Things to Do
Let’s head north to Treaty 6 Territory – Amiskwacîwâskahikan and Métis Region 4. Let’s try something different, a little off the beaten path. Let’s embrace the new and wonderful and play on the fringes. Let’s take in a show, get a game going, and get together for a festival…or two. Let’s invite the neighbours; let’s invite the world. Everyone’s welcome.
Welcome to Edmonton/ Amiskwacîwâskahikan
Edmonton is the capital of Alberta and located in Treaty 6 territory and Metis Region 4. With a population of around 970,000 people, Edmonton is one of Canada's youngest and fastest growing cities. Known as Canada's 'festival city', Edmonton hosts over 50 unique festivals annually. World-famous attractions like West Edmonton Mall and the new Royal Alberta Museum call Edmonton home, as well as the NHL's Edmonton Oilers hockey team. Edmonton's crowned jewel is the North Saskatchewan River Valley, the largest urban park in Canada, which has more than 160 km of trails to explore right in the heart of the city. Edmonton is also the gateway to Canada's North and Jasper National Park & the Canadian Rockies.
Downtown Food & Drinks
Looking for Edmonton’s best local restaurants and culinary experiences around your hotel during the WNBA Canada Game Presented by Tangerine? Let us take you on a journey through some of the hottest craft beer taprooms, hyper-local bistros and indie bakeries in Canada. Your tastebuds will thank you.
COFFEE SHOPS
COFFE BUREAU - Jasper Avenue’s Coffee Bureau features all kinds of shine: from the 1950s Italian brass chandelier and fancy customized Izzo espresso machine to the bright smiles of its husband-and-wife owners. Coffee Bureau serves locally roasted Ace Coffee and Steven Smith teas alongside freshly baked cookies, muffins, croissants, and gluten-free nibbles. [get directions].
CREDO - Credo is a set of sibling coffee shops well-known amongst locals for their quality coffee (and London Fogs for those non-coffee
folks). Each cup of Credo coffee is filled with feel-good flavor. [get directions].
DOSC - Inside this brightly lit café, cocktail bar, and steakhouse guests will find inviting brick walls, dark wooden and mosaic tiled floors, and a central coffee bar adorned in wood and brass. Mid-century modern tables and velvet couches line the café’s windowed walls overlooking the 104th Street Promenade. You really get the best of both worlds - stop by in the morning for a coffee and return in the evening for a steak and sophisticated cocktail. It's all in a day's work, my friends. [get directions].
DISTRICT CAFE & BAKERY - District Cafe & Bakery is one of the best brunch spots in the city. Located near the Alberta Legislature, in the heart of downtown, this chill cafe is the perfect place for a pit stop in between exploring. Must try: cinnamon buns, breakfast bowl or their skinny baguette sandwiches. [get directions].
LUNCH TO GO
FARROW - Sandwiches go punk at Farrow. Their tiny, original 109 Street location screams DIY— from the hand-drawn chalk menu to the tight kitchen just steps behind the counter. Farrow focuses on a small, unpretentious menu of delicious grab & go creations and high-quality coffee. The menu changes frequently, except for the Grick (their signature sandwich), so expect new flavours every visit. You can also check them out for your sandwich fix in Ritchie or on 124 Street. [get directions].
Rosewood Foods - If you're as crazy about eggs, sandwiches, and coffee as us, you need to pull up a chair at Rosewood Foods. Situated downtown across from the Stanley A. Milner Library, this cozy spot churns out all the comfort food you could possibly want. Plus, their lively selection of brunch cocktails and organic wines pair perfectly with a morning meal. Don't forget to grab a delectable macaroon or cruller to start your day off the right way! [get directions].
MEUWLY'S - No sandwich list worth its weight in carbs would be complete without a mention of Meuwly’s. Part local marketplace, part delicatessen— this 124 street hotspot is the bee's knees. The crew behind Meuwly’s keeps it simple, with a choice of three rotating sandwiches at lunchtime. [get directions].
KB&CO - Kb&co’s plant-based menu is free of meat, dairy, egg, and soy products, and they commit to using all organic and local ingredients whenever possible. Stay for a bite in the bright, comfortable, and inviting space or take any menu item to go. Kb&co was born out of the desire to provide a casual but “conscious eats” cafe for eaters of all kinds and an environment free of judgement. They believe that health is the ultimate wealth and set out to inspire people to choose foods that are whole, minimally processed, and made from scratch for optimal health that will leave you feeling better and fully satisfied. [get directions].
