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Edmonton has many different monikers from the “Big E” to “E-Town.” Some call it Deadmonton, but despite this unflattering name there is lots to do around the “City of Champions.” There are a variety of different sights to see and activities to enjoy year round. Catch an Oilers game or a concert at Rogers Place, or catch the newly renamed Edmonton Elks play a game of Canadian football at Commonwealth Stadium. Culture yourself and enjoy the art scene at the Art Gallery of Alberta, the Winspear Centre or the Citadel Theatre. Take in the natural beauty of the North Saskatchewan River Valley, or learn about the pioneer days and the history of the city at Fort Edmonton Park or the John Walter Museum. Enjoy the newly renovated Stanley A Milner Library, Muttart Conservatory or the Royal Alberta Museum. There are many world class exhibits, festivals and food to enjoy in the “River City!”

Edmonton is the capital city of Alberta. It is the second largest city in Alberta next to our rivals in the south: Calgary, and the fifth largest city in Canada. With a population of approximately 1.5 million, it gains the notoriety of being the northernmost North American city with a population of over 1 million people. This has given it’s fitting nickname the “Gateway to the North.” In actuality, Edmonton was named after Edmonton, England a district outside of the Greater London area. The city began as a trading post in 1795 known as Fort Edmonton. It was part of the Hudson’s Bay company fur trading route along the North Saskatchewan River. Prior to this it was home to indigenous people from at least 3000BC, and possibly up to 10000BC, when an ice free corridor opened up in the area and provided access to water, timber and wildlife. The river valley is the lifeblood of the city, and it was built around this lush, green oasis in the middle of the prairies.

It boasts the distinction of being one of the sunniest locations in all of Canada. But all the sunshine doesn’t automatically mean hot days and sunny ways. While summer temperatures can reach upwards of 30°C ( 86°F), temperatures can dip as low as -30°C( -22°F ) during the winter months, where the days become short and dark. Another main-stay and favourite (or fear) of the extreme Alberta weather is the electrifying summer thunderstorms which can sometimes seem to materialize out of nowhere on hot summer evenings. As they say in Alberta, if you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes.

Edmonton is renowned worldwide for it’s culinary scene, sports teams, and arts scene. With numerous festivals ranging from celebrations of music, theatre, art, culture, food, sports and more. It has been given the fitting nickname of “The Festival Capital of Canada”. There is truly something for everyone to enjoy! Another one of Edmonton’s monikers is the of the “City of Champions” which honours the newly renamed “Edmonton Elks Football Club, and our ubiquitously present hockey teams: the Edmonton Oilers and Oil Kings. Whose namesake pays homage to the omnipresent oil and gas industry which has been the life-blood of the province since the first oil was struck in Leduc in 1947.

The summertime is the best time of year to enjoy all Edmonton has to offer. Accessibility is more challenging during the snowy and cold winter months, but there are still lots of activities to enjoy year-round.

Here are some fun activities to check out within E-town:


*** Posted prices and availability may be subject to change ***

Start your day off right:

Grab a Bite or a Drink at the Historic Fairmont Hotel Macdonald
(10065 100 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 0N6)
Hours: 7:30 AM to 9pm daily. Reservations are required call (+1 780 424 5181 ) or book online
Cost: Check out the breakfast menu or the all day bbq menu
The Hotel Macdonald or “The Mac” has been an iconic park of the Edmonton skyline for over 100 years.. It first opened its doors in 1915, and has seen many famous visitors throughout the years, including: Justin Timberlake, Oprah, The Rolling Stones, and Queen Elizabeth II, to name a few. The legends go that some visitors reportedly never left. The hotel overlooks the he picturesque river valley and is situated on the east side of Jasper Ave. The on-site restaurant: The Confederation Lounge and Patio, offers world class eats and a stunning view of the famous Edmonton River Valley. It is touted as the “best patio view in the city” for good reason. The food is on pricier side, but it is well worth it for the taste, the view and the ambience. There is also a beautiful garden area to take in the scenery. Although, it is worth noting that the ramp down to the garden area has seen better days. It is cobblestone and a bit cracked up, so take it slow or have help going down. The 100st Funicular is also just around the corner and can be checked out at the same time. For more information check out their website.

