Welcome to the end of the weekend, Edmonton! It’s been an absolute scorcher out there, and things aren’t looking any cooler this week. In light of that, we’re keeping most of our ‘how to deal with hot weather’ picks intact for this week. We’ll admit it- if we’re not out doing one of these things, chances are we’re sitting around our apartment just surrounded by fans.
Here are 10 things to do in Edmonton this week.
HEAD TO FORT EDMONTON PARK
We can’t wait to be able to check out Fort Edmonton Park once more. Like the Muttart, the park closed down for some (even more serious) renovations, and this is the summer where we get to enjoy them! From an updated midway to brand new things like an Indigenous Peoples Experience, this is going to be amazing to visit once more.
When: Slated to open July 1st
Where: 7000 143 Street NW
CLIMB THE SNOW VALLEY AERIAL PARK
For the thrill-seekers, look no further than the Snow Valley Aerial Park. This incredible Edmonton attraction features over 100 different activities, ranging from climb to rope bridges and more. Plus, they’ve added a couple more family-friendly attractions for this year! Just make sure to drink lots of water while you’re down there.
When: Open throughout the summer
Where: 13204 Rainbow Valley Road NW
Cost: $37 for GA, and $32 for Twilight Visits
EXPLORE THE ART GALLERY OF ALBERTA
Of course, a great indoor option this week is the Art Gallery of Alberta. Here, you’ll find some incredible pieces from both well-known and up-and-coming artists from around the world. If you feel like a little culture (and a break from the heat) is what you need, this is your spot.
When: Open throughout the week
Where: 2 Sir Winston Churchill Square
Cost: $14
WATCH A MOVIE
Like art galleries, movie theatres are a great way to escape the sun for a few hours. And while Cineplex has reopened all their Alberta locations, we think you should go support local spots like the Metro Cinema first. Sure, you might not see a summer blockbuster, but they’ve got great taste!
When: Showtimes weekly
Where: 8712 – 109 Street NW
Cost: $13
HIT THE BEACH
Nothing screams summer more than a trip to the beach for a day of splashing around. And luckily, Alberta is no stranger to them. From ice-cold lakes in the Rockies to some sun-loving spots in the prairies, this province is filled with incredible options!
Where: Click the link above for our picks
EXPLORE ELK ISLAND NATIONAL PARK
There are two animals Alberta should be known for- wild horses and bison. While the wild horses are kind of a crapshoot, Elk Island is pretty much the way to see bison in all of Canada. Pair that with a ton of other amenities like lakes and nature trails, and Elk Island is perfect for an outdoorsy day trip.
When: Open throughout the summer
Where: 54401 Range Road 203, Fort Saskatchewan
Cost: $7.90 for admissions
U OF A BOTANIC GARDEN
There’s something special about visiting a garden during the summer. Especially when that garden features thousands of plants and beautiful areas a-plenty. Enjoy some incredible flowers in bloom then lounge under a tree for a picnic! It’s a great way to beat the heat.
When: Open throughout the summer
Where: Parkland County, Alberta
Cost: $18.75
GRAB A SCOOP OF ICE CREAM
What’s more summer than a quick trip to one of Edmonton’s best ice cream shops? From plant-based flavours to out-of-this-world ideas, Edmonton’s ice cream scene is nothing to shake a stick at. Try a waffle cone, instead!
Where: Click the link above for our picks
GO BE COOL IN THE POOL
Looking to splash around but trying to stay in the city? Don’t worry, because 4 different pools around Edmonton (including the Kinsmen Centre) have reopened. If you’re looking to splash around a little bit this summer, then these are some great options!
When: Now open
Where: All around Edmonton
Cost: Varies
RETURN TO THE MUTTART CONSERVATORY
After just under 2 years of waiting, the Muttart Conservatory has reopened to the public! The iconic Edmonton landmark originally closed for renovations and updates back in 2019, but the pandemic really threw a wrench in their reopening plan. But hey, they’re back just in time for summer, so we’re not complaining.
When: Now open!
Where: 9626 96a St NW
Tickets: $14.95 for GA
That’s our list for this week, Edmonton! Stay cool out there!
