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.
Edmonton Canoe, formerly known as Moon Shadow Adventures, offers exciting canoe trips in and around the city. You can catch a tour that lasts from just a few hours or up to six days. The company runs short tours around the city including into nearby Elk Island National Park. If you have more time, five and six-day hiking and canoeing tours include the Rocky Mountains or a tour around Alberta, including the southern badlands.
These lush grounds formal gardens and an open area. Devonian Botanic Garden also serves as a serious research and education center for the faculty of agriculture, forestry, and home economics. Courses for the public are run year round on arts, crafts, and horticulture; there are day camps for school children during the summer months. There are ten separate themed gardens, as well as a butterfly collection. For gifts and souvenirs, check out the on-site shop. The gardens are open to public visitation from May to October 10.
There is plenty to do for the whole family at this interesting Edmonton Valley Zoo. Watch the big cats being fed, enjoy feeding time with the sea lions, go on a train ride, or take a trip on a paddle-boat. The Edmonton Valley Zoo is also involved in research and conservation. Special events are featured throughout the year, like the Zoolander Fashion Show that concentrate on studying a particular type of animal or bird. The zoo is located ten minutes to the east of West Edmonton Mall.
Soar high above Edmonton's picturesque landscape, over the captivating North Saskatchewan River Valley in a hot-air balloon ride arranged by Sundance Balloons. After touchdown, a glass of champagne awaits you, and you can toast to an enriching memory. Interested folks can purchase vouchers for gifting their loved ones, and book a flight accordingly. Safety is ensured, and the agency notifies of any cancellations and rescheduled flights in case of adverse weather conditions. A typical hot-air balloon ride lasts anywhere between 45 minutes to 1.5 hours.
A pond, nature trails, and colonies of friendly squirrels are just a small part of this nature center. John Janzen Nature Centre is a fun place for children, with regular scheduled events and programs to help them understand the nuances of nature and wildlife. Dirt-cake making is a highlight; now there is a skill to learn. The center is next to Fort Edmonton Park. There are about four kilometers (2.5 miles) of nature trails to explore on your own. However, staff is on hand to answer your questions.
Based in Sherwood Park just to the east of Edmonton, Timberwolf Tours takes small groups of adventurers into the Rocky Mountains. A maximum of around 12 people set off from bases near Edmonton or Calgary and, using two-man tents for accommodation, experience the Rocky Mountains up close. Tours last two weeks and you have the option of backpacking, adventure camping or mountain river canoeing. You can opt for a hotel base for your activities. Check website for more details.
River Valley Adventure Co. is among the best Segway tour operators in town. Set along the Trans-Canada Trail, you can explore the Edmonton side of this world-famous network of recreational trails. Nestled in the Louise McKinney Riverfront, this establishment will make you feel welcomed in their on-site cafe where you can enjoy a cuppa and nibble on tasty bites, before heading on a guided tour. Their trained guides will enthrall you with stories and their enthusiasm will rub off on you to see the city in a new light on the Segway. Check out the natural beauties the city has to offer as you glide along. The store also stocks sports equipment and offers bikes on rent. A unique way to explore the town, you can be sure of an interesting time.
Barr Estate Winery is the brainchild of husband and wife duo, Rick and Amy Barr along with Amy's parents, Mike and Jeanette Cholowsky. Unlike other wineries which grow and ferment different varieties of grapes, these wine-makers grow heirloom raspberries and rhubarbs. The years of experience as medical researchers, helped the Barr couple to experiment and create fruit wines that are of exemplary quality. Book a tour to see how they substantially grow their fruits, ferment them and make their delicious drinks.
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.