After a long, frigid winter, there’s no doubt that Edmontonians are eager for the summer heat. We take to the patios and parks, enjoying all the city has to offer. However, if you’re looking to mix up your usual summer activities with a few more unusual activities, we’ve got you covered.
While you may have visited Snow Valley in the winter months to ski or snowboard, now there’s a summer attraction drawing Edmontonians to the southwest end of the city – the newly opened Snow Valley Aerial Park. The trekking tower contains over 100 games and challenges at three levels of difficulty. Play around on the unique course, test your athletic abilities, and enjoy the summer weather.
Snow Valley Aerial Park, 119 Whitemud Dr., 780-434-3991, snowvalley.ca/aerial-park
The Freewill Shakespeare Festival is one of Edmonton’s most beloved events – after all, who doesn’t want to enjoy a full theatrical production on an outdoor stage? This year, the festival returns from June 20 to July 16 with two productions – The Merry Wives of Windsor and The Merchant of Venice. Enjoy the Bard’s classics in an unconventional setting, and if you really want to try something different, check out the special ticketed events such as the Shakesbeer Cask Nights with brews from Alley Kat Brewery.
Heritage Amphitheatre – Hawrelak Park, 9330 Groat Rd., 780-425-8086, freewillshakespeare.com
If a trip around the world isn’t in the cards this summer, don’t worry – you can take your tastebuds on an international tour right in Hawrelak Park at the Servus Heritage Festival. There will be over 100 countries serving up delicious treats, so the only question is, how will you decide which pavilions to stop by?
Hawrelak Park, 9330 Groat Road, 780-488-3378, heritagefest.ca
In the summer months, the High Level Bridge streetcar is open, allowing passengers to ride high above the North Saskatchewan River in a historic streetcar. The incredible view along is worth it, but given that it travels between Whyte Avenue and Jasper Avenue, you can turn the experience into an outing. Stop by one of the great restaurants on Jasper Avenue, tour the Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market, and more.
Edmonton Radial Railway Society, 780-437-7721, edmonton-radial-railway.ab.ca
Edmonton has countless festivals throughout the summer, including many popular music festivals, but one of the biggest and most popular is the Fringe. The Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival takes place from August 17 to 27, and there’s sure to be something that peaks your interest. Check out talented street performers, browse the wares of local makers, sip local brews at the beer gardens, sample some iconic treats (like the beloved green onion cakes), and, most important, take on a show – or several.
ATB Financial Arts Barns Building (and various other locations), 10330 84 Ave., 780-448-9000, fringetheatre.ca
Are you a history buff interested in what Edmonton was like fifty, or even 100, years ago? Fort Edmonton Park may be the perfect summer experience for you. Visitors can travel back in time and immerse themselves in an earlier era, from the fur trading era to the 1920s. Ride on the steam train, stop by the Hotel Selkirk for a bite, watch a show at the Capitol Theatre, or just walk through the historic streets in the summer sunshine.
Fort Edmonton Park, 7000 143 St., 780-496-7381, fortedmontonpark.ca
