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.
FESTIVALS/MAJOR EVENTS
K-DAYS
The quintessential pick for your summer bucket list! Enjoy midway rides, games, live entertainment, concerts, food… the list goes on and on!
When: July 22nd to 31st
Where: 7515 – 118 Avenue
Cost: $15+
TASTE OF EDMONTON
Running at the same time, this massive food festival is a great bonus pick for those wanting a break from K-Days, but with no shortage of the fun.
When: July 21st to 31st
Where: Churchill Square
Cost: $5+ for tickets
EDMONTON FOLK MUSIC FESTIVAL
It’s back, baby! This massive festival is once more coming to the city, with a stacked lineup to boot.
When: August 4th to August 7th
Where: Gallagher Park, Edmonton
Cost: $90+ for GA
EDMONTON INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL
For a little bit of a high-class night out, know that the Jazz Festival is back in the city this month! Hear acclaimed artists from close to home and around the world, at a variety of venues ranging from heritage spaces to the Ice District Plaza.
When: June 26th to July 3rd
Where: Locations around Edmonton
Cost: Varies
FREEWILL SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL
Speaking of high class, you don’t have too much time left to check out these open air renditions of The Bard’s plays.
When: On until July 10th
Where: Heritage Amphitheatre, Hawrelak Park
Cost: Varies
EDMONTON PRIDE FEST
After a 3-year hiatus (yes, even before the pandemic), Edmonton is finally going to see another Pride Fest this June! A massive new festival is currently in the works, and will be taking over Churchill Square in the heart of the city.
When: June 24th and 25th
Where: Sir Winston Churchill Square
Cost: Free to attend!
PRIDE CUP
Hockey and Pride collide this weekend. Presented by the Edmonton Oilers, the first ever Pride Cup is a free celebration featuring everything from a ball hockey championship to live music and the unveiling of the ‘Pride Cup’ itself.
When: Saturday, August 6th
Where: ICE District Plaza
Cost: Free to attend
ATTRACTIONS
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.
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.
Where: 9626 96a St NW
Tickets: $14.95 for GA
SNOW VALLEY
Family friendly fun abounds, with a ropes course, a panning area, and even a little bit of target golf to check out.
Where: 13204 Rainbow Valley Road
Cost: Varies per activity
ROYAL ALBERTA MUSEUM
For the 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.
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.
Where: 2 Sir Winston Churchill Square
Cost: Varies
FORT EDMONTON PARK
Another fan favourite! Following some massive upgrades, this beloved attraction in the city is back for another summer of fun.
Where: 7000 143 Street NW
Cost: Varies
IMAGINE MONET
After over a year of waiting, this acclaimed immersive art exhibit has arrived! Enjoy the works of one of the world’s best painters, in a level of detail that rivals actually, you know, booking a flight to France to see them in person.
When: Ends September 2nd
Where: 7515 118 Avenue NW
Cost: $34.95+ for GA
CIRQUE DU SOLEIL – OVO
Need some thrills? Know that Cirque du Soleil’s ‘Ovo’ show will be coming to Edmonton for only a few days this summer, more than earning a spot on the bucket list.
When: July 13th to 17th, 2022
Where: Rogers Place, 10220 104 Avenue NW
Cost: Varies
FOOD AND DRINK
AL FRESCO ON 4TH
Al Fresco on 4th is back! 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 a few 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
GRAB A BEER
Quick patio brew? You’ve got no shortage of options. Click the link above for all the breweries in the southern half of the city, and here for those in the north.
Where: Click the link above for our picks
TRAVEL
COLUMBIA ICEFIELD SKYWALK
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.
Where: Icefields Pkwy, Improvement District No. 12
Cost: $25 +
BOTTOMLESS PADDLE BOARD RENTALS
New for this summer, the ‘bottomless’ paddle boards are exactly what the name implies. Rather than the classic option, these are built with a see-through plastic, offering practically immediate access to the downright stunning waters of Lac Beauvert, which the Jasper Park Lodge sits on.
When: Now available for the summer!
Where: 1 Old Lodge Road, Jasper
Cost: $75 per hour
SYLVAN LAKE AQUA SPLASH PARK
Located just outside of Red Deer, Alberta, the Sylvan Lake Aqua Splash park is THE place for sizzling summer days and they recently announced that they’ll be opening for the season on July 1st.
When: Opens July 1st, 2022
Where: Bay #1, 5100 Lakeshore Drive– Sylvan Lake, Alberta
CANYON SKI RESORT ALPINE COASTER
Slated to launch on June 25th, the Canyon Coaster is approximately 1,300 metres and can travel up to speeds of 40 km/hr – though guests will be able to adjust the ride with a brake.
When: Projected opening June 25th, 2022
Where: 38433, Range Road 264A, AB
GO CAMPING
While we are personally city-slickers, even we can admit that Alberta has some absolutely fantastic options for camping and glamping this summer.
Where: Click the link above for our picks
OR CHECK OUT AN AIRBNB
This is more our speed. After all, you can still be a stone’s throw away from some gorgeous areas of the province, while enjoying all the modern day comforts we’ve grown so used to.
Where: Click the link above for our picks
OUTDOORS
ELK ISLAND NATIONAL PARK
A classic pick for enjoying the great outdoors! Go on a hike, visit a lake, and try to sneak a peek at those big ol’ bison.
Where: 54401 Range Road 203, Fort Saskatchewan
Cost: $7.90 for admissions
HIT THE BEACH
The summer’s supposed to be hot, and a day at the beach is the perfect way to cool down. We’ve got a few picks in mind for it, too.
Where: Click the link above for our picks
BE COOL IN THE POOL
Whether you’re just looking to splash around with some pals on the weekend, or get a few serious laps in before the work day begins, you won’t have to wait too long until you can once more!
Where: Locations around Edmonton
Cost: $9 for GA
GO ON AN ADVENTURE
Needing something a little more wild? We’ve rounded up the best options around Alberta for those looking for some adventure this summer.
Where: Click the link above for our picks
HIKE AROUND
From inner-city gems to full on day trips, there’s no shortage of amazing hikes to check out around Edmonton.
Where: Click the link above for our picks
SPORTS
EDMONTON ELKS
A sporty summer awaits as well! First up are the Elks, who are looking towards a return to form after a rocky start to the season.
Where: 11000 Stadium Road
Cost: $32.53+
EDMONTON RIVERHAWKS
Take us out to the ball game! No seriously, a day eating outdoors, enjoying the sun, and hearing the sweet crack of the bat is a perfect summer option.
Where: 10233 96 Avenue NW
Cost: $19.99
FC EDMONTON
Last for our spectator sports picks, we’ve got a little bit of soccer. FC Edmonton is facing off against teams across North America all summer long.
Where: 11000 Stadium Road NW
Cost: $10.50+
HIT THE LINKS
Our selfish top pick for the summer bucket list in Edmonton (and around Alberta). This province has incredible courses, and we’re trying to visit them all over the next few months.
Where: Locations around Alberta
Cost: $20+
L’ETAPE BY TOUR DE FRANCE
Recreating a stage (or a day) of Tour de France, the 1-day race will give cyclists a chance to bike a challenging 180 km through Edmonton’s impressive cityscape and gorg scenic views. But if 180 km is not your thang, worry not. You can also choose from an 80 km and 45 km ride. Still not your cup of tea? There’s also a Family Ride and a Kids’ Race to keep the whole fam entertained and enjoying the outdoors.
When: August 14th
There you have it, fun seekers! All the best things you need to put on your summer bucket list in Edmonton this year. Save this page, and keep coming back for week after week options!