Old Strathcona Farmers Markets
(10310 83 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6E 5C3)
Hours: Every Saturday from 8am-3pm
Cost: Free Entry.. but make sure to bring some spending money for some locally made snacks and crafts.
The Old Strathcona Farmers Market has been a Saturday tradition since 1983 and is in operation year-round. There are a variety of local vendors with everything from tasty snacks, to handmade wares. It is a great way to spend the morning or afternoon. There is free parking available in the lot across Gateway Blvd. For more information check out their website.

Ways to Spend the Day:

Arts and Culture:

Art Gallery of Alberta
(2 Sir Winston Churchill Sq, Edmonton, AB T5J 2C1)
Hours: 11am-7pm Thursday 11am-5pm Fri-Sun
Cost: Adults $14 Seniors (65+) $10 Minors under 18 Free
A central fixture of the downtown Edmonton Arts District the beautiful architecture of the AGA is a work of art in itself. Featuring a series of rotating and travelling exhibits from around the world, there is always something new to check out. They also offer various events throughout the year. There is also a free Art Hive initiative on Thursdays from 12-1pm, where you can unleash your inner artist. All floors of the building are fully accessible by elevator and there is a lower counter at Guest Services desk for wheelchair users. There is accessible parking available in the Library Parkade and the pedway can be used to access the AGA. Admission times must be pre-booked and can be reserved online. For more information check out their website.

Northern Jubilee Auditorium
(11455 87 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 2T2)
Hours: Varies from show to show, Will call box office ticket pick up is available 1 hour prior to performance
Cost: Varies from show to show. Tickets are available on Ticketmaster.
The Jubilee is located near the University of Alberta Campus. The building was built in 1957, and is a twin to the Southern Jubilee Auditorium located in Calgary. There are a variety of live music and comedy events at “The Jube” as it is known colloquially. The venue offers amazing acoustics and is a cozy, intimate venue to enjoy live music.
Keep in mind that the venue is only wheelchair accessible on the Main Floor and First Balcony Levels (there is no wheelchair access to the Second Balcony level). There are 4 sections of accessible seating available: Main Floor, Right Centre, Row CCC; Main Floor, Right Centre, Row A; Main Floor, Right and Left Centre, Row Y; and 1st Balcony, Right and Left Centre, Row K; keep this in mind when you are booking tickets to a show. Accessible parking is available in the parkade located on the southeast end of the building. There are also four additional spaces available on the north side near the main entrance. If you just want to pop into the building for a peak, rather than see a show, there are various public art exhibits in the lobby that can be enjoyed Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM – 4:30pm, as another option.
For more information check out their website.

Winspear Centre
(4 Sir Winston Churchill Square Northwest & Corner of 99 Street &, 102 Ave, Edmonton, AB T5J 4X8)
Hours: Showtimes varies
Cost: Price per show varies.
The Winspear is the home of the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. It first opened its doors in 1997 thanks to the generous donation of the Winspear family, the Alberta and Canadian governments, and other generous donations. The concert hall allows you to enjoy music in its clearest, most pristine form. Accessibility wise: within the Concert Hall, all levels except the Gallery can be accessed without stairs. The designated accessible seating sections for wheelchair users include: Terrace Centre – Row D; Dress Circle Loge Left and Right – Loge J; Upper Circle Right Centre and Left Centre – Row D; keep this in mind when reserving tickets. You can check out the virtual seat map to get a better idea before booking. The ESO also offers virtual performances to enjoy from the comfort of your own home on your own time. For more information check out their website.

Citadel Theater
(9828 101A Ave, Edmonton, AB T5J 3C6)
Hours: Showtimes varies
Cost: Price per show varies.
The Citadel Theatre is one of the largest not-for profit theatres in North America, It houses five distinct performance stages and a variety of different shows. While showtimes vary throughout the day, the Lee Pavilion is open to the public during building hours. It features a large tropical conservatory with various plants, ponds, a waterfall wall, and is the main area on the north side of our building. All venues have accessible seating available, but these seats must be reserved directly with the box office (boxoffice@citadeltheatre.com.). There is accessible parking available in the Library Parkade via the 99 Street entrance. Park in P2 North for access to the elevator (next to LRT entrance). This elevator will take you to the main floor in the Lee Pavilion, from which you can access all of the venues. If you are taking the LRT to an event at the Citadel, take the train to Churchill Station and then follow the Pedway signs to Citadel Theatre. For more information check out their website.

