A weekend getaway: 48 hours of fun in Edmonton

by Sydnee Bryant

With plenty of award-winning restaurants, unique boutiques and world-class attractions to discover, Edmonton has a lot going for it. This weekend guide will take you to neat local neighbourhoods and some of the city’s top attractions. [Image credit: iStock.com/jonathansemrok]

Souvenir Shopping Made Easy

• Head to the Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market, which takes place indoors year-round, for fresh fruit and veggies, plus locally made goodies that you can only find in Edmonton.
• Stroll down Whyte Avenue to explore some of Old Strathcona’s most popular stores, including gravitypope, Avenue Clothing, The Plaid Giraffe, The Wish List, Vivid Print and Laurel’s on Whyte, picking up some uniquely Edmonton souvenirs along the way.

A Well-Deserved Caffeine Break

• Reboot your system with a coffee or one of Remedy Café’s famous Chai lattes (they make their own syrup!). While you’re there, treat yourself to some locally made vegan cookies from Bloom Cookie Co.

Evening Magic in Old Strathcona

• For a post-dinner treat, head to the iconic Princess Theatre on Whyte Avenue. Conveniently located next to a candy store, Gummi J, this old-fashioned movie theatre is the last of its kind, and offers balcony seating.
• If your feet are still itching to move, seek out the basement dance cave at El Cortez, just steps away from the Princess Theatre. If you’d rather sit to enjoy your nightcap, El Cortez and their sister restaurant, Have Mercy (just next door), both offer fantastic cocktails – you just have to decide if you’re in the mood for tequila (El Cortez) or bourbon (Have Mercy).

History and Nature Come Alive

• Edmonton’s living history museum, Fort Edmonton Park, is like stepping back in time, with an old-school boardwalk, saloon, movie theatre, pharmacy and more. The park is divided into four eras: Fur Trading, Settlement, Municipal and Metropolitan, so history buffs are sure to enjoy but there is still definitely something for everyone.
• Adjacent to the River Valley lie four beautiful glass pyramids that comprise the Muttart Conservatory. Each pyramid contains its own biome, resulting in one of the country’s largest botanical collections. Plus, there’s an award-winning restaurant onsite, too!

Explore One of Edmonton’s Fastest Growing Areas

• When you start to feel peckish, head to the French patisserie the National Post once declared the best in Canada. Duchess Bake Shop is known not only for its decadent desserts (the salted caramel macarons are a must-try) but also the strong coffee.
• Post-Duchess, explore the 124 Street area’s exciting shops, which include Plum Home Design, Shades of Grey Boutique, Lux Beauty Boutique, Carbon Environmental Boutique and Salgado Fenwick.

An Unbeatable View

• Finish off an unforgettable weekend with a nightcap at the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald, which overlooks Edmonton’s stunning River Valley. The hotel’s patio offers the best view, but the Confederation Lounge is also a cozy spot to relax.

After a weekend of taking in some of Edmonton’s best shops, cafés, restaurants and sites, you should feel relaxed and refreshed. Now that you’ve seen much of what Edmonton has to offer, go and spread the word!