The Best of Arts and Culture

in Edmonton Destination Planner

Experience one of Canada’s most popular urban regions and the capital city of Alberta. Edmonton offers attractions and natural areas to explore year round. Whether you have three hours or three days, there are plenty of activities to entice and entertain you during your visit.

Suggested Months: Year Round

HALF-DAY — CITY HIGHLIGHTS
If you have three hours: A three-hour scenic circle tour of Alberta’s Capital City will give you a glimpse of Edmonton’s offerings and leave you wanting more!

Edmonton City Centre and Arts District — Begin your tour in the heart of downtown, home to Edmonton Arts District, Chinatown and extensive shopping. The swirling architecture of the Art Gallery of Alberta welcomes all to see the regional, national and international art treasures within.  City Hall is crowned by one of Edmonton’s signature pyramids; directly east the Francis Winspear Centre for Music is home to the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. Nearby stands the Citadel Theatre and the magnificent Art Gallery of Alberta.

North Saskatchewan River Valley Area — Still downtown, on the banks of the North Saskatchewan River. Marvel at the historic Fairmont Hotel Macdonald, built in 1915. Another prominent Edmonton landmark is the Alberta Legislature Building, set amidst scenic gardens and a beautiful fountain area.

Gallery Walk / 124 Street Area — Encompassing 10 blocks, the district is home to art galleries, gift shops, fashion boutiques and dining establishments. Nearby, the Royal Alberta Museum features amazing collections of aboriginal history, wildlife, geology and more, with a spectacular view of the river valley.

West Edmonton Mall — Head to the city’s west end to see West Edmonton Mall — The Greatest Indoor Show on Earth.

Muttart Conservatory — As you circle back towards downtown, you’ll see the Muttart Conservatory nestled by the river — four spectacular glass pyramids filled with more than 700 species of plants. Amazing viewpoints also allow you to witness the panoramic beauty of Edmonton’s river valley.

3 DAY — DISCOVER EDMONTON
If you have three days: Discover why Edmonton’s population tops a million — Edmontonians love their city and all it offers.

DAY 1 — You’ll need a full day to experience the magic of West Edmonton Mall — The Greatest Indoor Show on Earth. With more than 800 stores and nine world-class attractions, the mega-mall offers something for everyone.

DAY 2 — Spend a sunny morning at Alberta Legislature and gardens and at one of Canada’s best museums, the Royal Alberta Museum. Next, travel 45 minutes east of Edmonton to Elk Island National Park to spend 3-4 hours enjoying nature, wildlife, picnicking, hiking or canoeing. Nearby, the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village showcases the lifestyle of an early-pioneer settlement.

DAY 3 — Explore the fur trading post at Fort Edmonton Park and tuck into an old-fashioned lunch on 1885 Street or 1905 Street. Experience an afternoon of fun that’ll put your spirits in high orbit at TELUS World of Science — Edmonton. In the evening, canoe on the North Saskatchewan River or head to the Old Strathcona Historic Area for dinner, well-known for its vintage architectural ambience and variety of shopping, restaurants and nightclubs. Friendly, safe and easy to access, Edmonton is your natural gateway to Alberta’s Rocky Mountains and the richness of Canada’s North. See GATEWAY EDMONTON sample itineraries for ideas.