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Top 10 Hidden Gems to Discover in Edmonton

Edmonton is a bustling hub of activity, with a wealth of shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences for all to enjoy. From its thriving arts and culture scene to its stunning natural scenery and exciting sports and entertainment offerings, there’s never a boring day in Festival City. However, there are also many hidden gems waiting to be discovered by those who venture off the beaten path, hidden gems that many locals don’t even know about. In this blog, we’ll explore 10 of the city’s best-kept secrets that you should definitely add to your Edmonton bucket list.
neon sign museum

The Neon Sign Museum

The Neon Sign Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in Edmonton’s history and culture. Located on 104th Street, this open-air museum features more than 20 neon signs from the 1940s to the 1990s, all restored to their original glory. The signs light up at night, creating a vibrant and nostalgic atmosphere.

alchemy bar edmonton

Alchemy

Find yourself transported back in time to the era of prohibition when you step into Alchemy. That is if you can find it… Alchemy is as elusive as it is popular. Serving up craft cocktails and elevated bar snacks like bison tartare and oysters on a half shell, this speakeasy can be found only by pulling on the right bookshelf on the fifth floor of the JW Marriot in the ICE District. Good luck!

keillor point end of the world edmonton

Keillor Point: The End of the World

No, the end of the world is not imminent, but heading down the concrete catwalk at Keillor Point to catch the sun setting over the North Saskatchewan River can make it feel like you’re staring into the void. Originally Keillor Road, which connected Saskatchewan Drive to Fox Drive, the road closed in the 90s and then was partially wiped out by a landslide in the early 2000s. The End of the World’s catwalk was built using pillars and a retaining wall left over from the original road.

leadbeater's genesis

Leadbeater’s Genesis

Have you ever seen a UFO crash site? Checking out Leadbeater’s Genesis in the Citadel Theatre may be the closest you’ll ever get. Inspired by the Apollo 11 moon mission, some of Einstein’s ideas, and the big bang theory, this art installation by Roy Leadbeater – one of Edmonton’s most celebrated artists – can be found among the greenery of Lee Pavillion. The sculpture itself is a fragmented metal disc that appears to be ripped apart, with jagged edges that create the illusion of a spaceship crashing into the jungle.
ab legislature clap and squeak phenomenon

The Alberta Legislature Clap and Squeak

If you follow the footpath north from the domed side of the Legislature Building on the Alberta Legislature grounds, you’ll eventually find yourself at the South Amphitheatre on the East Lawn. There, you’ll find a giant brick circle with a smaller cement circle directly in the middle of it. Stand in that smaller circle and give a loud clap of your hands to experience an interesting phenomenon: instead of an echoed clap, the bricks around you will echo back with a squeak! Clap-Squeak.

loma house restaurant edmonton

Loma House

The MacEwan University Observatory is a hidden gem for kids, science lovers, and amateur astronomers that offers visitors the opportunity to explore the night sky and learn about astronomy. The observatory is equipped with a powerful telescope and staffed by experienced astronomers and volunteers who offer regular public viewing sessions and special events throughout the year. The observatory also offers a Universe in the Classroom program, which brings the wonders of the universe to local schools through interactive presentations and hands-on activities.

macewan university observatory

MacEwan University Observatory

The MacEwan University Observatory is a hidden gem for kids, science lovers, and amateur astronomers that offers visitors the opportunity to explore the night sky and learn about astronomy. The observatory is equipped with a powerful telescope and staffed by experienced astronomers and volunteers who offer regular public viewing sessions and special events throughout the year. The observatory also offers a Universe in the Classroom program, which brings the wonders of the universe to local schools through interactive presentations and hands-on activities.

river valley secret swing

The Secret River Valley Swing

Discover an ultra-secret spot in Edmonton where you can soar over the water on a hidden swing. To unravel the mystery of its location, just follow the paved trail near the Highlands Golf Course, past the Capilano Bridge. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, follow the path, and find yourself swinging out over the water with a picturesque view of the North Saskatchewan River – don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind experience!

west edmonton mall sea life caverns

Sea Life Caverns, WEM

You might not think of West Edmonton Mall when you’re thinking about hidden gems around Edmonton, but the truth is, the mall is so big that many things can often go overlooked. One of these oft-overlooked attractions is the Sea Life Caverns, an underground aquarium that you access by venturing into the mouth of a giant fish. With more than 100 species of colourful fish, sharks, reptiles, sea turtles, amphibians, penguins and more, you can get up close and personal with these amazing creatures through interactive exhibits that even allow you to pet sea stars!

4th street promenade

4th Street Promenade

Nestled beside the LRT’s downtown Bay Station is the 4th Street Promenade, a red brick-laden lane that may remind you of historic cobblestone streets of older cities, offering a peaceful respite from Jasper Avenue’s mid-day traffic and hustle and bustle, with a variety of coffee shops, restaurants, and boutiques. And during the summer, the 200-yard stretch transforms into a lush oasis, adorned with trees and bathed in the sunlight of the long northern Alberta days that peeks through the buildings.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time resident of Edmonton, these hidden gems offer a chance to discover something new and unique. Whether you’re looking for a new outdoor adventure or a hidden prohibition-era speakeasy, you’re sure to find many secrets just waiting to be uncovered. Other hidden gems worth exploring include the art galleries and studios in the 124 Street and Gallery Walk districts, the stunning architecture of the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald, and the charming cafes and mature tree-lined streets in the Oliver and Garneau neighbourhoods. So next time you’re in Edmonton, take some time to explore these hidden gems and discover all that this dynamic city has to offer.

If you’re planning your next trip to our city and are looking for a place to stay that will put you right in the heart of the city, with access to many of these hidden gems – and more – book your stay through Edmonton’s Best Hotels. It’s no secret that you can get up to $225 in rewards when you book with us! 

Know someone who’s keen to find each city’s unique hidden gems? Share this post with them!

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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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