A day trip plan is handy for summers when you can’t get away for extended periods. If you are short on time this summer, there is still plenty of fun within two hours of Edmonton.
A summer day trip from Edmonton can involve seeing new sights, exploring new towns and parks, or trying new experiences.
These summer day trip ideas from Edmonton can fill up your entire summer, and you can save on accommodations by making it back home in a day. Plus, you can easily combine one or more of these ideas for a longer day trip with more sightseeing or adventures.
Beaches
Pick a day this summer for packing up the car and heading to the beach. These beaches make for a simple but memorable day trip from the city with swimmable waters, sandy shores, and large picnic areas. Each of these beaches also have access to public washrooms and parking.
- The beach and swimming area of Wabamun Lake Provincial Park are a small alcove on the northeast side of the lake. This allows large boats to safely zip around, while swimmers and floaters enjoy a quieter part of the water. The beach area has a small hand launch area for canoes, kayaks, and floaties.
- Aspen Beach Provincial Park is on the south side of the expansive Gull Lake. Gull Lake is popular for boaters thanks to its size, and for swimmers, thanks to the wide sandy beach.
- Ma-Me-O Beach on Pigeon Lake is a great place for a swim on a hot summer’s day. The long sandy beach is a short drive from the village, where they have mini golf and dining.
- Long Lake Provincial Park is about an hour and a half away northeast of Edmonton. The narrow but long lake sits in a valley and is surrounded by dense forest, and the White Earth Natural Area. The beach area has ample space around the grass and sand, boat rentals, and a concession. There is a small swimming area in front of the beach.
For more:
- 10 Beach Day Trips From Edmonton to Beat the Heat This Summer
- 25 Beaches For a Sunny Weekend Getaway in Alberta
Sunflowers & Corn Mazes
Day trips in late summer might look a little different than those in early and mid summer. Edmonton and the surrounding areas are preparing for fall activities. But luckily, we won’t need to wait until September to enjoy these destinations. These spots include corn mazes and flower picking or photo opportunities in the fields.
- The Edmonton Corn Maze (Spruce Grove) will open for the season by the end of July. The Edmonton Corn Maze is a popular destination for families and friends who want a bit of a challenge, along with some scenic farm photo opportunities.
- Birchwood Meadows (Sturgeon County) is a unique u-pick destination near Edmonton. The gardens and greenhouses offer u-pick for fresh flowers, photography bookings, and gardening workshops.
- The Kraay Family Farm (near Lacombe) will reopen for the season on July 17. In addition to the maze, families can enjoy the over 40 onsite activities and farm games.
For more:
- Cut-Flower Gardens: U-Pick Flower Farms to Visit in Alberta
- Sunflower Fields and Sunflower Mazes to Visit in Alberta
Best Hiking Trails Around Edmonton
While Edmonton has its own extensive trail network, these hiking trails outside of the city allow for a bit of an escape. You can leave the noise and business of Edmonton this summer for an enjoyable hike through nature at one of these trailhead locations.
- The Strathcona Wilderness Centre (52535 RR 212, Ardrossan) is 15-minutes east of Edmonton. The area offers hiking trails and disc golf but can also be a great place for wildlife viewing and birding thanks to the Beaver Hills Biosphere.
- The 480 acres of the Chickakoo Lake Recreation Area (1228 TWP RD 534) have room for hiking, paddling, horseback riding, fishing, and picnics.
- Miquelon Lake Provincial Park has close to 20km of hiking trails and is another of the area’s great wildlife and birdwatching spots.
- Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area has an extensive trail system for hikers, cyclists, and equestrian riders. The trails meander around wetlands, ponds, and forests.
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Small Town Tours
Explore somewhere totally new this summer. Touring Alberta’s small towns, or a small town, for a day, can help you uncover new local businesses, new farms and gardens, and new scenery.
- Camrose is built around a creek and ravine with trails following the length of the city. Downtown Camrose is on the north side with several opportunities for a quick snack or drink. And Mirror Lake Park is a nice central location for a break, or a picnic. Camrose is about an hour to an hour and a half from Edmonton. Also near Camrose, and within Camrose County, is Miquelon Lake Provincial Park,
- Rocky Mountain House is about 2 to 2 and a half hours from Edmonton and is a great place for exploring local history. The town has the Rock Museum and the Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site. Rocky’s main street is a great place to start for local dining. If you visit on a Thursday, you can stop by the Marketplace on Main to check out more local goods.
