Brian JonesSure, we might not have the Eiffel Tower or the Statue of Liberty, but let’s be real – who needs those tourist traps when you’ve got something even better? Edmonton is home to a museum scene that’s off-the-charts awesome!
Whether you’re a history buff or just someone who loves learning and exploring, Edmonton’s museums have something for everyone. Join us to discover hidden gems, uncover fascinating stories, and experience a side of this city that’ll leave you wanting more.
Museums with admission fees
Royal Alberta Museum
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Location: 9810 103a Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 0G2, Canada
Contact: +1 825-468-6000
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Wednesday & Friday to Sunday – 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Thursday – 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Admission fee:
- Adults (18 to 64) – $21
- Seniors (65+) – $14
- Youth (7 to 17) – $10
- Family pass (two adults and two children) – $50
- Kids under 6 – Free
As the largest museum in Western Canada, the Royal Alberta Museum spans a jaw-dropping 82,000 square feet and showcases over 2.5 million objects showing Alberta’s heritage.
The Natural History Hall features awe-inspiring giant sloths, mastodons, and saber-toothed cats. The Human History Hall dives deep into the lives and traditions of Alberta’s First People. Meanwhile, the Bug Gallery brings you face-to-face with live invertebrates, including the infamous black widow spider.
TELUS World of Science
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Location: 11211 142 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5M 4A1, Canada
Contact: +1 780-451-3344
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Admission fee:
- Adults (13 to 64) – $23.95
- Seniors (65+) – $11.95
- Youth (3 to 12) – $17.95
- Kids under 3 – Free
TELUS World of Science in Edmonton is a stellar destination for anyone eager to dive into the wonders of science. The Zeidler Dome, Canada’s largest planetarium, is an absolute must-see.
With immersive 10K resolution shows, it’s the perfect spot to witness the aurora borealis without freezing your toes off. For those who love hands-on activities, the S.P.A.C.E. Gallery lets you pilot a lunar lander or marvel at a real moon rock brought back by Apollo 15.
Alberta Railway Museum
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Location: 24215 34 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5Y 6B4, Canada
Contact: +1 780-472-6229
Operating hours:
- Saturday to Sunday – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Admission fee:
- Adults (18 to 64) – $15
- Seniors (65+) – $11.95
- Students (13 to 17) – $10.00
- Children (3 to 12) – $6.00
- Kids under 3 – Free
This outdoor museum is not just a collection of old trains and tracks; it’s a hands-on journey through time, capturing the essence of rail travel from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century.
With over 75 cars and locomotives, including equipment from the Canadian National Railways (CNR) and Northern Alberta Railways (NAR), the museum is like stepping into a railway enthusiast’s dream.
It replicates a small railway terminal, complete with a station, water tank, and various shops, making it a charming slice of history.
Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Museum
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Location: 10611 110 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5H 1H7, Canada
Contact: +1 780-441-1062
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Admission fee:
- Adults (18 to 64) – $15
- Seniors (65+) – $13
- Youth (3 to 17) – $10.00
- Children (3 to 12) – $6.00
- Family pass (two adults and two children) – $40
The Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village is an open-air museum that beautifully showcases the early Ukrainian settlement in east-central Alberta from 1892 to 1930.
With over 35 restored historic buildings, including homes, a blacksmith shop, and a working grain elevator, it’s like stepping into a charming time machine. Guests here can gab with interpreters, get hands-on with pioneer activities, and hear the fascinating stories of the settlers.
Alberta Aviation Museum
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Location: 11410 Kingsway NW, Edmonton, AB T5G 0X4, Canada
Contact: +1 780-451-1175
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Admission fee:
- Adults (18 to 64) – $15
- Students & Seniors (65+) – $12
- Youth (3 to 17) – $9.50
- Kids under 5 – Free
- Family pass (two adults and two children) – $37.50
Housed in a World War II hangar at Blatchford Field, this museum is an aviation enthusiast’s dream. It showcases over 30 meticulously restored aircraft, from early 1920s biplanes to Cold War-era jet fighters. The collection includes iconic planes, like the de Havilland Mosquito and the Fairchild 71.
Here, you can test your piloting skills with flight simulators and join guided restoration tours to get a behind-the-scenes look at aircraft preservation. Special events like Open Cockpit Days let you get up close and personal with the planes, making the museum a hit for most families and aviation buffs.
Yesterday’s Auto Gallery
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Location: 8707 51 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6E 5H1, Canada
Contact: +1 587-402-3877
Operating hours:
- Wednesday to Saturday – 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Admission fee:
- Adults (18 to 64) – $21
- Seniors (65+) – $10.50
- Youth (7 to 17) – $10.50
- Kids under 7 – Free
- Family pass (two adults and two children) – $52.50
As a not-for-profit foundation, this museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing over 100 classic and vintage vehicles, ranging from 1926 to the present. The gallery boasts a meticulously restored collection of classic cars, each a piece of art highlighting the evolution of automotive design and engineering.