Science and Educational:

Royal Alberta Museum
(9810 103a Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 0G2)
Hours: 10 am to 4pm Wednesday through Sunday (closed Mondays and Tuesdays). Tickets can be reserved online, last admissions are at 3pm.
Cost: Adult (18-64) $21 Senior (65+) $14 Youth (7-17) $10 Children (6 and under) Free
Two for one admission is available for Access2 Cardholders
The new Royal Alberta Museum or RAM opened in 2018 and features six permanent galleries and two rotating exhibits. Permanent exhibits include  Human History Hall, Natural History Halls, Bug Gallery, Children’s Gallery, Manitou Asinîy, and the Museum Zone. The RAM is fully wheelchair accessible and even won the Percy Wickman Accessibility Award from Spinal Cord Injury Alberta for a new building project in Alberta that has exceeded building codes in wheelchair accessibility features. It features an award winning accessible washroom complete with adult changing tables and available hoist lift. There are four accessible parking spots located outside of the main doors of the museum on the west side. There is also additional accessible parking available at the City Hall Parkade (five accessible stalls); the Library Parkade (13 accessible stalls); Canada Place Parkade (6 accessible stalls); and the Edmonton City Centre West Parkade (11 accessible stalls). For more information check out their website.


The Edmonton Valley Zoo
(13315 Buena Vista Road &, 87 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 2R7)
Hours: 9am-4pm daily Tickets must be reserved online prior to entry
Cost: Adult ( 18-64) $ 12.95 Senior( 65+) 10.50 Youth(13-17) $10.50 Child(2-12) $9.75
Two for one admission is available for Access2 Cardholders
Lions, tiger, and bears oh my! Expect to see all of these and more at the Edmonton Valley Zoo, including local (controversial) legend: Lucy the elephant. The Edmonton Valley Zoo is nestled in the Edmonton River Valley. Most of the Edmonton Valley Zoo is accessible. Accessible areas include the elephant viewing area and the new Arctic Shores Exhibit and Wander Trail. The walkways are a combination of paved and gravel surfaces. However, the outer zoo has some steeper inclines and some wheelchair users may require assistance. There are several accessible parking spaces available on-site. For more information check out their website.

Telus World of Science
(11211 142 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5M 4A1)
Hours: 10am-5pm Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday 10am-7pm Friday – Saturday (Closed Monday and Tuesday)
Ticket times for certain shows and exhibits must be reserved in advance online
Cost: Adult ( 18-64) $ 14.95 Senior( 65+) 12.95 Youth(13-17) $12.95 Child(3-12) $9.95
Two for one admission is available for Access2 Cardholders
The Telus World of Science is located on the west side of Edmonton. There are several permanent interactive exhibits, such as the S.P.A.C.E. Gallery, the Nature Exchange, the Science Garage and CuriousCity. As well as a rotating feature exhibit. the TWOS is also home to the IMAX Theatre, and the Zieglar star dome, ; the latter of which hosts laser light shows if that is up anyone’s alley. Ticket times for shows must be reserved in advance. For more information check out their website.

 Stanley A. Milner Library 
(7 Sir Winston Churchill Square, Edmonton, AB T5J 2V4)
Hours: 10am-6pm Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 10am-9pm Tuesday and Thursday 1pm-5pm Sunday
Cost: Free
It may look like a tank from the outside, but there is more than meets the eye waiting for you inside! The newly renovated Stanley A. Milner Library. re-opened it’s doors in 2020. It is a beautiful state of the art facility that has standard library fare such as public computers, study rooms, wifi, copiers, printers and books (obviously). But they also have interactive digital displays, a children’s play area, gaming consoles, and numerous themed events. There are also state of the art Makerspaces with a 3D printing labs, recording studios, sewing machines, a heat press, laser cutting machines and more that are available for all your creative project needs! In PÎYÊSÎW WÂSKÂHIKAN or the Thunderbird House there is an indigenous elder in residence, Nôhkom Jo-Ann Saddleback, available three days a week throughout 2021 who conducts ceremonies, and shares her cultural stories and wisdom to groups or one on one. There are elevators and ramps that connect to the underground Library Parkade. For more information check out their website.

