Edmonton, the capital city of the Canadian province of Alberta, has long been known for it’s natural beauty, rich culture, deep history, and abundant attractions.
It’s a city that has a little something for everyone. Not only is it home to Canada’s largest shopping mall but also the country’s largest living history museum. If that wasn’t enough, it also features the nation’s biggest historical park, a lively theater scene, several world-class pro sports teams, and some truly remarkable architecture.
From outdoor recreational activities to indoor fun for the whole family, Edmonton has no shortage of attractions to keep everyone in your party thoroughly entertained. Everything from hiking, ice skating, skiing, dining, shopping, and urban exploration awaits you in one of Canada’s most revered urban epicenters.
Keep watching to see what we firmly believe are some of Edmonton’s more alluring sights and attractions. If you’re planning an upcoming trip or simply curious about what the city has to offer, this is one video you don’t want to miss.
West Edmonton Mall
If you’ve seen our recent video on the world’s biggest shopping malls, then you probably are already at least somewhat familiar with this massive hub of commerce.
Most malls are just big buildings packed full of major chain retail stores and a food court, but this 500,000 square meter complex is the largest in the North American continent.
With over 800 stores, 100 dining establishments, an enormous indoor wave pool replete with 17 water slides, an amusement park, and an ice skating rink, you could easily spend an entire weekend exploring everything that this marvel of engineering and planning has to offer.
While visiting, you can stay at your choice of two hotels, including one called ‘Fantasyland’ that features 120 themed rooms.
Simply put, this isn’t your ordinary, mundane shopping mall.
The TELUS World Of Science
The TELUS World of Science’s primary goal is to inspire people to embrace science as a way of transforming the world into a better place. The non-profit interactive facility’s slogan is ‘celebrating science’, but it accomplishes a lot more than just that.
The facility has a handful of different activities and entertainment options that turn science into family-friendly fun. And you definitely don’t have to be a kid to have a blast here, as the facility features attractions like an Astronomical observatory, an IMAX theater, and hands-on science experiments that are sure to intrigue guests of all ages.
There are exhibits that explore the real universe we live in as well those that celebrate the Marvel Cinematic Universe. So whether you’re traveling with your little ones or aren’t afraid to admit that you are a kid at heart, this is one spot you definitely should consider adding to your list when you’re in Edmonton.
The Royal Alberta Museum
A visit to the recently renovated Royal Alberta Museum will teach you all about Alberta’s rich culture and history.
Here you’ll learn all about the province’s people, heritage, and history. You won’t be able to find an experience like this anywhere else in Edmonton, so if you’re the sort of person that enjoys taking a look back in time to get a better understanding of the past, you should definitely set aside a few hours to explore this museum’s numerous galleries.
Some of the exhibits explore topics like the history of Alberta’s landscapes, animals, and indigenous people. Children will also enjoy the museum’s myriad of hands-on displays as well as it’s insect gallery.
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North Saskatchewan River Valley
While there are plenty of parks and green space’s in and around Edmonton, there is nothing quite like the North Saskatchewan River Valley. This large selection of scenic parks is roughly 22 times larger than New York’s iconic Central Park.
Hundreds of miles of trails, walkways, and golf courses join 20 parks where locals and out-of-towners alike go to have picnics, ride bicycles, kayak and canoe, ride around on Segways, and come wintertime, ski and snowshoe.
Elk Island National Park
This National Park is located just east of the city. It’s a great place to photograph wildwife, go hiking, loaf about on the beach, and watch the northern lights.
Species of animals such as moose, black bears, lynx, and gray wolves can be seen roaming around Canada’s largest fully enclosed park. Bird watchers will be excited to learn that there are over 250 avian species to see as well.
Perhaps one of the stunning sights is the herds of plains bison that call Elk Island National Park their home. While not native to the area, they were imported from Montana and rescued from inevitable extinction.
This is the only place in Alberta that you could find yourself stuck in a bison traffic jam before going skiing and then wrapping up your evening by taking in the celestial beauty of the aurora borealis.
Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village
This open-air museum was established in the ’70s with the purpose of preserving the cultural heritage of the numerous Albertan immigrants that hail from Bukovina and Ukraine. In fact, Alberta was settled by the Ukrainian people in the 1890s.
