It’s safe to say that it’s been a soggy start to summer in Edmonton.
The city has already seen enough rainfall to make it the second-rainiest June on record, with localized flooding and a water supply alert issued along the way. While a brief break from the grey skies is in the forecast this week, more rain could be on the way by the weekend.
So if you’re looking to escape the rain while we wait for summer to actually begin, here are 10 rainy-day activities you can do in Edmonton:
Try a new hobby at the Stanley A. Milner Library
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Head to the Stanley A. Milner Library downtown to make the most of a rainy day. Along with books, you can use recording studios, high-end creative workstations, 3D printers, laser cutters, sewing machines, bookmaking equipment, and anything else you could think of to keep your brain occupied.
Address: 7 Sir Winston Churchill Sq. NW
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Find a cozy board game cafe
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When the weather keeps you indoors, a board game cafe is hard to beat. Edmonton has four fantastic spots where you can grab a coffee, settle in for a game night with friends, and, at most locations, enjoy snacks, beer, or wine while you play.
Muttart Conservatory
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Be amazed at the stunning Muttart Conservatory, with each glass pyramid showcasing a different environment for plants from around the globe. It’s a relaxing, insightful, and beautiful experience and a lovely thing to do in Edmonton.
Address: 9626 96A St. NW
Telus World of Science
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Head to the Telus World of Science (TWOSE), where you can catch an IMAX screening, put your brain to the test with interactive exhibits, and spend hours exploring everything the TWOSE has to offer.
Address: 11211 142nd St. NW
Art Gallery of Alberta
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Right in the heart of downtown, the Art Gallery of Alberta (AGA) has been Edmonton’s go-to for art and culture for 100 years. With rotating exhibitions, workshops, and events, it’s the perfect spot to get inspired, learn something new, or just soak up some creativity instead of the rain.
Address: 2 Sir Winston Churchill Sq. NW
Head to an indoor farmers’ market
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Rain might spoil a trip to an outdoor farmers’ market, but luckily, Edmonton has indoor options that keep the shopping going year-round (a perk of being a winter city). From Strathcona to Bountiful Farmers’ Market, you can browse fresh produce, handmade goods, baked treats, and more without worrying about the forecast.
Check out a nostalgic movie
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Rainy days are made for the movies, and there’s no better place to catch one than Metro Cinema. The historic Garneau Theatre screens everything from cult classics and old favourites to independent and international films. You can check out the theatre’s schedule online to find a flick that piques your interest.
Address: 8712 109th St. NW
Go (indoor mini) golfing
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Challenge your friends at Activate, play a round of indoor mini golf, hit up The Rec Room, or check out one of many great bowling alleys peppered around Edmonton. We may be known as a winter city, but we’ve gotten pretty good at keeping ourselves entertained indoors year-round!
West Edmonton Mall
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When all else fails, there’s always West Edmonton Mall. Whether you want to tackle the waterslides, ride the coasters at Galaxyland, browse the shops, or grab a bite to eat, there’s more than enough to keep you busy until the sun reemerges.
Address: 8882 170th St. NW