Youth Travel & Nightlife

Edmonton has a whole bunch of really cool things to do throughout the year. A thriving arts community, world-renowned festivals and icon attractions - many with programs, events and facilities geared to the student/youth market and sure to appeal to those with a love for learning and exploring.

For the young adults traveling to the region, there is no shortage of hotspots... Edmontonians know how to have a good time! The region boasts an exciting nightlife and unique shopping in the Old Strathcona area, North America’s largest urban parkland, and Alberta’s #1 attraction – West Edmonton Mall.

Edmonton has it all.

Friendly, safe and easy to access, Edmonton – Alberta’s Capital City – is a natural gateway to Alberta’s incredible National Parks and Canada’s North. Edmonton: It’s a trip... and a half!

FESTIVALS & EVENTS

With over 30 annual festivals celebrated throughout the year, there is something for everyone. Some of the most popular festivals include:

Capital EX: It’s more than the midway! There's something for everyone, with feature shows such as Global Connections, Northwest Originals, and Ed Fest – a 10-day outdoor concert festival featuring some of today’s biggest names in music. Capital EX continues to be one of Canada's largest exhibitions attracting more than 810,000 guests each July.

Website: www.capitalex.ca

Edmonton Folk Music Festival: The Edmonton Folk Music Festival offers an eclectic mix of music for all tastes. Situated in Gallagher Park in Edmonton's scenic river valley, the park's natural amphitheatre is ideal for the mainstage show, and the day stages offer musical samplings from around the world. In addition to the hours of incredible music, the festival offers a wide range of food concessions, general store, record tent and beer gardens.

Website: www.edmontonfolkfest.org

Edmonton Heritage Festival: Every August, Edmonton celebrates the cultural diversity that makes up Canada. Sixty cultures at fifty-plus outdoor pavilions feature non-stop international music, dancing, food, arts & crafts, costumes and more.

Website: www.heritage-festival.com

Edmonton International Film Festival: For nine days each autumn, Edmontonians feast on all things cinematic. It's a veritable buffet of fantastic, independent films from around the globe. Whatever the genre, EIFF programmers search the world over for the most highly entertaining films that exhibit great storytelling qualities. The schedule includes over 60 feature-length slots and over 100 shorts programmed into 15 packages. All films screened at EIFF must be Edmonton premieres.

Website: www.edmontonfilmfest.com

Learn more about the International Film Festival through the stories of people who've experienced it at www.edmontonstories.ca.

Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival: For 11 crazed-filled days in August, life is truly a stage in Old Strathcona as the Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival unfolds its curtain. The largest Fringe Festival on the continent features more than 130 unjuried & uncensored shows from around the world, an entertaining street scene, a plethora of food vendors and craftwork by local artisans. The annual festival welcomes over 500,000 visitors as it presents more than 1000 performances on the indoor and outdoor stages, from noon to midnight, over its 11-day run. The Fringe is considered Edmonton's favorite end-of-summer festival.

Website: www.fringetheatreadventures.ca

Learn more about the Fringe Theatre Festival through the stories of people who've experienced it at www.edmontonstories.ca.

Nextfest - The Syncrude Next Generation Arts Festival: NextFest is a multi-disciplinary arts festival, featuring the newest of new works from emerging young artists. Theatre, music, dance, visual art, film and video, readings, fashion, and works combining several disciplines are on display. The Roxy Theatre is the primary venue for the festival.

Website: www.nextfest.ca

RECREATION

 
Gateway Rec Centre: Gateway Entertainment Centre is a unique complex with over 65,000 square feet of fun and adventure. All will enjoy the best in Ten Pin Bowling and the new state-of-the-art Lazer Runner laser tag arena. The Rec Room Sport’s & Games Bar features a full swing Virtual Reality Golf machine, two Giant Screen satellite TV’s and several monitors, an ever changing Games Arcade... and much more.

Telephone: 780.435.1922
Website: http://gatewayet.com

Laser Quest: Laser Quest combines the classic games of tag and hide & seek with a high-tech twist. Donning the most sophisticated laser tag equipment available, the game is played in a large, multi-level arena featuring specialty lighting, swirling fog and heart-pounding music. Questors, whether individually or on teams, use their lasers to score as many points as possible by tagging the sensors on their opponents’ equipment.

