Edmonton is the vibrant capital of Alberta, Canada; it’s a fine urban destination blended with natural beauty. From large shopping centres and historical sites to luxuriant parks and cultural entities, Edmonton can boast of plenty it has in store for every kind of traveler.
From history to nature, art, and even adventure, there indeed are a lot of places to visit in Edmonton that will leave you with lifetime memories. Here’s a more detailed look at the top 10 places to see in Edmonton.
10 Stunning Places to See in Edmonton
West Edmonton Mall
Probably one of the most recognizable places to see in Edmonton is West Edmonton Mall-it is a huge retail and entertainment centre in North America. This enormous mall covers more than 5.3 million square feet, holds over 800 stores, two great hotels, and a range of amusement activities. Galaxyland is the world’s largest indoor amusement park, housing numerous rides for thrill-seekers of all ages: roller coasters, a haunted house, and interactive games.
Located next to Galaxyland, the World Waterpark boasts the world’s largest indoor wave pool and several towering water slides that create hours of fun aquatic play. Plus, right in the middle of the mall is an Ice Palace-a full-sized skating rink offering public skate times amidst figure skating performances.
For those who love a themed shopping and dining experience, areas of the mall like Europa Boulevard and Bourbon Street take visitors to European- and New Orleans-inspired settings with their specialty shops and authentic cuisine. West Edmonton Mall offers an experience that makes it one of the places to see in Edmonton for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.
Fort Edmonton Park
Step back in time and experience Edmonton’s vibrant history at Fort Edmonton Park, a 158-acre park and Canada’s largest living history museum. This fantastically singular facility houses Edmonton’s early history, split up into the 1846 Fort, the 1885 Street, the 1905 Street, and the 1920 Street. Each era is painstakingly and authentically redeveloped with restored buildings, period costumes, and hands-on displays.
In the 1846 Fort, visitors can experience what life would be like in a Hudson’s Bay Company trading post complete with fur trading activities and indigenous artifacts. On 1885 Street, blacksmith shops, farms, and early storefronts reflect Edmonton’s arrival as a town. The 1905 Street interprets Edmonton’s boom years with automobiles, telegraphs, and electric streetcars.
Lastly, 1920 Street houses an old movie theatre, a midway, and a classic car garage. Due to Fort Edmonton Park’s commitment to preserving history in active ways, it makes for one fascinating places to visit in Edmonton.
Muttart Conservatory
Among the places to see in Edmonton, the Muttart Conservatory holds a place not to be missed by those who like architecture and nature. An iconic building, with its four glass pyramids, each housing a different biome. The Tropical Pyramid represents lush rainforests and colored flowers from Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America, put together with warm and steamy temperatures to suit the growth of tropical plants.
In contrast, the Arid Pyramid presents the plants of the world’s deserts: cacti, succulents, and strange flowering plants able to grow with extremely limited water. Plants in the Temperate Pyramid change out according to season; there is always something different to see reflecting the changing seasons.
Finally, the Feature Pyramid has travelling exhibitions in rotation on a very regular basis, giving each visit to the pyramid something new to see. Outside of its botanical displays, the conservatory runs educational programs and workshops as well as special events throughout the year. Overall, the Muttart Conservatory is a very serene setting, yet highly architectural, making it one special places to see while in Edmonton.
Royal Alberta Museum
The Royal Alberta Museum, largest in Western Canada, takes you on an amazing adventure through time and across Alberta’s natural and cultural worlds. Now located in downtown Edmonton, the museum features two key galleries: the Natural History Hall and the Human History Hall. The Natural History Hall includes paleontology and geology, and wildlife exhibits; it houses the impressive collection of fossils and minerals which illustrates Alberta’s prehistoric past.
Human History Hall takes visitors on a journey from the Indigenous cultures of Alberta into early settlement history and even to current issues. Bug Gallery at the museum showcases the live invertebrates, very popular among children and families, including tarantulas, scorpions, and beetles.
There is also a dedicated children’s gallery with hands-on exhibits and interactive displays that make learning fun. With its comprehensive and engaging displays, the Royal Alberta Museum is surely one of those important places to visit in Edmonton, especially for those interested in Alberta heritage.
Elk Island National Park
Just a short drive east from Edmonton, Elk Island National Park serves as a haven not only for wildlife but also for the outdoorsman. This big park is largely recognized for its contribution to bison conservation, though many free-roaming species include elk, moose, and over 250 types of birds. Available are numerous hiking trails, most offering beautiful views and opportunities to spot wildlife.
