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Spring seems to finally be upon us in Edmonton, and it’s time to come out of that winter hibernation and take advantage of some of the many things to do in the city this season.
There is an abundance of cool things to check out in YEG right now, whether you want to get outside, try a unique activity, explore a new place, or take part in a virtual event from the comfort of your couch.
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We’ve rounded up a list of the best things to do in Edmonton right now, so that you can make the most of the sunny spring days no matter what your interests are.
Downtown Spark: Winter Birds
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What: The Winter Birds Exhibit invites Edmontonians to celebrate the special species of feathered friends that make their home in the city year-round. The highlight of this exhibit is three large, glowing inflatable chickadees, perched on the rooftop and in the courtyard of CO*LAB.
When: Now until April 30 (weather dependent – birds may be taken down if strong winds occur)
Where: CO*LAB (9641 102A Avenue NW)
Cost: Free
Kingsway Mall’s virtual egg hunt
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What: Kingsway Mall has used the power of augmented reality to create a virtual egg hunt to help Edmontonians get out of the house for a fun and safe adventure. Giant Easter eggs and other surprises have been hidden throughout the halls of Kingsway, ready for you to discover using the free “Virtual Easter” app.
When: On now until April 30
Time: Mall hours (11 am to 7 pm Monday through Friday, 10 am to 6 pm on Saturdays, and 11 am to 5 pm on Sundays)
Where: Kingsway Mall (1 Kingsway Garden Mall NW)
Cost: Free
Join River Valley Adventure Co. for a Segway tour
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What: If you’re bored of walking or biking, try a different method of transportation in the river valley this spring. River Valley Adventure Co. offers tours for everyone, from beginners to advanced Segway users, to help locals see their city in a whole new way.
When: Open now for the season
Time: Varies throughout the day (30 to 120-minute tours available)
Where: 9735 Grierson Hill NW
Cost: Starting at $29.99
Take an Edmonton Ghost tour in Old Strathcona
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What: Edmonton Ghost Tours is dedicated to bringing the city’s past back to life in a thrilling new way. Explore Edmonton’s history during this fun tour, stopping in front of buildings, houses, and shops that have reported ghosts, hauntings, murders, and mysteries.
It’s important to note that, due to COVID-19 restrictions, all tours must be booked online in advance, and group sizes are limited.
When: Wednesday through Saturday, now through May 29
Time: 7 pm
Where: Departing from 10322 83rd Avenue NW
Cost: $22.23
Try a TELUS World of Science virtual program
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What: TELUS World of Science hosts a wide variety of fun and educational options online, from virtual tutorials and talks from scientists to at-home IMAX shows and live escape rooms.
When: Programming varies, learn more through their website
Where: From the comfort of your own home
Cost: Varies by program
Stream a film from Metro Cinema
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What: Metro’s virtual cinema allows Edmontonians to take a break and get cultured at the same time while watching one of their contemporary films. Current offerings include Lapsis, Preparations to be Together for an Unknown Period of Time, Hope, Centre Stage, and more.
When: Anytime – once the film is paid for, you have seven days to watch it.
Where: Online
Cost: Varies by film
Tour the Royal Alberta Museum from home
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What: Tour the Royal Alberta Museum’s extensive collection virtually and learn something new without even leaving the house. Check out their 3D collections, tour the Dermestid Beetle Lab, visit the Quaternary Paleontology Collection, or try any one of their at-home learning activities.
When: Anytime
Where: Online, available through the museum’s website
Cost: Free
Check out a local farmers’ market
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What: Edmonton is home to tons of farmer’s markets, each with its own unique offerings. Pay a visit to Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market, Bountiful Farmers’ Market, Callingwood Farmers’ Market, or the Downtown Farmers’ Market this spring for some in-season, farm-fresh food and other local goodies.
When: Hours vary by market, check individual websites for more information.
Where: Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market (10310 83rd Avenue NW), Bountiful Farmers’ Market (3696 97th Street NW), Callingwood Farmers’ Market (6655 178th Street NW), and the Downtown Farmers’ Market (10305 97th Street NW)
Cost: Varies by purchase
Watch a show from the Citadel Theatre
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What: Bring theatre home by streaming one of the Citadel’s thought-provoking performances. A Brimful of Asha, on now until May 31, follows Ravi and his mother Asha as they share their hilarious, awkward, and true story of family tradition.
Mary’s Wedding, running through November 30, follows Mary as she dreams of her beloved Charlie on the eve of their wedding, and the tale across time and seas that brought them together.
When: Now through November 30
Time: Any time of your choice (shows run 90 to 95 minutes)
Where: Stream virtually from home
Cost: $29.40
Arts District Animation
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What: Arts District Animation features distinct, family-friendly digital experiences on the facades of three iconic Edmonton buildings. The Art Gallery of Alberta, Citadel Theatre, and Winspear Centre are hosting these works, created by local artists, on large outdoor LED screens, with laser projections and accompanying sound.
When: Now through May 31
Time: 10 am to 10 pm
Where: Art Gallery of Alberta (2 Sir Winston Churchill Square), Citadel Theatre (9828 101A Avenue), and Winspear Centre (4 Sir Winston Churchill Square)
Cost: Free
Rapid Fire Theatre’s Bonfire Festival
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What: Get ready to laugh. Bonfire is Rapid Fire Theatre’s annual festival exhibiting new ideas in improv. Each show in the festival has been created by a member of Rapid Fire Theatre’s own and demonstrates a new idea that they’ve never tried before.
When: Now through April 24
Time: Varies by performance
Where: Online
Cost: $0 to $20
The Quest for the Golden Key
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What: The virtual Golden Key to Edmonton’s past is hidden somewhere along the Edmonton Commonwealth Walkway. Try out this easy and interactive treasure hunt on your own, with your family or cohort, or with physically distanced friends. Download the Walkway app and solve five clues while experiencing the river valley, learning about the city’s past and present, and find the Golden Key!
When: Anytime
Time: Complete the Quest all in one go, or stop and come back to it another time. (The game is walkable and should take about two hours total)
Where: Edmonton’s Commonwealth Walkway travels for 10 kilometres through the North Saskatchewan River Valley.
Cost: Quest is played using the free Walkway app
Catch a documentary during NorthwestFest
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What: As the country’s longest-running non-fiction film festival, NorthwestFest is Edmonton’s 10-day, international documentary screening event. NorthwestFest features nearly 80 shorts and full-length films from Alberta, Canada, and around the world, and it’s sure to have something for you.
When: May 6 to 16
Time: Films are available for 48 hours from the time of purchase
Where: Online
Cost: Tickets start at $4.95 and up per film, or $79.95 for an all-access pass
Eat local during Downtown Dining Week
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What: During Downtown Dining Week, choose from 48 of Edmonton’s best local eateries, offering specials like the $20 Fast Casual, $35 Dinner, $20 Brunch, and more.
When: Now until April 25
Time: Whenever you’re hungry
Where: 48 participating local restaurants
Cost: Varies by meal
Visit the Edmonton Valley Zoo
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What: After recently reopening and showing off a new baby camel, the Edmonton Valley Zoo offers fun for all ages. Check out some of the zoo’s 350 animals in outdoor exhibits, and in select indoor exhibits with one-way access.
Visitors are asked to reserve their tickets online, prior to arriving at the zoo. Only 100 people are allowed in every half hour, and daily attendance is capped at 1,000 visitors.
When: Now open daily
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Where: 13315 Buena Vista Road
Cost: $10.95 for adults
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