Edmonton 
Find a little romance around Edmonton this summer.
Credit: Lee Vue/Unsplash
There is so much to do in Edmonton during the summer that there are date options for all kinds of couples: the adventurous types; the outdoorsy types; those who want or need to relax; or those looking for extra romance.
You have the option to plan your summer dates around several local festivals and events like Taste of Edmonton, or Heritage Days. Or you can head outside of the city to enjoy a night away in a glamping tent, to enjoy a day on the beach, or an afternoon out in nature.
Romantic Outdoor Ideas in Edmonton
1. Picnic at Hawrelak Park
No matter what time of day you plan your picnic date at Hawrelak Park, you can find romantic scenery all around the large area. You can picnic pond-side, under the privacy of large trees, or out on the open grass. If you’re there in the evening, you can warm up or get shelter on a rainy night at the Park Pavilion.
Where: 9330 Groat Road NW
How much: free
2. Paddle by Day and Stargaze by Night
Hit the waters with your significant other and relax in the sun or see parts of Alberta from a whole new perspective. The North Saskatchewan is a great paddle spot on a calm day, but if the water levels are too high for a paddle, you can also head to the nearby Elk Island National Park where you can rent, or you can take to the much smaller Pembina River near Entwistle.
At Elk Island National Park, you can plan a full-day date that starts on the water and ends under the stars. You can book a canoe rental with Haskin for closer to sunset time, and follow your paddle with an evening of stargazing under the dark sky preserve and build yourself a fire. Details
When: May-September for boat rentals
Where: Astotin Lake in Elk Island NP via the Trans-Canada Highway
How much: $20-$60 per hour
3. Pool & Park
The City of Edmonton outdoor pools are all nice and close to great city parks. You can plan for a walk in Mill Creek Ravine (next to Mill Creek Pool), Kinsmen (Queen Elizabeth Pool), Borden Park (Borden Natural Pool), Victoria Park (Oliver Pool), or MacKinnon Ravine (Fred Broadstock Pool), before cooling off at each parks’ respective pools. Details
Where:
- Borden Natural Swimming Pool – 7615 Borden Park Road NW
- Fred Broadstock Outdoor Pool – 15720 105 Avenue
- Mill Creek Outdoor Pool – 9555 84 Avenue
- Oliver Outdoor Pool – 10315 119 Street
- Queen Elizabeth Outdoor Pool and Kinsmen Spray Park – 9170 Walterdale Hill
How much: $7-$12
4. Pitch & Putt
Go out on a date with a little healthy competition involved! There are two pitch and putt courses in the Capital Region where you can treat your date to an afternoon of golf. These courses are a great way to learn or are perfect for those who aren’t normally into golf but are looking for something fun to do.
- Kinsmen Pitch & Putt: 9100 Walterdale Hill NW
- Putting Horse Ranch: 53312 Range Rd 272, Spruce Grove
5. Beach Trip
You won’t need to drive too far to enjoy a romantic afternoon at the beach together. You can pack a picnic blanket and venture to one of Edmonton’s nearby swimming lakes and lose track of time swimming, floating, or hiking around the lakes.
6. Find a River Valley Sunset Spot
You can find a place to end your walk or your date and watch the sunset on either side of the river, as long as the banks are facing west. But if you are in search of the best views, try:
- The Walterdale or High-Level bridges
- Keillor Point: 7433 Saskatchewan Dr NW
- Government House Park: 9938 Groat Rd NW
- Terwillegar Park: 10 Rabbit Hill Rd NW
- Floden Park: 4209 111 Ave. NW — Location with one of Edmonton’s famous river swings
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7. Biking in the River Valley
Cycling through the river valley and its expansive network of paved paths can take you from the east side to the west side of the city. This also means your date can start in any of the several parks which follow the river. And these paths are connected to multiple Edmonton neighbourhoods, so you could even branch off to see more of Edmonton.
8. Romantic Glamping
Bring your loved one on an incredibly romantic getaway only a short drive outside of city limits. There are two nearby companies that offer the glamping experience by either Tipi, Tent, or Geodome. Elk Island Retreat is east of the city in the National Park, while Urban Island River Adventures takes you glamping on North Saskatchewan River. Elevate your experience further by adding a romantic meal or bottle of bubbly.