- The drive out to Vegreville has several small stops to make before you get to the town with the giant Pysanka. The summer fun starts on Father’s Day weekend when they host a large outdoor celebration. The town will also host a Pysanka Festival in July, and their Pysanka Park Market on Thursdays.
Summer U-Pick Near Edmonton
U-pick adventures are a fun way to support Alberta’s local farms over the summer. These local farms near Edmonton offer a variety of food to pick like apples, a variety of berries, and other fruits and vegetables.
- Prairie Gardens Adventure Farm (56311 Lily Lake Rd., Bon Accord) offers a rotating selection of u-pick items throughout the summer and fall: rhubarb, apples, strawberries, vegetables, flower bouquets, and pumpkins.
- Rosy Farms (57114 RR 264, Alcomdale) is a Haskap berry farm with u-pick available as of June 23rd, 2023.
- Creekside Berry Farm (53418 RR 231, Sherwood Park) are dedicated to growing Saskatoon berries. U-pick opens in early July.
- Big Rock Berry Farm (3-51310 RR 261, Spruce Grove) are dedicated to growing strawberries, saskatoons, and raspberries, as well as rhubarb. U-pick opens in early July.
- The Grove Berry Patch (52430 RR 265, Spruce Grove) offers a wide range of local berries like Saskatoons, raspberries, chokecherries, black currants, and high bush cranberries. U-pick opens in early July.
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Natural Attractions
Even though the North Saskatchewan River runs through Edmonton, you may want to enjoy the river somewhere outside of the city. In addition to the rivers around Edmonton, there are other natural attractions around which to plan a fun day out.
- Explore the Rivers! Central Alberta is home to the Battle River, the Red Deer River, and the North Saskatchewan River. This can mean hiking around the banks of the river, paddling the river, or taking a scenic drive to each.
- The Boreal Forest takes up much of northern Alberta. The quickest way to access some of the more secluded parts of this forest includes a day trip to Cross Lake Provincial Park, or by Whitecourt and Carson Pegasus Provincial Park.
- Alberta’s badlands are within a day trip of Edmonton, even if you don’t want to go as far as Drumheller. The Tolman Badlands Natural Area is a large, protected part of the badlands which follow the Red Deer River. On the south side of the Natural Area is Dry Island Buffalo Jump PP, where you can find viewpoints and picnic areas.
- The Hard Luck Canyon was carved out of the sandstone layers by Hard Luck Creek and reveal the Paskapoo formation which underlies most of Alberta. The area provides a scenic picnic site, an afternoon hike, and waterfall views.
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Lakes
The lakes around Edmonton can draw in visitors for various different reasons. Whether you’re looking for a place to boat, swim, or fish, these lakes can offer one activity, or all. These are some lesser-known lakes around Edmonton.
- Telford Lake in Leduc has all you need for a getaway with the family, a date, or by yourself. The lake is surrounded by interpretive trails, and the onsite Leduc Boat Club offers boat rentals.
- Leduc County operates a day use area on Wizard Lake, south of Edmonton. The lake is swimmable with a beach, and a nearby boat launch.
- Coal Lake from the Coal Lake North PRA can be used for boaters, and fishers. The park allows powerboating on Coal Lake.
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Fishing
Many of the lakes listed in this article are great for fishing. Edmonton’s surrounding wetlands, and some provincial areas, all offer a quiet place for a day of fishing off the shore or for relaxing on the boat.
- The Calhoun Bay Provincial Recreation Area on Buck Lake is a quiet place for a day of fishing, with no motorized boats allowed on the lake. Cast off from the shorelines, or set off on the water in a canoe or kayak.
- The Battle River gives fishers a chance at catching Walleye, Northern Pike, Burbot and Goldeye.
- Gull Lake is a nice and large place to find your own quiet fishing spot on a quiet morning or evening. You can access the lake with Aspen Beach PP’s boat launch to wait for the burbot, perch, or pike.