Sports Fans:

Rogers Place
(10220 104 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 1B8)
Hours: Event times may vary
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Home of the Edmonton Oilers and Edmonton Oil Kings. Watch a game of ice hockey or catch a concert at Rogers Place. There are a total of 73 accessible seats that have accompanying companion seats. Accessible seating sections are available throughout the arena: in the upper and lower bowls with accessible rows at the top of most sections. As well as, on the Loge level and Sportsnet Club of level 5. For schedule and more information visit their website.

Commonwealth Stadium
(11000 Stadium Rd, Edmonton, AB T5H 4E2)
Hours: Event times may vary
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Home of the Edmonton Elks Football Club. Gates 2, 6, 9 are accessible by ramp and 11 is accessible by elevator. The is accessible seating available in sections T & K in row 45C. To inquire about accessible seating options please call the Edmonton Elks Office (780-448-3757). For schedule and more information visit their website.

Historical:

Fort Edmonton Park
(7000 143 St NW, Edmonton, AB T6H 4P3)
Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Wednesday – Sunday (+Holiday Mondays) from July 1 – September 6
Cost: Adult ( 18-64) $ 26.20 Senior( 65+) 20.90 Youth/Child(3-17) $20.90 Family Pass (2 adults and 4 children) $95
Fort Edmonton Park is a look into the history of “The River City”. Tracing back to its days as a fur trading post along the Hudson’s Bay company trading route. There are several different zones of the park, each featuring a different time period and theme. These include the 1846 Fort, 1885 Street, 1905 Street, 1920 Street, the Midway and the Indigenous Peoples Experience. There is also a steam train that goes around the park, and is equipped for wheelchair users. However, the streetcars are unable to accommodate wheelchairs due to safety policy. Fort Edmonton Park has partial accessibility with ramps and wheelchair accessible washrooms throughout. Unfortunately, due to the historic nature of the facility, there are a number of buildings that cannot be accessed by wheelchair users. The Park is situated on 158 acres and only the stream train is equipped for wheelchairs, keep in mind the the physical demands of rolling around the site without assistance are considerable. For more information check out their website.

John Walter Museum
(9180 Walterdale Hill NW, Edmonton, AB T6E 2V3)
Hours:1-4pm Saturdays and Sundays 1-4pm July- September (March-November Sundays Only) (Closed Jan, Feb and Dec)
Cost: Free
The John Walter Museum is located in the heart of Edmonton’s river valley in Kinsmen Park. John Walter made and lost his fortune to the North Saskatchewan River. initially he settled in the Edmonton area in 1870 after emigrating from Scotland, and worked for the Hudson’s Bay Company. He eventually bought a plot of land on the south side of the river and became a successful entrepreneur in many different areas. He ran a lucrative sawmill, a small coal mining, built boats, had a blacksmith, carriage shop and was best known for the ferry service he ran across the river. He was also involved in the community and raised money to build in the first school in Edmonton, which started classes in 1893. All in all, he supplied much of the raw materials to build the city. However, in true live by the river/die by the river style, a disastrous flood in 1915 caused him to lose his livelihood, as it washed away the sawmill and lumber stock. The John Walter Museum offers a look into what life was like back then, showcasing his First House (built in 1875), the Second House (built in 1886) and the Third House (built in 1901). The John Walter Museum is partially accessible. there are accessible spots available in the parking lot. In addition, paved walkways and boardwalks connect the parking lot and the houses. However, only John Walter’s Third House, completed in 1901, is accessible by ramp. The First House (built in 1875) and Second House (built in 1886) have slight ramps into the buildings, and they may not be able to accommodate all types of wheelchairs. Accessible washrooms are found in the Visitor Orientation Building. For more information check out their website.

