After over a year and a half of living through a global pandemic, we can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. Even though it’ll be a while before we’re able to live our lives carefree, we should still be able to enjoy and celebrate Edmonton’s summer this year! Here are some ways our team will be celebrating Edmonton’s beautiful summer, and hopefully we’ll inspire you to do the same.
Park hangouts (with beer or wine!)
Last summer was filled with many socially distanced picnics, and we definitely plan to continue doing it this summer as well. But this year it’ll look a bit different because we can now enjoy alcoholic beverages while we’re soaking up the sun in select public parks! In Sir Wilfrid Laurier, Whitemud, William Hawrelak, Government House, Victoria, Gold Bar, and Rundle Park, you can enjoy alcohol legally between the hours of 11 AM and 9 PM daily. Learn more.
Grab some takeout from Edmonton’s incredible food scene, pack some booze, grab a blanket and a good book, and soak up the sun all summer long.
Electric scooter around the city
eScootering will never get old. There’s just something about cruising around the city with a few friends—whether it’s travelling from A to B or just going for a joy ride.
This summer, another eScooter threw itself into the ring: Spin. Alongside its competitors Lime and Bird, Spin is offering free 30-minute Spin rides to essential workers in need of safe and socially distanced transportation during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic!
Workout outside
The past year has been challenging to those who let loose by getting their sweat on. With gyms, group fitness classes and private training on again and off again, the Edmonton fitness scene has had to get creative.
XTherapy is taking things to the roof! Literally. While the COVID closures were on and off, XTherapy decided to rent out the rooftop of a nearby parkade and take their spin classes outside. Pandemic or not, this is a unique way to get a sweat in. If we’re lucky, these classes will come back!
Hive HIIT in the park is another way to get a high intensity workout in! With gathering locations in multiple areas of the city, Hive HIIT in the park might be right up your alley. Just sign up online, bring your yoga mat and water bottle, and let their incredible instructors do the rest.
The University of Alberta also provides an interesting way to get your sweat on. Though it’s new to us, the U of A provides a free outdoor gym all year long. The space outside represents a joint initiative between our Healthy Campus Unit, Campus & Community Recreation, and Facilities and Operations.
The last and probably most common way to get a workout in is by going for river valley runs and doing stairs. On any given day, you’ll find dozens of Edmontonians sitting in Ezio Faraone Park getting their workouts in!
Visit The Backyard
New to downtown Edmonton, The Backyard is a place to unwind, connect and discover all things local. This space is a one-of-a-kind gathering place that can be transformed to accommodate all types of events. From yoga classes to concerts to private events, The Backyard’s programming brings energy & creativity to our downtown! Be sure to keep up to date on this initiative by giving them a follow on Instagram.
Stop by the Whyte Avenue Art Walk
Isn’t it great to see some normalcy returning to our city? A summer staple, the Whyte Ave Art Walk is back again between June 4th and August 1st. The only difference is that this year, the well-known event is moving indoors to the former Army & Navy building.
Fun fact: the Art Walk was started in 1995 when a group of Edmontonians thought Whyte Avenue should have artists outside painting like they have on the Left Bank in Paris. It started with 35 and has grown to over 400 artists and more than 40,000 visitors.
Enjoy the summer festivals
Edmonton is a beautiful city to live in for many reasons, but at the top of most everybody’s list is the summer festivals—and it’s looking like this year will be filled with them! Though most of us are probably already aware of Edmonton’s annual summer festivals, here is when we can expect them to happen:
The Works Art & Design Festival – June 24 – July 6, 2021
Edmonton International Street Performers Festival – July 9 – July 18, 2021
Taste of Edmonton – July 22 – August 1, 2021
K-Days – July 23 – August 1, 2021
Edmonton Heritage Festival – July 31 – August 2, 2021
Edmonton Fringe Festival – August 12 – August 22, 2021
Take a stroll through the Botanical Garden
An underrated Edmonton experience is the University of Alberta’s Botanic Garden. In this stunning forest garden, you’ll discover how nature ignites your “happy hormones” while you experience a peaceful, beautiful natural environment. Explore cultural gardens, northern climate-hardy plant collections and extensive natural areas, all on 240 acres.
There you have it! We hope you continue to stay safe this summer season. If you have any tips on things to do in Edmonton this summer 2021, give us a shout – we would love to hear from you!
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