18 free or cheap things to do in Edmonton

Whether you're road-tripping across Canada, visiting friends, or looking for a fun city getaway before heading to The Rockies, Edmonton has plenty to offer on the cheap. From stunning river valley trails to hilarious comedy shows, locally-made craft beer, and hidden gem restaurants with shockingly small bills, there’s no shortage of ways to spend your time. Before you arrive in this charming city, you best be ready to eat, thrift vintage looks, or just chill in green spaces with a coffee. Read on for some travel inspo, and thank us later.

Fresh air = free! Best parks and trails

Edmonton’s river valley is a must-visit for anyone spending a few days in the city. Consider this your hub for walking, cycling, running, beautiful viewpoints, scenic parks, and even a few beautiful river beaches. Here’s where you want to pin on your map:

1. River Valley Overlook. This spot is one of the best places for sweeping skyline and river views. Pack some snacks or drinks and take in the scenery solo or with friends. Snap a shot for your Instagram story (not that we really have to remind you, you’ll see) and get a sense of the city from this vantage point. P.S. it’s also just ten minutes from the hostel!

2. Walterdale Bridge and Queen Elizabeth Hill. Here, expect another picturesque viewpoint with panoramic cityscapes and access to Skyline Beach, a popular hangout spot for locals. Walk across the bridge for incredible views from both sides.

3. Legislature Grounds and Ezio Faraone Park. The historic Legislature Grounds, dubbed “the Leg,” by locals offer green spaces, stunning architecture, and is the venue for many summer festivals. A short walk away, Ezio Faraone Park is the spot to take an extra minute to check out views of the High-Level Bridge and the river.

4. Muttart Conservatory. For Millennial travellers in their plant lady era, the botanical gardens is where it’s at. Muttart is a striking indoor botanical garden housed in four glass pyramids. You’re looking at 15 bucks to enter and even if you don’t go inside, the surrounding park offers one of the best skyline views in Edmonton.

5. Gallagher Park. Home to the Edmonton Folk Music Festival (slated for August this year), this scenic hillside is also a great spot for city views and afternoon chilling. If you’re looking to connect with locals during your travels, this might be one place to do it.

6. Tawatinâ Bridge and Accidental Beach. Tawatinâ Bridge connects the River Valley to downtown, offering some pretty Instagrammable spots along the way. On warm days, locals flock to Accidental Beach—a seasonal sandbar perfect for unwinding by the water. If you’re stopping by in summer, plan to spend a spare moment here with friends, a picnic, and refreshing drinks.

For big appetites but small budgets

Not to brag, but our hostel is kind of in the same neck of the woods as many of Edmonton’s best eateries. No tiny, over-priced food here!

1. Block 1912 . This is a well-known spot in Edmonton favoured amongst locals both for its food and its vibe. A charming and cozy cafe, Block 1912 has a warm atmosphere, excellent people-watching, and a menu of comforting hot drinks, baked goods, soups and sandwiches. When sweater weather hits, this is the place to be.

2. New Spice Grill. Think tons of spice (as per the name) and not a lot of cost. This restaurant is a go-to spot for yummy yet affordable Indian cuisine, serving up hearty portions of classic dishes like butter chicken, biryani, kebabs, tandoori, and naan. For broke backpackers, this is great for a satisfying meal without breaking the bank—especially on a cold winter day.

3. Beercade. If you’re a backpacker passing through, the name itself should sell the place. Here, expect cheap eats, weekday deals, and good beer. The vibe is a relaxed place to hang out with a retro arcade feel.

4. El Cortez. This place is just fun! The inside is as bold as the flavours in your salsas or chicken tinga. Serving up all kinds of Mexican foods from churros to carnitas to enchiladas, this is a place to come hungry to. For locals, this is a top pick for dinner.

Killing time but not your bank account: Best city streets to wander

One of the best ways to travel on the cheap is just to put on a good pair of walking shoes and explore. These streets and neighbourhoods are the most walkable areas in Edmonton for exactly that!

1. Whyte Avenue. You’ll want to check out Whyte Avenue for its thrift stores, eclectic boutiques, cozy cafes, diverse restaurants, and lively bars. This is a vibrant area with a boho feel making it a must-visit for shopping and nightlife or, honestly, both.

2. Jasper Avenue. Travellers who love a big city will like this strip. Here, you’ve got the energy of the downtown core plus trendy shops, hip cafes, and restaurants.

3. Churchill Square. For art and architecture enthusiasts, there’s Churchill Square. A lot of events are hosted here plus it’s home to the Royal Alberta Museum and the Art Gallery of Alberta.

Affordable after dark: Where to go out without going broke

We hear you: you want to go out *but* you’re not exactly on a champagne and bottle service budget. Fear not! This is where to go:

1. The Black Dog. One of Edmonton’s longest-standing bars (it has been over for more than 30 years!), The Black Dog has its own distinct personality, a laid-back atmosphere and three levels to explore, including a rooftop patio with great city views. When you visit, they may have a local DJ in the house. If not, just enjoy the charm of an old dive bar adored by locals.

2. Blues on Whyte. This really is a classic Edmonton bar and it would be a shame to miss it. This one is a legendary spot for live music, featuring free blues performances a couple of times a week in a classic, no-frills bar setting.

3. The Grindstone Theatre. For social butterfly travellers, sometimes you just need to be where the people are. For that, you’ve got Edmonton’s Grindstone Theatre; a unique bistro and performance venue that hosts comedy shows, live entertainment, and DJ nights on weekends. Make it a go-to—never a dull moment here.

4. The Common. The fun doesn’t only have to happen from Friday night through Sunday. On a backpacking trip, most of us don’t care what day of the week it is and so coming across mid-week events feels like such a win. The Common should be on your radar then. Expect a trendy bar and music venue with free live performances on Wednesdays. Dancing is on the weekends so if you’re in town long enough, swing by twice!

5. The Bower. This bar is one of the city’s top underground electronic clubs, open on Fridays and Saturdays, featuring curated DJ sets and an intimate, late-night vibe. While it’s not the cheapest spot in town, it delivers a swanky atmosphere, creative cocktails like Aperol spritzes and jalapeño martinis, and a selection of upscale bar snacks that, for some backpackers, make it worth the splurge.

6. Bonus: O'Byrne's Irish Pub - Just a block from HI Edmonton, this cozy Irish pub is the perfect spot for a laid-back pint and some classic pub grub. But wait, it gets cheaper: guests of the hostel can grab a 15% off food voucher at the front desk!

Where to stay?

HI Edmonton is comfy, social, and easy on your wallet... plus, its super close to all the best local spots.

Follow HI Edmonton on IG for more budget-friendly tips!