Looking for the best free things to do in Edmonton? Edmonton, the capital of Alberta, Canada, is a city bursting with charm and an array of unforgettable experiences waiting to be discovered.
In this article, we will unveil the beauty of Edmonton’s natural wonders, showcasing the incredible free activities that allow you to immerse yourself in the serene landscapes and breathtaking vistas.
Whether you’re seeking a tranquil escape or an adrenaline-pumping outdoor adventure, Edmonton offers a plethora of options.
While traveling on a budget, you’ll be thrilled to learn that Edmonton offers a plethora of free activities and attractions to keep you entertained throughout your stay.
There are always things to do in this thrilling city that you might want to extend your stay with 2 or 3 more days.
So, grab your camera and a sense of adventure as we delve into the delightful world of free things to do in Edmonton.
Free things to do in Edmonton
1 Discover Edmonton Natural Oasis
Edmonton boasts an impressive network of parks, gardens, and natural wonders that are both breathtaking and accessible to all.
Begin your exploration at the magnificent Hawrelak Park, where you can stroll along the scenic trails, enjoy a picnic, or bask in the sun while admiring the serene beauty of the surrounding lakes.
Marvel at the vibrant floral displays at the Muttart Conservatory, a botanical garden featuring four stunning pyramids housing an array of plant species from around the world.
2 Find Serenity at the River Valley
Escape the urban bustle and find solace in Edmonton’s River Valley, an extensive park system that spans over 160 kilometers. Lace up your hiking boots and embark on a picturesque hike, cycle through the trails, or simply unwind with a leisurely stroll.
Visitors get to see a variety of wildlife, including deer, rabbits, foxes, beavers, and a wide range of bird species. The diverse ecosystem supports a thriving habitat for both flora and fauna, creating a unique natural environment within the city.
The River Valley offers unparalleled views of the North Saskatchewan River, captivating bridges, and lush greenery that will make you forget you’re in the heart of the city.
The River Valley also provides year-round activities for residents and tourists. During the summer, people enjoy picnicking, hiking, cycling, and canoeing, and during the winter season, the River Valley is beaming with cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and skating.
3 Visit The Old Strathcona
The old Strathcona is a rich historical district that dates back to the late 19th century. This magnificent district was once a separate city called Strathcona, which was letter amalgamated with Edmonton in 1912.
The main street of Old Strathcona is Whyte Avenue, known for its lively atmosphere and diverse range of shops, restaurants, cafes, and entertainment venues.
It is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike, offering a unique blend of boutiques, art galleries, live music venues, theaters, and pubs.
The Old Strathcona also offers some green spaces for relaxation. The End of Steel Park, located at the eastern end of Whyte Avenue, provides a quiet place to sit and enjoy views of the river valley and downtown skyline.
This fascinating neighborhood, which is bustling with some incredible live events, should be on your list of free things to do in Edmonton.
4 Attend Edmonton’s Cultural Festival
Immerse yourself in Edmonton’s rich cultural heritage by exploring its vibrant arts and cultural scene. Start your journey at the Art Gallery of Alberta, where you can admire a diverse collection of contemporary and historical artworks, ranging from local talent to internationally acclaimed masterpieces.
The Festival is a three days festival honoring Alberta’s cultural heritage and cultural diversity, which is held annually over the Civic Holiday weekend in William Hawrelak Park in Edmonton.
The festival provides music, dancing, games, cuisine, and entertainment for adults and children of all ages while showcasing the amazing multicultural environment of this dynamic city.
This town as a whole enjoys festivals as seen by the several distinctive special events hosted throughout the year, including an air show, a winter festival, and celebrations of ethnic and cultural variety.
Be sure to be aware of the specific festival that you fall under when visiting Edmonton.
5 Sight Some Plants at Muttart Conservatory
Visiting the iconic botanical pyramid of Edmonton should be on your itinerary of free things to do in Edmonton.
Perhaps the Muttart Conservatory is one of the most well-known sights and an excellent location to see Edmonton’s downtown skyline.
