The best ways to relax and reset in Edmonton during the busy summer season

Relaxing is no joke during long, hot summers in Edmonton. You need to know when to take a step back, lie down, and enjoy the time we have before the gruelling winter.

Whether it’s watching a movie with a friend, getting a massage at a spa, or spending time outdoors, there’s a little something for everyone in our roundup of ways to relax in the city. While not all of the options are necessarily in Edmonton, all are within a short drive away, ensuring you won’t have to fill up the tank just to relax.

Without further ado, let’s get into some of the best ways to reset this summer in Edmonton.

Go see a movie

Metro Cinema is one of our oldest theatres, originally built as the Garneau Theatre and designed in the Art Moderne style by William Blaikie for Suburban Theatres of Edmonton. It’s personally one of my favourite venues, along with the majority of my friends, for its uplifting community spirit and unbeatable vibes. You won’t find a better atmosphere with cinephiles and Letterboxd fiends.

This season brings back the best deals at the Metro. It started June 2, and it’ll last throughout the summer, meaning $5 Tuesdays are officially back at the theatre.

Or, maybe you’re looking for something a bit more special and out-of-the-ordinary.

Outdoor movies don’t come around often, especially in this city. Good news, though! With summer in full swing and the weather cooperating just a tad, there are a bunch of outdoor movie nights coming up for you to enjoy. We’ve rounded up some outdoor movie opportunities in and around Edmonton this season.

Take a tube down one of Alberta’s rivers

Whether it’s Pembina River or Discovery Canyon, there are many options for a relaxing tubing day in Alberta. Both of these spots aren’t too far from Edmonton, and they offer the best tubing experience imaginable.

If you aren’t familiar with the Pembina River, where have you been? The tubing aspect of it all has been around since 2007, and recently it’s been taken over by new ownership dedicated to bringing the river back to its prime tubing state. Looking for the prime relaxing river float? Well, you truly won’t find one better in Alberta.

Well… Discovery Canyon might be tied for first, actually.

Located within the River Bend and Recreation Area, Discovery Canyon transforms into a lazy river during the summer months, featuring a shallow, canyon-style pool for floating and swimming. And the best part? It’s completely free to visit.

Experience ultimate relaxation at a local spa

There are loads of spas and hydrotherapy options in and out of Edmonton, but we’re highlighting one of the newest and most luxurious spots in the city.

Owned and operated by two Canadian Infantry veterans, Elemental Recovery and Spa is dedicated to a holistic and rejuvenating service. According to the spa’s website, there are several types of sessions offered, including massage therapy and facials. However, the main thing this particular spa is known for is the hydrotherapy circuit.

Go to a farm and pick your own berries

In and around the city, you’ll be able to find a bunch of u-pick farms with a variety of berries, fruits, and vegetables. Whether it’s raspberries, haskap berries, or strawberries, your bucket is going to be full by the end of the day.

We’ve rounded up some of the best farms, perfect for a day to reset and connect with nature. What’s a better summer activity than strolling through the fruits and choosing the very best ones?

Get out of the city entirely

Edmonton is a bustling place, and we wouldn’t blame you for getting caught up in it all. We all need a break sometimes, and this train ride through the Rocky Mountains is the perfect luxury escape.

Having started in the 1990s, Rocky Mountaineer remains one of the most luxurious train rides in and out of the Alberta Rockies. In 1999, it even set the record for the longest passenger train in Canadian history at 41 cars. Six months out of each year, you can hop in its spacious glass-dome train coaches and enjoy the delicious cuisine, friendly service, and social atmosphere.

The best part? This train only travels during the day, meaning you’ll always get a chance to see what sights the landscape has to offer. You’re not going to get this type of service on just every train.

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