For More:
25 of the Best Places to Fish in Alberta
Provincial Parks
We mention quite a few provincial parks for day trips; and that is because there are so many around Edmonton! These parks offer a variety of activities from hiking and wildlife viewing, to swimming or boating.
- Lois Hole Centennial Provincial Park is a day use park on the northwest side of the Anthony Henday. The park has interpretive trails, excellent wildlife viewing, and great views of Big Lake.
- Pigeon Lake Provincial Park is an excellent summer day trip destination with a short drive from Edmonton to save time for swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, or picnics.
- Garner Lake Provincial Park is one of Alberta’s hidden gem lakes. The sandy beach area is surrounded by trees, while a small area is marked off by buoys for swimmers.
For More:
- 15 Provincial Park Day Trips From Edmonton
- 37 Alberta Parks You Should Add to Your Outdoor Adventure Bucket List
ATVs, Quads, and Dirt bikes
The vast prairies and forested areas around Edmonton create a lot of space for riding around on ATVs, quads, or dirt bikes. You can take to established trails, or admission-based parks that are built for motocross sports. Keep in mind that OHVs are considered during fire bans, and are not permitted during certain bans.
- The Redwater Provincial Recreation Area is about a half-hour northeast of Fort Saskatchewan, and is a popular destination for off-roading.
- The start of the Iron Horse Trail is in Waskatenau. From here, the trail travels to Smoky Lake, and then as far east as Cold Lake.
- Barry’s Ultra Motorsports Park, or BUMP, is a place built for motocross sports with maintained tracks, jumps, and kids’ areas.
- Super Dave’s MX Track is a motocross track area northwest of Redwater with a scenic area for riding.
Water Adventures
There are safe and fun ways to enjoy the rivers this summer for a lazy float or raft trip. You can get the help of a tubing company or set off on your own. But no matter how you float, always plan ahead: know your exit points, pack food and water, always bring paddles, and arrange transportation ahead of time.
- River Lifestyle Company is a tube floating operator on the North Saskatchewan River. Your tubes depart from Devon, and you’ll continue on the water until the river bends around Devon.
- Float through Red Deer on the River; there are numerous boat launches throughout the city.
For More:
- Water-Based Activities and Adventures For This Summer in and Around Edmonton
- Where to Enjoy Lazy Floating Around Edmonton This Summer
Adventure Trips for Young Kids
Take those little ones on the adventure of their summer! These day trip locations can help you create exciting family memories in some unique attractions.
- Sylvan Lake has several amenities which make it a great summer stop on any hot day. Leave Edmonton for Sylvan Lake’s wide beach, and the inflatable Aquasplash. The large inflatable obstacle course sits on the water and will open for the summer on July 1st.
- Discovery Canyon Park (3800 River Bend Drive, Red Deer County) is a small day use area in Red Deer with an exciting feature for kids: the lazy river tubing.
- The Jurassic Forest in Gibbons is a thrill for younger kids! And it can be a relaxing nature walk for any adult. The Jurassic Forest is an interpretive trail through a wooded area where people of all ages can learn about dinosaurs. Kids will get a thrill out of discovering what animatronic dinosaur is around each corner.
Canoeing & Kayaking
You can take your pick of many great paddling spots in and around Edmonton. Choose between small wetland areas, large lakes, or the slower rivers.
- Crimson Lake Provincial Park and Twin Lakes are west of Red Deer near Rocky Mountain House. The Provincial Park consists of the larger Crimson Lake, and the smaller Twin Lake. The lakes are connected by a hiking trail.
- Elk Island National Park (54401 Range Rd 203, Fort Saskatchewan) has a boat house and Astotin Lake to explore.
- Paddle the Battle River. A common starting place is Camrose and the Pipestone Creek area.
For more:
- Central Alberta Lakes With Boat, Kayak, Canoe, SUP Rentals
- Places Offering Boats & Watersport Rentals at Northern Alberta Lakes and Rivers
- 25 of the Best Paddle Spots in Alberta – Canoe, Kayak, or Paddleboard!
