Get your steps in and explore Edmonton on foot this summer. Big E Tours takes you on a guided walk through downtown where you’ll learn the history behind landmarks and buildings you’ve probably driven past hundreds of times.
World travellers Amber and Gary Poliquin started the company after realizing that Edmonton didn’t offer bus tours like other major cities do. The pair took a chance in 2017 and started Big E Tours, which they’ve expanded to include walking tours. Big E Tours offers two downtown walking tours: the Downtown Core Tour and the Downtown East Tour.
Summer tours are now open for booking and are 90 minutes long. If you like learning about historical buildings and public art, then the Downtown Core Tour might pique your interest. Churchill Square, McKay Avenue School and Alex Decoteau Park are a few stops on the Downtown Core Tour.
Take the Downtown East Tour if you’re big on river valley views. Some highlights include the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald, Louise McKinney Park and Kinistinâw Park. Both tours offer rich explorations of Edmonton’s downtown history.
“It’s time to get out and explore,” says Amber, co-founder of Big E Tours. “Edmonton is an amazing city. The walking tour allows you to see what you miss even if you’ve driven by an area for years. Grab a friend, or your family, explore your city and learn about the past, present and future of Edmonton’s downtown.”
The Downtown Walking Tours are fully accessible and face masks are required. You can book your tour for any day of the week except Mondays and Tuesdays. Tickets cost $21 for adults, $17.85 for seniors, $12.60 for students, and $8.40 for children ages six to 15. Children under the age of five are free.
