton. Discover North America's largest shopping and entertainment centre, West Edmonton Mall, the legendary Premium Outlet Collection at EIA, and the local boutiques that make up the bohemian spirit of Whyte Avenue. Go on, give your wallet a run for its money! Remember to follow the health and safety guidelines put in place by each mall, outlet or boutique.
Explore Indigenous Edmonton
Many Indigenous experiences have gone online, bringing engaging content to the comfort of your own home. Check out the virtual cooking classes being offered by chef Scott Iserhoff at Pei Pei Chei Ow. Lance Cardinal, owner and operator of Soul Flame Creative Services has been running free weekly Cree craft tutorials on his YouTube channel. You can also learn how to make moccasins and more through virtual courses from ReSkilled Life!
The VIP experience at Métis Crossing is open to the public! Make it a day-trip and discover how the Métis lived as trappers, learn about historical families and their homes, understand how plants are used as medicine and much more. Métis Crossing is the first major Métis cultural interpretive centre in Alberta, sitting on 512 acres of land designed to engage visitors in immersive experiences. Book your experience in advance here.
Edmonton also has many Indigenous parks and landmarks that are easy to visit while engaging in physical distancing. Take a self-directed tour with this handy guide.
Hit the ground running, Or biking, Or Segway-ing...
Edmonton's river valley has over 150 km of trails just waiting to be explored. These trails are perfect for jogging, cycling, and taking in the sprawling urban parkland that is the North Saskatchewan River Valley. Feeling adventurous? Blaze your own trail on a segway tour with River Valley Adventure Co.
The Commonwealth Walkway App is a free guide to exploring Edmonton's river valley while reading and listening to one of five storylines (Indigenous, History, Family, River & Winter). All you need is a smartphone and a thirst for adventure!
Look up, wayyyy up! Take flight with Edmonton Regional Helicopters and explore the North Saskatchewan River from a bird's eye view.
Tip toe through the tulips
A short forty-minute drive from downtown Edmonton you'll find the University of Alberta Botanic Garden — the largest botanical garden in the province. The winding pathways, precisely placed water features, and beautiful natural structures draw you through a cornucopia of exotic flora.
Want to take your visit up a notch? The gardens have partnered with extraordinary local food and beverage makers to create fully stocked picnic baskets for two. Boxes are charcuterie-style and adorned with fresh flowers and herbs grown right at the Garden. Imagine dining on delicious local goods while you relax in the lush green grass as the prairie sun warms your cheeks... sigh!
Lovin' La Vida Local
Farmers' Markets like the Old Strathcona Farmers' Market make it easier than ever to support local. Edmonton made jewellery, clothing, art and unique home goods are all on the menu, as well as unique food trucks, fresh produce and outdoor entertainment.
Here's a tip: stop by the market in the morning and gather a spread for a picnic lunch in the river valley. With a plethora of prime picnic spots like Hawrelak Park scattered throughout the valley, there's plenty of opportunity to take a break and play a game of Frisbee!