The Muttart Conservatory consists of more than simply three stunning glass pyramids. In reality, it has a climate-controlled biome with three distinct zones, including the tropical climates of Burma and Fiji and the temperate pavilion with its American redwoods and Australian eucalyptus, all with the purpose of teaching and conservation.
There are almost 700 different plant species at this prestigious horticulture institution, which also has a restaurant.
The Muttart Conservatory is definitely one of the best places to be if you happen to see yourself in Edmonton.
6 Neon Sign Museum
The Neon Sign Museum is a unique attraction located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. It is an outdoor museum that showcases a collection of historic neon signs from local businesses in Edmonton.
The Museum is situated along 104 Street in the downtown area of Edmonton. The museum features a variety of vintage signs that have been restored and preserved, offering visitors a glimpse into the city’s past.
The museum is an open-air exhibit that showcases over 20 functional historic signs. At night, the signs are illuminated, creating a colorful and nostalgic atmosphere.
It’s a popular spot for photography enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone interested in experiencing a retro aesthetic.
Visiting the Neon Sign Museum is free, and it provides a unique opportunity to appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship of neon signs while learning about Edmonton’s commercial heritage.
7 Visit Alberta Botanic Garden
The Alberta Botanic Garden, formerly known as the Devonian Botanic Garden, is a popular botanical garden located in Parkland County, just southwest of Edmonton.
The gardens stretch over 240 acres of land, with six major garden showcases to explore. The garden features a diverse range of plant collections and themed gardens, providing visitors with an opportunity to explore and appreciate the natural beauty of various plant species.
This garden showcases plants that are native to the region, highlighting the biodiversity and cultural significance of Alberta’s native flora.
The Kurimoto Japanese Garden is another popular attraction of the Alberta Botanic Garden. This tranquil garden space features carefully manicured trees, serene ponds, and winding pathways. This garden provides a peaceful retreat and an immersive experience of Japanese garden design.
8 Visit The Edmonton Ice Castles
Visit the Edmonton Ice Castles, which are one of the city’s free activities, if you find yourself there between January and March during the winter.
You must absolutely not pass up the opportunity to see the Edmonton Ice Castles as a tourist. This acre-sized castle, which is sometimes compared to “Narnia,” has a variety of chambers and is incredibly well-liked by Instagramers.
You’ll also find tunnels, a waterfall, and an ice maze. This is a truly unique thing to do in Edmonton.
9 West Edmonton Mall
West Edmonton Mall is a large shopping and entertainment complex located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. It is one of the largest malls in North America and covers an area of approximately 5.3 million square feet.
The mall opened in 1981 and has since become a popular tourist destination and a landmark in the city.
The mall houses over 800 stores, including a wide range of retail outlets, boutiques, and specialty shops. Visitors can find a variety of products, including fashion, electronics, home goods, and more.
One of the main attractions of West Edmonton Mall is its entertainment offerings. It features several major attractions, including Galaxyland, which is an indoor amusement park with various rides and roller coasters.
There is also World Waterpark, a massive indoor water park featuring numerous slides, wave pools, and other water attractions. Visitors can also enjoy attractions like the Ice Palace, Professor Wem’s Adventure Golf, and more.
The mall features multiple movie theatres where visitors can catch the latest films. The mall also provides services such as a casino, mini-golf, a shooting range, a spa, an and indoor skate park.
10 Explore Alberta Legislature
The Alberta Legislature, located in Edmonton, Alberta, is an impressive and historic building that holds significant political and cultural importance in the province.
The Alberta Legislature building is an architectural masterpiece designed in the Beaux-Arts style, which combines classical and Renaissance elements.
The structure features a central dome and two wings, adorned with columns, ornate carvings, and intricate detailing. The building’s exterior is made of sandstone, while the interiors boast marble floors, grand staircases, and beautiful stained glass windows.
