Can you believe that we’re already at the end of July? Time flies when you’re having a good time, we guess. And in that case, you should definitely check out our list of things to do in Edmonton this August. After all, we’ve only got a few short weeks of summer left to enjoy! And we want to make the most of it.
Here are the best things to do in and around Edmonton this August.
Outdoors
GO CHASING WATERFALLS
Safely, of course. But Alberta is home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in all of Canada, and they’re just waiting for you to enjoy them. Whether you’re seeing an iconic spot for the first time or taking a trip off the beaten path, we’ve got picks for you.
Where: Click the link above for more info
EXPLORE THE BIG ISLAND
Ready to be weirdly nostalgic? Say hello to Big Island, a formerly very popular destination just outside Edmonton. Well, the company Urban River Adventures has been revitalizing it, with camping kayaking, gold panning, and more! Head out as a day trip, or see what kinds of accommodations they have available.
When: Open throughout August
Where: Click the link above for more info
CHECK OUT A WATERPARK
Alberta is home to quite a few waterparks, both indoors and out! While West Edmonton Mall is the obvious choice, you should know that you’ve got a couple of other options, if you’re willing to make the trip.
When: Open throughout August
Where: Click the link above for our picks
VENTURE OUT TO A NEARBY U-PICK
If you’re looking for a cute weekend activity or date idea, then stop right here because you’ve found it. Picking berries and fruit might seem like an odd choice, but trust us when we say it makes for a great photo opp along with a nice little trip outside of the city. Hit the link above for the best ones close to Edmonton!
Where: Click the link above for our picks
HAVE A WEEKEND IN JASPER
Jasper is undoubtedly a Canadian national treasure (heck, it just got named one of TIME’s World’s Greatest Places for this year). If you’re looking for some options for while you’re there, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite activities, from classic hikes to exploring the Athabasca Glacier.
Where: Click the link above for our picks
FORT EDMONTON PARK
Like the Muttart Conservatory, Fort Edmonton Park 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: Open throughout August
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
TAKE A DIP IN OUR PUBLIC POOLS
For a close-to-home 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 August
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 August
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, is in full summer swing! Located just outside Edmonton, the garden offers hours of relaxation and beauty, and some fun architecture to boot. Really, it’s a must-do activity for nature lovers.
When: Open throughout August
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 August
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
Golf is having another banner year, but don’t let that discourage you from joining in on the fun. 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 August
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 August
Where: Click the link above for locations
Arts/Culture
WATCH A MOVIE
If you need a little more relaxed choice, 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 August
Where: 8712 109 Street NW
Cost: $13
TELUS WORLD OF SCIENCE
The Telus World of Science is back, baby! In addition to the regular exhibits, they’ve also brought in a new one titled Expedition: Dinosaur. And, as a special treat, the Zeigler Dome has reopened for laser shows as well! That’s a triple threat of indoor fun this weekend, if you ask us.
When: Open throughout August
Where: 11211 142 Street NW
Cost: $31.45 for GA
MUTTART CONSERVATORY
It was a long time coming, but the Muttart Conservatory has returned to the city! 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 August
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 Edmonton. 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 August
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 August
Where: 2 Sir Winston Churchill Square
Cost: $14
ROSSDALE POWER PLANT TOUR
That’s right folks, tours of the Rossdale Power Plant are back! This is your chance to check out a historic landmark in the city, while learning about its history at the same time! And, we have to admit, it’s stuff like this that we like to see on Instagram, if only for the unique factor.
When: Tours every Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Where: 10155 96 Avenue NW
Cost: $27.30
STEP INTO THE PAST
The Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village has returned for the summer. This expertly preserved cultural village offers an authentic look at the lives of settlers during the late 19th/early 20th century. Sure, it’s a little bit of a curveball for a pick, but we like it!
When: Open Wednesday to Sunday
Where: Highway 16 E, Lamont County
Cost: $15 for GA
Food and Drink
HIT UP THE FARMERS’ MARKETS
There’s no better time to take advantage of farmers’ markets than late 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 August
Where: Locations around Edmonton
AL FRESCO ON 4TH
For a even more ambitious market, check out Al Fresco! 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 August
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.
WATCH A FOOTBALL GAME
Edmonton’s major sports events are back, folks! The first to really jump in are the new renamed Edmonton Elks. Things kick off on August 7th, and tickets are currently on sale!
When: First game is Saturday, August 7th
Where: 11000 Stadium Road
Cost: $35+
IMAGINE VAN GOGH
After a number of delays, the long-awaited immersive exhibit that took Vancouver by storm is finally 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: Open throughout August
Where: 7515 118 Avenue NW
Cost: $41.61 and up for GA
LAUGH IT UP AT A COMEDY FEST
Heads up, because the Great Outdoors Comedy Fest is coming to Edmonton! Taking place in the middle of the month, this festival features local talent as well as headliners like Chelsea Handler and David Spade. We’ll admit that we could all use a laugh or two.
When: Friday, August 13th and Sunday, August 15th
Where: Racetrack Infield on the Edmonton Exhibition Lands
Tickets: Buy them online here
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 August
Where: 13315 Buena Vista Road
Cost: $10.95 (reduced price)
PACKWOOD GRAND
Ready to feel regal? The Packwood Grand awaits. This annual horse race is your chance to feel like you’re down at the Kentucky Derby, with fancy attire and champagne almost a requirement for visiting (but not really). Get the pastel blue linen suit that you thought you were never going to wear ready- its time has come.
When: Saturday, August 28th, 2021
Where: 4711 Airport Perimeter Rd, Edmonton International Airport
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 August
Where: 10322 83rd Avenue
Cost: $22.23
That’s our lineup for things to do in Edmonton this August! We hope a couple of these picks struck your fancy, and that your month is filled with fun!
