Edmonton’s Best Attractions

No matter what time of year you choose to visit, our fair city of Edmonton is always full of life and adventure. With a variety of attractions to explore and activities to enjoy, you won’t be short of things to do. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly vacation or just a weekend getaway, there’s something for everyone to do here. From the world-renowned West Edmonton Mall to a unique blend of museums and zoos, there are so many things to see and do here that you might just want to extend your vacation!

If you’re planning a trip to Edmonton soon, be sure to include the five must-see attractions in this guide. We scoured local sources to find some of the best attractions in Edmonton, so you don’t have to waste time researching, and can spend it where it matters most—enjoying your vacation with your family.

edmontons best attractions west edmonton mall

Edmonton’s Best Attractions: West Edmonton Mall

No matter where you live, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of West Edmonton Mall. It is the largest mall in Canada, after all (it’s bigger than the world’s smallest country!). 

There are so many things to see and do at West Edmonton Mall, we could write an entire blog just about its plethora of awesome attractions – oh, wait. We already did!

As our good friends over at Explore Edmonton aptly put it, West Ed is the Mount Everest of the shopping and entertainment world. Stepping into WEM is like stepping into a world all its own. With 48 city blocks worth of stores, dining options, and attractions, you’ll need more than just a single day to tackle everything it has to offer.

For the adventure seekers out there, there’s an indoor amusement park called Galaxyland that’s home to the largest indoor rollercoaster in the world, or their newest attraction, Drive, a three-level indoor racetrack that brings racers through a beautiful New York City streetscape. If you’d rather don your swimsuit and take in some waterslides, WEM has got you covered as well. World Water Park houses the world’s largest indoor lake and boasts 20 different waterslides, including the Sky Screamer Extreme, for the more adventurous in your crew.

edmontons best attractions fort edmonton park

Edmonton’s Best Attractions: Fort Edmonton Park

This living history museum – the largest in Canada – offers a unique way to experience Edmonton’s history and explore the city’s past. Spanning four distinct time periods – 1846, 1885, 1905, and 1920 – the park is an interactive experience like no other. These periods are represented by various buildings, costumed actors, and interactive exhibits that bring the past to life. Visitors can explore the park on foot, or take a ride on the steam train. There are also a variety of restaurants and shops to explore.

The recently opened Indigenous Peoples Experience provides visitors to the park with an inspiring opportunity to gain an understanding of the histories and perspectives of First Nations and Métis Peoples. Featuring stories, music, artwork and written material from local Indigenous sources, the experience allows for an enlightening exploration of life. If you’re visiting through October, don’t miss out on DARK – one of the city’s most renowned and chilling Halloween events that happens right in Fort Edmonton Park.

Whether you’re visiting Edmonton or living in the area, Fort Edmonton Park is a must-see attraction that should not be missed. It is definitely one of the best things to do in Edmonton for those looking for historic attractions and an unforgettable experience. 

edmontons best attractions telus world of science

Edmonton’s Best Attractions: Telus World of Science

An absolute must for families visiting Edmonton is the Telus World of Science. This science center is a great place to explore with a variety of interactive displays and hands-on activities suitable for all ages. From the planetarium to the IMAX cinema, there is something here to interest everyone.

What’s more this incredible attraction has recently undergone a huge renovation, which means there’s more to do than ever before! Visitors can now explore the Health Zone in the Allard Family Gallery, which provides hands-on experiences and experiments that make them the center of their own health journey. But that’s not all. Science enthusiasts can also step into a massive laboratory, learn about robotics programming, meet tiny sea creatures, and discover the far reaches of outer space.

The Telus World of Science also offers a wide variety of educational programs, courses, and events, ranging from summer camps to family science nights. Whether you are looking for a fun day out with the family or an educational experience where the kiddos won’t even know they’re learning, that doesn’t feel like school, this attraction is the perfect place to go. 

edmontons best attractions royal alberta museum

Edmonton’s Best Attractions: The Royal Alberta Museum

The Royal Alberta Museum is a must-see attraction for anyone interested in natural history and science. This world-class museum showcases a variety of exhibits and interactive displays. From dinosaur fossils to the history of Alberta, every time period is covered.

The RAM is situated in the Arts District of downtown Edmonton, and it is the perfect place to satisfy the curiosity of people of all ages. Its extensive galleries will take you on a journey of the past inhabitants of the province and its natural world. Children can spend hours discovering everything that the Children’s Gallery has to offer, and the Human History Hall displays both ancient and modern Indigenous histories of Alberta.

Additionally, the museum houses the Manitou Asinîy, a sacred meteorite that is believed to possess significant power and importance to many Indigenous cultures in the province and beyond. With a multitude of stories, an abundance of objects, and ample options for exploration, you will find that a visit to the museum will be over before you know it! 

edmontons best attractions edmonton valley zoo

Edmonton’s Best Attractions: Edmonton Valley Zoo

The Valley Zoo is the perfect place for families visiting Edmonton. This unique zoo is home to over 350 animals both big and small, from the endangered peregrine falcon to a majestic Siberian tiger. The zoo also features a variety of interactive exhibits, shows, and petting zoos that are sure to delight everyone, young and old.

The Valley Zoo also offers various educational programs, workshops, and events, including summer camps, creature features, animal talks, and family days out. And while you’re there, don’t forget to check on Lucy, the zoo’s precocious Asian elephant, who is a beloved member of not only the zoo but the province as a whole. If Lucy isn’t in her paddock, chances are she’s out on one of her walks around the back pastures of the zoo, so don’t be alarmed if you see her out and about!

