Edmonton 
Credit: Edmonton Tourism
Edmonton. City of Champions, Capital City, Festival City…no matter what you call it, it’s easy to spend a weekend exploring what makes it stand out. And, with 18 hours of sunlight a day during the summer, you’ll have plenty of sunshine to fill with adventure. Here are just a few of the ways to spend the weekend (but you’ll probably want to extend your stay!).
Best Places to Visit during a Weekend Trip
With so many places to visit in the capital city, how do you decide what to do first? Here are just ten of the top attractions to put on the must-see list this weekend.
1. Art Gallery of Alberta
From modern art to classical masters, the Art Gallery of Alberta will catch your eye. Alberta’s oldest cultural institution makes it easy to while away the day, checking out each new gallery.
Address: 2 Sir Winston Churchill Square
Phone: 780-425-5379
2. West Edmonton Mall
It’s a world unto itself! The largest shopping and entertainment centre is more than just a mall – you’ll find shopping, fine dining, amusement park, ice rink, waterpark, aquarium, mini golf, and so much more.
Address: 8882 170 St NW
Phone: 780-444-5321
3. John Janzen Nature Centre
Take a walk on the wild side! John Janzen Nature Centre has nature walks, day camps, programs, hands-on exhibits, and an indoor playground that’s focused on helping kids get close to nature. Pro tip: tot and child admissions include an adult admission to supervise.
Address: 7000 143 Street
Phone: 311
4. Neon Sign Museum
It’s a museum like no other. Over 20 historical neon signs, carefully restored, can be found on the side of the Mercer Warehouse. Check out a vibrant part of the city’s history at absolutely no cost.
Address: 104 Street and 104 Avenue
5. Telus World of Science
Address: 11211 142 St NW
Phone: 780-451-3344
6. Edmonton Valley Zoo
From Amba the Siberian tiger to Tahiti the Goeldi monkey, the Edmonton Valley Zoo’s colourful and exotic residents are ready to welcome you to the zoo. It’s home to over 350 animals, and with a focus on conservation, the zoo is always enjoyable for all ages.
Address: 13315 Buena Vista Rd
Phone: 311
7. Snow Valley Aerial Park
Imagine an extreme jungle gym combined with a tree house, and you’ve got the Snow Valley Aerial Park. The first of its kind in Canada, this tower of obstacles lets all ages be a kid playing on the playground once again – but larger than life.
Address: 119 Whitemud Dr NW
Phone: 780-434-3991
8. High Level Bridge Streetcar
Ride the rails across a bridge that’s over 100 years old! From downtown to Old Strathcona, this beautifully-refurbished street car will take you back in time and create new memories.
Website
9. Edmonton Riverboat
It just might be the best way to view the North Saskatchewan River Valley: from the water itself. Edmonton’s iconic riverboat has been carefully restored and tours up and down the river with different tours.
Address: 9734 98 Ave
Phone: 780-424-2628
10. Royal Alberta Museum
Royal Alberta Museum focuses on telling Alberta’s stories through exhibits and artifacts you won’t find anywhere else, from a woolly mammoth skeleton to Indigenous artifacts. Pro tip – kids under six are free!
Address: 9810 103A Ave NW
Website
11. Take a Tour of Alberta Legislature Grounds
Sitting atop the banks of the North Saskatchewan River, Alberta Legislature is known to Edmontonians as “the leg” and is a marvel of Beaux-Arts architecture with marble pillars and carved oak. Free guided tours are offered hourly where you can learn stories about the portraits, magnificent art.
- Fort Edmonton Park & Muttart Conservatory are currently (2020) closed for extensive renovations. Both the locations will reopen within 18 months. A distinctive part of Edmonton’s skyline, the Muttart Conservatory offers a year round escape into the beauty of the world’s plant life, and Fort Edmonton Park is a historically-themed attraction offering authentic, immersive, memorable and fun experiences to visitors of all ages.
Places to Take in Edmonton Vibe
Credit: Explore Edmonton
What sets Edmonton apart? It’s won’t take long to get the vibe of this city that loves to celebrate and support local! Spend some time here and you’ll never want to leave.
1. Festivals
2. Whyte Ave
Whyte Ave (82 avenue) is one of Edmontonians’ favourite spots – and for good reason. Shop local with unique boutiques and stores, hit up the local food and arts scenes, discover the Old Strathcona Farmer’s Market, and hit up a festival or two.
