We think Edmonton is one of Canada’s most underrated summer destinations. It’s the ideal city to start your Alberta adventure and spend a few days soaking up the sunshine here before heading out on a road trip to Banff.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, summer in Edmonton is the perfect time to explore everything from scenic trails and rooftop patios to cultural celebrations and local markets.
We have also curated a list of Edmonton winter activities that might interest you. Here are some of the best things to do in Edmonton in the summer to make your time memorable;
1. Book a 3-Hour City Highlight Walking Tour
If you want to really get to know Edmonton beyond the surface, there’s no better way than joining a 3-hour City Highlights Walking Tour with a local guide. This experience allows you to see the city through the eyes of an Edmontonian, giving you the perfect blend of history, art, and modern charm.
The tour is gratuity-based (pay-what-you-feel), making it both affordable and community-driven. You simply tip your guide at the end based on the value you received.
During the walk, you’ll visit some of Edmonton’s most iconic landmarks, including Sir Winston Churchill Square, the Alberta Legislature Building, the Neon Sign Museum, and the Rogers Place ICE District. Along the way, your guide shares local stories, historical insights, and personal recommendations for food, nightlife, and hidden gems around the city.
Book here: Edmonton City Highlights 3-Hour Walking Tour
2. Cruise down the North Saskatchewan River on the Edmonton Riverboat
One of the most iconic and memorable summer experiences in Edmonton is cruising along the North Saskatchewan River aboard the Edmonton Riverboat.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic sunset cruise, a relaxing brunch or dinner on the water, or just a casual scenic ride, the Edmonton Riverboat has something for everyone. Many sailings feature live music, themed events, or even dueling pianos, adding an extra touch of entertainment to your evening.
As you float down the river, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of the downtown skyline and lush green banks of the river valley, truly some of the best photo opportunities in the city. The cruise itself lasts about 90 minutes, giving you plenty of time to relax and soak in the sights.
Book here: Edmonton Riverboat Cruise
3. Play the Trail of Champions Outdoor Escape Game
The Trail of Champions Outdoor Escape Game by ClueSolvers is a must-try experience that combines the excitement of a scavenger hunt, the challenge of an escape room, and the thrill of The Amazing Race, turning Edmonton’s downtown into your personal puzzle playground.
In this self-guided experience, teams of 2 to 5 players work together to solve a series of clues and puzzles using the ClueSolvers app. Each clue leads you to hidden artwork, landmarks, and secret spots around the downtown pedway that reveal corners of the city. The storyline follows a mission to save the “City of Champions” celebration from a rival city’s sabotage, and it’s up to you to save the day!
The best part is that you can start the game anytime during daylight hours (except Sundays) and move at your own pace. The adventure typically takes about 90 minutes to complete, covering a scenic 3 km route, but there’s no time limit, so you can pause for snacks or drinks along the way and enjoy the journey.
Book Here: Edmonton Trail of Champions Outdoor Game
4. Step Back in Time at Fort Edmonton Park
View this post on Instagram
If you want to experience Edmonton’s past in the most immersive way possible, Fort Edmonton Park is the place to go.
This is an open-air historical museum that feels like you are stepping into a time machine that will take you through the story of Edmonton’s growth from its early fur trading days to the bustling 1920s.
Your adventure begins with a train ride that transports you across the park to the award-winning Indigenous Peoples Experience, which showcases the culture, traditions, and stories of First Nations and Métis peoples. Guided by music, light, and storytelling from Indigenous Elders, it’s an unforgettable introduction to the land’s earliest inhabitants.
Fort Edmonton Park isn’t just educational, it’s a full day of fun! Families especially will love the steam train rides, pony rides, live theatre shows, and the lively 1920s-style midway. Fort Edmonton Park also features classic games, a Ferris wheel, and a vintage funhouse.
5. Glide Through the River Valley on a Segway Adventure
One of the most exciting and unique ways to explore Edmonton’s scenic River Valley is on a guided Segway tour! You have the option to choose between the 60-minute and the 90-minute tour.
This guided adventure lets you cruise along the trails of the North Saskatchewan River, taking in stunning skyline views, lush greenery, and some of the city’s most beautiful bridges and landmarks.
You’ll pass iconic spots like the Edmonton Riverboat, Walterdale Bridge, and scenic viewpoints that are perfect for photos. Whether you’re new to Segways or a seasoned rider, this adventure offers the perfect mix of relaxation, fun, and exploration.