LOCAL DOWNTOWN BREWERIES
CAMPIO BREWING CO. - The fourth installment in the Bearhill Brewing family, Campio is here to serve Edmonton a fresh selection of
locally brewed draught beers and a food menu that is unique to our city’s taste buds. Offering distinctive beers and cocktails appealing to both the
regular brewery-goer and the more adventurous, Campio is telling the Alberta” story one sleeve at a time. [get directions].
ODD COMPANY BREWING - Located in the trendy Oliver Exchange Building, Odd Company has combined their mad scientist skills with the fine art of brewing to create high-quality, small-batch beers. Beer drinkers will find approximately 12 beers available at a time, meaning there’s something new with every visit. [get directions].
IRRATIONAL BREWING COMPANY - Cap off the evening with drinks at Irrational Brewing. With a wide variety of in-house brewed beer on tap, you’re sure to find a frosty one you love. This taproom is worth checking out for the bright decor and welcoming atmosphere alone. Cheers! [get directions].
ARCADIA BREWING CO. - Located in Edmonton’s Manchester Square, Arcadia Brewing Co. promises tasty, local craft beers and good times. When you come through the doors at the brewery, you can expect to feel like you’re at a block party or BBQ surrounded by old friends. Here, you’ll find people united by a passion for very crushable beer, laughter, and kindness. Their goal? To remind you that there were no good old days, these are the good old days. [get directions].
LOCAL DOWNTOWN COCKTAILS
BAIJU - Baijiu (pronounced “Bye Joe” and translating to booze in Cantonese) is a cocktail bar & eatery that dishes out Asian-inspired plates meant to be shared. Tucked inside the historic Mercer building, located in the heart of Edmonton’s ICE District, this late-night joint brings old world Shanghai chic to the once-upon-a-time warehouse with legendary cocktails and hip-hop spinning every night. [get directions].
ALCHEMY BAR AT THE JW - Alchemy is Edmonton’s go-to spot for an all-encompassing cocktail experience. Located on the fifth floor of the JW Marriott hotel in Edmonton’s ICE District, Alchemy features an intimate indoor cocktail bar and lounge. Serving up handcrafted beverages and next-level bar snacks, Alchemy’s menu is a curated collection of both classic and modern cocktails. [get directions].
CLEMENTINE - This elegant bar in the Oliver neighbourhood is inspired by nature and early 20th century French Art Nouveau. Their impressive cocktails are styled according to the foundations of classical bartending and pair perfectly with the inventive and delicious food. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time— Bar Clementine is one of Edmonton’s trendiest hot spots, perfect for a night out you won’t forget. [get directions].
WOODWORK - From wood-fired cooking to barrel-aged spirits, Woodwork will delight your senses. Located in Edmonton’s historic McLeod Building, Woodwork is a combination of southern United States fare, barbecue, and French influences. Stop by Woodwork to take in the perfect mix of meat, smoke, and flame in magnificent fashion. [get directions].
BAR BRICCO - Opened by the same crew behind Corso 32 and Uccellino, Bar Bricco is a 30-seater Italian wine and spuntini bar that is not to be missed. Take a seat at the bar and get ready to indulge in the best Negronis in the city. Order a few plates to share, and you’re in business. [get directions].
Amiskwacîwâskahikan
Indigenous Peoples, including First Nations, Inuit and Métis, have traditionally inhabited northern Turtle Island (known today as Canada) for generations. Through Indigenous tourism, entrepreneurs and communities share their ways of life with visitors from around the world.
In the area surrounding Edmonton, there are many Indigenous tourism businesses to explore, from guides and knowledge keepers to artists and chefs. They represent many different Indigenous nations and have plenty of incredible experiences to share with those who wish to learn more about the richness and diversity of Indigenous cultures found here.
Discover the city
On the hunt for the best things to do in Edmonton? You've come to the right place. Lose yourself in the immersive experiences at the Royal Alberta Museum or the Art Gallery of Alberta, breathe in the glory of the Northern Lights from our dark sky preserves, or embrace the excitement of West Edmonton Mall.
Attractions and Experiences
There is no shortage of things to do in Edmonton, whether you're visiting in the summer, winter or any season in between.
Explore Edmonton Presents
This collection of captivating short stories celebrates the vibrant spirit found only in Alberta's capital. Experience the beating heart of our city through extraordinary encounters, featuring Edmonton's arts and culture scene, nightlife, iconic attractions and festivals, as well as our city's Indigenous and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities!
Prepare for your Trip
From how to dress to where to stay, we've got you covered. Get ready for your adventure in Edmonton and learn about how to make the most of your time visiting Festival City.
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