by Jana Lee
Edmonton is growing steadily into a major Canadian urban centre – there’s plenty of unique experiences to discover, including a host of world-class attractions. Here are some of the top Edmonton destinations to visit. [Image credit: iStock.com/discostu55]
Founded in 1924, the Art Gallery of Alberta (AGA) is dedicated to exhibiting and preserving art and visual culture in Alberta. The gallery maintains a collection of more than 6,000 pieces displayed in contemporary and historical exhibitions. Following a redesign in 2010, the new gallery is located in the heart of downtown Edmonton in Sir Winston Churchill Square. It features three floors of premiere exhibition space; the City of Edmonton Terrace; the Singhmar Centre for Art Education; Zinc restaurant; Shop AGA; Ledcor Theatre and an Art Rental and Sales Gallery.
Explore Alberta’s vibrant history and culture at the brand-new Visitor Centre. Opened 362 days a year, visit the Pehonan Theatre for an 11-minute short film on Alberta’s history, learn about Alberta’s culture at the Agora Interpretive Centre, view temporary exhibitions at the Borealis Gallery and shop for locally-made goods at the Alberta Branded retail store. Book a guided tour of “the ledge,” as it’s called locally, where an interpreter will take you on a 45-minute tour of the Legislative Assembly and its parliamentary traditions, ceremonies, political history and architectural design.
The Edmonton River Valley parks system is the largest urban park in Canada with more than 160 kilometres of trails in and around 20 major parks. This ribbon of greenspace winds through Edmonton along the North Saskatchewan River, giving visitors excellent opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and spot wildlife in the middle of the city.
Elk Island National Park is conveniently located a mere 35 km east of Edmonton and is a perfect stop for those seeking calm and quiet away from the city. The park was created in 1906, as Canada’s first wildlife sanctuary, and is home to bison, elk and more than 250 bird species. Tour the park for a nature walk or picnic, canoe on Astotin Lake or even extend your stay to overnight camping. Experience the outdoors without a long drive.
Explore Canada’s largest living history museum, Fort Edmonton Park. With more than 75 original historical structures, restored historical structures and costumed interpreters, visitors are immersed in a re-creation of Edmonton’s history. The park features four distinct eras of the past: Fur Trading (1846), Settlement (1846), Municipal (1905) and Metropolitan (1920). From restored churches and the Hudson Bay Company Trading Fort to general stores and the Selkirk Hotel, Fort Edmonton Park is an attraction that warrants at least one visit.
Visit the pyramids at the Muttart Conservatory to view impressive botanical displays. The Muttart Conservatory features four biomes – arid, tropical, temperate and the fourth housing a rotating feature display. Combining art and nature with unique programming and showcases, visitors can participate in guided tours on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Tuesdays. Post-tour, visit the award-winning Culina Muttart café for what will surely be an exceptional dining experience.
Every Saturday, from 8 am to 3 pm, the Old Strathcona Farmers Market opens its doors to Edmontonians and visitors. Between 130 vendors, buskers and locally-produced goods, the Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market is as much a community as it is a marketplace. Go early to beat the inevitable rush – and it’s always a good idea to bring cash and a reusable shopping bag.
Find fun for the whole family at Edmonton’s Telus World of Science. This attraction makes science enjoyable for all with unique exhibits, special events, IMAX movies and planetarium shows. Looking for an adult-only night? Participate in the DARK MATTERS event, an 18+ event where “science is served on the rocks and adults come out to play.”
One of Edmonton’s top tourist destinations is West Edmonton Mall, an all-in-one venue for shopping, dining and entertainment. Visits to Edmonton warrant a visit to the mall. Attractions include Galaxyland, the World Water Park and the Sea Life Caverns. There aren’t many places in the world where you can find an amusement park, ice rink, water park, full-size pirate ship and bay of water all under one roof.
Whyte Avenue is one of Edmonton’s best arts and entertainment districts and is located in the historic Old Strathcona district of Edmonton. Shop for uniquely Edmonton goods among rows of trendy boutiques. When you tire, venture into one of the many restaurants, bars or cafes on the avenue. What’s nice about Whyte Avenue is that there’s something to suit everyone.
Edmonton is an ideal tourist destination with the perfect mix of outdoor fun, culture, art, entertainment and great dining. Along with greenspace that puts New York’s famed Central Park to shame, it’s no wonder Edmonton is an increasingly popular Canadian destination. Could it be the next great Canadian city? With all the proactive changes in the city, Edmonton could very well become the next Vancouver.