3. North Saskatchewan River Valley
There’s just nothing like it. North America’s largest urban greensapce, the North Saskatchewan River Valley is waiting to be explored, so what’s keeping you? Over 150 km of winding trails will take you through trees and wildlife along the banks.
4. Farmer’s Markets (various)
Edmonton is proud of its shop local and eat local movements – what better way to take immerse yourself in it than by visiting one of the many farmer’s markets in the city? From small, community markets to the larger Downtown or Bountiful Farmer’s Markets, these are the places you can talk to the growers and makers in person.
5. Little Brick Café & General Store
Where better to get a feel of who Edmontonians are than by spending some time in a favourite place to spend the afternoon? Little Brick is a café built into an historical home in the heart of the Riverdale neighbourhood, featuring good, local food and unique, locally-made goods.
Address: 10004 90 St
Phone: 780-705-1230
After the Sun Goes Down – Edmonton Nightlife
Edmonton isn’t just thriving during daylight hours – vibrant nightlife keeps the city hopping long after the sun goes down. Whether you’re dancing the night away at El Cortez’s Tequila Cellar or meeting the gang for drinks at the ever-popular Hudsons on Whyte, you’ll find the right kind of bar to wait for last call. Feeling classy? Try one of the newest hotspots: Alchemy. Handcrafted cocktails and elevated snacks can be found – after you find the entrance to the bar behind the bookcase on the fifth floor of JW Marriott Hotel.
11 Tommy Banks Way, Edmonton, AB, Canada, T6E 2M2
September 27, 2026
780-432-0428
$41
“Touring his 19th international tour, the “Where to Next?” 2026 tour and known for his blistering guitar solos, Australian born, Grammy elected guitarist and multi-genre Chicago Blues Hall ... »
Edmonton Riverboat, 9734 98 Avenue Northwest, Edmonton
May 7, 2026 To September 19, 2026
$40 & up
Join us for brunch, dinner or simply sit back and relax as we take you on a cruise down the North Saskatchewan. Enjoy a sail this weekend ... »
Edmonton Riverboat, 9734 98 Avenue Northwest, Edmonton
May 15, 2026 To September 19, 2026
$140
Step out of the ordinary and leave your inhibitions on-shore! Everybody’s favourite party on the boat! Join us as we rock the night away with a ... »
La Cité Francophone, 8627 Rue Marie Anne Gaboury, Edmonton, AB
June 4, 2026 To September 10, 2026
$15
Every Thursday, from June to December, come and enjoy the outdoors and live music from local artists. The concerts will be presented on the patio of CAFÉ ... »
Fort Edmonton Park, 7000 143 St NW, Edmonton
June 5, 2026 To September 12, 2026
$35
When Shadows Lie | The Next Chapter Edmonton’s Largest Outdoor Escape Game Today, Fort Edmonton Park serves as a vibrant living history museum, bringing Edmonton’s past ... »
Fringe Grounds Cafe, 10330 84 Avenue Northwest, Edmonton
June 10, 2026 To September 30, 2026
780-448-9000
Free
A stage for every voice: music, poetry, comedy, and everything in between. Share, cheer, and celebrate queer creativity in a space that’s warm, welcoming, joyfully judgement-free. ... »
The Rec Room South Edmonton Common, 1725 99 St NW, Edmonton
July 24, 2026 To September 30, 2026
780-566-1896
$42.28
Step into Chris’ intimate parlour setting, inspired by show rooms of the Victorian era and meticulously designed for an exclusive audience of 40 people. Every guest is guaranteed ... »
University of Alberta Botanic Garden, Alberta 60, Spruce Grove
August 7, 2026 To September 11, 2026
$104 + tax for two people.
Meander down a leafy path with someone you care about. Spread a blanket, enjoy the sunset and let everything slow down. Open your picnic box of beautiful ... »
Various Venues, Edmonton
August 15, 2026 To September 15, 2026
Free & Ticketed
Edmonton Mural Festival returns in 2026. Experience a burst of colour and creativity throughout the city as local and international artists turn Edmonton into an open-air gallery! Feast ... »
Jubilations Dinner Theatre, 2061, 8882 170 Street, Edmonton
August 28, 2026 To November 1, 2026
7804842424
$48.95 - $85.95
“Ooooh, I love that song. You know the one… with the dun-de duh, and bee-dee-bop.” We’ve all had this conversation, and it seems that many, many ... »
ALL THE WORLD’S A STAGE…
Credit Winspear Centre
Edmonton is famous worldwide for our arts scene, so taking in a show or performance (or two…) while you’re here is a definite to do. From small, intimate venues to award-winning concert halls, check out the line ups for what’s playing this weekend.
