4 Fun Things to Do in Edmonton

Alberta’s capital city, Edmonton, is famous for its annual festivals like August’s Edmonton International Fringe Festival and the Edmonton Folk Music Festival, but if you can’t make it for those events, you’ll find plenty of other options. 

Whether you’re searching through the houses for sale in Edmonton planning to make a move, or you’ll only be here for a visit, this city offers something fun to do every day of the year, including these. 

Head to the West Edmonton Mall

While many might not think going to the mall would be a popular tourist attraction, the West Edmonton Mall is unlike any other. It’s the city’s biggest attraction, attracting twice as many visitors as California’s Disneyland.

It holds a number of world records, like the largest indoor lake and amusement park (there’s a huge water park with wave pools and waterslides), as well as being the largest shopping mall on the continent.

The mall also hosts 800 shops, a full-size skating rink and offers bungee jumping too. 

Explore Fort Edmonton Park

History enthusiasts will want to put Fort Edmonton Park on their itinerary. This picturesque wooded parkland is Canada’s largest living history museum. Divided into four sections, each one represents a different area, including the 1846 fort itself and streets from 1885, 1905 and 1920 in Edmonton.

There’s also a working steam train visitors can ride to travel the length of the park along with horse-drawn carriages and streetcars.

On long weekends and holidays, costumed historical interpreters are there to help reveal more about the history of the park and answer visitor questions.

Visit the Edmonton Valley Zoo

The Edmonton Valley Zoo sits along the banks of the North Saskatchewan River and is famous for its research on endangered, threatened animals, but visitors can enjoy a wealth of close encounters with more than 350 creatures native to the province as well as exotic species.

Its mammals come from various habitats and climates, including everything from African pygmy hedgehogs to Canada lynx, seals, elephants, and Siberian tigers.

There are also children’s rides, including a miniature train, paddle boats, and a carousel.

Wildlife Watching at Elk Island National Park

Nature lovers won’t want to miss visiting Elk Island National Park, one of the most popular things to do in Edmonton and it’s less than an hour’s drive from the city center. You’ll discover a place that feels like it’s worlds away from the hustle and bustle.

Along with the opportunity to marvel at the herds of free-roaming bison, and perhaps spot elk, deer, moose, beaver and coyote along with some 250 bird species.

There are miles and miles of trails for hiking too, including shorter treks like the Lakeview Trail, a just over a two-mile loop, much of which follows the Astotin Lake shoreline and a section that passes beaver ponds, with various viewpoints along the way.

Don’t forget to bring your camera and binoculars. Also keep in mind about money exchange and such when traveling abroad.