1 Royal Alberta Museum
The Royal Alberta Museum is home to a mix of permanent cultural and natural history exhibits, as well as always-changing temporary installations. Particularly impressive are the fossils from dinosaur and ice age eras, aquaria of native fish, and live insects – including some exotic and enormous species. The museum’s cultural history departments explore aboriginal cultures with artifacts from Blackfoot, Cree, and other First Nations.
2 Elk Island National Park & Beaver Hills
The Beaver Hills area was originally the tribal home of the Sarcee Indians. The Cree drove them out, however, hunting beaver and buffalo pelts for the large fur-trading companies. With hunting and settlement, the buffalo were almost wiped out, though some Beaver Hills buffalo are thought to have been captured in 1909 and placed in a reserve of their own. These are the forebears of the animals now living in Elk Island National Park.
West Edmonton Mall
Address: 8882 – 170 Street, #2472, Edmonton
Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village
Established in the 1970s along the Yellowhead Highway, this open-air museum preserves the cultural heritage of the many immigrants from Bukovina and the Ukraine, who settled in what is now Alberta in the 1890s. Various historic buildings have been reconstructed on the site, and the pale onion dome of a Ukrainian church is visible from afar. There are many living history elements to explore, including a blacksmith, market, and an old-fashioned general store.
Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village
Established in the 1970s along the Yellowhead Highway, this open-air museum preserves the cultural heritage of the many immigrants from Bukovina and the Ukraine, who settled in what is now Alberta in the 1890s. Various historic buildings have been reconstructed on the site, and the pale onion dome of a Ukrainian church is visible from afar. There are many living history elements to explore, including a blacksmith, market, and an old-fashioned general store.
Muttart Conservatory
On the south bank of the North Saskatchewan River, four pyramid-shaped hothouses are home to rare and far-traveled species of plants. Each pyramid features a distinct environment representing different biomes of the world, from the tropical climate of Burma and Fiji to the temperate pavilion with its American redwoods and Australian eucalyptus. With so many species of plants on display, the conservatory is the premier horticultural facility in Edmonton.
From the high ground above the river, there is a beautiful view of the gleaming pyramids of the Muttart Conservatory against the skyline of Edmonton city center.
Address: 9626 96A St NW, Edmonton
Legislature Building
In the midst of a park-like garden where the last Fort Edmonton once stood, is the 1912 Legislature Building. From the terrace, there is a beautiful view across the North Saskatchewan River to the far bank. Guided tours are the best way to learn about the history, architecture, and secrets of the building.
Address: 10800 97 Ave NW, Edmonton
Art Gallery of Alberta
A twisting modernist building on Sir Winston Churchill Square, the Art Gallery of Alberta in Edmonton is dedicated to visual arts with an emphasis on Western Canada. The gallery features changing and traveling exhibitions, and maintains an extensive collection of more than 6,000 pieces.
Address: 2 Sir Winston Churchill Square, Edmonton
Reynolds-Alberta Museum, Wetaskiwin
One hour by car south of Downtown Edmonton is the friendly little town of Wetaskiwin. Here, the main attraction is the Reynolds Alberta Museum, dedicated to everything to do with aircraft and vehicle construction. There are open-air displays of old agricultural machinery and tools, including some real dinosaurs – steam tractors, threshing machines, caterpillar tractors, and trucks. There are also veteran aircraft and vintage motorcycles to admire.
Address: 6426 40 Ave, Wetaskiwin
K Days
The greatest event in Edmonton’s calendar is the ten-day festival known as K Days, formerly called Capital Ex, held every year at the end of July. The wild days of the 1890 Klondike gold rush come to life once more. Street-parties, dancing, parades, live entertainment, gold panning, and a midway liven up the whole city. Visitors who plan to be in Edmonton during the festival should be sure to book accommodation well in advance.
Edmonton Valley Zoo
Opened in 1959, the Edmonton Valley Zoo has traditionally focused on research into threatened animal species. But its family-oriented grounds are also home to more than 350 animals both exotic and from the province of Alberta. Animals and their caregivers are regularly out and about meeting and engaging with guests. Children’s rides at the zoo include paddle boats, a miniature train, and a carousel.
Address: 13315 Buena Vista Rd, Edmonton
