Plan your Edmonton Vacation

Who needs the Shangri-La of tropical beaches and faraway places? Head west and discover picture perfect patios, outdoor experiences, indie boutiques and more just waiting to be explored in Edmonton. Not to mention over 48 city blocks of shopping and entertainment at the legendary West Edmonton Mall.

Short flight. Big adventure. Start planning the best summer vacation ever in Alberta's capital.

No matter how you explore, be sure to continue practicing safe spatial distancing, frequent hand washing and following the guidelines put in place to keep everyone safe.

You’ll find everything from big-name retailers to local boutiques in Edmonton. It all starts at North America's largest shopping and entertainment centre, West Edmonton Mall. WEM is part adventure park, part entertainment complex, shopping, and dining destination. This place is as big spirited as all of Alberta. If you’re looking for more designer finds, check out the Premium Outlet Collection at EIA or stroll along Whyte Avenue, 124 Street, or 4^th St. Promenade for some of the best independent shops in the city.

Feeling epicurious? Discover the core's award-winning restaurants with the Explore Edmonton Downtown Dining Pass, a free mobile savings passport that features digital discounts to the city's best inventive eateries, local taprooms, cozy cafés, farm-to-table experiences and more. Then make your way through Edmonton's hopping brewery scene with the Explore Edmonton Brewery Pass. Your taste buds can thank us later!

The perfect summer day begins with a visit to farmers' markets like City Market Downtown, the Old Strathcona Farmers Market and 124 Grand Market. 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 city, there's plenty of opportunity to take a break and connect with nature. Click here for a complete list of Edmonton's plentiful Farmers' Markets.

A short drive from 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 at 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!

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.

With an exterior of zinc, glass and steel inspired by Edmonton’s unique northern environment, The Art Gallery of Alberta exudes creativity even from the outside. Take in everything from original contemporary to historical exhibitions from Alberta, across Canada and around the world.

Summer in Edmonton is patio-season! There's nothing like kicking back with a cold drink in hand. Old Strathcona has some greats: The Black Dog Freehouse, Julio’s Barrio, MKT, MEAT, Sugarbowl, The Next Act and Spotlight Cabaret are not to be missed. If you’re downtown, stop in at Sherlock Holmes Pub, Craft Beer Market, or Rocky Mountain Icehouse for a cold drink and some eats in the sun. Click here for a complete list of the city's killer al fresco eateries!