1. Winspear Centre
Address: 4 Sir Winston Churchill Square
Phone: 780-428-1414
Website
2. Jubilations Dinner Theatre
Enjoy a four-course meal as you watch professional actors put a fun spin on pop culture with plays and parodies. Grab a ticket for such shows as “Pitch Perfect Golden Girls” and “Night at the Museum Rock Stars.”
Address: 2061 8882 170 St
Phone: 780-484-2424
Website
3. Varscona Theatre
Varscona holds a special place in the heart of Edmontonians – many people had their first theatre experience at the theatre just off Whyte. Watch local and international actors in new plays, comedy shows, favourite scripts, and more, since it’s home to eight theatre companies.
Address: 10329 83 Ave
Phone: 780-433-3399
Website
4. Citadel Theatre
As one of the largest not-for-profit theatres in North America, the Citadel is not only a cultural hub in Edmonton, it’s home to some of the best actors and playwrights around. With four different theatres, there’s always a show on the calendar.
Address: 9828 101A Ave
Phone: 780-425-1820
Website
5. The Starlight Room
The Starlight Room is always open to new music and genres, which is obvious from the full lineup they have on the calendar. Whether it’s a new band getting its start or a fan favourite returning for a sold out show, make sure you start lining up early.
Address: 10030 102 Street
Phone: 780-428-1099
Website
Spectator Sports in Edmonton
Get ready to cheer, sports fans! Edmonton has no shortage of games to catch this summer. Take me out the ball game with the Edmonton Prospects and cheer on the green and gold with the Edmonton Eskimos. Get a kick out of an FC Edmonton match, or watch as the Stingers host the Championships. No matter your game, Edmonton lets you display your team colours.
RAD Torque Raceway 50342 Range Rd, Edmonton International Airport
May 1, 2026 To September 26, 2026
$11 to $40
Whether you’re a hard-core racing enthusiast or just want to test your driving skills against others, JB's POWER CENTER Street Legal Friday Night Drags offers a ... »
Multiple locations, Canada
September 12, 2026 To September 13, 2026
+1(800)-565-3000
Free
Join us for the Canada SuperWalk at a location near you, for a community event raising awareness and support for people living with Parkinson’s disease and ... »
Commonwealth Stadium, 11000 Stadium Rd., Edmonton
September 12, 2026
$24.25 & Up
An Edmonton tradition like no other. The Labour Day Rematch is the game every fan of the Green and Gold marks in their calendar as the Elks ... »
Louise McKinney Riverfront Park, 9735 Grierson Hill NW, Edmonton
September 18, 2026 To September 21, 2026
780-718-4878
Varies
Get ready for an epic experience this fall! Whether you’re a seasoned climber or a first-timer, this event is all about pushing your limits, having fun, ... »
River Cree Resort & Casino, 300 East Lapotac Blvd, Enoch,
September 18, 2026
Varies
The River Cree Resort will be hosting an epic Unified MMA fight again. »
Kinsmen Park, 9100 Walterdale Hill, Edmonton
September 20, 2026
Free
Join the Edmonton Terry Fox Run on September 14th to honor Terry Fox’s inspiring legacy and raise funds for cancer research. Lace up your shoes, come ... »
Rogers Place, 10220 - 104 Avenue, Edmonton
September 20, 2026
$23.50 & up
Home Opener. Cheer on the Edmonton Oil Kings at their home arena as they face off against Calgary Hitmen. Experience thrilling hockey action, electric energy, and passionate ... »
Commonwealth Stadium, 11000 Stadium Rd., Edmonton
September 26, 2026
$24.25 & up
A staple on our theme calendar, our Indigenous Celebration game is back in 2026. The Indigenous logo designed by Conrad Plews will be front and centre, while the ... »
Various Locations, Edmonton
October 7, 2026 To October 10, 2026
Varies
Whether you’re a seasoned rodeo veteran or a first-time spectator, CFR is where champions rise, and memories are forged in the dust of the arena. This ... »
Rogers Place, 10220 - 104 Avenue, Edmonton
November 13, 2026 To November 14, 2026
$40 & up
For the sixth time in history, the Command Tubular PBR (Professional Bull Riders) Canada National Finals, presented by Edmonton’s Best Hotels, will be held in Edmonton, ... »
Where to Eat in Edmonton
Exploring a city with so much going on is sure to work up an appetite! Good thing our food scene is just as vibrant.
