The sun’s in the sky, the grass is green and the temperatures are still in the high 20s – but it won’t last forever. From concerts to waterparks, drive-in movies and food festivals, there’s a ton to do and you won’t want to miss a beat! Not sure what’s happening in and around the city? Here are just 20 things you have to do in Edmonton before summer is over.
Check out Sylvan Lake’s Aqua Splash
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Located just outside of Red Deer, Alberta, the Sylvan Lake Aqua Splash Park is THE place for sizzling summer days. With launch pads, trampolines, an obstacle course, slides, a 15-foot tower, and more – this ginormous floating playground is truly one of a kind.
Where: 5104 Lakeshore Drive, Sylvan Lake
Cost: $18 for one hour
Go hiking
From inner-city gems to full-on day trips, there’s no shortage of amazing hikes to check out around Edmonton. For an afternoon of fun, sun and memories, check out our favourites above!
Where: Click the link above for our picks
Ride the Canyon Alpine Coaster
Ready to ride?! Red Deer’s epic Canyon Coaster is approximately 1,345 metres, can travel at a speed of 40 km/hr, has a 440-foot vertical drop in total and is now open for the season! Check out the link above for more information!
Where: 38433, Range Rd 264A, AB
Time: 11 am-6 pm
Cost: $25
Visit the Edmonton Corn Maze
Get lost! Quite literally… This summer, check out the Edmonton Corn Maze which features around 5km of twists and turns, food, activities and so much more!
When: Open throughout the summer
Where: 26171 Garden Valley Road, Spruce Grove
Cost: $13.50+ for GA
Or an Edmonton 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 can now visit Edmonton’s outdoor pools once more.
Where: Locations around Edmonton
Go summer stargazing
Looking for something romantic? This summer, check out one of the many dark sky reserves in and around the city – the best of which are listed in the link above. You can thank us later!
Visit an Alberta U-Pick field
Strawberries, raspberries, and saskatoons? Later this summer when the berries really begin to ripen, head to one of the many u-pick fields in and around Edmonton and come home with a bucket full of fruit and a head full of memories. Could there be a sweeter way to spend a day?
Wander the Bowden Sunmaze
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There’s nothing like it! This summer, wander the beautiful Sunflower fields of Bowden and snap a few pics in celebration of the warmer season. It’s going to be magical.
When: Now open
Where: 34530 RR#14 Red Deer County, Alberta
Cost: $14+
Lounge on an Alberta 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 favourites!
Go chasing waterfalls
Alberta is home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in all of Canada so why not enjoy them? Whether you’re looking to see an iconic spot for the first time or taking a trip off the beaten path check out the link above for our favourites.
Where: Click the link above for more info
Be YOU at the Edmonton Pride Festival
Edmonton’s Pride Festival returns to Churchill Square this August! Celebrate love and diversity, and check out Alberta’s first 2-Spirit Powwow, then head back in time at Y2K @ Churchill, featuring a 90s-themed dance party with the legendary PROZZAK! And cap it off with Pride @ Churchill Square which features several artists including Ralph and Stereos.
When: Friday, August 18th until Saturday, August 26th, 2023
Where: Sir Winston Churchill Square
Cost: Free+
Visit the Snow Valley Aerial Park
Snow Valley Aerial Park awaits! This summer check out one of the most exciting spots in Edmonton. Grab a friend, prepare yourselves, and don’t look down! You’re going to have a blast.
When: Open now
Where: 13204 Rainbow Valley Road NW
Cost: $32+
Hit the Edmonton Fringe Festival
Looking for something funky this summer? You’ll feel right at home at the Edmonton Fringe Festival. Check out dozens of local and touring shows from all walks of the theatre and performance world.
When: Thursday, August 17th until Sunday, August 27th, 2023
Where: Venues around Edmonton
Cost: $10+
Enjoy the Edmonton Blues Festival
The Edmonton Blues Festival is back and has a new home! The fest will now take place at the RE/MAX Field, home to the Edmonton Riverhawks. This year, you can catch Colin James, Jimmie Vaughan & the Tilt-a-Whirld Band, Tom Lavin and the Legendary Powder Blues Band, Veronica Lewis, and more!
When: Friday, August 25th, until Sunday, August 27th, 2023
Where: RE/MAX Field, 10233 96 Ave
Cost: $60+
Wander the Alberta Avenue Night Market
Shop until you drop! This summer, visit the Alberta Avenue District and enjoy one of its many night markets. Each event will have different vendors, entertainment and community partners. So bring the family, and enjoy some food outdoors!
When: August 11th, 18th, and 25th, 2023
Where: Various locations
Cost: Free to attend
Hop on the Edmonton Riverboat
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One of the summer’s most beloved activities is back in action! The Edmonton Riverboat has set sail and is cruising through the season. Check out their Sunday brunches, or buffet dinners!
Where: 9734 98 Avenue NW
Cost: $41+
Immersive yourself in a Cinema Experience
Located in the Ice District Plaza, Edmontonians are encouraged to cozy up for a family favourite shown after dark. This year, enjoy themed decor, food and beverages in addition to their chosen films!
When: Thursday, August 24th, 2023
Where: Directions here
Time: 9 pm
Cost: FREE
ESO Outdoors
ESO Outdoors is back and this summer you can treat yourself to a concert in the heart of the city. Featuring memorable songs and multiple genres including classical, pop, and Hollywood film scores – this event is not one to be missed.
When: Concerts throughout August
Where: Click the link above for all locations
Cost: Pay what you can
Al Fresco On 104th
Al Fresco on 4th is back! This fantastic outdoor experience rolls a market, food trucks and expanded patios into one convenient location. Whether you’re looking for a beverage on a patio, a market or something fresh from a local food truck, this is the place to be.
When: Saturdays until September 9th, 2023
Where: 104th Street Downtown
Hit one of the Farmers’ Markets
Summer is a fun time to check out Edmonton’s farmers’ markets. Get some great groceries or treat yourself to a snack… it’s a couple of hours well spent!
When: Open throughout August
Where: Locations around Edmonton
Cost: Free
There you have it! 20 things you have to do in Edmonton before summer is over. Have fun out there!