The Alberta Aviation Museum
(11410 Kingsway NW, Edmonton, AB T5G 0X4)
Hours: 10am-4pm Thurs/Fri 10am-5pm Sat/Sun 10am-5pm Holidays (Closed Mon- Wed)
It is recommended that visitors reserve a ticket time for entry online.
Cost: Adult ( 18-64) $ 15 Student $12 Senior( 60+) $12. Youth(13-17) $10.50 Child(6-12) $9.50
Family Pass(2 adults and 4 children) $37.50
Located west of downtown the Alberta Aviation Museum showcases over 30 restored aircraft. Highlighting and preserving Alberta’s rich aviation history. Everything from some of the earliest planes built during the 1920s, to WWI and WWII bombers, to modern fighter jets. It is a fascinating look back at the history of flight within the last 100 years. All of the aircrafts are older and cannot be accessed, only enjoyed with the eyes. The museum is accessible for wheelchair users and there are wheelchair accessible washrooms located in the rear of the building. For more information check out their website.

Ksan Totem Pole
(Government House, Edmonton, AB T5N 0M6)
Hours: Open 24 hours
Cost: Free
This 11.28 meter totem pole was carved from a red cedar log and was raised in 1983 in celebration of the World University Games. It is a relatively quick stop, but the area offers a nice view of the Edmonton skyline. It is located outdoors on the grounds of the Government House and old Royal Alberta Museum. There is no paved path to the totem pole, and some wheelchair users may find the grassy terrain difficult to navigate, but it can still be enjoyed from the parking lot as well. For more information check out this website.

Local Sights:

Enjoying the Alberta Legislative Building and Grounds
(Legislature Bldg Rd NW, Edmonton, AB T5K 2C1)
Hours: Grounds are open 24hrs
Cost: Free
The Alberta Legislative is positioned south of downtown Edmonton, offering a lush and shady area to enjoy. There are a variety of paved paths through the area, although some areas are bit steep, and some of the pavement is a bit cracked up. In-person public tours inside of the building are available as well. For more information check out their website.

St. Joseph’s Basilica
(10044 113 St, Edmonton, AB T5K 1N8)
Hours: Enjoy the view from the outside 24 hours a day.
Cost: Free
St. Joseph’s Basilica is an ornate and beautiful building that looks more like it belongs in Europe rather than just off of bustling Jasper Avenue. It opened in 1963 and famously was the wedding venue of Wayne Gretzky in 1988. For more information check out their website.

The 100 Street Funicular
(10065 100 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 0N6)
Hours: 7am- 9pm daily
Cost: Free
The Funicular was unveiled in December of 2017, and offers an expansive, accessible view of the river valley (without all of those pesky stairs). The ride takes about 48 seconds and can be enjoyed year round. For more information check out their website.

Sir Winston Churchill Square
(100 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 2E5)
Hours: Open 24 hours
Cost: Free
Churchill Square is a fixture of downtown Edmonton and a hub for many of the festivals that take place in the city. Currently, the Churchill Square Food Truck Program operates on weekdays during the spring, summer and fall months from 11am-2pm. Weekends are not included in this program. It is a great way to grab a quick bite and enjoy some of the local fares of Edmonton on the go. Keep up to date with the schedule of food trucks available each day. For more information check out their website.

Edmonton Riverboat
(9734 98 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5K 0W9)
Hours: Cruise and event times vary, pre-book tickets in advance online (or by calling (780) 424.2628 ext 1.)
Cost: Ticket price varies for event type (some are cruise only, while others include food as well)
The Edmonton Queen Riverboat is an icon of the river valley. It has been sailing the waters since 1995, although it has had some misadventures and crashes along the way. The parking lot fills up quickly, so it is recommended you get there early, or else plan alternate modes of transportation (especially if you plan on having some drinks during the cruise). Be mindful, that the slope down to the boat is a bit steep and wheelchair users may require assistance going up and down. There is a wheelchair accessible restroom available on the main deck of the boat. There is also a wheelchair lift available that provides access to the lower deck, however, it is restricted to non-motorized wheelchairs only. For more information check out their website.

