What to do on a weekend getaway in Edmonton: Grown-up Fun, Family Entertainment
Planning an escape can be both exciting and intimidating, mainly because you have to please both adults and kids at the same time. Fortunately, Edmonton has a wonderful array of pursuits for all ages. This vibrant city has something for everyone, from family holidays to romantic stays.
Edmonton has world-class museums, nice parks, trendy eateries, and busy markets, ensuring everything runs smoothly. Here, we explore how to get the most out of our stay, entertaining parents and kids with fun for all ages. For example, the Reynolds Museum Harvest Festival offers something for everyone.
How Edmonton Is Ideal For Your Vacation
The provincial capital, Edmonton, is another top pick for destinations across Alberta. Affectionately known as "Canada's Festival City," Edmonton hosts many festivals over the calendar year, which keeps it lively. This is where the Works Art & Design Festival takes place at the end of June and early July, with art from across Canada and worldwide. A few weeks later, the Edmonton International Street Performer's Festival the biggest of its kind in North America -- captivates crowds. Late June brings a treat for music lovers with The TD Edmonton International Jazz Festival.
The summer in the city is also attractive to families, with the popular K-Days, or Klondike Days as originally known. Previously, Klondike Days and Capital Ex boasted a gold rush theme with varying entertainment. These events showcase the culture and joy of Edmonton, making it an ideal destination for a holiday. For those seeking entertainment beyond the city’s festivities, casino gaming offers an exciting alternative, whether in person or online.
There are a few land-based casinos in Edmonton, and there are more casinos in the rest of Alberta. Online casinos will soon be fully legal too, as Alberta is expected to be the second province in Canada to regulate online gambling. New online gaming regulation would most likely make the popular PayPal casinos available to consumers in Alberta, too.
Grown-up Fun: Some of the Coolest Things to Do
Nightlife and Dining
Boasting nightlife has something for everyone. Much of that is concentrated in the city's core, though; downtown, Oliver and a small part of Garneau and Old Strathcona are home to bars, pubs and live music venues. How the Ice District lures us in with Rogers Place, where nightlife crosses paths with performances. Sip on local wine at RGE RD or cross the sea to Corso 32 for a meal featuring sumptuous diversity in cuisine.
Cultural Hotspots
EDMONTON, AB: Culturally, Edmonton hosts various museums, theatres and galleries. The Art Gallery of Alberta displays modern works, and the Royal Alberta Museum explores the area's history. At the same time, the Citadel Theatre and Francis Winspear Centre for Music provide in-depth cultural offerings for those seeking live performance experiences.
Outdoor Adventures
If outdoor lovers are what we mean, Edmonton offers year-round ideas. By bike or foot, wander through River Valley Parks Circuit, the city's green heart. Nearby, Elk Island National Park has wildlife, including elk, bison, and hiking trails. Escape to the serenity of the gentle waters by kayaking or canoeing on the North Saskatchewan River.
Family-Friendly Entertainment
Edmonton offers a plethora of family-friendly activities. There is something for everyone from sprawling malls to lively festivals.
Kid-Friendly Attractions
West Edmonton Mall is a must-do. Galaxyland, the World Waterpark, and Sea Life Caverns Aquarium are venues here. Other added amenities include an Ice Rink and a Miniature Golf Course, so you can enjoy endless hours of fun.
Educational Experiences
Telus World of Science has hands-on displays for insightful field trips. The Royal Alberta Museum attracts more visitors annually due to its natural and human history themes that educate while entertaining tourists.
Outdoor Play Areas
Edmonton has great children's amenities, such as outdoor spaces, such as Fort Edmonton Park and Courtesy of Travel Alberta. You can take in history all around you at Fort Edmonton Park, where historical reenactments fill the air with old-fashioned fun. Hawrelak Park has large green spaces with playgrounds and paddle boating with the family.
Where To Stay in Edmonton
Whether planning a getaway in Edmonton, one must recognize his or her accommodation. No matter the location or type of establishment you're looking for, Edmonton has it all – from luxury to budget hotels and family accommodations.
Luxury Hotels
Other high-end accommodations in Edmonton include the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald (Downtown), which sits right downtown and offers fine, elegant rooms with superb service. The Westin Edmonton is known for its modern amenities and proximity to many great sites. The Union Bank Inn is a luxury boutique hotel in a historical setting. The JW Marriott Edmonton ICE District offers high-end lodgings within walking distance of entertainment destinations.
Budget Accommodations
Edmonton offers budget-friendly options for thrifty travelers. One example is the hostel HI Edmonton, which offers cheaper dormitories and private rooms. Super eight by Wyndham Edmonton South is a budget-oriented hotel with basic facilities, making it a decent selection for value seekers.
Family-Friendly Options
Edmonton offers many places to stay for visiting families. Some great options for travellers with kids include the West Edmonton Mall Inn (which offers access to the mall's entertainment facilities) and the Holiday Inn Express & Suites West Edmonton (which offers family rooms and kid-friendly amenities).
Best Times To Visit Edmonton
When it comes to a vacation in Edmonton, the time of year you choose can significantly impact the experience. The summer, from June through August, is the most amazing. As 'Canada's Festival City,' the city has plenty of things to do during this time! The Works Art & Design Festival, the Edmonton International Street Performer's Festival, and the TD Edmonton International Jazz Festival are just a few of the many events. The Edmonton Folk Music Festival and the Edmonton International Fringe Festival are a music lover's dream.
Edmonton is charming during the cold and snow of December to February. Winter festivals are magical, and if you enjoy winter activities, you should not miss the Silver Skate Festival and the Flying Canoe Volcano. The Ice Magic Festival and Ice on Whyte showcase beautiful ice sculptures and winter fun. Edmonton welcomes visitors in every season of the year.
Conclusion
Edmonton is a jack of all trades regarding being an escape site. The city has something for everyone, from vibrant nightlife and culinary delights to family-friendly adventures and educational experiences. From its cultural events to various other attractions and festivals that happen year-round, Edmonton is highly rated for single adults and families.
Upon visiting, you can enjoy Edmonton most popularly, with activities for both the young and old. So, dust off your luggage and get ready to delve deeper into this happening city with unlimited fun.
