Hello folks, and welcome to our roundup of all the amazing bucket list activities in Edmonton to try out this summer. After all, Edmonton and the surrounding area are filled to the brim with amazing experiences, events, and other options for you to enjoy. And, we’ve rounded up some of our absolute top picks to help you out.
Here’s our summer bucket list of things to do in and around Edmonton.
MUSIC
EDMONTON FOLK FEST- TAKING IT TO THE STREETS
Edmonton Folk Fest is coming back, just in a different format! This iconic music festival is set to host over 40 different concerts at venues around the city. While we wait for the main event to return next summer, we’re sure the lineup will have some must-see names for any music fan.
When: August 5th to August 8th
Where: Venues around the city
TOGETHER AGAIN CONCERT SERIES
Meanwhile, the Together Again Concert Series has already got a few names in the lineup. This brand new music festival goes down in the revitalized Edmonton Exhibition Lands and is booking tables instead of single tickets. If you’re looking for a concert experience with some friends, this is right up your alley!
When: Weekends throughout August
Where: Edmonton Exhibition Lands
Cost: $59+, tickets on sale Friday, June 11th
ATTRACTIONS
COLUMBIA ICEFIELD SKYWALK
View this post on Instagram
Up above the world so high, the Columbia Icefield Skywalk has finally opened for the sunny season. Experience a little bit of everything the Rockies have to offer from its wildlife, mountain views, cascading waterfalls and history all from 918-feet in the air.
When: Open until October 17th
Where: Icefields Pkwy, Improvement District No. 12
Cost: $25 +
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. Whether you’re going for a day trip on the weekend or a way to unwind after a workday, this is guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
When: Open throughout the summer
Where: Parkland County, Alberta
Cost: $18.75
MUTTART CONSERVATORY
It’s been a long time coming, but the Muttart Conservatory is back! This iconic Edmonton attraction is a must-do on those less than stellar summer days. Heck, we even like visiting when the sun is sharing, and especially if it’s paired with a walk in the park before or after.
When: Open throughout the summer
Where: 9626 96a St NW
Tickets: $14.95 for GA
ROYAL ALBERTA MUSEUM
Speaking of rainy days, the Royal Alberta Museum is another amazing option in the city. Whether you’re rediscovering the permanent collections or seeing what’s new, the Royal Alberta Museum is a perfect way to spend a few hours inside.
When: Open throughout the summer
Where: 9810 103a Avenue NW
Cost: Varies
IMAGINE VAN GOGH IMMERSIVE EXHIBIT
After being rescheduled no thanks to COVID, the Van Gogh Immersive Exhibit finally hits Edmonton later this summer and you won’t want to miss it! With your ticket in hand. immerse yourselves into the wonderfully colourful world of a mad genius. You won’t want to miss it!
When: Opens July 6th
Where: Edmonton Expo Centre, 7515 118 Avenue NW
Time: See times above
Cost: $32+
ART GALLERY OF ALBERTA
Of course, the alternative for a trip to the Royal Alberta Museum is one to 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 is what you need, this is your spot.
When: Open throughout the summer
Where: 2 Sir Winston Churchill Square
FORT EDMONTON PARK
View this post on Instagram
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
ROADSIDE ATTRACTIONS
What’s better than a summer road trip to somewhere new? For us, nothing, which is why we’re committed to seeing the best roadside attractions around Alberta. Let’s face it- everyone you know and their dog has been to Jasper, but how many have seen the world’s biggest mushrooms in Vilna, Alberta?
Where: Click the link above for more info
JURASSIC FOREST
Have a few hours free during the day? You’re in for a treat! From Drumheller to the Calgary Zoo, Alberta is the epicentre for anything and everything prehistoric and we wear that will pride! This summer, get up close and personal with lifesized herbivores, carnivores, and fellow primitive nerds, like us, at the Jurassic Forest.
Where: 23210 Township Road 564 #2, Gibbons, AB
OUTDOORS
WHITEWATER RAFTING
Ready to take the ride of a lifetime? This summer, buckle into your life jacket and grip a paddle for dear life as you ride the Horseshoe Canyon rapids through the mountains with an experienced guide. Name a better way to cool off this season – we’ll wait.
