Sanyukta SrivastavaEdmonton is known for its extreme and unpredictable weather. If you’re ever in our city, though, don’t think you have to stay homebound whenever the weather turns uncooperative.
Lucky for you, you can explore various places in the city, rain or shine! We’ve rounded up our top picks of fun indoor attractions and activities in Edmonton – we even picked ones that you can enjoy for free!
Explore the Bearclaw Gallery
Website: https://bearclawgallery.com/
Address: 10403 124 St, Edmonton, AB T5N 3Z5, Canada
Contact details: 780-482-1204
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 10 AM to 5 PM
- Sunday and Public Holidays – Closed
Suppose you’re on a gallery prowl to discover more about the Canadian art scene. In that case, the Bearclaw Gallery is an excellent starting point since it’s situated in the heart of Edmonton’s Gallery Walk district. It showcases a selection of eclectic and indigenous artworks by Canadian First Nations, Metis, and Inuit artists and dealers.
Here you can see and buy a range of paintings, wood carvings, soapstone sculptures, jewelry, clay works, and other crafts that express contemporary and traditional themes. Check out their exhibits too – we saw their Spring Exhibition Season and it was amazing.
Pro tips:
- To avoid large crowds, we recommend visiting on Tuesdays or Wednesdays from 1 PM to 3 PM. It’s the best time to explore the gallery leisurely.
- Check out their website for upcoming exhibits and learn more about the featured works/artists of the month.
Discover Edmonton’s history at the Alberta Legislature Building
Website: https://www.assembly.ab.ca/
Address: 9820 – 107 Street, NW Edmonton, Alberta T5K 1E7
Contact details: 780-427-2826
Operating hours:
- Wednesday to Sunday – 10 AM to 3 PM
- Monday to Tuesday – Closed
A nice way to learn more about the history of Edmonton and Alberta is by visiting the Alberta Legislature Building. We usually just call it “The Ledge”.
The Ledge boasts aesthetic architecture and a wide range of portraits and artworks that mirrors its rich heritage and culture. In addition to that, it features theaters and galleries that are open to the public year-round.
We also personally like that the historic building is set atop the banks of the North Saskatchewan River. Once you find a cozy spot, you can take in the scenic views of the river or watch the sun as it sets.
Pro tips:
- The best way to explore the Ledge is by signing up for a free guided tour, so make sure to book your tour between 11 AM and 3 PM to secure a spot. Through this, you can look through each room and art piece while the guide shares unique stories about it.
- Free virtual tours are also available on Fridays at 12:15 PM.
Go window shopping at West Edmonton Mall
Website: https://www.wem.ca
Address: 8882 170 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5T 4J2, Canada
Contact details: 780-444-5321
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 10 AM to 9 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 6 PM
The West Edmonton Mall is a must-visit shopping complex that features more than 800 shops and services, 12 indoor attractions, 100 dining venues, and 2 hotels.
Although the indoor attractions come with admission fees, you can still enter and explore the mall without spending a dime. It’s the perfect hub for people who want to go on a stroll or window shopping on weekends.
You can browse through boutiques, shops, or stores, and if you’re lucky, you can even go home with freebies and samples!
Pro tips:
- It’s best to pick out the stores you want to visit in advance or prepare an itinerary because exploring all the stores and shops might take a day or more. Plus, some escalators and elevators inside aren’t always on, so you have to be ready for a walkathon.
- The mall can get too stuffy and crowded on weekends. Definitely come here on weekdays instead!
Check out the Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market
Website: https://osfm.ca/
Address: 10310 83 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6E 5C3, Canada
Contact details: 780-439-1844
Operating hours:
- Saturday – 8 AM to 3 PM
- Sunday to Friday – Closed
If you do your grocery shopping monthly or weekly, you can check out Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market – the largest indoor farmers’ market in Edmonton.
It features 185 stalls that showcase directly supplied local and seasonal produce from over 300 vendors on their roster, so it’s a one-stop shop if you want to stock up on groceries. Moreover, lots of free samples are available for baked goods, fruits, and desserts!
We also recommend OSFM to tourists looking for trinkets and souvenirs. You see, handmade crafts and products are sold here at a cheaper price than elsewhere.
Pro tips:
- The market’s parking space is limited and only free for two hours, so it’s best to go earlier and have your shopping list ready before you drop by.
- As per experience, it’s better to bring cash when you shop here because some stalls only accept cash. In case you forget, just look for the bank machines inside.
- Their curbside pickup service is now available. If you don’t have time to shop, you can conveniently put your orders online and then pick them up at the market on Saturday.
Go Stargazing at The University of Alberta Observatory
Website: https://www.ualberta.ca/index.html
Address: Centennial Centre for Interdisciplinary Science, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada
Contact details: 780-492-5287
Operating hours:
- Thursday – 12 PM to 1 PM, 8 PM to 9 PM
- Friday to Tuesday – Closed
Are you up for an astronomical and celestial exploration? Take the front-row seat as the University of Alberta Observatory opens for its public observing sessions.
Admission is free, so you can access the observatory’s designated viewing areas and powerful telescopes to marvel at constellations and the Milky Way.
If you’re lucky (like us), you can also witness the elusive dancing waves of light also known as aurora borealis! Definitely worth a look.
Pro tips:
- Spots for public observations are limited, so it’s best to contact the observatory’s team at least a month before your tentative visit date.
- Make sure to visit on a clear night to spot more constellations and planets.
