Tours & Activities in Edmonton
Edmonton, Alberta's capital city, offers a variety of tours and activities enabling visitors to discover the city’s many sides. Historic, cultural and artistic by night, Edmonton is outdoorsy and active by day. Activities in Edmonton are diverse and cater to the desires of many personalities and age groups. The scenic river valley provides a playground for nature lovers while tours in the downtown core may interest city slickers. From athletic individuals craving physical activity to those wanting to engage in the city's urban culture, there is something for everyone.
ACROSS THE LAND
Hiking is a popular way to explore Alberta's diverse landscapes. Within the Edmonton area there are plenty of scenic parks that contain hiking and walking trails. Easily accessible from Edmonton's city centre, the Edmonton River Valley can be explored by beginner hikers, runners or walkers. There are over 150 km (93 mi) of trails winding along the banks of the North Saskatchewan River. Open year round, these trails provide splendid scenic views no matter the season. In winter the trails become snow-covered, making excellent tracks for cross-country skiers and snowshoers. For those who desire to escape the city limits, just 40 minutes east is a provincial recreation area called Cooking Lake. Here, activities such as horseback riding, hiking and birdwatching can be enjoyed.
Hiking tours are an option for visitors unsure of where to go and what to see. There are tour groups that offer custom-made day hiking trips in the Edmonton region. Watchable Wildlife Tours takes visitors to wetlands and backcountry trails to observe Albertan wildlife while hiking. The tour company makes things as easy as possible, providing return transportation to Edmonton hotels.
ON THE WATER
Another way to experience wildlife is to get out on the water. Fishing adventures are a fun way to interact with nature. Professional fishermen take beginners out on Edmonton area rivers and lakes to catch local fish. These tours are typically all-inclusive and suitable for all ages. If tourists aren't keen on such an intimate experience with nature the Edmonton Queen Riverboat allows them to appreciate being out on the water from the comfort of a larger tour vessel. This riverboat cruises along the North Saskatchewan River, giving passengers great views of the riverbanks and city skyline. Enjoying an evening buffet meal onboard is also possible with dinner cruises available each night.
IN THE SKY
Why not try something out of the ordinary and see the sights of Edmonton from way up high? There are a number of options for visitors who want to break through the vertical limits of land and water. The Edmonton Flying Club offers sightseeing flights in a four-seat aircraft and Windship Aviation provides champagne hot-air balloon rides between March and December. If leisurely sightseeing flights are not thrilling enough, there are a number of skydiving centres like Skydivers R Us that offer tandem jumps with professional skydivers.
CITY SIGHTSEEING
There are many sights to see in Edmonton and sometimes it is hard to know what is the most worthwhile. Though touring the city without a guide is manageable, there are companies that provide a variety of tours, which cater to a range of interests. To uncover the city's history on foot, visitors should sign up for the three-hour walking tour run by Edmonton Historical Walking Tours. For a spooky experience, why not try Edmonton Ghost Walks. Operating Monday through Thursday, guides lead tourists on a walking exploration of Old Strathcona while telling the tales of ghosts who are believed to haunt the area.
If walking the city sounds like too much effort, there are other ways to see Edmonton's popular sights. The Eddie Bus, which runs throughout summer, allows visitors to hop on and off at major attractions. While travelling between stops, a GPS audio guide provides interesting information about the city as passengers observe from their seat. There are also a number of motorcoach and van tours that take passengers by noteworthy city sights, as well as those that leave the city to highlight some of Alberta's fascinating hot spots.
RECREATION
To keep the children entertained—and some young-at-heart adults—the Edmonton and District Kart Racing Association offers public go-karting (ages eight and up). Or for a full day of action-packed activities, Gateway Entertainment Centre has a variety of both child- and adult-friendly options. From laser tag and ten-pin bowling to virtual golf and billiards, this facility can cater to children's parties as well as corporate group bookings.
For those adrenalin junkies who aren't quite ready to jump out of a plane, there is a milder option. At 32.3 m (106 ft) above water stands the Centre of Gravity's indoor bungee jump located at West Edmonton Mall's World Waterpark.
LEISURE & RELAXATION
A full day of sightseeing can be very exhausting so at the end of a long day, unwinding at one of Edmonton's health or relaxation spas may be the perfect activity. Vacations are about pampering oneself and these spas offer a range of services to do just that. Pedicures, facials and full body massages are just some of the ways to relax.
