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Attractions & Sightseeing

Attractions & Sightseeing

Alberta, Canada

Iconic Landmarks

North America's largest shopping mall, West Edmonton Mall (WEM), offers much more than just shopping. It includes Galaxyland (an indoor amusement park), the World Waterpark (world's largest indoor wave pool), Marine Life (aquarium), and the Ice Palace (NHL-sized ice rink).

Mall hours run Monday-Saturday 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM, and Sunday 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Individual attraction hours vary, check their specific websites. Shopping is free, but attractions have separate admission fees (e.g., Waterpark/Galaxyland entry is CAD $50-70 per person per activity). Multi-attraction passes might provide savings. Visit during weekdays to avoid crowds.

Other Landmarks

  • Fort Edmonton Park: Canada's largest living history museum, featuring four distinct historical periods. Open seasonally (May to September), adult admission CAD $26.20.
  • Royal Alberta Museum (RAM): Western Canada's largest museum, covering natural and human history. Open Wednesday-Sunday, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, adult admission CAD $21.
  • Muttart Conservatory: Four striking glass pyramids housing different plant biomes and seasonal displays. Open daily, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, adult admission CAD $16.50.
  • Exterior grounds of Muttart Conservatory, including gardens, are free to explore.

Museums & Cultural Institutions

Art & Science

  • Art Gallery of Alberta (AGA): Architectural marvel with historical and contemporary art. Open Wednesday-Sunday, 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM, adult admission CAD $14.
  • TELUS World of Science – Edmonton: Interactive science center for all ages. Open daily, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, adult admission CAD $32.
  • Features hands-on exhibits, IMAX theatre, and a planetarium.
  • For a comprehensive experience, consider booking attraction tickets via GetYourGuide.
  • The Royal Alberta Museum (RAM) sits near the Art Gallery of Alberta.
  • The building itself is a work of art.

Performing Arts

  • Citadel Theatre: One of North America's largest not-for-profit theatre complexes. Presents plays, musicals, and new works.
  • Winspear Centre: Home of the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. Hosts classical concerts and popular music acts.
  • World-renowned acoustics.
  • Check schedules for performances during your visit.

Edmonton's cultural scene offers diverse intellectual and artistic experiences.

Historical Sites

  • Alberta Legislature Building and Grounds: Seat of provincial government. Free guided tours available. Grounds are always accessible.
  • High Level Bridge: Historic railway and road bridge with pedestrian walkways. Offers scenic views of the river valley and downtown.
  • Old Strathcona: Provincial Historic Area with preserved Edwardian-era buildings. Features independent shops, restaurants, and cultural venues.
  • Provides a charming atmosphere for a historical walking tour.

Natural Attractions

  • North Saskatchewan River Valley Parks System:

    Largest urban parkland in North America with over 160 km of trails. Suitable for walking, running, cycling, and cross-country skiing.

  • Elk Island National Park:

    Located 35 minutes east of Edmonton. Home to bison, elk, moose. Excellent for wildlife viewing, hiking, and stargazing. Parks Canada entry fees apply.

  • University of Alberta Botanic Garden:

    Southwest of Edmonton. Features diverse plant collections including the Kurimoto Japanese Garden. Seasonal operation (May to October), fees apply.

  • Activities:

    Picnicking, hiking, cycling, snowshoeing, disc golf across the parks system. Rent a bike or pack a picnic.

  • Dark Sky Preserve:

    Elk Island National Park is a designated dark sky preserve, for excellent stargazing.

Hidden Gems

Beyond the main attractions, Edmonton has several lesser-known spots that offer unique experiences.

Unique Discoveries

  • Neon Sign Museum

    A free, outdoor exhibit on the side of the Telus building (downtown). Features restored vintage neon signs. Best viewed after dark.

  • Whitemud Park

    A large urban park with extensive trails and access to the river valley network. Offers a serene, less crowded experience for walks or runs.

  • University of Alberta Campus

    Explore beautiful grounds and impressive architecture. Several smaller, free museums, like the Paleontology Museum (with dinosaur skeletons), are on campus.

  • Edmonton Arts Council Public Art Collection

    Look for various sculptures and art installations scattered throughout the city. Many are integrated into public spaces.

  • Online Map

    An online map of the collection helps locate these unexpected artistic discoveries.

  • Unexpected Discoveries

    Exploring different neighborhoods might lead to delightful artistic finds.

Legislature Building

Discover Alberta's political history with free guided tours.

High Level Bridge

Walk across for panoramic views of the river valley and city skyline.

Old Strathcona

Wander through historic streets with unique shops and culture.

Practical Tips for Sightseeing

  • Wear comfortable shoes, especially if planning extensive walking at sites like West Edmonton Mall or Fort Edmonton Park.
  • Check attraction websites for updated hours, fees, and any special event schedules before your visit.
  • Public transit (LRT and buses) connects many major attractions, making city navigation straightforward.

Visitor Information & Accessibility

Edmonton endeavors to make its attractions accessible to all visitors. Many major institutions have provisions for diverse needs.

It's always a good idea to confirm specific accessibility details directly with each attraction beforehand, especially for specialized equipment or services.

Accessibility Features

Major attractions often have features designed for ease of access.

General Provisions

  • Wheelchair ramps and elevators are common.
  • Accessible washrooms are available at most public venues.
  • Some sites offer braille signage or audio guides.

