Edmonton 
The Alberta Legislature Grounds in downtown Edmonton are bustling on any given summer day. Much of this is thanks to the splash and swim area that is free for all to access on the north grounds.
Credit: Bernadette Gallagher
The area, however, was noticeably quieter over the last two years as the north side of the building and the signature fountains received upgrades and renovations. Luckily, those parts of the Legislature Grounds are back open for summer 2025! The area is worth a visit for that quick jump in the fountain on a hot day, as well as for many other reasons.
As the location for Alberta’s Legislative Assembly, the building and grounds together offer a ton of history and education, which is, again, all free to enjoy! And once you make your way to the other side, the south side of the grounds, you’ll likely want to stay a while, grab picnic foods and drinks, or break out your book.
Public Tours of the Legislature Building
The free public tours of Alberta’s Legislature Building are available all summer! During the building’s summer hours, the tours are available every 45 minutes with pre-registration required.
The tours are a wonderful way to entertain kids and help them learn about the provincial government. The tours provide information on the Legislative Assembly, the premier, and the roles of other members, as well as a look into the history and architecture of the Legislature Building.
The Borealis Gallery is hosting an exhibition, Your Alberta Legislature; The Story of a Place, and you can discover intriguing details about Alberta’s first day as a province, the connection to the Minnesota State Capitol, the smudging of the Mace, parliamentary traditions, the Palm Room, and so much more.
Stroll the Walkways, Gardens, & Art
Touring the outside of the Legislature Building is completely self-guided. Along these pathways are tons to uncover within a relatively short distance. Stroll around on a blue-sky day to see the hundreds of blooming flowers, dozens of memorials, the mature river valley trees, and the impressive architecture all around the building.
Credit: Bernadette Gallagher
- The grounds and building are situated on a large hill overlooking a river valley. With this, many of the walkways offer excellent views of the North Saskatchewan. A large staircase leads from the top of the hill on the south side of the building to the bottom, where there is a shady pathway and a wide open field.
- Within that field is the park and grounds’ bandshell, home to small shows and local events, like the annual Canada Day celebration.
- Follow the pathways up around the grounds and to the Lois Hole Memorial Garden on the east side of the building. The manicured gardens have space for quiet reflection and relaxation. The east lawn and grounds are also a good place to start an afternoon at the Legislature as this is near the larger paid public parking lot.
- Around the north side of the grounds are several amenities like access to public washrooms, drinking fountains, smaller parking lots, or the pedways underneath the grounds. The main feature of this part of the Legislature Building is the fountains and wading pool.
- The west grounds provide access to river valley trails which head in all directions, including across the river over the High Level Bridge.
- On all sides of the lawns and grounds are pieces of art or pieces of history, represented by monuments and plaques.
Cool Off in the Fountains
Credit: Bernadette Gallagher
The popular fountains, splash pad, and shallow wading pool on the north side of the grounds are a free outdoor space where anyone can get quick relief from the heat. The area was closed for the last two years, but are back after renovation! The all-new water features in front of the Legislature Building include a wading pool that is about ankle-deep, and two fountains. The larger of the two is not open to swimming or splashing, but the smaller fountain acts as a summer splash pad! The scenic spot is lined with mature trees, offering shady spaces on both sides of the fountains.
Lay out a Picnic on the Legislature Hill
Credit: Bernadette Gallagher
There are dozens of gorgeous picnic site options around the Legislature Grounds, with most of them out on the grass. So, bring a blanket or small chairs, and find a place to set up for the afternoon. The fountains offer a good place for a quick picnic, while the south lawn provides space for picnic activities like tossing a ball or a frisbee. Fortunately, for anyone in need of picnic snacks, food, or drinks, the surrounding area offers many different options.
- During the warmer months, the Legislature and government office area is lined with a variety of food trucks during the lunch hour.
Explore more of the Edmonton River Valley
Credit: Legislative Assembly of Alberta
In this part of Edmonton, there is no shortage of places to explore on foot or by bike. There is also direct pedestrian access for crossing the North Saskatchewan and getting on multiple other trails.
- Kinsmen Park is directly across the river from the Legislature building, with trails that lead east or west alongside the riverbanks. Travel west from Kinsmen to visit Emily Murphy Park, or east to visit the John Walter Museum.
- Keep to the same side of the river with the wide and pave sidewalk which follows River Valley Road- open to cyclists as well as foot traffic.
- For more exploring, take a ride on the High Level Streetcar crossing the more than a century-old High Level Bridge to Old Strathcona from the Government Centre Stop.
Planning Your Trip – Alberta Legislature Grounds
What: As Alberta’s capital city, Edmonton is home to the Alberta Legislature Building. The 120-year-old building is centrally located in the city and overlooks the North Saskatchewan River Valley. The grounds are popular during the summer for various family activities and recreational pursuits, such as strolling through the gardens and grounds, finding photo opportunities, setting up a picnic, cycling, engaging in general exercise, or playing sports on the wide open field.
Location and how to get there: 10800 97 Ave NW
Best time to go: open year-round
Cost: admission to indoor and outdoor areas, including the public tour, is free
For more information:
