Edmonton Tourism

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Artful Entertainment & Attractions


Edmonton is known as Festival City for its diverse and numerous arts and cultural communities including a downtown arts district where several major centres are located. The city also offers many fantastic dining experiences.

Downtown Arts District 

  • Francis Winspear Centre for Music. Warm acoustics and stylish architecture set the stage for a vast array of fine performances from around the world, including the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra with concerts ranging from Masters to Pops. Book tickets at 780.428.1414 or 1.800.563.5081.
  • Citadel Theatre.Located in the central downtown arts district this five theatre multi-purpose complex is the country’s largest and busiest regional theatre with a mix of live performances that will entertain and leave you wanting more. 780.425.1820.
  • Art Gallery of Alberta. A centre of excellence for the visual arts in Western Canada. The AGA is focused on the development and presentation of original exhibitions of contemporary and historical art from Alberta, Canada and around the world. The AGA also offers a full-range of art education and public programs. The gallery is located at 2 Sir Winston Churchill Square. 780.422.6223, 
  • City Hall. Listen for the 23-bell carillon, and enjoy a meal at the Kids in the Hall restaurant. For group tours call 780.944.7740.
  • Shaw Conference Centre. Cascading down the river valley is Edmonton’s unique Shaw Conference Centre. Check out this award winning venue for concerts, meetings, conventions and trade shows. The Shaw Conference Centre is centrally located a few steps from central downtown, home to several shops and hotels. 9797 Jasper Avenue. 780.421.9797. 
  • Metro Cinema. Come to the metro for a cinematic experience. Enjoy the year round screenings of classic documentaries and an array of international independent films. 780.425.9212.

Dining 

Reflective of the region’s ethnic and cultural diversity, Edmonton offers a truly cosmopolitan variety of restaurants and fine cuisine. From traditional Canadian dishes to Ukrainian and Russian delicacies, French, Greek, Italian, or a full spectrum of Asian epicurean delights, you’ll find it here. And don’t forget Alberta’s worldwide renowned succulent beef! Try our regional cuisine from bison, locally raised lamb, wild boar, fresh picked vegetables and summer berries. Local chefs can prepare an array of mouth watering dishes unique to our area. Dine Alberta celebrates the harvest from field to table. www.dinealberta.ca

  • Downtown.You’ll find mouthwatering fine dining at such spots as Hardware Grill, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, Doan’s, The Blue Pear, Madison’s Grill, The Creperie, Sorrentino’s and various other ethnic eateries. There is an abundance of aromatic coffee shops, as well as great spots for lunch. Enjoy the sun setting over the river valley from La Ronde, Edmonton's only rotating restaurant. 780.424.4085
  • 124th Street.Stroll along tree lined streets and stop in for lunch or dinner at some great restaurants. 124th Street offers a wonderful variety to choose from such as Café de Ville, Glenora Bistro, or Cosmo’s Greek Taverna.
  • Old Strathcona. If you want more options visit Old Strathcona. Restaurants in the area offer a huge ethnic mix such as Italian, Thai, Japanese, Vietnamese, Cajun, Greek, Chinese, Continental European or Western fair; it’s all here. If you prefer pubs and clubs, there are over 15 to choose from and lots of coffee houses to sit back and enjoy. Care for something local and fresh? Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market, open every Saturday, offers local and regional ingredients and some great shopping.
  • Strathcona County. Check out Katie’s Crossing, five railway cars straddling a short stretch of track or enjoy fine dining at Joeys. 
  • Stony Plain. Homesteader’s Kitchen in the Multicultural Heritage Centre is known for fresh bread, homemade soup, and many varieties of pies made daily. Or combine antiquing with lunch or breakfast at Julie Keys Antique Café. 

Learn more about the Farmers' Markets in Edmonton through the stories of people who've experienced them at edmontonstories.ca.

Art Galleries 

Do you have an eye for good art? Stimulate and intrigue your visual senses at the Art Gallery of Alberta. This provincial gallery is a growing treasure and boasts an impressive collection of art. The Edmonton region is home to over 60 art galleries, with some specializing in local art, Canadian artists, Native and Inuit art.

  • 124 St. Area. Visit a variety of eclectic shops, galleries, fine restaurants and live theatre. The Gallery Walk, the first of its kind in Canada, was formed in 1981 to promote art and artists of merit, focusing especially on work by Canadian artists. 
  • Alberta Craft Council. You’ll find distinctive works crafted by more than 200 members.
  • The Dow Centennial Centre. Fort Saskatchewan is home to visual and performing arts and the Fort Saskatchewan Pottery Guild. This first-class, state-of-the-art facility includes the Sherritt Cultural Pavilion.

Visit www.culture.alberta.ca for a list of galleries in Edmonton, St. Albert, Sherwood Park, Spruce Grove and Stony Plain.

Gallery Walk

The Gallery Walk is located in a 12 block area just west of the downtown core in the 124 St. area. Formal self-guided Gallery Walks are organized twice a year; however, visitors and residents can conduct their own Gallery Walk anytime. www.gallery-walk.com

Theatre District

Our theatre district boasts dozens of theatre companies ranging from alternative, collective, community-based, improvisation and dinner theatre. Old Strathcona alone houses eight theatre companies.

Learn more about Edmonton's arts community through this video of Penny Ritco, Executive Director and joint CEO of Citadel Theatre, on edmontonstories.ca.

Independent Films

Two neighbourhood theatres, the Princess (10337 82 Ave., 780.433.0728) and the Garneau (8712 109 St., 780.433.0728) screen art and first-run movies.

 

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