City: Edmonton
Top Things to do in Edmonton
What to do and see in Edmonton, Canada: The Best Things to do
As North America’s northernmost large metropolis, Edmonton is a fascinating study in contrasts — a vibrant urban center in the heart of the wilderness. It’s a city that’s never been afraid to do things a little differently, as visitors discover through close encounters with free-roaming bison, a shopping mall that spans more than 48 city blocks, and a dynamic arts and culture scene that embraces more than 40 annual festivals, including the continent’s biggest and wildest Fringe Theatre Festival.
Restaurants in Edmonton
1. Winspear Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 807 reviews
The Francis Winspear Centre for Music is located in Edmonton's Arts District and is home to the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra.
Reviewed By happypeasant - Edmonton, Canada
Home to the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra and the Davis pipe organ. This ecoustically wonderful hall hosts many concerts and performances. Intimate setting where no seat is a poor seat. Worth visiting even if you are unable to take in a performance.
2. Muttart Conservatory
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 783 reviews
The Muttart Conservatory is unique at first sight. This innovative botanical garden sets the pace for plant science in western Canada and defines Edmonton’s skyline with striking glass pyramids rising from the river valley.
Reviewed By GallantJ - Alberta, Canada
We visited the Muttart Conservatory in April 2015 with children ages 8, 5 and 5, along with Grandparents. It was absolutely beautiful and I recommend visiting if you get a chance, especially in the winter when it feels warm and tropical during an otherwise cold day outside. During our visit, the Corpse Flower had just started to bloom (it only blooms about every 2 years). It was only the second time it had ever bloomed at Muttart so we felt fortunate to see it. Once it opens fully it only lasts a few days, so the timing was great. It stunk like a dead corpse, which added to excitement of the visit, especially for the kids, and my mom who is a flower enthusiast. Overall, a great visit. It's a beautiful venue with an amazing collection of plants and flowers.
3. Fort Edmonton Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,740 reviews
Park featuring recreations of Edmonton in different stages of its history.
Reviewed By alexaC1970UJ
Always a great adventure for the whole family :) I’ve cream, riding the old train and more... it’s a great place to have fun, and beat value to buy an annual pass
4. TELUS World of Science - Edmonton
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 932 reviews
Experience science in our interactive galleries, IMAX Theatre, science stage, planetarium, special exhibitions and much more. The science centre features interactive exhibition galleries for all ages. The planetarium is the largest in Canada and shows are included with science centre admission. The IMAX Theatre has the largest screen in Alberta and plays both documentary films and Hollywood movies. The centre hosts travelling feature exhibitions several times a year, with past blockbuster exhibitions being Harry Potter, Star Wars, Indiana Jones and Body Worlds.
Reviewed By MP-Higgins
Great selection of exhibits. Easy to spend an entire day here with something for kids of all ages (parents will enjoy it too!) the planetarium is fantastic, presenter was great and a few different shows played throughout the day which was nice. The space exhibit is small but really well done with lots of interactive stations catering to all ages. The moon show is short and sweet but very entertaining and informative. Discovery land is obviously a hit with toddlers and the science garage is another hands-on gem. The dinosaur exhibit was top notch however it was disappointing you were forced to walk through the gift shop to get to and from it. The restaurant has great food selection and the entire building was clean. We’re happy we visited on a weekday in September I can imagine it gets pretty busy during peak times and it was more enjoyable to have many exhibits to ourselves. Thanks for having us. We’ll be making the trip back!
5. Elk Island National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 600 reviews
Reviewed By 921adriank
I spent one whole day hiking in the park. I hiked various trails. When I arrived to the park, I stopped by the visitor center. The park staff was friendly and made some good recommendations to me. I saw lots of bisons on Bison Loop Road. I saw lots of beavers and different kind of birds while hiking. I recommend bringing insect repellent. I ran into a lot of mosquitos in some areas of the park. Some trials were very muddy - bring good hiking shoes with you. I preferred traditional hiking trails than the ones in the Astotin Lake Area. The recreation area was crowded, loud, and there was a lot of smoke from grilled food. I had lunch at the Golf Course Cafe. The food was very average
6. Alberta Legislature Building
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 764 reviews
The majestic Legislature is one of the most iconic buildings in Edmonton and a must see when you are in the city! Built in 1912, in the Beaux Arts style, the Legislature is the seat of the government in the province. The historic building is open 362 days a year. Friendly and knowledgeable Heritage Interpreters are always pleased to take you on a tour and introduce you to Alberta's legislative process. Just north of the Legislature, you will find the Legislative Assembly Visitor Centre. The centre is home to the Borealis Gallery, Pehonan Theatre, Agora Interpretive Centre and Capital Gifts shop. The Legislature site is a hub of activity throughout the year, the grounds being some of the most beautiful and picturesque in the area.
Reviewed By psluiza - Porto Alegre, Brazil
I took the free tour and I loved it, I got to learn a lot about Alberta’s history and canadian politics
7. High Level Bridge Streetcar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 545 reviews
Open May Long weekend to October each year, the streetcar's views of the city and the river are absolutely amazing. This is also the best way to get from the farmer's market to downtown.
Reviewed By Beachbabyfish - Edmonton, Canada
We have ridden this street car 3 times. Each time it was a fun event. Saw the beautiful colors in the river valley in the fall. Did a private function when we also did a ride in the early evening. Saw the city lights in early evening. We took out of town visitors for an afternoon ride. Lots of fun. Knowledgeable conductor as well.
8. West Edmonton Mall
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 4,198 reviews
The world's largest shopping and entertainment complex, with a roller coaster, tropical rainforest and an indoor bungee jump, in addition to the over 800 stores and 20 restaurants.
Reviewed By MsPegasus
Had a great time and enjoyed the whole west Edmonton mall experience with the multi play pass that lets you access the marine world, mini golf's, galaxy land and world water park! Everything was amazing, loved the rides, loved the slides, loved the shopping lol Can't wait to go again.
9. Whyte Avenue
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,249 reviews
Whyte Avenue (also known as 82 Avenue) is an arterial road in south-central Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. It became the main street of the City of Strathcona as it formed, and now runs through Old Strathcona. It was named in 1891 after Sir William Whyte, who was superintendent of the CPR's western division from 1886 to 1897 and was knighted by King George V in 1911. Old Strathcona is Edmonton's main arts and entertainment district, and is also a shopping hub for local residents and students at the nearby University of Alberta. Whyte Avenue, now a heritage area, is at the heart of this district, housing many shops, cafes, restaurants and bars.
Reviewed By crysta10 - Edmonton, Canada
It’s always fun to stroll down the avenue and some of the off-shooting alleys and nearby streets to investigate unique shops, enjoy unique beverages/coffee, food/treats. There’s something for everyone. My tween and teen really enjoy the ave...but I enjoy it most with my BFF. :-)
10. World Waterpark
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,569 reviews
This tropical paradise boasts the world's largest indoor wave pool and more than 17 unique waterslides and play features. Visit our website for current hours rates.
Reviewed By rachelkM9983UA - Edmonton, Canada
I love West Edmonton water park! It’s a lot of fun for all ages. Only negative is that when you come at a busy time you will be waiting in line for slides for a longgg time. Other than that everything is relatively clean and staff are professional.
