Welcome to the last few days of May, folks! We’ll be the first to admit that it wasn’t an amazing month of spring weather, but no matter, because Edmonton has June and the start of summer to look forward to! And of course, we’re here to help you make the most of it around the city, from outdoor adventures to great options at home.
Here are 25 things to do in Edmonton this June.
Editor’s Note: Due to the ongoing effects of COVID-19, provincial and city guidelines are continually changing. Please double-check business closures and restrictions before proceeding.
Available Options
ENJOY A FREE VIRTUAL FESTIVAL
For over 20 years, Nextfest has been an amazing way to see all the emerging talent that Edmonton has to offer. Although it’s online this year, you’ll still be able to check out over 100 different events, ranging from poetry reading to films to artist showcases. The best part? It’s all free!
When: Thursday, June 3rd to Sunday, June 13th
Where: Online
Cost: Free
PLAY A GAME OF FOOD-BASED BINGO
We’ll be the first to admit that a round of food-based bingo is right up our alley. For the next couple of weeks, getting specific dishes or treats from spots along 124th Street will get you entry into a draw with a massive grand prize. Plus, the first people to complete a line on the card will receive a bonus gift!
When: On until Tuesday, June 15th
Where: Click the link above for locations
SEE IF YOU HAVE A FEAR OF HEIGHTS
Ready to find your aerial limit? The Snow Valley Aerial Park is set to open for the season on June 4th! This beloved local attraction is a great way to get outside this summer. And as an extra bonus, two more attractions are set to open this year as well- a mining experience, and a target golf area!
When: Opens Friday, June 4th
Where: 13204 Rainbow Valley Road NW
Cost: Tickets on sale Monday, May 31st
TRY AND SOLVE A CITY-WIDE MYSTERY
Trying to put your mind to the test instead? Next month, you can participate in ‘The Edmonton Ripper’, a city-wide mystery put on by CluedUpp. Turns out, this company has put on similar events in over 40 other countries around the world, so we’re confident that it’ll be a fun time. Plus, there are tons of prizes to be won, ranging from being the first to solve the puzzle to the ‘best-dressed team’.
When: Saturday, June 19th
Where: All around Edmonton
Cost: $63 per team (2-6 players)
GET OUT INTO NATURE
The sun is out and you should be too! The mountains are calling our name so we think it’s about time you lace up your hiking boots, pack up the car and head to the Rockies where trails aplenty await. Click the link above for the most beautiful hikes you can do near Edmonton next month!
Where: Click the link above for more info
TREAT YOURSELF TO A LOVELY MEAL
This May, we rounded up our favourite spots to grab some amazing pasta around Edmonton. From neighbourhood gems to critically acclaimed spots, we left no stone unturned. What can we say? We love pasta, and there is no bad day for an amazing plate of it.
Where: Click the link above for more info
TAKE YOUR PUPPER TO THE PARK
Though pet-friendly patios are closed there are still a ton of ways you get out, get some exercise, and bond with your furry friend. This week, grab the leash, a coffee, and wander one of Edmonton’s dog parks! Not sure which one you should check out? Click the link above for a list of YEG favourites.
Where: Click the link above for more info
DRIVE OUT TO THE GARDEN
The stunning U of A Botanic Garden, which is really like four different gardens combined, has reopened for the summer! Located just outside Edmonton, the garden offers hours of relaxation and beauty, and some fun architecture to boot. Plus, a springtime visit means you might get to see some amazing flowers in full bloom.
When: Open throughout June
Where: Parkland County, Alberta
Cost: $18.75
SEE SOME BISON
Psst, don’t tell nobody, but it turns out that June is your best chance of seeing baby bison in Elk Island National Park. Pair that with a stunning national park that offers a whole range of activities, and this has ‘weekend day trip’ written all over it. Heck, we might even head over there this weekend!
When: Open throughout June
Where: 54401 Range Road 203, Fort Saskatchewan
Cost: $7.90 for admissions
GO FOR AN OUTDOOR WORKOUT
Got some excess energy to burn? Skip pushups in your kitchen and go explore some of Edmonton’s best places for an outdoor workout. From yoga in the park to running trails and more, we’ve got you covered from all angles. May ended up being a little colder than we would have liked, so hopefully, June brings a little more sun.
Where: Click the link above for more info
TOUR SOME ROADSIDE ATTRACTIONS
Edmonton seriously might be the best city in Canada for access to roadside attractions. There are over a dozen amazing, small-town sights to see, from a giant Easter Egg to the world’s first official UFO Landing Pad. And, unlike those poor folks in Calgary, we can get to them in a day trip or less.
Where: Click the link above for more info
STREAM A MOVIE
While we’ve got a pretty solid TV at home, we really want Edmonton’s local movie theatre to start screening movies again. To help out, we check in with the Metro Cinema on a weekly basis to see what movies are available to stream. And, we have to admit, they’ve got some great taste.
