June 2025
Culture, Festivals and Scenery Await You in Edmonton
Still haven’t finalized your summer travel plans? Why not look north to Edmonton, Canada? The city offers many unique attractions and hidden gems, and it’s easy to get there with nonstop flights from Phoenix Sky Harbor.
Fun fact: Did you know the West Edmonton Mall is the largest shopping center in North America? In addition to shopping, the mall features several attractions including a waterpark, adventure golf, an ice-skating rink, a pirate vessel, bowling, and much more.
If you’re looking for a unique overnight experience, check into the Fantasyland Hotel. This hotel, located at the West Edmonton Mall, offers 120 themed rooms. Visitors can sleep in an igloo, sail the high seas in a Polynesian themed room, live like a king or queen in a royalty themed room, go to space, or even stay with the dinosaurs.
If you like history, check out the High Level Bridge Streetcar. It’s a vintage streetcar that runs along the North Saskatchewan River. You’ll get great views and have an opportunity to see the historic neighborhood of Old Strathcona. Additionally, Old Strathcona offers many local shops as well as murals and more. It’s a must visit when in Edmonton.
Perhaps science is more your thing. The Telus World of Science offers interactive exhibits for the whole family as well as fun planetarium shows. We hear the adults only After Dark experience is a lot of fun with laser shows, wine, and unique hands-on exhibits.
If enjoying scenery is more your speed, you are in luck. Edmonton is close to several incredible outdoor experiences and is the gateway to Jasper National Park. While some areas are still impacted by the 2024 wildfires, Jasper National Park offers an outstanding opportunity to see some of the most spectacular landscapes of Canada. The hiking opportunities are unparalleled. The park is about a 4-5 hour drive from Edmonton and the top sights include Athabasca Falls, Maligne Canyon, and Maligne Lake, among others. Jasper National Park also offers unbelievable wildlife watching – think elk, moose, and sheep, and an exceptionally scenic drive along the Icefields Parkway.
Closer to town, you can visit Elk Island National Park. It’s a great place to see bison up close, go canoeing, and enjoy scenic hikes.
Edmonton also has the River Valley Park which offers more than 100 miles of trails through forests, scenic overlooks and more.
Edmonton is well known for its festivals too. In August, Edmonton Fringe takes place and features street performances, experimental theatre, markets and more. Other festivals include the Edmonton Folk Music Festival in August, and an ice carving competition in the winter.
For a list of all the things you can do in Edmonton, visit https://exploreedmonton.com/.