Discover Edmonton: Alberta's Vibrant Capital

Edmonton, the heart of Alberta, is a cultural hub with a rich theater scene, museums, and music. Contrary to its reputation as a dull government town, Edmonton is anything but boring. Despite being one of the coldest major cities in the world, Edmontonians embrace winter with festivals like the Deep Freeze Festival and Ice on Whyte.

Explore the city's attractions with our guide to things to do in Edmonton.

For accommodations, see: Where to Stay in Edmonton

1. West Edmonton Mall

As the largest shopping center in Canada, West Edmonton Mall is a shopping and entertainment paradise. It features an ice rink, aquarium, and Galaxyland amusement park. Don't miss the World Waterpark, with its massive wave pool and thrilling slides.

Address: 8882 - 170 Street NW, Edmonton, Alberta

Official site: www.wem.ca

2. Royal Alberta Museum

The Royal Alberta Museum is the largest in western Canada, showcasing natural history and cultural exhibits. Highlights include dinosaur fossils and a large bug room.

Address: 9810 103a Ave NW, Edmonton, Alberta

Official site: www.royalalbertamuseum.ca

Exclusive Tours in Edmonton

3. Elk Island National Park & Beaver Hills

Elk Island National Park, a short drive from Edmonton, is a wildlife haven with a bison herd. It's part of the Beaver Hills UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, offering year-round outdoor activities.

Address: 54401 Range Road 203, Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta

Official site: www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/elkisland

4. Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village

This open-air museum celebrates the Ukrainian settlers in Alberta with historic buildings and cultural events.

Address: Hwy 16 E, Tofield, Alberta

Official site: https://ukrainianvillage.ca

5. Fort Edmonton Park

Fort Edmonton Park recreates the city's history with buildings from different eras and offers rides on vintage transport.

Address: 7000 143 Street NW, Edmonton, Alberta

Official site: www.fortedmontonpark.ca/

6. Muttart Conservatory

The Muttart Conservatory's four pyramids house plant species from around the world, offering a unique botanical experience.

Address: 9626 96A Street NW, Edmonton, Alberta

Official site: https://www.edmonton.ca/attractions_events/muttart-conservatory.aspx

7. Alberta Legislature Building

The historic Legislature Building is set in scenic gardens and offers guided tours to learn about Alberta's political history.

Address: 10800 97 Ave NW, Edmonton, Alberta

Official site: www.assembly.ab.ca/visitorcentre/index.html

8. Art Gallery of Alberta

The Art Gallery of Alberta, a modern architectural marvel, showcases visual arts with a focus on Western Canada.

Address: 2 Sir Winston Churchill Square, Edmonton, Alberta

Official site: www.youraga.ca

9. Reynolds-Alberta Museum, Wetaskiwin

In Wetaskiwin, the Reynolds-Alberta Museum showcases the evolution of transportation, including aircraft and vintage vehicles.

Address: 6426 40 Avenue, Wetaskiwin, Alberta

Official site: www.history.alberta.ca/reynolds/

10. K Days

K Days is Edmonton's premier festival, celebrating the Klondike Gold Rush with parades, live entertainment, and more.

Official site: http://k-days.com/

11. Edmonton Valley Zoo

The Edmonton Valley Zoo focuses on conservation and offers encounters with over 350 animals.

Address: 13315 Buena Vista Rd, Edmonton, Alberta

12. Alberta Aviation Museum

The Alberta Aviation Museum is a treasure trove for aviation enthusiasts, with a collection of 40 aircraft and a unique WWII-era hangar.

Address: 11410 Kingsway Ave NW, Edmonton, Alberta

Official site: www.albertaaviationmuseum.com

13. TELUS World of Science

The TELUS World of Science offers interactive exhibits and an IMAX theater, making it a great destination for families.

Address: 11211 142 Street NW, Edmonton, Alberta

Official site: https://telusworldofscienceedmonton.ca

14. University of Alberta Botanic Garden

The University of Alberta Botanic Garden is a sprawling space with a Japanese Garden, tropical greenhouse, and the Aga Khan Garden.

Address: 51227 AB-60, Spruce Grove, Alberta

Official site: https://botanicgarden.ualberta.ca

15. Alberta Railway Museum

The Alberta Railway Museum preserves the province's railway history with a collection of trains and artifacts.

Address: 24215 34 Street NW, Edmonton, Alberta

Official site: https://albertarailwaymuseum.com

16. Edmonton Convention Centre

The Edmonton Convention Centre offers stunning river views and is a hub for events in the city center.

Address: 9797 Jasper Avenue NW, Edmonton, Alberta

Where to Stay in Edmonton for Sightseeing

Choose from luxury, mid-range, and budget hotels in downtown Edmonton or near the West Edmonton Mall for a convenient and enjoyable stay.

For more travel ideas in Alberta and beyond, visit tripates.com.