Planning Your Visit

Thoughtful planning can make your sightseeing more enjoyable.

Booking Tickets

  • Consider purchasing tickets online in advance to save time.
  • Look for combo passes for multiple attractions for potential savings.
  • Some attractions offer discounts for seniors, students, or families.

Family-Friendly Attractions

Many Edmonton attractions are suitable for visitors of all ages.

Fun for All Ages

  • World Waterpark and Galaxyland at West Edmonton Mall.
  • TELUS World of Science for interactive exhibits.
  • Fort Edmonton Park for living history experiences.
  • Muttart Conservatory for an unique botanical escape.

Guided Tours & Audio Guides

Learn more about the attractions with guided or self-guided options.

Enhanced Exploration

  • Many museums and historical sites offer guided tours for insights.
  • Download audio guides on your smartphone for self-paced exploration.
  • Walking tours of Old Strathcona offer historical context.

Photography & Etiquette

Photography Policies

  • Most public areas allow photography for personal use.
  • Some exhibits or performances might have restrictions; look for signage.
  • Flash photography is often prohibited in museums or art galleries.

Visitor Etiquette

  • Keep voices low in museums and quiet areas.
  • Avoid touching exhibits unless signs indicate it's allowed.
  • Dispose of litter in designated bins to keep public spaces clean.

Seasonal Activities & Tips

Edmonton's attractions offer varied experiences depending on the season, from indoor fun to outdoor adventures.

Summer June-August

Ideal for river valley trails, outdoor festivals, and Fort Edmonton Park. Book outdoor activity tickets in advance via GetYourGuide.

Fall September-October

Enjoy fall foliage in the river valley. Pleasant weather for museums and indoor attractions.

Winter November-March

Focus on indoor attractions like West Edmonton Mall, museums, and the Muttart Conservatory. Winter festivals also take place.

Additional Resources

Visitor Information Centres

Staff can provide maps, brochures, and personalized recommendations for sightseeing.

Find Visitor Centers

City of Edmonton Website

Official website for information on parks, trails, and city-run facilities.

Explore City Resources

Explore Edmonton

The official tourism website offers comprehensive guides, event listings, and suggested itineraries.

Visit Explore Edmonton

Online Reviews & Forums

Check platforms like TripAdvisor or Google Reviews for recent visitor experiences and ratings.

Read Reviews

Social Media

Follow local tourism accounts for real-time updates and inspiration.

Follow Edmonton Tourism

Museum Etiquette

Guidelines for Visitors

  • Do not touch exhibits unless explicitly allowed by signage.
  • Keep your voice at a moderate level to preserve a quiet atmosphere.
  • Respect photography restrictions, especially for flash or specific artworks.

Park System Use

The North Saskatchewan River Valley offers extensive recreational opportunities.

Trail Rules & Safety

  • Keep dogs on leash in designated areas.
  • Stay on marked trails to protect natural habitats.
  • Pack out all garbage to leave no trace.
  • Be mindful of wildlife and observe from a distance.

Local Insights

Consider visiting attractions during off-peak hours (weekdays, non-festival times) for a more relaxed experience.

Many local festivals provide an unique cultural window into the city's community life.

Planning Your Itinerary

Combine attractions based on their location and your interests for an efficient and enjoyable itinerary.

Downtown & Arts District

Focus on central Edmonton's cultural and entertainment hubs.

Suggested Combination

  • Alberta Legislature Building (free tours).
  • Art Gallery of Alberta (AGA).
  • Catch a show at the Citadel Theatre or Winspear Centre in the evening.

West End & Nature

Combine mega-mall fun with nearby natural beauty.

Suggested Combination

  • Spend a day at West Edmonton Mall.
  • Enjoy an afternoon at Whitemud Park or the University of Alberta Botanic Garden.
  • Consider a trip to Elk Island National Park for wildlife viewing.

Old Strathcona Charm

Immerse yourself in history and independent culture.

Evening & Day Activity

  • Explore unique shops and boutiques.
  • Dine at independent restaurants.
  • Enjoy the nightlife on Whyte Avenue.

Combine with a visit to the Old Strathcona Farmers' Market on a Saturday.

History & Science Exploration

A journey through Alberta's past and the wonders of science.

Morning to Afternoon

  • Royal Alberta Museum for comprehensive history.
  • TELUS World of Science for interactive learning.

These two attractions are relatively close, making a combined visit practical.

Gardens & Serenity

Find peaceful escapes and natural beauty.

Relaxing Day Options

  • Muttart Conservatory for indoor botanical gardens.
  • University of Alberta Botanic Garden for expansive outdoor gardens.
  • Enjoy a picnic in the beautiful grounds.

Both locations offer tranquil environments away from city bustle.

Transportation Tips for Attractions

Public Transit ETS

The LRT system connects downtown, the University, and Commonwealth Stadium. Buses extend reach to most other areas.

Driving & Parking

West Edmonton Mall has ample free parking.

Ride Shares & Taxis

Available throughout the city. Convenient for door-to-door service, especially in the evenings.

Maximizing Your Visit

Consider a multi-attraction pass for savings if you plan to visit several paid sites like the Waterpark or Royal Alberta Museum. Plan routes between attractions to minimize travel time.