Seven Ways to Explore the Character of Edmonton

Discover what makes Edmonton

There's so much that makes Edmonton a must-visit city. For starters, it's home to two sports dynasties (think the Edmonton Oilers, for one), North America's second largest mall, a destination in itself, plus a world-class theatre district.

It also holds the title as Canada's Festival City, with about one happening every week of the year. Some of the standout festivals include one of the largest Fringe Festivals in the world plus a stellar Folk Festival, with an international lineup of musical talent. However, you could visit anytime of year and find a festival in full swing.

Though this is Alberta's largest northern metropolis, it also has tons of greenspace, set amid rolling prairie and perched on a massive river valley where the North Saskatchewan River flows. The valley is a hub for all kinds of activities: rollerblading, biking and paddling in summer, or snowshoeing and fat biking in winter.

There's no question Edmonton – Alberta's capital city – has enough to keep you busy for weeks, but here are some ways to discover the real character of the city.

Head to a living history museum

To get a true sense of Edmonton, let's start at the beginning. The now booming oil and gas city was once a remote trading post established in the late 18th century.

True, Edmonton has grown a lot, but many of the things that make up the city's past are still very much present. For an immersive look into Edmonton's beginnings, head to Fort Edmonton Park, open all summer. This massive living-history museum brings together the city's rough-and-tumble past and its vibrant present. From original heritage buildings (including Canada's first mosque) to a functioning midway and carnival, to a full-scale replica of the fort itself, this is a perfect entry point for history buffs. If you want an interactive history lesson, head to the Escape Room for a truly eerie experience.

For an even deeper look at the area's history, check out the impressive Indigenous Peoples Experience (iyiniwak okiskêyihtamowiniwaw), which includes storytelling, art, music and artifacts.

History in neon

For a unique view of the city's commercial past, drop by the  Neon Sign Museum, a free outdoor installation in the city's downtown that features 20 fully restored neon signs ranging from old movie theatres to bakeries. This is a one-of-a-kind museum in Canada and it's open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Canada's largest urban park

Much of Edmonton's character is tied to its location. Before Europeans built forts here, Indigenous peoples gathered at this bend of the North Saskatchewan River for millennia. In winter or summer, locals find all kinds of ways to get outdoors and enjoy it. That's why a trip to the city isn't complete until you visit its lush and massive  river valley – Canada's largest urban park.

When it's time to cross the water, two routes will connect you with the past: the High Level Bridge, a vintage icon dating back to 1913, and the Walterdale Bridge, a sleek arch crossing with support pillars that include height markers for some of the city's major historic floods. (These markers are the reason there isn't much housing near the water.)

Hockey, anyone?

The Edmonton Oilers, five-time winners of the Stanley Cup, are the pride of their hometown. With blockbuster names like Wayne Gretzky, and more recently Connor McDavid, a game night is a must-do for hockey fans when the team is playing in town. The city’s Roger’s Place is world-class arena for sporting events and concerts, just east of the downtown core. It’s encircled by dozens of restaurants and hotels, making the area convenient for a night at the game.

See Indigenous art

Edmonton has found new ways of embracing its connection to Indigenous cultures. One great example is the Indigenous Art Park, also known as ᐄᓃᐤ (ÎNÎW) River Lot 11. Based on a Cree word meaning “I am of the Earth,” River Lot 11 showcases six permanent works of art from Indigenous artists on a stretch of land overlooking the river, once owned by the Métis landowner Joseph McDonald.

An artsy neighbourhood and some old architecture

From there, it’s a short walk into Old Strathcona, a historic south-side neighbourhood that was once the centre of an adjacent city (it was amalgamated into Edmonton in 1912). Ever since, this has been the best way to see the city’s vibrant artistic side. Old Strathcona is home to Edmonton’s world-renowned theatre district and a year-round indoor farmers’ market. You’ll also find many shops and restaurants and theatres along Whyte Avenue. This area also connects to the nearby University of Alberta. It was designated a Provincial Historic Area due to its concentration of heritage buildings. History buffs will want to visit the Strathcona Hotel (1891), the Canadian Pacific Railway Station (1908) and the Princess Theatre (1915), among other landmarks.

If old buildings are your jam, then check out Highlands, in the city’s northeast. Like Old Strathcona, this was once its own town until it was amalgamated by the City of Edmonton in the early 20th century. Highlands retains much of its original charm, with more than 30 per cent of its houses built before the Second World War. You can spend the afternoon touring the childhood home of renowned philosopher Marshall McLuhan. Or, stroll down Ada Boulevard – so picturesque it was once featured in an Apple commercial. Then drop by the newly renovated Gibbard Block for some high-end ice cream, burgers and beers.

More than a mall

There are countless places around town to go shopping, see a show or have drinks with friends. But if you want to do it all in one place, head to West Edmonton Mall (WEM) – the one-time largest mall in the world (currently, the second-largest in North America). WEM is undeniably a cornerstone of the modern city and has been since the first phase was completed in the early 1980s. For some people, the mall is the place they come to ride rollercoasters, sit on beaches and surf, even in the depths of winter. For others, it's simply their local shopping centre. Either way, it's something that must be seen to be believed.