Bring your lunch with you or get a takeout meal from one of Edmonton’s renowned downtown eateries. The Legislature Grounds are the ideal location for a lovely picnic as they have lots of seats and beautifully planted spaces for visitors.
11 Fort Edmonton Park
Fort Edmonton Park is a leader in cultural tourism offering local, regional, and international guests a truly interactive and memorable experience.
Fort Edmonton Park is located on a vast area of land along the North Saskatchewan River.
The park showcases over 80 historic structures that have been relocated and preserved from various parts of Edmonton and the surrounding region.
These buildings include traditional fur trading posts, pioneer homes, a church, a schoolhouse, a hotel, a fire station, and many more. The interiors of these structures are furnished with period-appropriate artifacts, offering an authentic glimpse into daily life during different historical periods.
12 The Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village
The Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village is an open-air museum located just a few miles from Edmonton. The museum is home to restored structures from east-central Alberta that depict the early Ukrainian settlers in Alberta between 1892 and 1930.
The museum, which opened in the 1970s, tells the stories of survival and tenacity via more than 35 restored historic structures and costumed interpreters. These early settlers had a huge effect on Alberta’s identity. The concession stand’s delectable Ukrainian food alone is worth the trip.
The Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village features a variety of living historical attractions, such as a blacksmith, a market, and an antique general store.
Try to schedule your trip to coincide with one of the numerous seminars or events that are held all year long, such as cookery demos, harvest festivals, and celebrations of Ukraine’s national day.
13 Art Gallery of Alberta
Another fascinating thing that will inspire your trip to Edmonton is a visit to the Art Gallery of Alberta.
This ideal Art Gallery is located on Sir Winston Churchill Square, which is dedicated to visual arts with an emphasis on Western Canada.
The gallery maintains a sizable collection of more than 6,000 items in addition to rotating and mobile shows. Additionally, the location offers lectures and seminars in addition to a gift store, dining area, and theater.
The Art Gallery of Alberta presents a wide range of exhibitions throughout the year, featuring works from its permanent collection as well as traveling exhibitions.
The gallery showcases contemporary art in various mediums, exploring different themes and artistic styles. They also organize exhibitions that highlight the work of emerging local artists. You can also arrange for a private guided tour that is suited to your own interests.
14 TELUS World of Science Edmonton
One of the tops recommended things to do in Edmonton is to visit and explore the Telus World of Science. This location is a popular destination for families, students, and science enthusiasts.
The science center offers a variety of interactive exhibits and galleries that cover a wide range of scientific topics.
Visitors can explore hands-on exhibits, participate in experiments, and learn about various scientific concepts, including physics, biology, chemistry, space exploration, and technology. The exhibits are designed to be engaging and educational, catering to visitors of all ages.
The TELUS World of Science Edmonton is home to an IMAX Theatre, which features a large-format screen and state-of-the-art sound system. The theatre showcases a rotating selection of educational and entertaining films, including documentaries, nature films, and 3D movies.
The TELUS World of Science Edmonton hosts special events and programs all year round. These include science-themed exhibits, workshops, guest speakers, science camps, and themed events for specific age groups or interests.
15 Edmonton Valley Zoo
The Edmonton Valley Zoo, which was opened in 1959, has always prioritized studies on endangered animal species. There are more than 350 creatures living on its lovely family-friendly grounds, though, representing over 100 different species from both Alberta and throughout the world.
Red pandas, lemurs, snow leopards, and arctic wolves are a few of the popular species that are frequently out and about interacting with visitors.
The zoo also features paddle boats, a small train, and a carousel, making this an excellent family activity in Edmonton.
The Edmonton Zoo is undoubtedly one of the top destinations for families looking to have a great time and spend the weekend in Edmonton.
Also, Read 15 Best & Fun Things to do in Calgary For Adults
16 Explore Alberta Aviation Museum
The Alberta Aviation Museum should be on your itinerary of free things to do in Edmonton for any aviation enthusiasts.
The museum is housed in a historic hangar at the Edmonton City Centre Airport, which was originally built in 1940. The hangar itself is a designated historic site and is one of the few remaining examples of its kind in Canada.