Telephone: 780.424.2111
Website: www.laserquest.com

North Saskatchewan River Valley: Nature in the middle of the city… One of Edmonton’s greatest attractions, the North Saskatchewan River Valley park system provides a natural corridor for all-season recreation and relaxation. The river valley is the longest expanse of urban parkland in North America at 7,400 hectares – 22 times the size of New York’s Central Park – with golf courses, 22 major parks and over 160 kilometres of maintained multi-use trails for walking, cross-country skiing, cycling, and more. A number of festivals take place in the parks along the North Saskatchewan River, including the Folk and Heritage Festivals; and several attractions are located along the river valley including Fort Edmonton Park, the Valley Zoo, and the Muttart Conservatory.

Website: www.edmonton.ca/attractions_recreation/parks-river-valley.aspx

Sportsworld Inline & Roller Skating Disco: Edmonton’s only indoor roller disco takes you back in time with a twist. They will keep you moving in the winter and with the air conditioned facility you can beat the heat in the summer. The skate bar has a full line of classic roller-skates and inline skates. Whether it’s today’s hits, yesterday’s retro hits, disco, or classic rock, the DJ will keep you in the mix. There is an interactive video games area featuring a retro arcade and state of the art games that are sure to meet the expectations of even the most demanding video game buffs. They also feature a video karaoke machine with over 150 songs as well as a pool table, dance floor and snack bar area to relax in.

Telephone: 780.472.6337
Website: www.sports-world.ca

Urban Paintball: Urban Paintball is the best outdoor paintball field in Edmonton. Located only 5 minutes from West Edmonton Mall, it boasts 30 acres of space. There are 2 two-storey sniper towers, 2 forest bases and various obstacles throughout the several playing fields. They offer top quality equipment including semi-automatic markers, masks, and coveralls to enhance your game play. All games are supervised by a field marshal.

Telephone: 780.708.3048
Website: www.urbanpaintball.ca

Vertically Inclined Rock Gym: The Climbing Adventure is the quickest and easiest way to try out indoor climbing. Come on down with a partner and we'll show you the ropes in just 25 minutes. If you've got a youngster looking to see what climbing's all about, bring them by for a Kids Climbing Adventure and we'll set you up with how to work the ropes. Check out the boxes below for more information for each age group. Other programs available.

Telephone: 780.496.9390
Website: www.verticallyinclined.com

West Edmonton Mall: Much more than a mall, West Edmonton Mall boasts world-class attractions and is described as the greatest indoor show on earth. Spanning the equivalent of 48 city blocks, there are more than 800 stores and services, over 100 eating establishments, along with nine outstanding attractions. Some of the attractions include Galaxyland, an indoor amusement park; a National Hockey League sized skating rink; the World Waterpark, the world’s largest indoor wave pool; Putt ‘n Glow Golf; and Deep Sea Derby. Visit WEM's own rec room for10-pin bowling, billiards and more than 100 arcade-style games. At West Edmonton Mall, you’ll also find the Fantasyland Hotel that is known for its unique themed rooms, a casino, a dinner theatre, movie theatres and an IMAX 3D venue on site.

Telephone: 780.444.5200
Website: www.westedmall.com

HOSTELS

GO Backpackers: Located in the heart of downtown Edmonton, GO Backpackers offers guests inviting, comfortable, and cost-saving accommodation. A few steps from this downtown hostel is the Downtown Arts District, the chic 104 Street area, the vibrant nightlife of Jasper Avenue, and Edmonton’s beautiful North Saskatchewan River Valley.

Telephone: 780.423.4146
Web: www.gohostels.ca

Hostelling International - Edmonton Hostel: A great urban travellers hostel located where the fun is in Edmonton's historic Old Strathcona neighbourhood. We're just off Whyte Avenue, the coolest strip for shopping, pubbing and clubbing, near the University of Alberta and across the river from the downtown core. Hostelling International – Edmonton has rooms ranging from dorms to private rooms and amenities including self-service kitchens, games and meeting rooms, group rates, internet terminals and special activities for guests.

Telephone: 780.988.6836
Website: www.hihostels.ca/edmonton

UNIQUE COFFEE/TEA STOPS

Acquired Taste Tea Co.: Acquired Taste Tea Store is a small shop dedicated to all things "tea". They have loose tea, bagged tea, tea cups, tea pots, and much more! Check out their website for a schedule of upcoming live music.

Telephone: 780.414.6041
Website: www.acquiredtastetea.com

The Carrot: The Carrot is a Community Arts Coffeehouse sprouting up from the fertile ground of the Alberta Avenue arts revolution. Every Friday and Saturday night features live art - be it music, poetry, drama, comedy. During the week, visitors may find artists busy at their craft. The Carrot is all about Community and Art.

