Edmonton's Best Photo Spots

Looking to take a stellar #YEG photo for the 'gram? Edmonton has countless Instagrammable locations that are just waiting to be captured. We've gathered a list of unique areas that aren't necessarily high-traffic touristy locations. Rather, they're the everyday gems that sometimes go unnoticed by the average Joe. While this barely scratches the surface of the best places to take photos in Edmonton, here are a few of our favourite spots!

Don't forget to tag #ExploreEdmonton in your social media posts!

Let local landscape photographer, Sameer Ahmed, be your guide to Edmonton's best photo spots. Then read on to discover more hidden gems and outstanding landmarks!

Rainbow Road perfectly captures the magic and whimsy of Old Strathcona. Inspired by the famously tricky level in Mario Kart, you'll find this highly photogenic design on the ground of the Spur Line Alley. Stop by Made by Marcus and grab an ice cream cone, then strike a pose on this joyful new art installation.

Spur Line Alley north of Whyte Avenue between 104 Street and 105 Street

The Forest Heights Park lookout point is pretty romantic (you may even be lucky enough to catch a couple canoodling on the bench!). Just look at that skyline and river valley view! Before leaving, take a stroll down the trail that runs alongside the park. Because of the high elevation, you’ll get great views of the river valley the entire time.

Located on 10104 84 Street

Once an area of disaster during a 1999 landslide, the Ramsay Heights neighbourhood is now home to one of the best vantage points in the city. The bend in the river forms the shape of a perfect horseshoe, and with its western exposure, the sunset looks pretty darn good from here. Don’t forget your bug spray!

Located near 4112 Whitemud Road

Talus Dome, Edmonton’s most expensive and perhaps most provocative piece of public art, always has people talking. Yup, it’s a massive pile of nearly 1000 steel balls forming an abstract talus shape located beside Quesnell Bridge. While you’ve probably driven past the structure hundreds of times, we encourage you to take a closer look at it. Think fun house meets the compound eye of a fly. You can capture some pretty warped and funny reflections that will have you busting a gut laughing.

Access via Fort Edmonton Park road

Kinnaird Park is rad because it’s one of few spots north of the river where you can still snag a photo of the Edmonton skyline. Behind the lookout point is a huge grassy area which serves as a perfect spot to sunbathe in the summer, set up a picnic, or toss the ol’ frisbee around. Plus, hardly anyone is ever there, so it feels like you have the place to yourself! The park has a great trail system and we recommend trekking East towards the Highlands hiking trail before popping back up and checking out the mansions on Ada Boulevard.

Located near 7696 Jasper Ave

The Keillor Point lookout sits atop an aged retaining wall along the bank of the North Saskatchewan River Valley. Until 2018, the lookout was deemed off-limits due to it's instability and the potential danger it posed; However, this didn't stop locals from venturing over to this hidden gem to catch a peek at the spectacular view. Since then, improvements have been made to the viewing area and it's now open and safe for the public to access.

Located just off the walking path near 74 Avenue and Saskatchewan Dr.

Get fit running up and down the stairs, with the added bonus of a killer view. The Wolf Willow Stairs do not disappoint. You can access them from Westridge Park or from the Fort Edmonton Park footbridge. If you choose the latter, be prepared to sweat it out and hike up 200 stairs to get to this vantage point. As Drake once said, started from the bottom now we’re here. And dang, it’s worth it.

Accessible via the stairs from Westridge Park (170 Willow Way) or from the Fort Edmonton Park footbridge

Glenora is one of Edmonton’s most lavish neighbourhoods. Just look at that fountain! Is this Paris!? If you’re in the area, be sure to check out Alexander Circle where you’ll find this grand fountain surrounded by historic homes. This is a great place to people watch and daydream about the day when you'll be able to save up enough money to buy one of these houses.

Accessible via 103 Avenue and 133 Street

While the Government House commands the attention of most people, the Jeongja is not to be missed! This traditional Korean pavilion, built as a place where people and nature can unite, was gifted to Alberta from the Gangwon Province in Korea in commemoration of Alberta’s centennial and the 30th anniversary of the Alberta-Gangwon twinning relationship to foster agricultural cooperation. Fun fact: the Jeongja is built entirely of wood and stone without nails or screws!

Located on 12705 102 Avenue

Based on the name of this location, you’re probably excited to see a photo littered with cute dogs. Sorry to disappoint. While dogs truly are a gift from above, the lookout spot here is what will really knock you off your feet. Why? Because it provides unreal views of the Equine Centre (you can hear the horses neighing!), the North Saskatchewan River, Fox Drive, Talus Dome, and the Edmonton Valley Zoo. If you time your visit right, you’ll be able to catch a spectacular sunset with the west-facing view.

Accessible via 119 Street and Saskatchewan Drive

Thanks to Spanish street artist duo PichiAvo, a blank white wall on 106 Street and 103 Avenue in Edmonton now features a breathtaking mural. We don’t even have to mention that this would make for some pretty epic Instagram angles – you probably have a thousand creative ideas in your head already. The mix of classic art style with modern flair is something you don’t see every day, so make sure to capture the moment!

Located between 106 Street and 105 Street at 103 Avenue