For wintertime visitors, Edmonton Valley Zoo is also the site of Zoominescence, one of the most-loved winter festivals in the city. Visitors can admire fantastic displays of artful lighting, partake in ice skating, drink hot cocoa, and have a great time with the entire family! Where else can you see zebras frolicking in knee deep snow in front of a holiday light display?

Whether you’re looking for a fun day out with the family or an educational experience, the Valley Zoo is the perfect place to explore. 

Edmonton is a bustling city that offers a range of activities and attractions to enjoy. The world-renowned West Edmonton Mall, alongside the variety of museums and zoos, is sure to make for an unforgettable experience for tourists of all ages. If you’re planning to visit Edmonton to check out any (or all!) of these awe-inspiring attractions, be sure to book your room through Edmonton’s Best Hotels and take advantage of our 1, 2, 3 Rewards Deal to get up to $225 of FREE rewards for some extra vacation cash in your pocket!

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Terms and Conditions

The “1,2, 3 Pick Your Rewards”, Terms and Conditions and Blackout Dates 

Rewards Program campaign dates

Reward package available to book from January 5, 2022 for stays to December 31, 2024 for rewards except for possible blackout dates. At present there are no blackout dates scheduled.

Rewards are subject to while supplies last.  Substitutions of equivalent kind, value may be made as necessary.  Rewards are non-transferable, no cash value, no cash back.

  • Rewards are non-transferable, non-exchangeable, have no cash value, no cash back.
  • Rewards cannot be combined with any other offer or promotion.
  • Reward deal is net non-commissionable.

Blackout dates

At present there are no blackout dates scheduled. 

In the event blackout dates are scheduled, any guest who makes a booking for a hotel stay during the blackout period prior to the blackout period being named will receive the rewards they are booked for. 

Rewards Program offerings

Book one night’s stay with Edmonton’s Best Hotels and receive your choice of one of three $50 rewards excluding blackout dates:

  • $50 Gas Card or
  • $50 Prepaid Mastercard, or
  • $50 Ultimate Dining Card

Book two night’s stay with Edmonton’s Best Hotels and receive your choice of one of five reward packages excluding blackout dates:

  • $150 prepaid MasterCard, or
  • $75 Gas card and $75 MasterCard, or
  • $75 Gas card and $75 Ultimate Dining Card, or

Book three night’s stay with Edmonton’s Best Hotels and receive your choice of one of four reward packages excluding blackout dates:

  • Three Night Reward 1: $225 Prepaid Mastercard
  • Three Night Reward 3: $75 Ultimate Dining Card + $75 Prepaid Mastercard + $75 Gas Card

One choice of reward per stay. 

Guest must be 18 years of age or older at time of redemption. 

Prepaid Mastercard’s can be used for online purchases only. In Canada, prepaid Mastercard’s cannot be used at any retail outlet (including your hotel) with point-of-sale systems.

Rewards distribution

Rewards will be emailed directly to guests within 48 hours of Edmonton’s Best Hotels confirming their check-in.  Rewards are not provided by the hotel’s front desk.   All rewards are sent electronically. 

Reservations

Guest must reserve a minimum of 24 hours prior to arrival.

Rewards are NOT available for reservations made less than 24 hours in advance of arrival.

Reservations made directly with hotels and not through Edmonton’s Best Hotels are not eligible for rewards. No exceptions. Rewards are only provided to guests who book through Edmonton’s Best Hotels online booking platform.  Booking reservation confirmations will have Edmonton’s Best Hotels branding on them. Rewards not provided for hotel reservations during specified blackout dates.

Reservations cannot be extended by hotels for additional rewards.

Guests may add a night to an existing one-night deal reservation and receive additional rewards if the request is made a minimum of 24 hours in advance of arrival.

Booking terms and conditions

Rewards provided for more than one night, must be for consecutive nights under one registration under one name at one property. In addition, no more than up to three consecutive nights will be honoured. If a guest checks in for three days and then checks out and re-checks in for the next day, this is considered a consecutive night booking even if the second booking is made at different hotel.  

There must be a minimum of three days between bookings.

Multiple reservations for the same person for the same night(s) is considered a double booking and only one of those bookings will be eligible for rewards. For example, if a guest books two nights on x and y date and then makes another two-night booking for the same dates at the same hotel or another hotel, EBH considers this a double booking and will honour rewards for only one of those bookings. 

Is there a limit on the number of bookings I make on different dates?  Edmonton Best Hotels welcomes repeat business.  Some of our guests visit Edmonton every month.  Please note as stated earlier there must be a minimum of three days between bookings. Please also note stated blackout dates.

Cancelling and date changes to reservations

If a guest wants to cancel or change the dates of their booking.

What if I want to cancel my booking?  Edmonton Best Hotels must cancel your booking (not the hotel).  If you want to cancel, contact info@edmh.ca and let us know.  We will cancel your booking and send you a cancellation number for your records.  Please do not cancel directly with the hotel.

What if I want to change the dates of my booking?  You must contact Edmonton Best Hotels at info@edmh.ca and let us know you want to make a date change.  Your original booking must be cancelled first.  You will receive a cancellation number for your records.  Then, you must rebook for your new dates.  The hotel nor Edmonton’s Best Hotels cannot make date changes to the original booking.  Please note this does not guarantee you will receive the same hotel rate when you rebook for different dates.

Any questions, please contact Edmonton Best Hotels at info@edmh.ca 

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