11 incredible and totally free things to do this spring in Edmonton
It feels so good to be outside and enjoying the sunshine now that spring has arrived, but it seems like we can’t even go five steps outside the door these days without needing to pay for something.
For those looking to get up to something this season but don’t want to put a dent in your pocket, check out some of these awesome and totally free things to do in Edmonton this spring.
Go for a stroll around the Alberta Legislature grounds
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Gorgeous classic architecture? Check. Loads of natural beauty? Check! The Alberta Legislature is a grand spot to enjoy your time in Edmonton, especially during the summer months when the grounds get lush and green. Take a free tour of the building’s interior while you’re there, too.
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Ufest Ukrainian Festival
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This festival celebrates Ukrainian culture, food, music, visual arts, crafts, and dance. UFest is a gathering of people with Ukrainian heritage but also draws spectators from various cultural backgrounds on May 24 and 25 at Borden Park.
Explore unique shops in Old Strathcona
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Old Strathcona is one of Edmonton’s most historic and well-known neighbourhoods. What truly sets Old Strathcona apart are its one-of-a-kind, eclectic shops that showcase the neighbourhood’s distinctive character. From quirky boutiques to hidden gems, there’s something for everyone to discover. Plus, it’s great and totally free to just wander around!
Go for a hike
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Spending time in the great outdoors is great for your health and wallet, but with all of this snow melting, we think we’ll pass on trekking through rough and muddy terrain for now. For those dying to get outdoors, however, check out our curated list of nine easy hikes around the Edmonton region.
Hit up a farmers’ market
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It’s always a great time browsing the stalls of our local farmers’ markets, even if you don’t end up picking anything up. Check out our list of some Edmonton-area markets we’re looking forward to this season.
Free admission at the Art Gallery of Alberta
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Wander through the thoughtful and beautiful artwork at the Art Gallery of Alberta and marvel at each exhibit. The Art Gallery of Alberta offers free admission from 4 to 7 pm on the last Thursday of every month.
Bike/hike in the River Valley
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Edmonton’s River Valley is vast, and boy, are we ever lucky to have the largest urban park in North America. With more than 160 kilometres of maintained pathways and 20 major parks, the River Valley is a gem and a natural wonder for all. It’s the perfect place to spend a bright spring afternoon.
Explore weird and wonderful attractions
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Not only are we blessed with so many incredible natural wonders, but we’re also home to many weird and wacky man-made attractions, especially near our capital city. Plus, they’re totally free to explore!
Check out Downtown Spark
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These whimsical art displays will return to downtown Edmonton in late May. It’s a fantastic two-week event, and it’s totally free to check out!
Check out the U of A Observatory
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Catch incredible views of our solar system at the University of Alberta’s Observatory. Each Thursday, the Observatory opens to the public and visitors are welcome to drop by any time during its visiting hours.
See the blooming trees
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While we may not have cherry blossom trees that bloom every spring in places like Vancouver, Edmonton is home to its own fruit-bearing trees that are just as stunning once they blossom. Check out our roundup of some of the best places to see these beautiful natural displays this month.
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