My 2016 Edmonton Summer Guide

As you know from all my past travel posts, I love travelling…a lot. But, truthfully, there’s something to be said about staying put, in Edmonton, in the summer. Most people in the world barely know where we are, jumping to the conclusion that if you’re from Canada then it must be Vancouver or Toronto that you call home. Those that do know Edmonton’s location, usually bring up one thing…long winters! And yes, they definitely are! But anyone that lives here knows that a summer spent in Alberta’s capital is always a memorable one, filled with long sun soaked days, incredible festivals and so much to experience. Quite frankly, summers in Edmonton are pretty special (it even made Nat Geo’s top 10 summer trips last year!). And so, I’ve rounded up 20!!! of my favourite things to see and do in this 2016 Edmonton Summer Guide post.

Take In the Fireworks and Festivities on Canada Day

I know summer officially started on June 20th, but for me, Canada Day long weekend always feels like the start of summer. And a great way to kick off the season is to celebrate the birth of our great country! There are so many events happening in the city (check out this list!) and of course, an epic fireworks showcase at the end of the day. Avenue Magazine has a list of places to view the fireworks here.

Explore the River Valley

Luckily, I live right next door to our amazing river valley and can explore it all year long. But summer is the best time to go on extended walks, runs, and bike rides throughout the trails. Some points offer beautiful views of the city too!

Find a Good Spot for a Picnic

The River Valley is a great starting point, with so many spots to take a break for a light lunch or snack. I also love relaxing in Hawrelak Park or the Ledge grounds. Frugal Edmonton Mama pointed out her top 10 picnic spots in Edmonton here. But just remember to bring mosquito spray, because those little devils are vicious.

Check Out the Outdoor Pools

There’s nothing better than going for a good swim on a hot day! And truth be told, Edmonton does have some good outdoor pool options. I’ve always loved Millcreek pool and how it’s tucked inside the ravine but the newer Queen Elizabeth pool is pretty darn awesome. Head here for more info!

Slide Down a Giant Slide

Slide the City returns!! On July 23rd, you can get soaked taking a world record slide down Victoria Park Road and then enjoy the live music, drinks and food that follows. How fun is that?!

Wander Whyte

Whyte Ave is definitely bustling all year long but with great weather, it gets even better to take a stroll down the ave. You can do some shopping, grab a treat or sit and people watch on a patio. One thing’s for sure…Whyte is never boring. Here are some of my fave spots:

• Restaurants & Cafes: Block 1912 | The Next Act | Chianti’s | Ampersand 27 | Cafe Mosaics
• Shops: Noul | Bamboo Ballroom | Workhall | Poppy Barley

Stroll Around High Street and 124th

Just like Whyte, this area is a trendy spot to spend a day. Must visits include:

• Restaurants & Cafes: Manor Bistro | North 53 | Duchess Bakery | Canteen
• Shops: Cara Cotter Jewelry | Pura Botanicals | Plum Home

Take the High Level Streetcar

This is something I’ve never done and always wanted to do, even though heights make me a tad nervous! This historic streetcar travels from one side of the river to the other on top of the High Level bridge, offering gorgeous views. And it’s only 6$

Find Local Delights at the Farmer’s Markets

I’ve been to some pretty stellar Farmer’s Markets in my travels, but Edmonton’s list in the summer is pretty hard to beat. We have A LOT of them pop up when it gets warmer. The most popular? The Strathcona Farmer’s Market on Saturdays, the 124th Street Grand Market on Thursday nights and the City Market on 104th on Saturdays. PS – 104th also has great shops and restaurants too…check it out here. And for a full listing of markets, head to Avenue’s list here.

Hit Up a Patio or Two

Summer is synonymous with patio season in Edmonton! When the sun is shining, sometimes it gets pretty tough to find a spot at the most popular patios in the city. Which ones are my favourite? Well I’m glad you asked! If a patio is what you seek you need to visit:

• Craft Beer Market (one of the only rooftop patios)
• MKT on Whyte
• Ampersand 27
• Black Dog (for late night drinks!)
• Leva Cafe and Little Brick (for the casual mid day coffee or lunch)
• Sugarbowl (even though it’s pretty tiny!)

Watch a Movie in Churchill Square

Last summer, a different movie played on a giant outdoor screen in Churchill square every Tuesday night in August. I know they plan on offering this again for a fun family summer night but the line up and dates have yet to be announced. Stay tuned!

Visit the Cone on a Hot Day

Who doesn’t crave ice cream when it’s hot out?! The Cone (literally a little ice cream shop housed in a cherry topped ice cream cone) pops up only for the summer months and lures me in with all their soft served flavours and extra toppings. Mmmmm…so worth a visit!

Sway to the Tunes at Folk Fest (and other great music festivals)

We wouldn’t be known as festival city if we didn’t have a lot of festivals! My favourite music festival is (hands down) Folk Fest, this year from August 4-7th. Nestled in Gallagher Park with great city views, this music event has such a great vibe, with amazing artists every year. It just wouldn’t be summer without it. Other great music fests to check out: The International Jazz Fest, Interstellar Rodeo, even K-Days has some great bands playing…and though it’s in September, Sonic Boom gets two thumbs up from me with this year’s lineup!

Grab Tasty Morsels at Taste of Edmonton

Another festival I love is one where I get to eat…a lot. Taste of Edmonton may not be a bargain with ticket prices on the higher side, but it’s a great way to sample a little bit of deliciousness from a wide range of restaurants and pubs in the city. The Green Onion cakes are my favourite, just sayin’.

Grab More Treats at What the Truck?!

Food Trucks are still all the rage and though we may not have as many as LA or New York, we do have some really great trucks serving amazing food on our streets. What the Truck?! is an event when a whole bunch of trucks come together at a set location in the city (different each time) to feed the masses. It feels similar to Taste of Edmonton where you join long line ups to get a dish of food so try to avoid the “dinner” rush or just be prepared to wait 🙂

And Grab Even More Food at the Heritage Festival

The Heritage Festival is all about celebrating more than 60 different cultures and sampling a whole lot of delicious ethnic food. There are always great performances to check out too!

Marvel at the Street Performers

Held from July 8 – 17th, the Street Performers Festival is always fun, especially with kids.

Fringe it Up

The Edmonton theatre scene is hot right now and it always steams up even more at Fringe time. It is the largest extravaganza of theatre arts and culture of its kind in North America, showcasing incredible talent and ground breaking work. I always try to make it out to a handful of shows and then bring Ryan to a couple of improv nights throughout the festival, which are the most fun. This year marks the 35th year of Fringe and it takes place from August 11 – 21st. Not to be missed!

Journey Down the River

For something completely different, you can take a journey down our river on a hot summer day. Whether it’s in a canoe, kayak or even just a big tube, floating down the river can lead to a really relaxing day. Or even a fun party if you’re anything like my friend Dave 🙂

Venture Beyond

Edmonton is great and all but sometimes venturing outside the city is necessary. There are so many lakes close to YEG that can make amazing day trips. One of my favourite places is Ma-me-o Beach on Pigeon Lake where I spent a lot of time as a kid playing in the sand and learning to waterski. What can I say?! I’m a lake girl at heart.

That was complete Edmonton Summer Guide and yet, I know there’s even more to do and see. If you have any other Edmonton summer suggestions I am all ears!