University of Alberta Campus
(116 St & 85 Ave, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3)
Hours: Grounds are accessible 24hrs Building and individual museum access times may vary.
Cost: Free
The University of Alberta was established in 1908 and has grown over the years into a world class research university. The first building on campus was Athabasca Hall which first opened in 1911. many buildings have seen their share of history over the years. Pembina Hall, was a military hospital during WWII, and is said to be haunted by the ghost of a nurse whose lover died in the war. There is also the Frankenstein-esque Biological Science building, which was built by several different contractors who didn’t have the best communication. There are doors that lead to no where, floors that don’t quite match up and rooms that can only be accessed through closets. Many buildings have been added throughout the years, the most recent being the CCIS building opening in 2010 along Saskatchewan Drive. The campus has a variety of paved pathways snaking around the different faculties and plenty of areas to relax. There are also 29 museum collections situated across campus. These include: The Geology Collection Museum, The Paleontology Museum and many others! For more information check out the main campus map.

Nature Lovers:

Muttart Conservatory
(9626 96a St NW, Edmonton, AB T6C 4L8)
Hours: 10am-5pm Mon, Tues, Fri 9am-5pm Sat and Sun 4pm-10pm Wed & Thurs (Adults Only On Wednesday)
Tickets must be reserved in advance for admission time online
Cost: Adult ( 18-64) $14.95 Senior( 65+) $12.95. Youth(13-17) $12.95 Child(2-12) $7.75
These iconic glass pyramids are a beautiful and iconic landmarks of Edmonton’s River Valley. There are 3 main pyramids housing tropical plants, temperate plans, and arid plants; in addition to a rotating 4th pyramid. It is home to over 700 plant species! Newly renovated over the 18 months during the covid lockdown, the Muttart is now welcoming back visitors. There is accessible parking available, accessible washrooms, automatic doors, and ramps with railings. However, some ramps to pavilions are a bit steep, and some people may require assistance. There is complete ramped access to 3 of the pyramids, but a set of stairs in the arid pyramid may cause you to have to do some backtracking around that pyramid, rather than touring the pyramid in a continuous loop. For more information check out their website.

(For more beautiful Edmonton area garden centers to enjoy there are also: Greenland, Kuhlmans, and Salisbury Greenhouses)

Explore the River Valley Trial System and Parks and enjoy al fresco dining at its best with a picnic
(Some popular wheelchair friendly parks include: Strathcona Science Park Trail, Rundle Park, and Hawrelak Park) (Please note Hawrelak park is closed and under renovation until 2026!)
Hours: Parks are open from 5am to 11pm daily
Cost: Free
The Edmonton River Valley is the lifeblood of the City. There are over 90 kilometers of paved trials and 30 connected parks. The River Valley trail system also connects to many of the City’s main attractions including: Fort Edmonton Park, the Valley Zoo, the Muttart, and the 100 Street Funicular. There are lots of picnic tables and rest stops to enjoy the view along the way. Some popular wheelchair friendly parks include: Strathcona Science Park, Rundle Park, Hawrelak Park, and Dawson Park. For beautiful scenic views of the Edmonton, check out the paved multi-use path between the Fort Edmonton foot bridge and the Terwillegar foot bridge. For more information check out their website, trail maps, and park accessibility ratings on page 19 of the Community Facilities & Parks Accessibility Guide . Or check out my wheelie adventure guide.

Trying something different:

Borden Park Natural Swimming Pool
(7615 Borden Park Rd NW, Edmonton, AB T5B 4W8)
Hours: **Open between June and September**
The first of it’s kind in Canada, Borden Park Pool is a man-made, natural swimming pool. It features sand areas, lounge space and umbrellas. The pool is chemical free and is cleaned using layered rock filters, hydro-botanical wetland plant beds and UV rays from the sun to disinfect the water. There is a zero entry pool and a water wheelchair available to use. If swimming isn’t your thing there are also many beautiful art sculptures and pathways around Borden Park. Making it a great spot for a picnic, or to catch some impromptu concerts in the grandstand located in the park if you are lucky. For more information check out their website.



Accessible Escape Rooms at Escape City
5916 104 St NW, Edmonton, AB T6H 2K3
Hours: 6pm-10pm Thurs-Fri 5pm-10pm Sat 3pm-10pm Sunday
Cost: General Admission (16+) $26-$30 Youth (8-15) $20-$24 (Price depends on chosen experience)
There is a wheelchair accessible entrance, wheelchair accessible parking, as well as wheelchair accessible restrooms on-site. The majority of the escape experiences are wheelchair accessible. These include: Keller’s Magic Emporium, The Cabin, Neurological, and Mutiny. Unfortunately, The Hunt for Arms Magee and Frank’s Revenge are not accessible, so book your experience accordingly. For more information check out their website.