•Edmonton may have cold winters, but when summer finally does arrive, we do it right – with eating outdoors. From small cafes to fine dining, you can patios all over the city to enjoy the sunshine.
• Beer crawls are so last season. This summer, go for an Urban Pedal Tour – a 15 seater bike that takes a 2-hour tour to top breweries, tastings, and hot spots.
• Edmonton’s coffee scene always has something brewing. Neighbourhood coffee shops, such as The Colombian, provide a place for friends and family to spend some time talking and laughing over that locally-roasted cup of joe.
• Food trucks and summer go together. With over 100 food trucks, you can grab anything from poutine to pork belly bao to eat on the go (or for a picnic in the park next to the truck!).
• It’s not just cafes and coffee shops – the fine dining scene is just as impressive. Award-winning restaurants such as Violino will always impress with delicious meals and locally-sourced ingredients.
Edmonton Riverboat, 9734 98 Avenue Northwest, Edmonton
May 15, 2026 To September 19, 2026
$140
Step out of the ordinary and leave your inhibitions on-shore! Everybody’s favourite party on the boat! Join us as we rock the night away with a ... »
High Level Streetcar (Jasper Plaza Terminal) 10910 100 Avenue Northwest Edmonton, AB T5K 0H6
May 21, 2026 To October 8, 2026
$63.10
What could be a more Edmonton Experience than sitting on the Street Car on the top of the High-Level Bridge and having a glass of cask beer ... »
Strathcona Streetcar Barn & Museum, 8408 Gateway Blvd NW, Edmonton
July 10, 2026 To September 25, 2026
$62.91
Get ready to experience the best views of Old Strathcona, Edmonton’s river valley, North Saskatchewn River, and Alberta Legislature with Edmonton Streetcar Cocktails on the iconic ... »
Mayfield Dinner Theatre, 16615, 109 Avenue Northwest, Edmonton
September 1, 2026 To November 1, 2026
$107 & up
It’s 1969 and the Wonderettes return to Springfield High to celebrate the retirement of their favourite teacher – until one of them shares big news and shakes up ... »
The Mill Craft Bar + Kitchen, 4810 Calgary Trail NW, Edmonton
September 12, 2026
8259664800
$49.95
Get ready to indulge in an enticing blend of flavors, live blues music, and great vibes. With Chef Joe’s delectable creations and a delightful selection of ... »
Ritchie Park, 7727 98 St NW, Edmonton
September 12, 2026
$38
Barrel Fest is a one day festival of beer made in barrels. Sip on beers you won’t find anywhere else, poured by the world’s best ... »
Strathcona County Community Centre - Agora, 401 Festival Lane, Sherwood Park
September 13, 2026
780-893-0389
Free admission
Savour is Strathcona County’s annual celebration of local flavour, creativity, and community. This one-day festival brings together independent restaurants, food trucks, brewers, winemakers, cidermakers, distillers, artists, ... »
Fan Park at ICE District, 10128 - 104 Avenue NW, Edmonton,
September 18, 2026 To October 3, 2026
$20.26 plus fees & up
Western Canada’s largest Oktoberfest celebration is coming back to Fan Park @ ICE District. Edmontonians will have the chance to immerse themselves in the rich heritage of ... »
Various Restaurants, Edmonton
September 21, 2026 To September 27, 2026
Cost of the cocktail, free admission
Participating bars and restaurants across Canada will come together over the classic, Campari-based, Negroni cocktail to raise money and awareness for great causes. The Negroni – an iconic ... »
Liberta Coffee Lab, 6547 99 St NW, Edmonton
October 17, 2026
5876431814
$50 - $90
Sip & Dip: Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Workshop 🍓☕️ Come spend your Saturday afternoon dipping, decorating and sipping with us! Buni’s Delights is hosting our very first Sip & ... »
Getting Around in Edmonton
Where to Stay in Edmonton
Classy hotels, cozy B&Bs, homey Airbnbs… Edmonton has it all. Looking for something for more exotic? How about a restored 1920s boutique hotel Hotel Selkirk, a 100-year-old castle Fairmont Hotel MacDonald, or a luxury Polynesian suite Fantasyland Hotel? Yup. Got those, too. No matter you decide to rest up at the end of the day, Edmonton has you covered.
Booking.com
More Canada Itineraries