Get out of the city and spend the day at one of these nearby hangouts.

Looking for a quick getaway? These nine spots are less than two hours from the city and are the perfect way for families, friends, or solo fun-seekers to explore what nearby cities and towns have to offer. Walk with dinosaurs, shoot some spuds, or laze on the beach—just make sure you pack a snack for the drive home.

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Enjoy a Garden Concert in Lacombe.

5214 50 Ave, Lacombe, AB

Each week, bring your lawnchair, a picnic dinner, and enjoy an eclectic option of music. From Jazz, Country, Pop, it is an enjoyable evening.

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Hang with dinosaurs at Jurassic Forest     

 23210 Township Road 564 #2  Gibbons, AB 

Travel back to a time when dinosaurs roamed the earth. Set in an old-growth forest North of Gibbons, Jurassic Forest is home to life-sized dinosaur replicas, interactive displays, and other prehistoric activities for families. Identify the remains of one of the forest’s previous dwellers, or search for clues in a scavenger hunt.

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Look for wildlife at Elk Island National Park      

54401 Range Rd 203  Fort Saskatchewan, AB   

Spend the day bird or animal watching, kayaking, or hiking in this natural wildlife refuge. As an important sanctuary for bison, 300 species of mammals, birds and fish, Elk Island is a nature-lover’s paradise.

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Spend the day at Prairie Gardens & Adventure Farm     

56311 Lily Lake Rd   Bon Accord, AB

With a corn maze, garden centre, farm animals, tractor and wagon rides, haunted farm house and more, a trip to Prairie Gardens is worth the drive. Take the kids to the Outpost General Store for a free mini face painting, and stroll through the forest trail.

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Visit the St. Albert Grain Elevator Park      

4 Meadowview Dr    St. Albert, AB

Take a guided tour of two provincially designated grain elevators and experience a taste of early 20^th century living. The site is also home to a replica 1920’s train station where history buffs can put their Morse Code skills to the test.

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Soak up the sun at Sylvan Lake      Sylvan Lake, AB

Enjoy a day at the beach, just an hour and a half south of Edmonton. Park your towel on the grass and soak in some rays before grabbing an ice cream cone from one of Sylvan’s famous parlours. Then float around the lake or try the Aqua Splash—the town’s floating obstacle course.

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Get lost in the Edmonton Corn Maze      Spruce Grove, AB

Not just for autumn, the Edmonton Corn Maze opens for summer visitors July 26. Along with the classic maze—grown in a new shape every year—the Corn Maze has farm animals, giant jumping pillows, pedal cars, spud guns and a ton of games. A great summer destination with something for everyone.

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Float on Pembina River       Entwistle, AB

Relax and take in the natural beauty of Pembina’s river valley as you float down the gentle river. Bring your own tube or rent one from Pembina River Tubing, and take a shuttle from the parking lot to the river entrance. Expect the journey back down the river to take around 3 hours—plenty of time for laughing, splashing, or sun-soaked serenity.

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Experience the Ukrainian Cultural Village      

Hwy 16 E   Tofield, AB

See history brought to life at this living history museum. Learn about Ukrainian immigration to Alberta as told by costumed interpreters, and see how it has impacted our province’s cultural landscape. Check out the Village’s summer programs or group tours for a unique, interactive experience.

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Canoe down the North Saskatchewan      Devon, AB

Grab a friend or two, some snacks and a canoe, and paddle down Edmonton’s winding river. Book with a service like Canoeheads, and catch a ride from Wilfred Laurier Park to Devon Bridge before making your way downstream.

Did we miss your favourite activity or event? Do you have memories you want to share? Share them in the comment section below, or share your photos on our instagram feed.

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