The U of A Botanic Garden: Located just outside the city, it’s an escape for when you need a little zen with your fresh air. Find your centre, your next favourite photo spot, or just a moment of peace — the U of A Botanic Garden delivers a full sensory experience, all wrapped up in one beautiful, botanical package.
Borden Park: You can wander through the park’s serene paths, marvel at the eclectic sculptures, or simply relax under a tree with a good book. Oh and definitely check out the mirrored triangular panels that make up the restroom facility — you can’t miss them even if you try, and they blend in so well you might think it’s a portal to another dimension. It’s like the park’s little secret: nature calls, but in the most stylish way possible.
Keillor Point: Affectionately known as the “End of the World,” it’s where Edmonton’s adventurers go to catch their breath and lose their worries — all while perched on the edge of a cliff. Sure, it might look like something out of a post-apocalyptic movie, but that’s part of its charm. The End of the World might sound dramatic, but the only thing you’ll be falling for is the stunning view.
Gallagher Park: It’s like the Swiss Army knife of Edmonton’s green spaces — there’s something for every season and every mood. In the summer the Edmonton Folk Music Festival turns the hill into a natural amphitheater and your lawn chair into prime real estate.
Winter transforms Gallagher Park into a snowy playground where you can channel your inner Olympian on the tobogganing hill — just don’t forget to perfect your “totally meant to do that” landing.
The Legislature Grounds: After a long hiatus for renovations, the grounds have re-emerged like a well-polished gem, ready to host everything from political rallies to casual strolls. With fresh landscaping, upgraded pathways and revitalized fountains, it’s like the Leg has gotten a full spa day, and the results are stunning. And if you squint, you might just see the ghost of Question Period past drifting by.
Neon Sign Museum: Strolling down 104th Avenue, you’ll find glowing relics of the city’s history, each one a flickering reminder of days when signs were as bold as the businesses they advertised. It’s like taking a walk through a neon time capsule, with each sign telling its own story in brilliant, buzzing hues.
And let’s be honest — if you’re looking for that perfect pic to make your dating profile pop, this is the place. Nothing says “I’m fun and quirky” like a selfie under the glow of a retro sign.
Manchester Square: Nestled in the heart of Edmonton’s Queen Mary Park neighbourhood a stone’s throw away from the bustling 124 Street area, this quaint spot is brimming with character — picture brick facades, cozy little shops, and a delightful mix of classic storefronts that seem straight out of a bygone era.
The square’s vintage appeal is a photographer’s dream, offering picturesque backdrops for capturing that nostalgic feel with a side of whimsy.