Telephone: 780.471.1580
Website: http://artsontheave.org

Sugarbowl: This casual, Belgium-style bistro, popular among the University crowd, serves an eclectic mix of modern comfort food.

Telephone: 780.433.8369
Website: www.thesugarbowl.org

Three Bananas Café: Located in Sir Winston Churhill Square in the heart of the Downtown Arts District, Three Bananas Café takes extreme pride in the guaranteed freshness of the coffee. Check out the latte art gallery online.

Telephone: 780.428.2200
Website: www.threebananas.ca

Wild Earth Bakery and Coffee: Cozy upscale bakery and full espresso bar with a friendly neighborhood atmosphere. All bakery items are freshly made by hand on the premises. Specialties include raspberry white chocolate scones, cinnamon buns, organic/fairtrade coffees and soups. Local art is on display and live music events are on Friday. A great place to sit and watch the world go by.

Telephone: 780.425.8423

NIGHTLIFE – COMEDY CLUBS

 
The Comedy Factory: This comedy club hosts North America's top comedians as seen on Just for Laughs, Comics, HBO, Letterman, America's Funniest People and Leno. Located in the Gateway Entertainment Centre on the city's south side.

Telephone: 780.469.4999
Website: http://thecomedyfactory.com

The Comic Strip: Located on Bourbon Street in West Edmonton Mall, The Comic Strip showcases the best comedians in the world. Open every night. Don't miss Hit or Miss Mondays, which is The Comic Strip's amateur night. Tuesday evenings is Alternative Comedy Night, which features Comedy Hypnotism, Comedy Magic, Comedy Music, Street Performers and more. Wednesday through Sunday is their Headliner Series. The world’s top headlining acts are featured live at The Comic Strip. Come see the tours most popular acts whose credits include – Leno, Letterman, The Daily Show, Comedy Central, The Comedy Network, Last Comic Standing, HBO and more.

Telephone: 780.483.5999
Website: www.thecomicstrip.ca

Yuk Yuk’s: This comedy club has presented the likes of Tommy Chong, Pauly Shore, Bob Saget and Russell Peters. Every Wednesday is 'Crash and Burn' night. Thursday through Saturday features professional stand-up comics. Line-up changes weekly.

Telephone: 780.481.9857
Website: www.yukyuks.com

NIGHTLIFE – LOUNGES

 
The Backroom Vodka Bar: Upstairs from the Two Rooms cafe is this trendy, if somewhat dark and narrow vodka bar. A different genre of electronic music is featured every night and the vibe is generally chill.

Telephone: 780.436.4418

Mahogany Room, Hotel Selkirk: Once known as Canada's longest bar, the Mahogany Room stand-up bar is architecturally designed with an enriched mahogany décor to replicate the 1920s original setting. Open seasonally.

Telephone: 780.496.7227
Website: www.hotelselkirk.com

Rouge Lounge: Upbeat, modern, urban, and fun are the words used to describe this hot spot. A nice variety of cocktails and martinis are available, along with great food in a relaxed atmosphere.

Telephone: 780.482.5152
Website: www.rougelounge.ca

NIGHTLIFE – NIGHTCLUBS

 
The Bank Ultralounge: This trendy hotspot hosts international DJs who keep the beautiful crowd dancing until the wee hours. Its downtown location also makes it a popular place to grab an after-work drink.

Telephone: 780.420.9098
Website: www.thebankultralounge.com

Cook County Saloon: This Old Strathcona nightspot has been voted "Canada’s #1 Country Nightclub" a whopping 10 times and is one of the largest, longest running nightclubs in Edmonton. They feature nightly DJ entertainment playing all the latest Country Music and a wide range of requests. Don’t forget to ride "Bad Habit" the mechanical bull.

Telephone: 780.432.2665
Website: www.cookcountysaloon.com

The Empire Ballroom: Take a bit of Vegas and mix it with an ancient Egyptian theme and the result is Empire. With a show every night, this sprawling nightclub provides an entertaining a night out

Telephone: 780.486.9494
Website: www.empireballroom.ca

The Iron Horse: The old train station is a popular Old Strathcona nightspot for dancing and drinking once the sun goes down. During the day, it is a tasty place to grab a casual meal.