Every Saturday, they offer hands-on mechanics classes, perfect for gearheads and novices alike. Adding to the charm is Sylv’s Retro Diner, where you can indulge in classic diner fare in a 1950s-themed setting.
Free museums
Spruce Grove Grain Elevator Museum
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Location: 120 Railway Ave, Spruce Grove, AB T7X 2Z1, Canada
Contact: +1 780-960-4600
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
The museum proudly flaunts the last remaining wooden grain elevator on the CN Rail line west to Vancouver, making it a unique historical gem. Built in 1958 and saved from demolition in 1995 by the Spruce Grove and District Agricultural Heritage Society, this elevator is a nod to the region’s agricultural roots.
What truly sets the Spruce Grove Grain Elevator Museum apart is its dedication to interactive and educational experiences. From May to September, the museum offers daily tours that delve into the history and operation of the grain elevator. It also hosts a variety of family-friendly events, such as pancake breakfasts, harvest fairs, and carnivals.
Best of all, the museum operates on a donation-based admission system. This means entry is free, but tossing a few coins their way is highly encouraged to keep this piece of history alive and kicking.
Musée Héritage Museum
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Location: 5 St Anne St, St. Albert, AB T8N 3Z9, Canada
Contact: +1 780-451-3344
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday – 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Designed by Douglas Cardinal, this museum is a treasure trove of local stories and artifacts that bring the past to life.
One of the standout features is the Discovery Room, which offers hands-on activities for both kids and adults, making history engaging and fun for all ages.
But the Musée Héritage Museum’s charm doesn’t stop at its exhibits. It also manages several historic sites in St. Albert, including the Little White School, St. Albert Grain Elevator Park, River Lot 24, and its associated houses.
Neon Sign Museum
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Location: 104 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 0K7, Canada
Contact: +1 780-496-5281
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
The Neon Sign Museum in Edmonton is a dazzling and unique attraction that adds a burst of color to the city’s cultural scene. Located on the sides of two buildings at the intersection of 104 Street and 104 Avenue, this open-air museum features a striking collection of restored neon signs.
As Canada’s first outdoor neon sign museum, it offers a charming peek into Edmonton’s commercial history and the art of neon signage.
But what probably makes this place truly special is its round-the-clock accessibility. You can admire the glowing signs at any time, whether you’re out for an evening stroll or exploring the city by day.
The Loyal Edmonton Regiment Military Museum
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Location: 10440 108 Ave NW #118, Edmonton, AB T5H 3Z9, Canada
Contact: +1 780-421-9943
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
This museum showcases the storied past of the Loyal Edmonton Regiment and other Canadian Armed Forces units in Edmonton and Northern Alberta. The museum boasts an impressive collection of military artifacts, uniforms, and weapons from the nineteenth century to the present.
Here, you can explore two main galleries: the Griesbach Gallery, which details the regiment’s journey from its early 1900s origins to contemporary times, and the Stone Gallery, which features ever-changing temporary exhibits to keep things fresh and exciting.
Paleontology Museum
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Location: Earth Sciences Building, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E3, Canada
Contact: +1 780-288-0109
Operating hours:
- Monday, Wednesday & Friday – 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM
Nestled in the Earth Sciences Building on the North Campus, this museum offers a captivating journey through geologic time, featuring specimens that span from over 600 million years ago to the most recent ice age.
Designed to be a valuable resource for researchers, students, and the general public, the museum offers a hands-on approach to learning. Visitors can touch some exhibits and explore detailed displays explaining the science behind the fossils.
Strathcona Streetcar Barn & Museum
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Location: Edmonton, AB T6E 4B4, Canada
Contact: +1 780-437-7721
Operating hours:
- Saturday – 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Operated by the Edmonton Radial Railway Society (ERRS), this museum is part of the broader High Level Bridge Streetcar experience. It offers a scenic and historical ride over one of Edmonton’s most iconic landmarks.
The museum, housed in the Strathcona Streetcar Barn, preserves and showcases streetcars from Edmonton and around the world. The collection includes streetcars from Japan, Australia, and Germany, alongside Edmonton’s own vintage cars.
John Walter Museum
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Location: 9180 Walterdale Hill NW, Edmonton, AB T6E 2V3, Canada
Contact: +1 780-442-5311
Operating hours:
- Sunday – 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
The John Walter Museum offers visitors a glimpse into the life of one of Edmonton’s pioneering entrepreneurs, John Walter, and the community of Walterdale from 1875 to 1920.
Visitors here can engage in a variety of activities that bring the pioneer era to life. The museum offers self-guided tours, drop-in activities on Sunday afternoons, and special programs where you can learn traditional skills such as blacksmithing, woodworking, and more.