- Water-Based Activities and Adventures For This Summer in and Around Edmonton
Mural Tours
The artistic side of Alberta shines brightly in these Alberta towns. There are a few opportunities near Edmonton for mural touring a small town. Along the way, you can check out local dining, shopping, and more sightseeing.
- Lacombe’s murals decorate the town with images that pay tribute to local history.
- The are a wide variety of murals across the town of Legal with tributes to local families and history.
- Stony Plain’s murals can be toured on foot, or you can plain around their Horse & Wagon Mural tours, back for 2023. Summer dates include July 8 and 22, and August 12 and 26.
For More:
Mural Towns of Alberta: Places to See Intricate Wall Art
Breweries, Distilleries, Meaderies
You can take off in a few different directions from Edmonton to come across multiple breweries or distilleries on your day trip. While you may only want to visit one, these different areas will give you a good variety of places to visit.
- Visit Camrose to get a good sample of locally produced beer and spirits: the town is home to True North Cider, The Back 40 Distillery, Norsemen Brewing, and the Battle River Brewery.
- North of Edmonton, you can visit Morinville to check out the Sturgeon Brewing Company, and Fort Saskatchewan for the Fort Distillery.
- The area near the south edge of Edmonton has a few places to visit like the Rig Hand Distillery, Old Station Honey & Mead, and Sea Change Brewing.
Adventure Trips
You can consider many of the day trip ideas on this list an adventure. These adventure day trip destinations, however, are only about adventure and thrills.
- The Canyon Coaster at the Canyon Ski Resort in Red Deer can supply thrills and adventure for ages 3 and up. New to the resort for summer 2023 is summer tubing!
- Xcalibre Paintball in Boyle is a better adventure for adults and older children. The massive course northeast of Edmonton includes paintball and airsoft games. SPG Paintball is a few minutes’ drive north of Morinville where they offer four different maps to try.
- Take a slow cruise over central Alberta with Air-istocrat Balloons! These hot air balloon rides allow you to see the prairies from a unique perspective as you fly over rivers, forests, valleys, plains, farmland, and more.
- Edmonton Skydive at Westlock offers an opportunity to break free from gravity’s constraints, transcending the two-dimensional realm and accessing a realm of neurochemical euphoria, human flight, cloud play, genuine freedom, and profound present-moment serenity.
Gardens
Make time for smelling the roses on a walk in the garden this summer. These professionally grown and manicured gardens also feature some architectural highlights. Together, the architecture and floral backdrops make for a peaceful walk or picnic spot.
- The U of A Botanic Garden in Devon is the largest of its kind in Alberta. And while its not too far from Edmonton, you can spend an entire day here viewing the different gardens.
- George Pegg Botanic Garden is a combination of protected gardens, and a historic site. Visit on any open day, or plan around the Art in the Garden events this summer.
- The St. Albert River Lot Gardens are planted around preserved historic buildings and sites. These are community gardens that exist thanks to the effort of people in St. Albert. While you’re here, you can also take a walk through the Grain Elevator Museum, and view more historic buildings. For more exploration, head to St. Albert Botanic Park.
For more:
- Edmonton Area Gardens to Visit For a Beautiful Summer Stroll
- 12 of the Best Gardens & Conservatories to Visit in Alberta
Ferry over the Athabasca
If you head north this summer to explore, there will be an opportunity to ride a ferry across the Athabasca River! The Klondyke Ferry transports vehicles and people 230m across the large river. The cable ferry can fit up to 13 cars and 50 people. You can catch a ride on the Klondyke Ferry from May to November.
Ferry Crossings For a Unique Road Trip Across Alberta This Summer
Trains
Alberta has a rich history with the railroad. And these tour operators near Edmonton help bring that history back to life! These train tour operators are within two hours of Edmonton, allowing you plenty of time on the rails. Each company hosts different themed excursions throughout the summer and fall.
- The Battle River Train Excursions (5009 50th Ave., Forestburg) are scheduled for summer, and will run between towns like Heisler, Rosalind, Kelsey, and Forestburg.
- Alberta Prairie Railway (4611 47 Ave., Stettler) offer special excursions almost every week.
