Hanging around at home

Enjoying some relaxing time off doesn’t always mean having to travel far distances and spending lots of cash. Choosing a staycation means sticking to local attractions and events during day trips that generally don’t involve long travel times or accommodations.  

Staycations have always been a choice for cost-conscious families, but became especially popular during the travel restrictions brought on by COVID-19. In these days of the rising cost of pretty much everything, staycations are a budget friendly way to explore one’s own geographic area. While not all staycations are cost free, they usually come with a much lower price tag than travelling abroad.

Here are five suggestions for staycations in and around Edmonton and area. 

Festivals

Edmonton is often referred to as “Festival City” for a reason, given the multitude of celebrations going on throughout the summer. Some of them come with a price tag, like the Edmonton Folk Music Festival, where you can discover new music and enjoy rising and major stars not only in folk, but other genres like blues and gospel. If your budget is tighter, the Edmonton International Street Performers Festival has no admission, while the Caribbean-flavoured CariWest festival features the city’s largest outdoor parade. The Works Art & Design Festival has free exhibits in Churchill Square and other locations, along with a music stage and food trucks. The Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival features a mixed bag of plays to experience. The indoor shows are ticketed, but folks can also enjoy the outdoor shows admission-free.

Attractions

Edmonton has numerous attractions where individuals, couples, and families can make a day of it. Explore the city’s history at Fort Edmonton Park, and take a ride on an actual steam train (a 1919 Baldwin Locomotive). The Edmonton Valley Zoo has hundreds of animals in both outdoor and indoor viewing areas, and is open year-round. 

Explore the botanical gardens within the glass pyramids at the Muttart Conservatory. All of these places have gift shops with souvenirs, and places to sit down and get refreshments. There are admission fees, as well as extra charges for some activities. Information about all of the City of Edmonton’s attractions is available at the City’s website (edmonton.ca), so you can plan your budget before you go.

Farmers’ Markets

Shop—and eat—local by touring farmers’ markets. St. Albert boasts the largest outdoor farmers’ market in Canada and is an adventure to explore. In Edmonton, the Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market operates indoors year-round. Another year-round indoor choice is Bountiful Farmers’ Market on the southeast side of the city. 

Edmonton also has a number of seasonal farmers’ markets such as Callingwood (open Sundays and Wednesdays), and the Downtown Farmers’ Market, which has returned to 104 Street. Vendors at farmers’ markets often have free samples, plus there are usually food trucks or in-house eateries to get something more substantial to eat. Enjoy the entertainment from buskers while you have your meal.

Edmonton’s River Valley

As Canada’s largest continuous urban parkland system, Edmonton’s River Valley runs through the city with 180 km of paths suitable for walking, jogging, and cycling. Along the way there are around 20 named parks with amenities such as picnic sites, washrooms, and playgrounds. You can literally go from one end of the city to the other via the trails leading to attractions like Fort Edmonton and the Chinese pagoda at Louise McKinney Park. 

Load up your backpack with snacks, sunscreen, and plenty of water. The River Valley offers a low-to-no cost opportunity to get outside, exercise, and enjoy nature. Being on some of those trails can feel like you’re not even in the city at all.  

Road Tripping

Many fun and interesting attractions are located within two hours of the greater Edmonton area. If you have access to a vehicle, you can check out famous roadside attractions like the big sausage in Mundare and continue east to the giant pysanka (Ukrainian Easter egg) in Vegreville. Elk Island Park is also a popular day trip destination where you can see plains bison in person.

No vehicle? No problem. For a $15 reservation (including park entrance fees) you can take the Parkbus on early Saturday mornings from the downtown MEC and Royal Alberta Museum and return later that afternoon.

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