Summer Festivals & Events
1. The Common Streetcar Rides
The Common and the High Level Streetcar have a few special ‘cask’ nights planned for the summer, with even more dates coming for fall. Each date showcases a different local brewery/distillery, and local eatery, with tastings included in your ticket. The events occur in the evening, so you may also get a sunset included. Details
When: Until October
Where: High Level Streetcar (Jasper Plaza Terminal) – 10910 100 Avenue Northwest
How much: $57.77
2. Attend a Backyard Event
Downtown Edmonton’s Backyard is a large outdoor patio space that is scheduled to host events and performances throughout the summer. In addition to catching some live acts, you can enjoy local dining and food trucks, local brews. Details
Where:10004 103A Ave NW
How much: Food Bank donation for admission
3. Lunch and Live music at The Lot
On the opposite side of downtown from the Backyard, you can find The Lot. This space is a bit smaller but offers a unique lunch spot via the Lot’s food trucks. You may be able to stop by on a date while a performance is on, or you can extend your date onto 124th Street: there are several art galleries in the area to browse, as well as the weekly grand market. Details
When: Tuesday-Sunday
Where: 12320 107 Ave NW, Edmonton
How much: free
4. International Street Performers’ Festival
These two arts festivals are joining forces in 2022 to bring an epic outdoor week of fun to Churchill Square. The Edmonton Street Performers’ is a showcase of music, comedy, acrobatic, and other variety acts which also hosts food trucks, and a market. These all make it a perfect fit with the Works Art & Design Festival, another week-long event highlighting the design side of the art world. Details
When: Until July 17, 2022
Where: Sir Winston Churchill Square, Edmonton
How much: free
5. Cirque du Soleil: OVO
Experience the extravgant show, OVO, by Cirque du Soleil. The 120-minute show follows a dynamic, immersive ecosystem inhabited by an acrobatic colony of insects and their reactions to a mysterious egg that appeared in their midst. Details
Cirque du Soleil
When: July 13 to 17, 2022
Where: Rogers Place, 10220 – 104 Avenue, Edmonton
How much: $49 – $135+ applicable fees
6. Taste of Edmonton
Gather for a summer meal in downtown Edmonton while local favourites set up shop for the annual Taste of Edmonton event. Over mid-July, you can sample small plates, desserts, and drinks, from a huge variety of vendors while also enjoying live music. Details
When: July 21-31, 2022
Where: Sir Winston Churchill Square, Edmonton
How much: Tasting ticket packs available for $9.50-$69.50
7. Rides and Games at K-Days
Fit in a classic carnival date this summer with games, fun houses, and midway rides. K-Days can make a romantic date for any age group in Edmonton with free live music and ticketed performances on top of all the fair fun. Details
When: July 22-31
Where: Northlands – West side of Wayne Gretzky Dr. south of Borden Park
How much: $35 for ride all day pass
8. Opera Al Fresco
Enjoy Edmonton Opera’s summer celebration at the spectacular Aga Khan Garden. You can enjoy snacks, a selection of wines, and performances of opera & musical theatre favourites at four stages. Details
Credit: Edmonton Opera
When: August 26, 2022
Where: University of Alberta Botanic Garden, 51227 AB-60, Spruce Grove
How much: $35-$70
9. Together Again!
Get a front row VIP seat table for the rock music festival at Edmonton Exhibition Lands Racetrack Infield featuring Paul Brandt, Johnny Reid, Meghan Patrick, Barenaked Ladies, Sam Roberts Band, 54-40 and many more! Details
When: July 22-31
Where: Edmonton Exhibition Lands Racetrack Infield, 7515 118 Ave NW Edmonton
How much: $65 & up
10. Edmonton Folk Music Festival
Find that patch of grass at Gallagher Park and enjoy one of the most famous music festival in Canada. Details
When: August 4 to 7, 2022
Where: Gallagher Park, 9411 – 97 Avenue NW, Edmonton
How much: $34 & up
11. Heritage Festival
Stroll hand-in-hand on the grounds of Hawrelak Park. You can come for a quick bite of all sorts of foods or spend the day learning about various cultures in the tents around the park. Details
Where: Hawrelak Park – 9330 Groat Rd. NW
When: July 30 – August 1
12. Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival
Enjoy plays and unique installations at North America’s largest, longest-running Fringe Theatre Festival.Take in live theatre featuring artists from around the world, outdoor performances, ice-cold beer, and so much more! Details
When: August 11-21, 2022
Where: Various Venues, Edmonton
How much: Free & ticketed events.
