How to be a tourist in your hometown and neighbourhood

Edmonton is a wonderful city in the summer, but it’s easy to forget about what’s in our own backyard. Whether you’ve lived in Edmonton all your life, or if you’re new to the city, here are some ways to explore Edmonton and your neighbourhood this summer.

Summer is a great season to get outside. At Kinnaird Ravine and Rundle Park, there are plenty of trails to walk and bike. With its playing fields, tennis courts, and picnic areas, Borden Park is another nice place to spend a day. If it’s hot out, go for a swim in one of Edmonton’s many outdoor pools. Borden Park’s new outdoor pool is within the RCP’s communities, but all outdoor pools in Edmonton have free admission this year.

Edmonton hosts many summer festivals. One of the biggest festivals of the year, K-Days, will take place from July 19 to 28 at Northlands. K-Days includes a midway, games, exhibitions at the Edmonton EXPO Centre, and live music and entertainment. A Ride All Day (RAD) pass with gate admission is $48 plus tax. You can buy these at Save-On-Foods and Circle K/Mac’s.

Watch a summer sport at the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour Edmonton Open from July 17 to 21 at Northlands. Over 100 teams from around the world will compete as part of the qualifications for the 2020 Olympics. Admission on July 17-18 is free. From July 19-21, you can attend with your K-Days admission. To buy a pass, or for schedule times, visit: k-days.com/outdoor/fivb-beach-volleyball-world-tour-edmonton-open.

This summer, the Edmonton Eskimos have several home games at Commonwealth Stadium. A fun option for families are the Family Huddle tickets on sale at Save-On-Foods for $29.50 plus tax. A schedule of games is available online at esks.com.

Haven’t seen Northlands’ Urban Garden? Northlands has ongoing events or lectures from 6:30 to 7:30 pm each Wednesday until September. These events cover a variety of topics in gardening and urban agriculture. Due to K-Days, there is nothing scheduled for July 25.

If you love music and live entertainment, The Aviary has a variety of concerts and events planned this summer. Philip Muz, owner and operator of The Aviary says, “We’re stoked for a jam-packed summer here at The Aviary. [There are] heaps of free events and huge shows open to everyone. We’re updating the website with new events all the time, so check out the-aviary.net for event listings.”

Community leagues will host several events this summer. Some will help residents host a block party, which is a great way to get to know your neighbours. If you live in Alberta Avenue, Parkdale-Cromdale or Westwood, contact the summer engagement team at engage@albertaave.org, pccl.student@gmail.com, or engage@westwoodcl.ca respectively.

Parkdale-Cromdale Community League will also host two  potluck brunch garden parties on July 7 and August 18 from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm at the Parkdale-Cromdale Community Hall.

On July 7 from 9 am to 5 pm, Delton Community League will host a School’s Out Carnival at their hall. Activities include a dunk tank, face painting ($2 to $3), carnival games, and a concession with a garage sale. Entrance to this family event is free. It costs $20 to rent a table for the garage sale. Call 780.477.3326 for more information.

This article only scratches the surface of what you can see and do in Edmonton this summer. Be sure to get out for these local attractions and events. While summer in Edmonton is fantastic, it doesn’t last long.

Featured Image: K-Days always has plenty of different attractions. | Northlands