Those interested in camping can enjoy numerous campgrounds around Elk Island; thus, overnight stays are tranquil. It is also a designated dark-sky preserve; hence, the park provides perfect grounds for star gazing.
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On clear nights, one can view many stars and even catch some northern lights on occasion. Added to the natural beauty of the area is a wildlife sighting, making Elk Island National Park one of the best places to visit in Edmonton for all nature lovers.
Art Gallery of Alberta
One of the major cultural draws to downtown Edmonton, the Art Gallery Alberta is sure to impress at first glance with its sleek, modern architectural façade. The gallery’s unique angular structure harbors an extensive collection of over 6,000 pieces of Canadian and international art within its premises. Focusing on both historical and contemporary pieces, the gallery showcases several rotating exhibitions that have spanned everything from classical portraits to avant-garde installations.
Complementing the permanent collection, the Art Gallery of Alberta regularly features exhibitions by renowned Canadian artists and international contributors alike, making sure there’s always something new to see. The range of educational programs, public lectures, and art workshops ensures the gallery is an interactive and stimulating places to see in Edmonton for lovers of art.
Alberta Legislature Building
Nestled on the tranquil banks of the North Saskatchewan River, the Alberta Legislature Building stands proudly as a seat of government, historical landmark, and architectural marvel. Completed in 1913, the Beaux-Art design features grandiose columns, carved oak woodwork, and a domed rotunda. Free guided tours will take visitors through the political history of Alberta and the building’s architectural importance.
Equally impressive are the grounds around the Legislature property, serving up beautifully manicured gardens, fountains, and a walking path. During winter, festive lights adorn the grounds, showcasing it magically.
One particularly unique feature of the grounds is the “Magic Spot,” where visitors can experience a specific acoustic phenomenon where their voice will echo as if amplified. The Alberta Legislature Building and its grounds provide a quiet and historical place, which is a must visit places to see in Edmonton.
Whyte Avenue
Whyte Avenue is the main street running through the historic Old Strathcona area and serves as Edmonton’s cultural and entertainment hot spot. This busy street is lined with boutique shops, art galleries, theaters, and a range of restaurants and cafes reflecting the different tastes and flavors of Edmonton. Certainly, this eclectic, one-of-a-kind atmosphere on Whyte Avenue creates a hot spot not only among residents but also among tourists.
Throughout the year, Whyte Avenue is often the home to many festivals, and it’s highlighted annually by the Edmonton International Fringe Festival. This is a massive festival, the largest and longest-running Fringe Theater Festival in North America; thousands flock to see the rounded performers from every corner of the globe.
Whether it is unique shopping, live music, or international foods one may be interested in, Whyte Avenue offers one exciting experience against a background of places to see in Edmonton.
Edmonton River Valley Parks
The Edmonton River Valley Parks system comprises more than 7,400 hectares and, therefore, is an oasis within the city. This is quite a large area of parkland that adorns the North Saskatchewan River with over 160 kilometres of maintained trails for walking, cycling, jogging, and cross-country skiing in the winter.
Places like Hawrelak, Rundle, and Gold Bar are extensively utilized for picnics, meetings, and playing outdoors. The newly constructed Walterdale Bridge adds to the modern architectural view to the natural beauty. Many sights to be explored constitute this pious getaway from city life and a must-visit in the list of places to see in Edmonton to see for any outdoorsy person.
TELUS World of Science
TELUS World of Science is great for families, students, and any person curious about everything in the world. This active science center brings together a wide array of interesting subjects that take one closer to space, the latest in health sciences, robotics, and the study of the environment-all under one roof. The IMAX Theatre offers immersive cinematic experiences, allowing visitors to watch educational documentaries on a massive screen.
The TELUS World of Science also has an updated observatory where visitors can look at the stars and planets through mighty telescopes. Special exhibitions, plus hands-on workshops for the inquisitive minds of all ages, create an educational and entertaining places to see in Edmonton.
Final Thoughts
Mixing in all cultural attractions, historic sites, and natural beauty makes Edmonton one of the most interesting cities to travel to. From the busy hallways of West Edmonton Mall to the serene landscapes of Elk Island National Park, there isn’t a lack of places to see in Edmonton for diverse interests. From art galleries to a little bit of history, or simply spending time outdoors, Edmonton has something that will make any visitor’s stay worthwhile and memorable.