When: Streaming throughout June
Where: Online
Cost: Varies
ROYAL ALBERTA MUSEUM FROM HOME
While it waits to reopen, the Royal Alberta Museum offers a wide variety of educational options that you can access online. Explore the collections on virtual tours, learn to build a banjo (awesome), or take some custom-made quizzes to learn more about the museum.
When: On throughout June
Where: Online
Cost: Free
GET A LIBRARY CARD
You know what they say- having fun isn’t hard when you’ve got a library card! Cozy up on the couch and treat yourself to a world of adventure. Plus, books have this weird effect where you feel productive afterwards, in a way that Netflix just can’t compare. Maybe that’s just us, though.
Where: Click the link above for more info
Cost: Free!
HIT UP THE FARMERS’ MARKETS
Edmonton’s farmers’ markets are back in full swing for the summer! Located throughout the city, these are a great way to support local growers and vendors. And, there’s no denying that somehow, meals made using local goods just taste that much better!
When: Open throughout June
Where: Various locations
WATCH A PLAY
While we wait for the Citadel Theatre to reopen, it’s nice to know that we can still check out some virtual options this month. There are currently two different plays that you can stream, and a third one is set to start streaming soon, hopefully this month!
When: Streaming throughout June
Where: Online
Cost: Varies
HIT THE LINKS
Once again, we think that golf is going to have another screaming hot summer. Luckily, advance booking makes it easy to work it into your schedule, and Edmonton has got a handful of affordable municipal courses for you to go swing your sticks at.
When: Open throughout June
Where: Locations around Edmonton
Cost: Varies
OR TRY YOUR HAND AT DISC GOLF
Not ready for the immense frustration that golf without practice brings? Take things a little easier with a round of frisbee golf! This free activity is a great way to get outside all around Edmonton, and it’s no wonder our friends love it! Once you’ve toured the city, we recommend this crazy option outside Drumheller.
When: Open throughout June
Where: Click the link above for locations
HEAD TO THE ZOO
While indoor exhibits might not be open, that shouldn’t stop you from heading to the Edmonton Valley Zoo! Plus, they recently got their license to serve alcohol on the premises, which we have to admit, really ups the appeal for us as adults. Watching some monkeys frolic around with a beer in hand? That’s our kind of weekend.
When: Open throughout June
Where: 13315 Buena Vista Road
Cost: $10.95 (reduced price)
SEE WHAT’S NEW FOR DISNEY+ AND NETFLIX
As always, the old standbys of Netflix and Disney+ have got us covered for those cozy nights in. Pixar is gearing up to release its newest movie Luca, while Netflix and David Attenborough have partnered up to give an eye-opening look at our planet’s rapid changes.
When: Throughout June
PLANNED OPTIONS
FINALLY SEE IMAGINE VAN GOGH
After months of waiting and a few postponements, it looks like Imagine Van Gogh is finally going to open its doors to the public this June. Originally from Europe, this exhibition showcases the artist’s best works on a larger-than-life scale, using high-quality projectors and audio for a more immersive experience.
When: Slated to open Wednesday, June 2nd
Where: 7515 118 Avenue NW
Cost: $41.61 and up for GA
SPOOK YOURSELF ON A GHOST TOUR
This is all but a sure thing, but we’re currently waiting for Edmonton Ghost Tours to announce their summer tour dates. This is a fantastic way to learn about some of Edmonton’s lesser-known history, which can be a little spooky! No matter, because it’s a super fun option outdoors.
When: Tours throughout June
Where: 10322 83rd Avenue
Cost: $22.23
DINE AT A LOCAL PATIO
We’re sure that as soon as they’re allowed to, Edmonton’s patios will once again open for some summer dining. If you’re looking for a little list of places to check out, we rounded up some of our absolute favourite city-wide for you. Now, all you have to do is pick one that you like!
When: Pending local health restrictions
Where: Click the link above for more info
CHECK THE RENOVATED MUTTART CONSERVATORY
This is wishful thinking on our end, but we’re hoping that museums, galleries and other indoor attractions reopen before spring ends. And, the first thing on our ‘to-see’ list is the Muttart Conservatory, which has now finished renovations that took well over a year.
When: Opening pending public health restrictions
Where: 9626 96A Street
RETURN TO THE ART GALLERY OF ALBERTA
While the AGA continues to host online events, we’re really hoping that they’ll be able to reopen safely sooner rather than later. Alberta’s provincial art gallery has been closed since early December, and we’re eagerly awaiting new measures that will allow them to reopen safely.
When: Opening pending public health restrictions
Where: 2 Sir Winston Churchill Square
Alright folks, that’s our roundup of things to do in and around Edmonton this June! We hope that you enjoy yourselves out there, whatever you decide to do!