For a little bit of everything:

West Edmonton Mall
(8882 170 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5T 4J2)
Hours: Open 11am-7pm
Cost: Free to window shop and explore… (Attractions and performances have an additional cost)
West Edmonton Mall or WEM is the largest mall in North America, and the most popular tourist attraction in Alberta! Besides shopping til you drop, there are a plethora of stores and things to check out. From checking out a comedy show at the Comic Strip, to catching a performance at Halley’s Club, testing your luck at the Starlight Casino, enjoying a dinner and a show at Jubilations dinner theatre or playing some arcade games at the Rec Room. For more information check out their website.

Checking Out Our Famous Festivals
We aren’t called the “Festival City” for nothing. From the Edmonton Folk Music Fest, Edmonton Jazz Fest, Edmonton Film Fest, to the International Fringe Festival, K-Days, Heritage Festival and Taste of Edmonton -to name only a few- there are no shortage of festivals in Edmonton. They don’t call us the festival city for nothing! Most of the festivals take place over the summer months but there are also winter festivals such as the Ice on Whyte Festival and the Silver Skate Festival at Hawrelak Park. However, the cold and snow make these less wheelchair friendly and accessible than the summer festivities. Scope out a full list of Edmonton’s festivals here.

Evening Activities:

Catch a Movie at a Theatre
(Various Locations)
Hours: Showtimes vary
Cost: Prices vary depending on location and show
Two for one admission is available for Access2 Cardholders
Catch a flick at one of the many movie theatres across the city. Something about watching a movie at a theatre makes it that much more enjoyable. Maybe it’s the big screen, maybe it’s the popcorn, either way this has been magnified by the fact that they were shut down for over a year. For more information and showtimes check out this website.

University of Alberta Observatory
(Centennial Centre for Interdisciplinary Science, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9)
Hours: Drop in Thursday Evenings (closed to the public during the spring and summer months)
Cost: Free
Located in the newest building on campus, The Centennial Centre for Interdisciplinary Science or CCIS, the observatory offers drop in viewing on Thursday evenings during the fall and winter. For more information check out their website.

Old Strathcona Ghost Walk Tour
(10322 83 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6E 5C3)
Hours: 7-8pm Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday through June, July, August Tickets can be reserved online (must arrive 5-10minutes before start time, infront of the Rescue Statue, next to the Walterdale Playhouse in Old Strathcona)
Cost: General (12+) $24.46 Children (Under 12) $18.86
A one hour outdoor touring around the Old Strathcona neighborhood. Revel in spooky stories of the past and learn about the macabre history of Edmonton. Some portions of the tour go through back alleyways with rougher sections of pavement, but for the most part the tour is wheelchair friendly. For more information and tour dates check out their website.

Neon Sign Museum
(104 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 0K7)
Hours: Open 24 hours best enjoyed after dark
Cost: Free
This open air museum located across the street from Rogers Place showcases a variety of retired neon signs from a number of businesses from the Edmonton area. Best enjoyed in the evening once it is dark out. For more information check out their website.

Mayfield Dinner Theatre
(16615 109 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5P 4K8)
Hours: Doors at 5:30pm, Meal Service from 5:30pm – 7:30pm, Show begins at 7:30pm Shows are every evening Tuesday-Sunday.
Cost: Prices vary depending on seating area
Grab dinner and a show at the Mayfield. Touted as the #1 dinner theatre in Canada, you will not be disappointed. They offer a rotating series of shows throughout the season. From comedies, dramas, musicals and more, there is something everyone can enjoy. A full meal deal including appetizers, main courses, desserts, coffee, tea and other refreshments are included in the ticket price. However, alcoholic or premium beverages are an additional charge. Grab your tickets for a show here. They also offer overnight stay packages in the attached Hilton Hotels. For more information check out their website.