Taking a yoga class is a great way to rejuvenate mind and body. There are various yoga studios located around the city. Catering to a range of levels, first timers and skilled yogies are sure to find a studio to meet their individual needs.
ACROSS THE LAND
Hiking is a popular way to explore Alberta's diverse landscapes. Within the Edmonton area there are plenty of scenic parks that contain hiking and walking trails. Easily accessible from Edmonton's city centre, the Edmonton River Valley can be explored by beginner hikers, runners or walkers. There are over 150 km (93 mi) of trails winding along the banks of the North Saskatchewan River. Open year round, these trails provide splendid scenic views no matter the season. In winter the trails become snow-covered, making excellent tracks for cross-country skiers and snowshoers. For those who desire to escape the city limits, just 40 minutes east is a provincial recreation area called Cooking Lake. Here, activities such as horseback riding, hiking and birdwatching can be enjoyed.
Hiking tours are an option for visitors unsure of where to go and what to see. There are tour groups that offer custom-made day hiking trips in the Edmonton region. Watchable Wildlife Tours takes visitors to wetlands and backcountry trails to observe Albertan wildlife while hiking. The tour company makes things as easy as possible, providing return transportation to Edmonton hotels.
ON THE WATER
Another way to experience wildlife is to get out on the water. Fishing adventures are a fun way to interact with nature. Professional fishermen take beginners out on Edmonton area rivers and lakes to catch local fish. These tours are typically all-inclusive and suitable for all ages. If tourists aren't keen on such an intimate experience with nature the Edmonton Queen Riverboat allows them to appreciate being out on the water from the comfort of a larger tour vessel. This riverboat cruises along the North Saskatchewan River, giving passengers great views of the riverbanks and city skyline. Enjoying an evening buffet meal onboard is also possible with dinner cruises available each night.
IN THE SKY
Why not try something out of the ordinary and see the sights of Edmonton from way up high? There are a number of options for visitors who want to break through the vertical limits of land and water. The Edmonton Flying Club offers sightseeing flights in a four-seat aircraft and Windship Aviation provides champagne hot-air balloon rides between March and December. If leisurely sightseeing flights are not thrilling enough, there are a number of skydiving centres like Skydivers R Us that offer tandem jumps with professional skydivers.
CITY SIGHTSEEING
There are many sights to see in Edmonton and sometimes it is hard to know what is the most worthwhile. Though touring the city without a guide is manageable, there are companies that provide a variety of tours, which cater to a range of interests. To uncover the city's history on foot, visitors should sign up for the three-hour walking tour run by Edmonton Historical Walking Tours. For a spooky experience, why not try Edmonton Ghost Walks. Operating Monday through Thursday, guides lead tourists on a walking exploration of Old Strathcona while telling the tales of ghosts who are believed to haunt the area.
If walking the city sounds like too much effort, there are other ways to see Edmonton's popular sights. The Eddie Bus, which runs throughout summer, allows visitors to hop on and off at major attractions. While travelling between stops, a GPS audio guide provides interesting information about the city as passengers observe from their seat. There are also a number of motorcoach and van tours that take passengers by noteworthy city sights, as well as those that leave the city to highlight some of Alberta's fascinating hot spots.
RECREATION
To keep the children entertained—and some young-at-heart adults—the Edmonton and District Kart Racing Association offers public go-karting (ages eight and up). Or for a full day of action-packed activities, Gateway Entertainment Centre has a variety of both child- and adult-friendly options. From laser tag and ten-pin bowling to virtual golf and billiards, this facility can cater to children's parties as well as corporate group bookings.
For those adrenalin junkies who aren't quite ready to jump out of a plane, there is a milder option. At 32.3 m (106 ft) above water stands the Centre of Gravity's indoor bungee jump located at West Edmonton Mall's World Waterpark.
LEISURE & RELAXATION
A full day of sightseeing can be very exhausting so at the end of a long day, unwinding at one of Edmonton's health or relaxation spas may be the perfect activity. Vacations are about pampering oneself and these spas offer a range of services to do just that. Pedicures, facials and full body massages are just some of the ways to relax.
Taking a yoga class is a great way to rejuvenate mind and body. There are various yoga studios located around the city. Catering to a range of levels, first timers and skilled yogies are sure to find a studio to meet their individual needs.
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