15 Fun & Free Things to Do in Edmonton

Edmonton is a vibrant city full of life and culture. Whether you’re looking for an outdoor adventure or a peaceful stroll through a museum, Edmonton has something for everyone! Here are 15 fun and free things to do in Edmonton that will make your visit truly memorable.

Explore the River Valley

Edmonton’s River Valley is one of the largest urban parks in North America, and it’s just waiting to be explored. With miles of trails, scenic views, and plenty of wildlife, the River Valley is a great place to spend a day outside. Take a leisurely stroll along the riverbank, or go for a more adventurous hike in the hills. You can even rent a bike and take a ride along the multi-use trails.

The River Valley is also home to several historic sites, including Fort Edmonton Park, the Muttart Conservatory, and the Royal Alberta Museum. All of these attractions are free to explore, so you can take your time and soak in the history of Edmonton.

If you’re looking for a unique way to experience the River Valley, consider taking a Segway tour. You’ll get to explore the park in a whole new way, and the tour guides are full of interesting information about the area.

Visit the Art Gallery of Alberta

The Art Gallery of Alberta (AGA) is one of the premier galleries in Canada, and it’s free to explore. Located in downtown Edmonton, the AGA features a wide variety of art from local, national, and international artists. You can take a self-guided tour through the galleries, or join one of the free monthly guided tours.

The AGA also hosts a variety of events and programs throughout the year, including art classes and workshops. Even if you’re not an artist, you can still enjoy the gallery’s vibrant atmosphere and explore different cultures through the art.

The AGA also has a café and a gift shop, so you can grab a snack or pick up a souvenir to remember your visit.

Attend a Festival

Edmonton is home to a variety of festivals throughout the year, and many of them are free to attend. From food and film festivals to music and art festivals, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for entertainment or education, there’s a festival for you.

Some of the top festivals in Edmonton include the Edmonton International Fringe Festival, the Edmonton Heritage Festival, and the Edmonton International Jazz Festival. These festivals are a great way to experience the culture of Edmonton and meet new people.

If you’re looking for a unique experience, consider attending the annual Whyte Avenue Street Festival. This festival is held every summer and features performances, art installations, and food vendors. It’s a great way to explore the city’s vibrant culture.

Go Shopping at a Market

Edmonton is home to a variety of markets, and most of them are free to explore. From the Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market to the City Market Downtown, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for fresh produce or handmade crafts, you can find it at one of Edmonton’s markets.

If you’re looking for something unique, try the City Market Downtown. This market features local vendors, artisans, and food vendors. You can find everything from artisanal cheeses to handmade jewelry. It’s a great way to support local businesses and find unique items.

If you’re looking for something a little more exclusive, consider attending the Edmonton Artisan Market. This market features high-end items from local artisans, and it’s a great way to find something special.

Explore the University of Alberta Campus

The University of Alberta is one of the top universities in Canada, and it’s free to explore the campus. From the historic Quad to the vibrant student life, there’s something for everyone. Take a stroll through the campus and explore the beautiful gardens and historic buildings. You can even take a free guided tour of the campus and learn more about the university.

The University of Alberta also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including art exhibitions, lectures, and performances. These events are free to attend, and they’re a great way to experience the culture of the university.

If you’re looking for a unique way to experience the campus, consider taking a guided tour of the University of Alberta’s historic steam plant. This tour will take you through the inner workings of the plant and provide a unique glimpse into the university’s past.

Learn About Edmonton’s History at City Hall

Edmonton City Hall is a great place to learn about the history of the city. You can take a self-guided tour of the building, or join a free guided tour. The tours will take you through the building and tell you about the history of Edmonton and its people.

The building also features a variety of art exhibitions and displays, so you can explore different cultures and learn more about Edmonton’s past. City Hall also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts and lectures. These events are free to attend and are a great way to learn more about Edmonton.

If you’re looking for a unique way to experience the building, consider taking an architectural tour. This tour will take you through the building and show you the unique features of the building’s design.

Visit the Muttart Conservatory

The Muttart Conservatory is one of Edmonton’s most popular attractions, and it’s free to explore. The conservatory is home to a variety of plants from around the world, and it’s a great place to explore and learn about different plants. The conservatory also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including workshops and lectures.

