Edmonton, Canada

The Alberta Legislature Building is the meeting place of the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council of Edmonton. Visitors can enjoy guided tours through this famous building where knowledgeable Heritage Interpreters share the political history and culture of Alberta and the daily routine of the Legislative Assembly.

The tour also takes an in-depth look at the design and architecture of the building and the parliamentary traditions and ceremonies that take place within it. Tours last approximately 45 minutes, can be pre-booked or simply joined, and are conducted free of charge.

10800 97 Ave NW, 780-427-7362

The Muttart Conservatory is a unique and innovative botanical garden set in four glass pyramids, three of which represent different biomes, and the fourth houses creative exhibitions and displays. Leading the way in plant science in Canada, the accredited museum grows and preserves one of Canada’s largest botanical collections and aims to share, inspire, and educate the public about botany and the science of plants.

The Conservatory hosts quite a few events throughout the year, including live music and dance shows, fine art exhibitions, handcrafting and arts and crafts programs, and community outreach workshops and classes. Culina Muttart, the Muttart Conservator’s restaurant, offers an unforgettable dining experience.

9626 - 96A Street, 780-442-5311

For a Romantic Date

Spanning 64 hectares (158 acres) along Edmonton’s river valley, Fort Edmonton Park is a beautiful wooded parkland named after the first enduring European post in the area. It is also the largest living history museum in the country.

The park is made up of four sections, each representing a different era, namely the fort of 1846, 1885 Street, 1905 Street, and 1920 Street, and visitors are invited to explore the various sections on a fully functional steam train that travels the length of the park.

Visitors to the park can also use horse-drawn carriages, streetcars, and automobiles to get around the park, and during national holidays and long weekends, costumed historical interpreters are on hand to interact with visitors, share the history of the park, and answer any questions.

7000 143 Street, 780-442-5311

Founded in 1924, the Art Gallery of Alberta is the oldest cultural institution in the region and is dedicated to the exhibition and preservation of art and visual culture. The Gallery boasts a collection of more than 6,000 objects showcased in exhibits and displays that focus on historical contemporary art both locally and from around the world.

The AGA also offers a variety of art education and public programs for adults and children, including talks, films, family activities, Late Night Wednesdays, and Alberta Culture Days.

2 Sir Winston Churchill Square, 780-422-6223

The Royal Alberta Museum was formerly called the Provincial Museum of Alberta until a visit from Queen Elizabeth in 2005 bestowed royal patronage on the museum, and it was renamed to the Royal Alberta. The museum is dedicated to natural history, and it has an array of exhibits and displays showcasing natural history, wildlife, entomology, and arachnology.

The museum’s current collection, which has over 10,000,000 objects displayed in three permanent galleries, namely the Wild Alberta, Syncrude Gallery of Aboriginal Culture, and Natural History. The museum’s current collection has over 10,000,000 objects. The Royal Alberta Museum also features rotating galleries that house traveling exhibits and curated collections; it is only open Friday through Sunday.

9810 103a Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 0G2

Recommended Activities for Families

TELUS World of Science is all about science and aims to encourage, inspire, and educate visitors about the world of science and technology and the important roles the play in today’s society. The center is home to two state-of-the-art theaters, one of which is a new IMAX Laser 4K Projector theater, a range of science-related exhibitions and displays, and a modern observatory where visitors can learn about the night sky.

The TELUS World of Science also offers a variety of programs, workshops, and camps, including guide and scout camps, spring break and summer camps, sleepover camps, and adult astronomy classes.

11211 142 Street NW, 780-451-3344

Run by the Edmonton Radial Railroad Society and steeped in history, the High Level Bridge Streetcar is an important component of the city’s heritage. Streetcars were first introduced to Edmonton in 1908, and the city became famous for its unique streetcar ride over the North Saskatchewan River, one of the highest river crossings by a streetcar in the world.

The streetcar’s rich and colorful history can be explored in the small streetcar museum in the Streetcar Barn at Strathcona, which features old photographs and pictures, uniforms, tickets, and several streetcar models. Visitors can enjoy a ride on the fully restored 1912 Edmonton Streetcar #33 across the High Level Bridge and take in the beautiful views.

Strathcona Streetcar Barn & Museum, 780-437-7721

For Younger Couples

Winspear Centre is a world-class performing arts center and home of the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra and Pro Coro Canada. Built in 1997, the center is named after Dr. Francis G. Winspear and features a vast concert hall with a seating capacity of over 3,500.

The Winspear is also home to the magnificent Davis Concert Organ, which is made from wood and metal and features 96 stops, 122 ranks, and 6,551 pipes. The Winspear Centre is located in the heart of Edmonton's vibrant downtown and is within close proximity to a variety of restaurants, bars, and cafés.

Box Office #4 Sir Winston Churchill Square, Corner of 99th Street and 102 Avenue, 780-428-1414

Discover the darker side of Edmonton on a fascinating ghost tour with Edmonton Ghost Tours. Dedicated to bringing Edmonton’s ghostly past back to life by exploring off-the-beaten-track parts of the city, these walking tours give an exhilarating insight into Edmonton’s rich history.

Featured tours include A Ghostly Walk through Old Strathcona’, the University of Alberta/Garneau History & Haunted Walk, and Halloween Haunt at the Rutherford House. The walking tours travel along the city streets and last for approximately one and a half hours. Warm clothing and comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Private Edmonton Ghost Tours can be arranged on request.

River Valley Adventure Co. offers a range of guided tours throughout Edmonton, and they also provide sports equipment for visitors’ use on self-guided tours. With offices in the Louise McKinney Riverfront Park, River Valley Adventure Company offers guided Segway tours through North America's largest urban parkland, and they also have high-end mountain bikes to explore the city.

The company also offers a variety of sporting equipment such as badminton and volleyball sets, footballs, and croquet and bocce sets to enjoy with friends, as well as a range of fishing equipment to use on the river. Relax at the Urban Green Café over freshly brewed coffee and sustainable snacks after your outdoor adventure.

9735 Grierson Hill NW, 780-995-7347