July is just around the corner, Edmonton! And you know what that means- time to figure out what we can get up. With even more restrictions hopefully getting lifted, there are quite a few ‘what-ifs’ next month, but we can cross those bridges when we get to them. In the meanwhile, let’s see what you can already do! Hint: it’s a lot.
Here are the best things to do in and around Edmonton this July.
Outdoors
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
HEAD TO THE BEACH
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!
Where: Click the link above for our top picks
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 July
Where: All around Edmonton
SEE IF YOU HAVE A FEAR OF HEIGHTS
Ready to find your aerial limit? The Snow Valley Aerial Park is now open for the summer!! This beloved local attraction is a great way to get outside this summer. And as an extra bonus, two more attractions have opened this year as well- a mining experience, and a target golf area!
When: Open throughout July
Where: 13204 Rainbow Valley Road NW
Cost: $37+
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
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 July
Where: Parkland County, Alberta
Cost: $18.75
SEE SOME BISON
Elk Island National Park is a staple day trip, and for good reason. Not only is it one of the few places in Canada to see wild bison once more, but there are tons of lakes, nature trails, and hiking areas for you to check out as well.
When: Open throughout July
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. Of course, know your limits, especially on a hot day!
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
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 July
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 July
Where: Click the link above for locations
Arts/Culture
CHECK OUT SOME CONCERTS
With Alberta opening back up, a couple of concerts have already been announced! The soonest option? The Summer Block Party being hosted at Union Hall. The 3-day event features names like 88GLAM, Roy Woods, and the Funk Hunters.
When: July 1st to July 3rd
Where: 6240 99 Street NW
Cost: Varies
WATCH A MOVIE
After a seriously long wait, Edmonton’s movie theatres have reopened! All of the Cineplex locations are back, but we usually check out what’s playing at local theatres like the Metro Cinema first. Why? Because we’re film buffs, that’s why.
When: Showtimes throughout July
Where: 8712 109 Street NW
Cost: $13
ENJOY THE 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: Open throughout July
Where: 10411 82 Avenue NW
Cost: Free to attend!
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 July
Where: 9626 96a Street 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 July
Where: 9810 103a Avenue NW
Cost: Varies
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 July
Where: 2 Sir Winston Churchill Square
Cost: $14
Food and Drink
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 July
Where: Locations around Edmonton
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 July
DINE AT A LOCAL PATIO
Patio dining is back in full swing for the summer! Check out some of our favourites, or just head to your nearest watering hole for a little snack and a drink! Either way, summer dining on a patio is a must-do activity.
Where: Click the link above for more info
GRAB SOME 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
GO FOR A SCOOP OF 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
MISC.
IMAGINE VAN GOGH
After a number of delays, the long-awaited immersive exhibit that took Vancouver by storm is finally opening in Edmonton! 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: Opens Tuesday, July 6th
Where: 7515 118 Avenue NW
Cost: $41.61 and up for GA
HEAD TO THE ZOO
Both the indoor and outdoor exhibits are now open at 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 July
Where: 13315 Buena Vista Road
Cost: $10.95 (reduced price)
SPOOK YOURSELF ON A GHOST TOUR
Looking for an out-of-the-box idea? This could be right up your alley. For years, Edmonton Ghost Tours has been delighting residents and tourists alike with informative and fun tours that explore Edmonton’s shadier past. It’s a great mix for getting outside while learning something about the city!
When: Tours throughout July
Where: 10322 83rd Avenue
Cost: $22.23
Alright Edmonton, that’s what we’ve got in mind for this July! We hope you enjoy the month, whatever you get up to!