Telephone: 780.438.1907
Website: www.theironhorse.ca

NIGHTLIFE – LIVE MUSIC VENUES

 
Blues on Whyte: The long-time home of blues in Edmonton, the Saturday afternoon blues jam sessions have become an institution. Live bands nightly. Located in the historic Commercial Hotel.

Telephone: 780.439.5058

The Ivory Club: Step out of the ordinary and put your inhibitions at the door! As Edmonton’s only prime dueling piano bar, The Ivory Club guarantees a high energy “sing out loud,” kind of night.

Telephone: 780.465.6800
Website: www.theivoryclub.com

New City Likwid Lounge: Features a wide variety of local, national and international live music acts on Wednesday and Friday evenings, Voted by SEE Magazine as the city's Best Live Venue.

Telephone: 780.429.2582
Website: www.newcitycompound.com

The Starlite Room: A 'member's only' venue open only for live music events. A membership will cost you $10, and you can get one online or at the door. The high stage and slanted main floor will seem a little strange to first time visitors, but these measures help even people in the back of the pit see the band perfectly well.

Telephone: 780.428.1099
Website: www.starliteroom.ca

Yardbird Suite: Edmonton's most distinguished jazz club hosts a variety of talented artists each weekend in a casual, intimate atmosphere.

Telephone: 780.432.0428
Website: www.yardbirdsuite.com

NIGHTLIFE – PUBS & BARS

 
Billiard Club: Located on the second floor of a restored historic post office building, built in 1912. A customer favourite is the baked onion cakes and Billiard Club Sandwich with a side of their signature fries.

Telephone: 780.432.0335
Website: www.thebilliardclub.com

Black Dog Freehouse: The Black Dog Freehouse has always been a haven for all walks of society regardless of stature. It is a place where young and old, suits and shorts can relax and enjoy themselves - free from the stigmas attached to most bars. The Black Dog features the Wooftop Patio, Edmonton's only 2nd level, garden setting, full service patio that overlooks Whyte avenue.

Telephone: 780.439.1082
Website: www.blackdog.ca

Ceili’s Irish Pub and Restaurant: Enjoy traditional Irish fare such as the Bookmaker's Steak Sandwich (an 8 oz. top sirloin with sautéed mushrooms on grilled foccacia bread), Classic Ceili's Burger, Boxty (a traditional Irish stuffed potato pancake).

Telephone: 780.426.5555
Website: www.ceilis.com

O'Byrne's Irish Pub: An authentic Irish pub in the heart of Old Stathcona with snug rooms, friendly ambiance, Irish dancing, live music and whiskey tastings accompanied by an interesting menu.

Telephone: 780.414.6766
Website: www.obyrnes.com

Hudsons Canadian Tap House: This bar proclaims every day to be Canada Day. The menu has a definite Canadian bent; it's hearty and inexpensive. This is a great place for beer and pub food, with prime locations for people watching. Three locations in Edmonton

Website: http://hudsonstaphouse.com

Martini’s Bar and Grill: For the chatty after-work crowd, this intimate little spot is always a hit. The wood panelling and old fashioned English-looking paintings on the wall give it a bit of a library feel. A great place to finish off the work day or pop in for a night cap.

Telephone: 780.424.7219

Overtime Broiler and Taproom: The menu of this upscale, elegant sports bar combines traditional bar fare such as burgers and wings with the likes of black bean mussels and Tankatsu Grilled Pork Loin along with tapas from around the globe.

Telephone: 780.423.1643

Prohibition: Open April 2009, Prohibition features two bocce courts, making it the first bocce bar in Canada. The club was designed by Melanie Swerdan and Edmonton film/video director Michael Maxxis.

Telephone: 780.420.0448
Website: www.prohibitionpub.com

RATT (Room at the Top): Room at the Top (RATT) is located seven floors above campus, high atop the Students' Union Building and affords an unequalled panoramic view of Edmonton. Arguably the best place in town to watch a smoldering sunset, a blistering electrical storm, or an Oilers hockey game, this venerable institution on campus is sure to provide you with many a memorable afternoon or evening.

Telephone: 780.492.2153
Website: www.su.ualberta.ca/services_and_businesses/businesses/ratt


FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: 

Kelly Bertoncini
Travel Media Relations Manager, External Relations
780.969.0481
kbertoncini@edmonton.com

Bin Lau
Director of Communications, External Relations
780.969.0463
blau@edmonton.com

Jenifer Christenson
Executive Director, External Relations
780.917.7890
jchristenson@edmonton.com