Summer in Edmonton
Summertime in Edmonton is nothing short of legendary. Experience what 18 hours of sunlight a day feels like and soak up all the energy of the world's largest northernmost metropolis. From the continent’s first, biggest and wildest Fringe Theatre Festival, to breathtaking sunset canoe tours, to discovering the roaming plains bison at Elk Island National Park and everything in between, it’s always easy to fill your schedule. Your summer bucket list starts here!
Canada's Festival City
Summer in Edmonton isn't complete without a full line-up of exciting festivals — we are the "festival city" after all! From the month-long Freewill Shakespeare Festival and the world-renowned Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival, to the always delicious Taste of Edmonton and the cultural hotbed that is the Edmonton Heritage Festival, you're guaranteed to have a great time. Check out Edmonton's best summer festivals here.
Outdoor markets galore
Swipe ripe! Farmers' markets are where it’s at, and you can support local growers, makers and vendors at these stand-out Edmonton markets: Edmonton Downtown Farmers' Market, Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market and the 124 Grand Market. You’ll find everything Edmontonians love about summer—food trucks, live entertainment, fresh local produce, one-of-a-kind clothing and more. If you’re out and about around City Market, make sure to stop in at Honest Dumplings for some tasty out-of-the-box creations—yum!
Get that bird's eye view
Gather your crew and hit the biggest and most intricate jungle gym you've ever seen at the Snow Valley Aerial Park. Are you ready for the "Ninja Warrior" course? Or are you looking for something a little closer to the ground? Either way, you'll have the best afternoon ever exploring the off-the-ground games and obstacles. Get your head in the clouds - literally! Take flight with Edmonton Regional Helicopters and explore Edmonton from a bird's eye view, or swoop through Edmonton's picturesque, sprawling river valley during a one-hour Discovery Flight + City Tour with the Namao Flying Club! These views are one of a kind.
That's how we roll
Join the gang at River Valley Adventure Company and see the city like never before while cruising on a Segway. Don't worry, you'll get a quick lesson first, then you'll ride through the river valley in style while your guide shares some of Edmonton’s natural history and wonders along the way.
Rent a bike at River Valley Adventure Company and you're off on a self-guided expedition through over 150 Kilometres of trails that make up the vast and beautiful North Saskatchewan River Valley.
Patio Season is the Best Season
There’s nothing quite like the fresh air on an open patio and a cold pint. If you're looking for a cocktail and a trendy, downtown vibe, head over to the Baiju patio. Just across the river, check out small but mighty patios like The Next Act and Sugar Bowl. The patio at Julio’s Barrio is an Edmonton staple (perfect for people watching), while Café Bicyclette and Little Brick are ideal places to enjoy a pastry and catch up with friends. Edmonton's brewery scene is top tier and their patios are not to be missed. If you need even more choices, check out our list of The Best Summer Patios in Edmonton.
Take a delicious tour
Indulge in the fine local foods and beverages of Edmonton while touring around the city on an Edmonton Food Bike Tour— stop by amazing markets, local restaurants, chocolatiers, historical buildings and local breweries under the warm sun. Or take a tipsy ride through the streets as you pedal your way around Edmonton's top craft beer taprooms and breweries on an Urban Pedal Tour. Alberta Food Tours also offer a variety of guided culinary exhibitions around the city, including their Old Strathcona Brunch & Bakeries. Check out our blog for even more tours in Edmonton!
Explore the city by water
Paddle your way along the North Saskatchewan River spotting wildlife, and taking in Edmonton's beautiful skyline. Haskin Canoe's Voyageur Canoe Tours are one-of-a-kind opportunities to transport through Edmonton's backyard. You'll enjoy the serenity of this water adventure and may even be lucky enough to hear the distant cry of a loon or splash of a beaver.
History lovers, rejoice!
Depart on an iconic journey through Edmonton's rich history, from Fur Trade to the Roaring Twenties at Fort Edmonton Park (re-opening in May, 2021)! Fort Edmonton Park is getting ready for big things, and will be closed as it undergoes a multi-million dollar enhancement project. During this time, it will still be open for private event bookings and special events.
Métis Crossing celebrates the story of the Métis through traditional crafts, tours, and food experiences. Take their 'Paddle into the Past' voyageur canoe experience, or enjoy tours of their museum, historical village, indoor meeting area, outdoor stage and more! Here you'll also find a campground and traditional trapper tents to rent for a cozy, cultural stay.
Become a time traveller and experience what life was like 125 years ago! History is brought to life at the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village, an open-air museum depicting early settlement in east central Alberta from 1892-1930.
Discover Elk Island National Park
Forty-five minutes east of Edmonton lies a wild oasis. The perfect place to day-hike, canoe, camp or spot some bison. Elk Island National Park is also a designated dark sky preserve and the cornerstone of Canada’s bison conservation. Join a park guide for a Bison Backstage Tour to see how the experts at Elk Island have helped bring this animal back from the brink of extinction. Come prepared to walk with closed toed shoes! On Saturdays and Sundays during the summer, a free 30-minute tour leaves on the hour from the Historic Barn near the Elk Island Visitor Centre, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Elk Island is a wonderful place to explore both on land and on water. Haskin Canoe offers canoe, kayak and stand up paddleboard rentals at the Paddle Shack for your exploring pleasure at Astotin Lake. If you prefer to stay on the ground, you can go on a beautiful hike or walk.
Camping at Elk Island is a perfect summer activity. Plus, if you want to avoid the hassle of buying and setting up your own gear, Elk Island National Park offers you the luxury of calling one of their Tipis, Cabins, or oTENTiks home.
No car? No problem! The Parkbus TD Elk Island Express operates every Saturday from June until September (and Sundays on long weekends). The bus picks up passengers from two downtown locations for a half-day visit to the park and returns to the city late afternoon.