Check out some local live music:
O’Byrne’s Irish Pub, Naked Cyber Cafe, or Blues on Whyte.
***Must be 18 years of age with valid ID***
Hours: Hours and showtimes vary for each establishment
Edmonton has a bustling local music scene with a lot of talent. There are other venues available, but these three have accessible entrances, and accessible washrooms available. Check out there individual websites for showtimes and line-ups.

Best Local Restaurants to Check Out:

Edmonton is a food lover’s dream, we have world class cuisine to choose from all across the city. This is by no means an expansive list, but here are some top notch wheelchair accessible faves depending on what you are in the mood for. Some establishments have multiple locations. You will not be disappointed (or leave hungry)!

Best Mexican: Tres Carnales
Best Beer: Brewsters , Beer Revolution
Best Vegan: Padmanadi
Best All You Can Eat: Pampas
Best Japanese: Dorinku, Washuko, and Mt. Fuji
Best Thai: Syphay
Best Vietnamese: PhoEver Noodles & Grill, Thiên Ân Restaurant
Best Late Night Eats: Tony’s Pizza Palace
Best Cheap Eats: Zwicks Pretzels, Uncle Ed’s
Best Happy Hour : Earls, or Local
Best Fancy Restaurant: Continental Treat
Best Pastry: Swiss 2 Go or Duchess Bake Shop
Best Ice-cream: Scoop and Roll, 80 Flavours Premium
Best Coffee Shop: Remedy
Best Chinese: Chinese Hot Pot Buffet, Yang Ming
Best Appetizers: The Canadian Brewhouse or Horseshu Pub
Best Indian: Guru
Best Burgers: Burger Priest, Fatburger
Best Pasta: Vaticano Cucina
Best Cocktails: Clementine, The Craft and Cork, Baijiu (there is a lift at the back of the building),
Best Margaritas: El Cortez
Best Brunch: Barb & Ernie’s old Country Inn, Under the High Wheel

Or bring the food to you with uber eats or skip the dishes

Wheelchair Accessible Transportation Options:

Wheelchair Accessible Taxis
Unfortunately wait times for wheelchair accessible vehicles are often longer than for regular taxis. It is best to book you trip ahead of time (although this is not always a guarantee).

Pi Live Accessible Taxi (book online) or call (780)439-6655

Royal Wagon Accessible Inc (book online) or call (587)459-2555

Co-op Taxi (book online) or call (780)425-2525

Edmonton Taxi Group (book online) or call (780)462-3456

Public Transportation
All of the public transit systems including the LRT and city buses are wheelchair accessible. For route maps and more information check out the City of Edmonton’s transit trip planner on their website.

DATS Bus
The DATS bus is a service available to disabled adults in the Edmonton area who cannot use regular transit for their transportation needs. DATS clients must apply, meet eligibility requirements and be registered before using DATS. You can schedule pick up and drop offs to any location in the city that is not accessed by the normal transit system. For fare information check here for pricing. The service runs from 6:30am-11pm, and offers service until 12am on Fridays and Saturdays. For more info and to start the registration application process check out their website.

Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Rentals

Enterprise Rent-a-Car for a vehicle with hand controls (unfortunately no rentals with lifts are available at the present time).

24 Hour Wheelchair Repair

Hopefully you won’t have to worry about a broken wheelchair while out exploring Edmonton. However in case you find yourself in need of a repair or tune up Done Right Wheelchair Repair has you covered! Give Brian or Kurt a call and they will help you out and fix up your chair. They are 24 hours a day, and offer repairs for a reasonable hourly price.

Wheelchair Accessible Accommodations

All of the larger hotel chains have accessible rooms available. However, some accessible rooms are better designed than others. There are rave reviews for these accessible hotel rooms in Edmonton.

JW Marriott Edmonton Ice District
Metterra Hotel on Whyte
Hyatt Place Edmonton – West
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel West
Home2 Suites by Hilton

For a full list of accessible hotels check out tripadvisor and filter for wheelchair access (but make sure you call the hotel directly and confirm the accessible room amenities when booking just to be on the safe side). (For more tips on choosing an accessible hotel room check out this post).

If you are looking to get out of the city check out these wheelchair accessible day trips from Edmonton.

I hope you enjoy your time in Edmonton!

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