Top Places to See & Things to Do in Edmonton
Places to see in Edmonton
From the continent’s first, biggest and wildest Fringe Theatre Festival to a shopping mall that spans over 48 city blocks, Edmontonians have never been afraid to do things a little differently. As Canada’s youngest and fastest-growing capital city, Edmonton is a hotbed of cultural diversity that embraces new ideas and experimentation. Here are the best ways to play, sightsee, tour, and relax in Alberta’s Capital.
Outdoor & Nature
North Saskatchewan River Valley
There’s green space, and then there’s the North Saskatchewan River Valley. This vast collection of scenic parks is 22 times bigger than New York’s Central Park. Over 150 kilometres of trails and pathways connect 20 major parks, including favourites like Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park and Emily Murphy Park. Locals and visitors picnic, bike, run, kayak, canoe, snowshoe, and ski throughout this incredible urban parkland.
Elk Island National Park
Just east of the city, Elk Island National Park is a refuge for moose, elk, lynx, and herds of plains bison. Hike the trails, lay on the beach, and come sundown, watch for the Northern Lights. It’s a serene wilderness perfect for stargazing and wildlife photography.
University of Alberta Botanic Garden
Be amazed by the wealth and diversity of nature at the stunning University of Alberta Botanic Gardens – a must-visit for lovers of flora, fauna and beautiful things. Don’t miss the new Aga Khan Garden—4.8 hectares of modern architectural beauty inspired by Moghul traditions.
Fort Edmonton Park
History is fun at 1800s-era Fort Edmonton Park, Canada’s largest living history museum. Actors in period costume bring four time periods to life: the 1846 fort, 1885 community, 1905 railway boom, and 1920 commerce hay day. A new signature exhibit, the Indigenous Peoples Experience, showcases the culture of Treaty 6 Territory.
Arts, Culture & History
Alberta Legislature
Set atop the banks of the North Saskatchewan River, the Alberta Legislature is a marvel of marble pillars and carved oak. Discover its history on a free guided tour and learn about the fascinating stories behind the portraits and magnificent art.
The Art Gallery of Alberta
A striking architectural landmark in the downtown Arts District, the Art Gallery of Alberta is one of the province’s prominent cultural venues. It features over 6,000 paintings, sculptures, and installations, including historical and contemporary works.
Whyte Avenue & Old Strathcona
The historic heart of Edmonton’s vibrant arts and festival scene. Whyte Ave is lined with unique boutiques, pubs, cafes, and theatres. It’s also home to the Old Strathcona Farmer’s Market and the world-renowned Fringe Theatre Festival.
Festivals Galore
With over 60 festivals annually, Edmonton is known as “Canada’s Festival City.” From the Edmonton Folk Music Festival and Fringe Theatre Festival in the summer to winter festivals like Boardwalk Ice on Whyte, there’s always something happening.
Shopping, Sports & Entertainment
West Edmonton Mall
The largest mall in North America, West Edmonton Mall has over 800 stores, 100 dining venues, a massive indoor wave pool (World Waterpark), an amusement park (Galaxyland), an NHL-sized ice rink, and two hotels.
Rogers Place and the Edmonton Oilers
Home to Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers hockey team, Rogers Place in the downtown ICE District features the largest high-definition screen in the NHL and regularly welcomes the world’s biggest music acts.
More Edmonton Attractions (Honourable Mentions)
- Kingsway Mall
- Southgate Centre
- Old Strathcona Farmer’s Market
- Edmonton Downtown Farmer’s Market
- Little Italy
- Edmonton Convention Centre
- Stanley A. Milner Library
- St. Joseph’s Basilica
For a complete overview of the buying journey, return to the Ultimate Guide to Buying a Home in Edmonton.
Home Search FAQs
If you’re ready to start your home search, you can contact us here.
How many homes should I see before making an offer?
There is no magic number. Some buyers find the perfect home on their first day, while others may look at 20 or more. The goal isn’t to see a certain number of homes, but to become educated on the current market. Once you feel you have a strong sense of what your money can buy in your desired neighbourhood, you’ll know the right home when you see it.
What are the biggest red flags to watch for during a showing?
Beyond cosmetic issues, look for major potential problems. Key red flags include signs of water damage (stains on ceilings or in the basement), a strong musty or damp smell, major cracks in the foundation or walls, and an electrical panel that looks old or disorganized. Also, pay attention to the condition of big-ticket items like the roof, windows, and furnace.
Should I be concerned about a house that has been on the market for a long time?
Not necessarily. A long time on the market doesn’t always mean there’s something wrong with the house; it’s often a sign that the property was initially overpriced. If the price has since been corrected, it can represent a great opportunity to purchase a solid home with less competition. It’s a situation that warrants further investigation, not automatic dismissal.
How do I know what a home is really worth?
The true market value of a home is determined by what similar properties in the area have recently sold for. As your Realtor, we provide a detailed comparative market analysis (CMA) for any home you are serious about. This report compares the property to other recent sales, active listings, and expired listings, giving you the hard data needed to make a confident and informed offer.
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