The conservatory also has a café and a gift shop, so you can grab a snack or pick up a souvenir to remember your visit. It’s a great place to spend an afternoon, and it’s a great way to learn about plants and the natural environment.

If you’re looking for a unique way to experience the conservatory, consider taking a guided tour. The tour guides are knowledgeable and can answer any questions you may have about the plants and the environment.

Visit the Edmonton Valley Zoo

The Edmonton Valley Zoo is a great place to explore and learn about wildlife. The zoo is home to a variety of animals, including giraffes, elephants, and tigers. You can explore the zoo at your own pace, or join one of the free guided tours. The tours are a great way to learn more about the animals and the zoo’s conservation efforts.

The zoo also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including animal shows and educational programs. These events are free to attend, and they’re a great way to learn more about the animals and the environment.

If you’re looking for a unique way to experience the zoo, consider taking a behind-the-scenes tour. These tours are a great way to get up close and personal with the animals, and they’re a great way to learn more about the zoo.

Visit the Royal Alberta Museum

The Royal Alberta Museum is one of the top museums in Canada, and it’s free to explore. The museum is home to a variety of exhibits, including natural history, art, and science. You can explore the museum at your own pace, or join one of the free guided tours. The tours are a great way to learn more about the exhibits and the history of the museum.

The museum also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including lectures, workshops, and educational programs. These events are free to attend, and they’re a great way to learn more about the museum and its collections.

If you’re looking for a unique way to experience the museum, consider taking a tour of the museum’s archives. These tours will take you through the museum’s collection of rare artifacts and provide an in-depth look at the history of the museum.

Experience the Culture of Chinatown

Edmonton’s Chinatown is one of the oldest and most vibrant areas in the city. You can explore the Chinatown streets at your own pace, or join one of the free guided tours. The tours will take you through the streets and tell you about the history and culture of the area.

Chinatown is also home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and markets. You can explore the stores at your own pace, or join one of the free shopping tours. The tours are a great way to find unique items and experience the culture of the area.

If you’re looking for a unique way to experience Chinatown, consider taking a tour of the Chinese Cultural Centre. This centre features a variety of exhibits and performances, and it’s a great way to learn more about the culture of Chinatown.

Take a Stroll Through the Legislature Grounds

The Legislature Grounds are a great place to take a leisurely stroll and explore the history of Edmonton. The grounds are home to a variety of historic buildings, monuments, and statues, and it’s free to explore. Take your time and soak in the history of the area, or join one of the free guided tours to learn more.

The grounds also host a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts and performances. These events are free to attend, and they’re a great way to experience the culture of the area.

If you’re looking for a unique way to experience the grounds, consider taking a tour of the Parliament Buildings. This tour will take you through the building and provide a unique glimpse into the history and culture of Edmonton.

Take a Self-Guided Tour of Old Strathcona

Old Strathcona is one of Edmonton’s oldest and most vibrant neighbourhoods, and it’s free to explore. Take a stroll through the streets and explore the unique shops and restaurants. You can even join one of the free self-guided tours to learn more about the neighbourhood.

Old Strathcona is also home to a variety of events throughout the year, including festivals and performances. These events are free to attend, and they’re a great way to experience the culture of the area.

If you’re looking for a unique way to experience Old Strathcona, consider taking a tour of the historic Strathcona Hotel. This tour will take you through the building and provide a unique glimpse into the history of the neighbourhood.

Visit the Edmonton Public Library

The Edmonton Public Library is one of the most popular attractions in the city, and it’s free to explore. The library is home to a variety of books, magazines, and other materials, and it’s a great place to explore and learn. You can take a self-guided tour of the library, or join one of the free guided tours.

The library also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including lectures, workshops, and educational programs. These events are free to attend, and they’re a great way to learn more about the library and its collections.

If you’re looking for a unique way to experience the library, consider taking a tour of the library’s rare book collection. This tour will take you through the library’s collection of rare and unique books, and it’s a great way to learn more about the library’s history.

Conclusion

Edmonton is a vibrant city full of life and culture. From outdoor adventures to cultural experiences, there is something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful stroll through a museum or a thrilling ride through the River Valley, Edmonton has something for you. And best of all, many of these activities are free to explore! So take some time to explore Edmonton and experience all that it has to offer.