Explore Edmonton's beginnings as a fur trading post at Canada's largest living museum. Walk around recreations of life in Edmonton as it was in 1846, 1885, 1905, and during the Depression. Learn how a beaver hat is made, see the way children lived on the homestead, get your picture taken in the historical style, and visit an old-fashioned soda fountain. There are also annual and special events like the children's Easter candy hunt that are sure to delight visitors of all ages.
Located on Prince Rubert district, near the City Centre Airport, Alberta Aviation Museum is a prominent museum to be visited. Among the lovingly restored aircraft on display at this museum are a Fairchild 71C, a McDonnell CF-101B, and a de Havilland Mk.B35 Mosquito. You can explore displays of photos, models, artifacts, and aero-engines. If you are into research, there are archives and a library too. Guided tours of the museum can be arranged given prior notice.
This museum showcases the history of the crude oil generation in Alberta and tells the story of those who worked hard in the Black Gold business. Visitors can take a self-guided excursion through the museum to view exhibits that include a range of photographs and artifacts. For those who would like a more in depth, experience, guided tours are also available. Housed on the actual Leduc-Woodbend Oilfield which was the major source of crude oil in the early 20th-Century, this site was designated a National Historic Site in 1990.
From an indoor farmers market, to the Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival, to 100-year-old architecture that remains intact, Edmonton's Old Strathcona District is as fascinating as it is diverse. For a fine dining experience, try the locally popular Continental Treat. For visitors looking for rare finds, antiques and random souvenirs, be sure to stop by The Junque Cellar. The more time you spend here, the more discoveries you will make.
Featuring four glass-encased pyramids that represent this stunning Edmonton icon, the Muttart Conservatory is regarded as one of most famous attractions in the city. This landmark garden consists of an arboretum featuring three greenhouses and public gardens, where over 700 species of plants thrive within distinct climatic biomes. The concept of the four pyramids, each one representing a different biome, was the brainchild of architect Peter Hemingway. The myriad species of plants displayed here range from eucalyptus trees and orchids, to alpine flowers and seasonal plants.
Established in December 1967, the Royal Alberta Museum started functioning in the present building in October 2018. Stretching over an area of approximately 38,900 square meters (419,000 square feet), the museum is regarded as one of Western Canada's largest museums of its kind. The exhibits of this museum revolve around different subjects like earth science, life science, human history and many more. The Natural History hall, Bug Gallery, Feature Gallery, Children Gallery, Human history hall are some of the galleries inside the Royal Alberta Museum.
The University of Alberta's collection of geological specimens is unlike any other; there are over 20,000 varieties of rocks and minerals. The collection has been assembled during the last 80 years and is available for the scrutiny of researchers and visitors. Researchers use these specimens for studying plate tectonics and as samples to be used in university courses. Over 40 schools a year visit this museum on organized trips; guided tours can be arranged by prior appointment. Admission is free.
Father Lacombe, who built this mission in the 1860s, was well respected and admired by all. The mission he built has now been restored to its original legacy. Father Lacombe Chapel allows visitors to descriptively imagine what life was like when people lived on the edge of the western frontier. Demonstrations, educational programs, and guided tours are all regular features.
Not too far away from Alberta's current legislature building is the original one, now housing Edmonton's Public Schools Records from 1884. You will find old textbooks, report cards, photographs, yearbooks, trophies, restored classrooms, and many other items of interest at the Archives & Museum. See old school uniforms, sports jerseys, and old schoolhouse furniture. Researchers and people with any interest in education history will find a visit here fascinating. There is free on site parking. The museum also runs educational programs for schoolchildren.
The Mill Creek Ravine Park is a well-known place for hikers, with its selection of chipped and paved trails. The park is mostly wooded and is located just across the river from Edmonton's downtown district. Like all the valley parks, you will find plenty of barbecue facilities. You can cool off during the summer in the park's outdoor swimming pool. It is part of Edmonton's group of River Valley parks, which form the largest area of parkland in North America today.
Explore the home of John Walter, one of Edmonton's early settlers and industrialists. The John Walter Museum is open to the public on Sunday afternoons. School programs, workshops, birthday parties and other such activities are regular features during the week. A total of three houses of the icon, the museum takes you through the life of John Walter in pictorial form, also features furnishings from the time period and an artifact collection. Admission is free.
Located off Highway 779, the Chickakoo Lake Recreation Area is a large expanse of rolling greens and shimmering waters that enchants visitors with its scenic beauty. While the area is a popular spot for its panoramic lake views, it is also a well-known hot spot for myriad outdoor activities, including fishing, mountain biking, hiking and walking. Come winter, the Chickakoo Lake Recreation Area transforms into a snow-covered expanse for cross-country skiing, replete with groomed and marked trails. An interpretive tour around the park is available, and visitors can also observe several species of birds and animals here.