For more:
Six Train Tours to Explore Alberta This Summer
Fishing Tours
Alberta offers world class fishing; but sometimes its difficult to access the means or the equipment for fishing. These local fishing tour guides are an excellent source of help when navigating the best fishing spots near Edmonton. And, they offer the boat and all the equipment you need for the day.
- Have someone else guide you on your water adventure. Lunker’s Fishing Adventures offer full-day and half-day fishing tours on the North Saskatchewan River.
- Gull Lake Fishing Charters off half-day tours on Gull in their new boat!
- Talk to the River Valley Guiding Co. about trips in the River Valley, or fishing tours of nearby lakes.
Giant Roadside Attractions
Central and Northern Alberta hold a plethora of large, and of “largest in the world” roadside attractions. A summer day trip could involve visiting a lot more than one! Below is an idea for a full day of sightseeing.
- Smoky Lake’s Pumpkins are at Pumpkin Park and the CN Rail Museum. The park is a great place for a picnic and is walking distance to the main street.
- The Vilna Mushrooms are at the centre of town, so you can tour a bit of Vilna and the historic buildings before you snap photos of the mushrooms.
- A trip to the Mundare giant sausage is best paired with a trip to Stawnichy’s down the road.
- Make a stop in Andrew to say hi to the world’s largest mallard duck. Behind the duck are a picnic area and playground.
- The St. Paul UFO Landing Pad is a great turn-around point after you’ve viewed the above attractions, which are all on the way to St. Paul from Edmonton. The Alien Landing Pad on St. Paul’s Main Street is a massive concrete structure that holds up to its name. This is also the town’s visitor’s centre.
For more:
Sangudo Sundial: A Unique Alberta Roadside Attraction That Stands Tall Representing the Times Gone By
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Historic Sites
Alberta has many preserved areas and buildings from long ago which you can find easily in the cities with places like Fort Edmonton, Calgary’s Heritage Park, or Red Deer’s Fort Normandeau. But it is summer, and time for exploring or day trips. These historic sites are all within about 2-hours from Edmonton.
- The Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site is on the banks of the Red Deer River where you can follow interpretive trails(Rocky Mountain House)
- The Reynolds-Alberta Museum (Wetaskiwin) is also considered a provincial historic site thanks to the museum’s large collection of vintage vehicles.
- The Victoria Settlement is in a scenic river valley area in Eastern Alberta and on the North Saskatchewan.
- Stephansson House (Red Deer County) is a preserved historic house and former home of Rocky Mountain Poet, Stephan G. Stephansson.
Unique Museums
There are unique museums all over Alberta, but these are within a day trip from Edmonton. These unique museums offer different perspectives on Alberta’s past through exhibits, immersive experiences, workshops, and tours.
- The Alberta Railway Museum (Edmonton) is on the far north side of the city limits, and offers a detailed look into this rich part of Alberta’s history. You can view a steam locomotive inside rail cars, and inside old stations.
- Drive northwest of the city and explore Parkland County or the St. Albert area. In each, you can walk through the St. Albert Grain Elevator Museum and the Spruce Grove Grain Elevator Museum.
- Markerville Creamery Museum is a chance to uncover yet another big part of Alberta’s history: farming. But more specifically, dairy farming. Don’t forget to end your visit to the ice cream shop.
- Torrington Gopher Hole Museum contains more than 40 dioramas set in neatly constructed wooden boxes, each representing a gopher hole. Inside the holes are taxidermized gophers, dressed in costumes and depicting everyday situations.
For More:
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Wildlife/Animal Sanctuaries
A day trip for you may equal an opportunity to escape the noise of the city. If that is the case, these day trip destinations near Edmonton can offer some tranquility, along with some wildlife viewing. These nature sanctuaries are important wetland areas, so you will see a large array of types of birds. Other wildlife common to these areas include beavers, muskrats, deer, foxes, coyotes, or moose.
- The Ellis Bird Farm (Lacombe County) is a conservation area with a few perks like a natural playground, the Wetland Activity Centre, a café, and a network of nature trails.
- The Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary (Spruce Grove) is a quiet and peaceful place for an easy walk through the forest. You can spot dozens of bird species on any given day from the boardwalk trail.
- There are about 7-8kms of trails within the Coyote Lake Nature Sanctuary which wind around the lake. From here, you can watch for birds like sparrows, hawks, eagles, owls, or warblers.