When: Until September
Where: See location above
Time: See times above
Cost: $199
RIVER VALLEY GLAMPING
View this post on Instagram
Is there anything more ‘summer’ than going off the grid for a few days and lounging next to a fire? River Valley is a cozy ‘glampground’ with cute little huts for rent and comfortable, earthy amenities, hiking trails, and privacy. We’d recommend staying in one of their geo domes for the ultimate experience!
Where: Big Island, Alberta
PUBLIC POOLS
For a classic option, a dip in a pool on a hot summer’s day is practically a requirement. Plus, it helps that Edmonton has reopened a number of public pools around the city. Whether you’re going for a couple of early morning laps or to splash around with some pals, this is a great idea.
When: Open throughout the summer
Where: All around Edmonton
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
EDMONTON VALLEY ZOO
There’s always something new at the zoo! Not only is the Edmonton Valley Zoo fully open once more, but the new liquor licensing in effect there means even more area to sink a couple of suds in between exhibits. Waterworks just as well, of course!
When: Open throughout the summer
Where: 13315 Buena Vista Road
Cost: $12.95
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!
When: Open throughout the summer
Where: 13204 Rainbow Valley Road NW
Cost: Tickets on sale Monday, May 31st
ALBERTA BEACHES
View this post on Instagram
From Jasper to Waterton, Alberta has some beautiful beaches. No, we don’t have coconut trees and year-round heat, but we do have sand and occasionally comfortable sun. Click the link above and see which provincial spots are our favourite!
FOOD AND DRINK
AL FRESCO ON 4TH
Al Fresco on 4th is back for the summer! This fantastic outdoor experience rolls a market, food trucks and expanded patios into one convenient location. So, whether you’re looking for a beverage on a patio, the hustle and bustle of the market, or something fresh from a local food truck, this is the place to be.
When: Saturdays throughout the summer
EDMONTON FARMERS’ MARKETS
For a more straightforward experience, we need to recommend Edmonton’s various farmers’ markets. We’ll bundle this and say the best way to enjoy it is when you’re hosting a little backyard BBQ or heading to a picnic over a weekend. That way, you’ll be able to fully appreciate the fruits of your labour!
When: Open throughout the summer
Where: Various locations
BURGERS
We’ve got two guides that we’re going to use at least a few times ourselves this summer. First up is the classic lunch/road trip snack- the humble burger. Of course, Edmonton’s burger scene has a lot to brag about, from longtime favourites to gourmet options and new concepts.
Where: Click the link above for our picks
ICE CREAM
Ice cream is without a doubt the yin to the burger’s yang, and luckily Edmonton has no shortage of that, either. Best paired after a day trip or another outdoor activity, a trip for a delicious scoop of ice cream is something we can’t go without. Especially when somewhat healthier options (like plant-based) are available.
Where: Click the link above for our picks
OTHER
WHYTE AVENUE ART WALK
The Whyte Avenue Art Walk may have changed venues, but it’s still worth a visit! This year, the Whyte Avenue Art Walk has taken over the old Army & Navy Building and is showcasing some incredible local artists. Go just to see what’s new, or head down with a perfect piece in mind!
When: Until August 1st
Where: 10411 82 Avenue NW
Cost: Free to attend!
2021 PACKWOOD GRAND
View this post on Instagram
Fancy hats, champagne and horse races? Late this summer you’ll find all three of those things at Edmonton’s highly anticipated, highly fashionable Packwood Grand, by far one of Alberta’s snazziest soirees.
When: Saturday, August 28th, 2021
Where:4711 Airport Perimeter Rd, Edmonton International Airport
EDMONTON GHOST TOURS
Ready to see a somewhat darker side of Edmonton? This is a great option. Edmonton Ghost Tours have become a must-do activity no matter what time of year it is. And, while the winter might leave a little chill in your bones, the summer version does mean you can pair it with a nice patio visit before or after. For an outside-the-box idea, this is an amazing pick.
When: Tours throughout the summer
Where: 10322 83rd Avenue
Cost: $22.23
And that’s our summer bucket list of things to do in Edmonton this summer! We’re going to try and cross as many of these off as we can, how about you?