The museum features a wide range of exhibits that highlight various aspects of aviation history in the city. You can explore displays of vintage aircraft, including both military and civilian planes.
The museum is home to 40 aircraft that are on exhibit as well as a unique type of hanger built as part of Canada’s pilot training program during World War II.
17 Alberta Railway Museum
The Alberta Railway Museum is a popular attraction located northern suburbs of Edmonton. It is known for preserving and showcasing the history of railways in Alberta and the surrounding region.
The museum features a wide range of vintage locomotives, railcars, and other railway artifacts. Visitors to the Alberta Railway Museum can explore the outdoor exhibits, which include various types of steam and diesel locomotives, passenger coaches, freight cars, and maintenance equipment.
One of the highlights of the museum is the opportunity to ride on a restored vintage train. During special events and select weekends, visitors can experience a short ride on a historic train, which offers a unique and immersive way to learn about the history of rail transportation.
18 Hawrelak Park
For a perfect outdoor retreat, visit Hawrelak Park located along the banks of the North Saskatchewan River.
The park offers a wide range of recreational activities and features beautiful natural landscapes, making it a favorite destination for both locals and visitors.
Hawrelak Park is known for its picturesque setting, with mature trees, open fields, and scenic views of the river. It provides ample space for picnics, family gatherings, and outdoor events.
The park features numerous picnic sites equipped with tables and fire pits, as well as several shelters that can be reserved for larger gatherings.
The Park is a popular venue for outdoor concerts, theater performances, and festivals. It hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including the popular Heritage Festival, which celebrates Edmonton’s cultural diversity with food, music, and entertainment from different cultures.
Explore the many trails by foot, bicycle, or even cross-country skis or sit back and enjoy one of the amazing festivals that take place year-round.
19 World Waterpark
World Waterpark is an indoor-themed water park located in West Edmonton Mall that features a huge wave pool, 83 ft high water slides, and a variety of other attractions.
Ride the waves in the world’s largest indoor wave pool, located in a tropical oasis that boasts an average temperature of 31°C.
World Waterpark features more than 17 unique waterslides and plays features to keep you and the whole family having fun for hours.
This well-known waterpark ought to be on your list of family-friendly, free things to do in Edmonton if you’re visiting with children.
20 Terwillegar Park
Terwillegar Park is a popular place on the south bank of the North Saskatchewan River at the end of Rabbit Hill Road.
The Park is known for its extensive trail system, which is perfect for walking, jogging, cycling, and rollerblading.
The trails wind through the park’s lush forests, and meadows, and along the river, providing scenic views and opportunities to connect with nature. The park’s trails also connect to the larger Edmonton River Valley trail system, allowing visitors to explore even more of the city’s beautiful river valley.
The park features open fields and picnic areas, making it an ideal spot for picnics, family gatherings, and outdoor games. There are picnic tables and benches scattered throughout the park, as well as barbecue pits that can be used during the summer months.
Birdwatchers will particularly enjoy the park’s natural habitats, as they attract various species throughout the year.
Terwillegar Park also offers access to the river, providing opportunities for fishing and canoeing. The park has a boat launch area where visitors can launch their canoes or kayaks into the river and enjoy a paddle along its calm waters.
21 Yellowhead Brewery
After spending hours exploring Edmonton, one of the ideal places to taste a delicious meal is the Yellowhead Brewery.
Visitors will enjoy every atmosphere this well-liked food and beverage event location has to offer. Yellowhead Brewery, which is situated in the heart of Edmonton, is a terrific place to sample some of Alberta’s best artisan brews.
The brewery offers both monthly specialties on draft and a welcoming tasting room. For those searching for a wedding or celebration with a beer theme, they can host private parties.
Best time to visit Edmonton
According to tourists, the best and busiest month for tourist visits in Edmonton is from June through August. The city celebrates a number of significant festivities during this time due to the pleasant weather.