Tours are limited to 10 participants to keep things personal and engaging, and they’re suitable for anyone aged 14 and up with moderate fitness. If you have the time, go for the 90-minute option over the 60-minute version; it gives you more time to enjoy the ride and soak in the river valley’s beauty.
Book Here: Edmonton Guided Segway Tour
6. Attend a Summer Festival or Cultural Event
Summer in Alberta’s capital is packed with energy, colour, and culture; something is happening almost every weekend. Whether you love live music, art, food, or global culture, Edmonton’s summer festivals make the city come alive in the best way possible.
You can kick things off with Canada Day celebrations on July 1st, where fireworks light up the skyline and festivities fill every corner of the city. From there, the fun doesn’t stop. The Edmonton International Street Performers Festival turns downtown into an open-air circus with world-class acts, magicians, and hilarious entertainers filling the streets.
Art lovers can’t miss the Whyte Avenue Art Walk, where over 450 artists transform Old Strathcona into a massive outdoor gallery. Meanwhile, you can head to K-Days, Edmonton’s biggest fair, for rides, concerts, carnival games, and nightly fireworks.
And for something magical, don’t miss the Water Lantern Festival, an enchanting evening where glowing lanterns float across the river, creating a breathtaking view of light and reflection.
7. Go for a Guided Food Walk Tour
If you love food, culture, and a dash of adventure, the Edmonton Food Walk Tour is one of the most exciting ways to experience the city’s culinary scene!
This is a 3-hour guided walking tour with small group sizes of about 15 travellers that takes you through 124th Street, one of Edmonton’s most vibrant neighborhoods, where local passion and flavor come alive.
You’ll visit six of 124th Street’s best eateries, including favorites like Duchess Bake Shop, The Butchery, Juana Inés, Culina To Go, KB & Co., and Tiramisu Bistro. At each stop, you’ll meet the chefs and owners, hear the stories behind their restaurants, and sample delicious dishes that celebrate Edmonton’s food culture.
Beyond the food, the tour also weaves in a touch of art and nature, so you’ll stroll past colorful murals, discover hidden street art, and pause at the Promenade boardwalk overlooking the beautiful North Saskatchewan River Valley for that perfect photo moment.
Book Here: Edmonton Food Walk Tour
8. Visit Elk Island National Park
If you are a nature lover or outdoor explorer, then visiting Elk Island National Park should be added to your list of fun things to do in Edmonton in the summer.
It is a wildlife sanctuary just about a 40-minute drive east of the city and home to free-roaming bison, elk, moose, deer, and over 250 species of birds, offering visitors an authentic experience with Canadian wildlife up close.
Elk Island is more than just a place to see animals; it’s a place to hike, camp, and stargaze. So your visit could be more entertaining entertaining hikers and other visitors.
The park is part of the Beaver Hills Dark Sky Preserve, which means it’s one of the best spots near Edmonton to view a brilliant night sky free from city light pollution. You can even join a guided Dark Sky Experience to learn about the constellations while walking under the stars.
9. Go on a Ghost Tour
Another fun thing to do in the summer in Edmonton is to go for a ghost tour if you love a thrilling mix of history, mystery, and the supernatural.
This is an hour-long walking tour that takes you through some of the city’s most storied and haunted spots, offering a unique way to learn about Edmonton’s eerie past.
The tour is led by award-winning storyteller Nadine Bailey, and each tour brings Edmonton’s dark history to life through chilling tales of ghosts, hauntings, murders, and mysteries.
There are a few different ghost tours to choose from, depending on your appetite for scares. Visit the website to learn more.
10. Edmonton International Airport Plaza Premium Lounge
If you’re catching a flight and need a comfortable spot to relax, refresh, or get some work done before takeoff, the Edmonton International Airport Plaza Premium Lounge offers a cozy retreat from the airport rush.
It is conveniently located in the departures area. This lounge gives travelers a peaceful escape complete with comfortable seating, high-speed Wi-Fi, and unlimited food and drinks.
You can choose between a 3-hour or 6-hour stay, depending on your travel schedule. Inside, you’ll find a buffet-style hot meal selection, coffee and tea, house wines and beers, and a variety of international TV channels, newspapers, and magazines to keep you entertained.
Whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, it’s a great way to unwind or catch up on work in a quiet environment before your flight.
Book Here: Edmonton International Airport Plaza Premium Lounge
