9 New Fun Places to Visit in Edmonton

Alberta's capital is a place where there is always something going on. It has a thriving culinary scene and vibrant nightlife, and if you're lucky, you might see the northern lights dance overhead at night. Like most destinations, Edmonton's restaurants, shops and hotels have had to get creative during the pandemic. Necessity, if we can paraphrase, is often the mother of truly cool things, and that's exactly what these places represent:

If lounging on an Adirondack chair by the fire with a craft beer in hand is the perfect way to spend an invigorating evening, you'll love this newly renovated and reopened outpost of the hip, casual empire that first arrived in Calgary in 2011. After renovating their patio to include three fire pits, they added a play area with nostalgic activities like corn hole and shuffleboard.

This stylish, modern hotel recently received a near-perfect rating in the Guest Favorite category. Spend the night in luxurious rooms with free breakfast! – and you will understand why. Metterra is also a great base for exploring the White Avenue Historic District, home to local boutiques, art galleries, and trendy restaurants like El Cortez, which serves tacos, or The Next Act, which serves local craft beer.

When this simple bar says they have the best bartender in the world, they mean it literally. James Grant, the man behind the bar at Little Hong Kong, has been named Diageo's 2021 World Class International Bartender. Located in the historic Mercer building, this chic restaurant serves Asian-inspired bites like teriyaki wings and fish bao tacos.

For a new look at Alberta's landscape, join Métis Canadian Keith Diakiw and his team on an exploratory tour of the Edmonton River Valley, located right in the city. Integrating indigenous knowledge and earth science, this exciting journey allows participants to “walk in the footsteps of indigenous peoples” and visit sacred burial grounds and geological outcrops. The trek also includes an Indigenous music and storytelling sharing circle.

In 2021, this 12,000-square-foot property on Edmonton's south side has a new owner: antiques-obsessed 22-year-old Maikel Luso, who has been collecting unique items and curiosities since he was 15. When he's not traveling out West to buy goods, he's making some improvements to this jam-packed antique paradise. Whether you prefer retro decor, records, jewelry or glassware, you can spend hours browsing the shelves in search of the perfect hidden treasure.

You've eaten ice cream, but have you eaten Filipino fusion soft serve? If not, head immediately to this charming new store named after the Tagalog word for ice. The owners evoke nostalgic childhood inspiration for their flavors—ube and honeydew, queso (cheese) and lime—though they change every two weeks, so check their social media to see what's on deck when you go. Don't forget to take an Instagram-worthy photo of your cone in front of the colorful wall mural!

This cultural institution returns with fresh exhibitions and collections that we know and love. Drive: Reimagining the Ride (until April 2023) celebrates the love of vehicles, from the stylish sports cars of yesteryear to the creative Amphicar that glides from land to sea and back again. Kids can try out being a mechanic or building an obstacle course in the Tinker Garage. Next, visit the Natural History Hall and Bug Gallery, which displays the beauty and diversity of insects, spiders and other invertebrates.

Named after the owner's daughter, this classically French bistro (the menu includes steak tartare, escargot and chocolate mousse) will transport you straight to Paris. That is, until you look out the window and see a stunning view of the river valley that reminds you that you're in scenic Alberta. On your way out you'll pass the restaurant's sister bakery, Eleanor et Laurent, and you'd be foolish to pass up one of their crisp, freshly baked baguettes.

Head to the corner of 104 Street and 104 Avenue and you'll find the Neon Sign Museum, a collection of lovingly restored retro advertising signs. It's outdoors, open 24/7 and completely free! These glowing beauties are installed on the sides of buildings, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in shimmering pieces of Edmonton's history.