Given the current world events, there’s no time like the present to get to know what the people of Ukraine are like and what values they hold dear.
Known by the locals as ‘The Village’, various historically significant buildings have been faithfully reconstructed on the site. The villages’ crown jewel, the pale onion-shaped dome that sits atop the centrally located Ukrainian church, can be seen from afar.
Guests can explore living history exhibits such as the blacksmith, an old-timey general store, and the marketplace.
One of the biggest draws is getting the chance to interact with costumed guides who will explain what life was really like for these early eastern European settlers. Be sure to consult the village’s event calendar to time your visit around the many workshops, events, and festivals held here around the year.
From harvest celebrations to leather-working demonstrations to the annual celebration of Ukraine’s National Day, there is no shortage of things to see and do while visiting this culturally rich and poignantly relevant attraction.
The Art Gallery of Alberta
Somewhat reminiscent of the famed Guggenheim, this mind-bending architectural landmark can be found in the heart of Alberta’s downtown district. The Art Gallery of Alberta is one of the most prominent and popular cultural venues in the province.
Within it’s walls sit over 6,000 paintings, sculptures, artifacts, and installations. Everything from contemporary to historical international and Canadian works of art are on display. Plus, admission is very affordable. Seniors, children, and active military personnel will only have to pay $10 to spend the day here, while everyone else will only have to shell out $14.
Muttart Conservatory
Along the North Saskatchewan River’s south bank are four pyramid-shaped greenhouses that house a variety of rare and exotic plant species.
Within each pyramid is a distinct horticultural environment that represents diverse biomes from around the globe. From the hot and humid tropical climates of Fiji and Burma to the temperate marquee of the North American redwoods, there are so many different species of plants on display at this remarkable attraction.
Plus, if you hike up to the high point above the river, you’ll be treated to a stunning view of the glistening pyramids against the urban backdrop of the Edmonton skyline.
Reynolds-Alberta Museum
I don’t know about you, but when I was a kid, I used to spend hours lying on my back in the backyard counting the planes as they flew on by. I always wanted to know what it was like to be a pilot – to be able to soar through the heavens with ease. As I got a little older, I became obsessed with World War II planes and other historically significant aircraft.
If you’ve even shared my love for all things aviation-related, then a trip to this incredible museum in the nearby town of Wetaskiwin is a must!
The Reynolds-Alberta Museum is committed to displaying everything that has to do with aircraft and vehicle manufacturing.
There are also numerous open-air and interactive displays covering historic agricultural equipment like old-school dinosaur steam tractors, caterpillar tractors, and thrashing machines.
The museum houses over 100 historic aircraft in addition to he Canadian Hall of Fame. Besides planes, helicopters, and gliders, there are also several motorcycles to see as well.
The museum also features a cafe, gifts hop, and a theater on-site.
Rogers Place: Home of the Edmonton Oilers
What could be more Canadian than catching a professional hockey game?
Edmonton’s pro hockey team, the Oilers, have been playing at this multi-use arena since 2016 when it first opened.
Roger’s Place features curvilinear architecture that will make your jaw drop. But if you thought it’s exterior was impressive, just wait until you step inside. You’ll feel like you just stepped inside an interstellar spacecraft!
The arena features top-of-the-line modern tech that includes the largest high-definition display in the NHL. And if hockey really isn’t your thing, the venue is also used to host some of the music world’s biggest acts throughout the year.
Fort Edmonton Park
Named for the first European outpost in the area, this park is the largest living history museum in all of Canada.
It features both original and reconstructed historical buildings and structures giving visitors an up-close look at the history of Edmonton, including it’s indigenous peoples.
Actors stay in character to give you a glimpse of what life was like in the late 19th century.
Among the different types of transport that guests can ride include a horse-drawn wagon and an authentic steam train.
Over at the John Janzen Nature Center, visitors will learn all about the region’s geology and ecology.
Did you know that Edmonton was settled by Ukrainian immigrants back in the late 19th century, and that Edmonton is home to Canada’s largest living history museum? Share your thoughts on Edmonton, Alberta in the comments section. If you know of any attractions that we failed to mention, let our viewers know!
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As always, thanks for watching, and Happy Travels!