8 ways to cool off when you get sick of the heat in Edmonton

Aug 29 2025, 4:30 pm

While it’s nice to have one last blast of heat before the unofficial end of summer, Edmonton is in the midst of a heatwave with temperatures reaching as high as 34°C this week.

When the mercury climbs, it’s important to stay hydrated and find ways to keep cool.

Here are a few great options to beat the heat in the city:

Head into the River Valley


A walk through the river valley on a hot day is sure to cool you off; there are plenty of trees for shade, and proximity to the water will bring the temperature down a few degrees. Plus, it’s a beautiful part of the city to explore!

Hit up the Library

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Edmonton Public Library (@epldotca)

Settle in with a good book at any one of the Edmonton Public Library locations, where you will feel extra comfortable under the air conditioning. It’s a quiet, peaceful way to relax and stay cool when the ground outside is hot enough to fry an egg.

Go see a movie

calgary new year

JHVEPhoto/Shutterstock

Another great source of air conditioning is the movie theatre. What better way to beat the heat for a few hours than with a movie?

Get some ice cream

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Kind Ice Cream (@kindicecream)

Edmonton has so many incredible, locally owned ice cream shops, and it’s a fantastic way to beat the heat. Check out our roundup of the best ice cream in Edmonton, which we think everyone should try at least once.

Hit up a patio

Best patios on Whyte Avenue in Edmonton to check out this summer

@juliosedmonton/Instagram

Grab a few friends and head down to one of Edmonton’s many outdoor patios. Stay shaded under an umbrella while sipping on an ice-cold drink. What could be better?

West Edmonton Mall

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by West Edmonton Mall (@official_wem)

You can spend an entire day inside West Edmonton Mall, and best of all, it’s all air-conditioned. So do a little shopping, hit up Galaxyland, or go for a splash at the World Waterpark; the world is your oyster!

Elk Island National Park

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by bisoncastle (@bisoncastle)

Stick to the shaded trails at Elk Island National Park; you’ll feel the temperature come down a few degrees. It’s only a short drive east of Edmonton! Plus, you may see a buffalo or two while you’re out there.

Go for a swim

This is such a classic way to cool off, with so many fantastic outdoor pools to enjoy all over the city. Or, if you’d rather keep it simple, dip your feet into one of the many indoor public pools for a quick, refreshing break from the heat outdoors.

ADVERTISEMENT