13. Zoobrew: A Beer Festival
Wander the zoo with a drink in hand at this twilight event. The Valley Zoo transforms into a peaceful escape on a summer night anda fun date night with your significant otter. Details
When: August 11-21, 2022
Where: Edmonton Valley Zoo, 13315 Buena Vista Road &, 87 Ave NW, Edmonton
How much: $27.67
14. Laugh Out Loud Together!
A couple that laughs together stays together!! The Great Outdoors Comedy Festival is all about good times and incredible comedy. This year, the festival is headlined by Amy Schumer. Details
When: August 13 & 14, 2022
Where: Edmonton Exhibition Lands, 7515 118 Ave NW, Edmonton
How much: $79-$199
15. Horse & Wagon Mural Tours
Visit Stony Plain and take a horse drawn wagon ride to explore the town’s murals. The murals of Stony Plain are showcases of Canadian art of all different themes and stretch across the entire town with a vast majority around 50th Avenue and 50th Street. Details
When: Until August 27, 2022
Where: Multicultural Heritage Centre, 51 Street, Stony Plain
How much: $15
16. Symphony Under the Sky Festival
Say goodbye to summer by attending fabulous concerts in Hawrelak Park. Edmonton Symphony Orchestra will perform two programs of sensational music — Hollywood Hits and Festival Favourites. Details
When: September 3 & 4, 2022
Where: Heritage Amphitheatre, Hawrelak Park
Romantic Dining in Edmonton
1. Art & Dessert in Old Strathcona
The Old Strathcona Business District has a handy map to follow around the neighbourhood, leading you to some of the coolest murals in Edmonton. You have endless options along your way for dining or drinks, but some more romantic stops for a quick snack could include Yelo’d Ice Cream, Remedy Café, or Made by Marcus. Details
When: year-round
Where: Old Strathcona
How much: free
2. Twilight Picnics at U of A Botanical Gardens
Your Twilight Picnic Experience includes garden activities, a chance to explore, and gourmet picnic foods. Individual boxes and admissions can also be ordered. You can book the Twilight Picnic on either Friday or Saturday evenings. Details
When: Fridays and Saturdays in Summer
Where: 51227 AB-60, Spruce Grove
How much: $125 per couple
3. Take an Edmonton Food Bike Tour
These Bike Tours take you on a journey from restaurant to restaurant while you get to taste signature samples from each. These are lunch tours, running from 11am-4pm, and give you a little bit of everything for a romantic date: scenery, food, drinks, and a social atmosphere. Details
When: May-September
Where: Old Strathcona & Downtown
How much: $155.90 – $212.71
4. Brewery Tour
If you’ve bonded over your love of beer, or specifically craft beer, then you might love embarking on a brewery tour together. There is a couple in Edmonton that offer a tour of their facilities, education on their processes, and of course, tastings along the way!
5. Stop by a Scenic Patio
Add a bit of extra romance to a dinner or lunch date in Edmonton by seating yourselves on the city’s most scenic patios. There are several to choose from, but here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Courtyard by Marriot: overlooks the river valley from the Marriott hotel
- CRAFT Beer Market: a rooftop patio overlooking Jasper Avenue
- MKT: a patio that wraps around the entire building and offers cozy seating areas
6. Book a Luxury Picnic
Picnic Affair is a unique Edmonton business who can create one of the most romantic and memorable dates you’ve ever experienced. They have a special package for two, which includes luxurious picnic decorations, comfortable cushions for seating, and your choice of scenic Edmonton picnic sites. Details
When: all summer
Where: various location options
How much: $150-$275
Romantic Attractions around Edmonton
1. Making Memories at the Muttart
The spring feature is Making Memories, with displays of romantic arrangements perfect for any important photo opportunity. The entire Conservatory makes for a romantic setting, but this season’s feature pyramid and its colourful array of florals make it that much more special.
Where: 9626 96a St NW, Edmonton
How much: $7.75-$14.95
2. Book a Private VIP Segway® PT Adventure
The River Valley Adventure Company is taking your date to the sidewalks and riverfront paths; from here you’ll see the best of Edmonton’s downtown and river valley views while learning a new skill. The Segway’s take a bit of practice, but your guide will spend the first 20-minutes or so teaching you just how to operate a Segway. Then you’re off!
River Valley Adventure Co.: 9731 Grierson Hill NW, Edmonton
3. Plan a U-pick Flower Trip
Don’t get your date flowers this time. Bring them on a romantic daytrip to the country where you can pick flowers together and both be able to take some home. Already live together? Come out to either Birchwood Meadows or Farm Fresh Florals to spend a romantic afternoon picking natural décor for your home!
- Birchwood Meadows: 56032 Rge Rd 245, Sturgeon County
- Farm Fresh Florals: 48446 Range Road 23, Sunnybrook
4. Get Lost in a Maze of Corn or Sunflowers
Find your way through the challenging maze st Edmonton Corn Maze. The site is also home to a stunning sunflower field.
Where: 6171 Garden Valley Road, Spruce Grove
How much: $11 to $15