For more:
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Indigenous Attractions
Indigenous history and culture can be explored several ways in and outside of Edmonton. Each of these businesses offer different experiences and perspectives.
- Metis Crossing offers several different ways to spend your day as you learn and immerse yourself in Metis culture. These include dining, interactive experiences, interpretive exhibits, and workshops.
- Rural Rivers Canoe & Kayak Rentals are in Sturgeon County with summer and winter rentals. Their summer rentals include canoes, kayaks, and fishing kayaks. Rural River can also help with mapping out your route.
For more:
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Living Museum Villages
See and live the history of Alberta and certain cultures who settled here in the 1800s. These living history or museum villages near Edmonton give you plenty to explore and uncover with live actors completing the experience.
- Stony Plain & Parkland Pioneer Museum (Parkland County) can be an exciting place for people of all ages with indoor and outdoor exhibits, annual events, and the old fashioned Mercantile shop.
- Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Centre (Lamont County) is a unique and immersive look into the history of Ukrainian settlers and pioneers in Eastern Alberta.
Scenic Drives
Sometimes you need to make the trip all about the journey rather than the destination. Heading out on a scenic drive can be the start to other adventures or a simple way to find photo opportunities or wildlife viewing opportunities.
- The drive into Elk Island National Park starts from the Trans Canada Highway and continues as the Elk Island Parkway. On your drive, you may luck out and have bison on either side of your car for a couple of kms. The speed limit is low and slow for this reason; but you want to take your time on this drive anyways, as you can spot other wildlife, too.
- The famous Cowboy Trail stretches through historic farmlands, alongside the distant peaks of the Rocky Mountains through rolling foothills, and embraces (almost) everything good that the province has to offer in terms of scenery. The drive starts from Mayerthorpe, just outside of Edmonton and is perfect for a day on the road. Plan a trip until Rocky Mountain House or extend it for a weekend getaway until Waterton Lakes.
- Edmonton to Whitecourt on Highway 43 follows land as it transforms from farms and prairies to woodlands and boreal forest. On the way, stop at one of the few Alberta waterfalls outside the Rockies at Hard Luck Canyon.
- The secondary highway 831 between Waskatenau and Boyel follows the White Earth Natural Area, and Long Lake Provincial Park. These two areas together provide exceptional forest scenery on the drive, and opportunities to see some wildlife.
- Travel the Boomtown Trail for a journey east to Stettler and beyond. Keep your eyes open for Alberta’s iconic barns, train stations, and unique structures that can be seen along the way.
For more:
15 Scenic Road Trips / Drives in Alberta
Scenic Views
Edmonton has its own collection of scenic views, many of them on the banks of the North Saskatchewan. But if you are after something different, or unique photo opportunities, then a drive outside of the city might be necessary. Luckily, Alberta’s natural landscapes are varied, and you can find a different views in different directions.
- Big Knife Provincial Park is where Alberta’s badlands begin in the west. A drive here can get you views of the hills as they lose their greenery and transform into rocky badlands. Follow the Highlands trail for overhead views of the park, or the River Flats trails for hoodoo views.
- Dry Island Buffalo Jump Provincial Park is a bit further into the badlands; the area offers excellent views of the Red Deer River Valley, as well as picnic amenities at the day use area.
- Devon’s Voyageur Park is a convenient place to get excellent views of the North Saskatchewan before it enters Edmonton. Up the road from the park are trailheads for paths that bring you back down into the river.
For more:
25 of the Best Highway Scenic Viewpoints in Alberta
Festivals
These nearby festivals in central Alberta can keep you busy all summer. A couple of them are music festivals, while others offer the fair and exhibition experience.
- Head south of Edmonton to the Pigeon Lake Music Festival (August 4-6, 2023) for a lineup of folk, rock, alternative, and a variety of other acts.
- Vegreville will host their annual Pysanka Festival this year (July 7-9) with a celebration of Ukrainian food, music, dance, and art.
- Red Deer has two weekends of festival fun at the end of July: one for Westerner Days (July 19-23), and the other weekend for the Centrefest Street Performers’ Festival (July 29-30).
For more:
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