The Best of Summer
It’s time to get outside, explore, and enjoy places near and far
A perfect Edmonton summer day for me would start with a coffee and breakfast sandwich on the Italian Centre patio, where I would also pick up a picnic lunch of one of their great shareable sandwiches, some pastries and fruit. Next, I’d drive out to Devon to go for a walk along the beach, lay on the sand reading a book, and paddle around in the North Saskatchewan River before it enters the city. I'd head back in for a non-alcoholic craft beer on the patio at OTTO under the cherry trees, and split some of their delectable creamy mac and cheese, a salad, a sausage, and a creme brulee with a friend. Then walk over to The Aviary to catch a band and dance the night away! - Alita Rickards
Here are some ideas for you to create your perfect summer day!
Enjoy food with friends on a local patio
Chico’s Taverna (8656 118 Ave) has authentic Portuguese cuisine featuring clams in white wine sauce and spicy prawns, plus much more. And they are hiding a great, quiet outdoor space behind the building.
The Carrot Community Arts Coffeehouse (9351 118 Ave) has a small seating area outside. You can also enjoy a casual Friday date night with a $5 cover charge and 90 minutes of local musicians.
OTTO Food and Drink (11405 95 St) offers house-made sausages with (or without) a craft beer or glass of wine, which are a summer treat. Enjoy streetside, with the garage door up, or in the fantastic garden patio next to the building.
Mona Lisa Pub (9606 118 Ave) has a beautiful new patio in the parking lot. Wednesday is half price wings and they are tasty! Mona Lisa Pub’s also offers karaoke,unless there’s football.
Cool off with some ice cream
Kind Ice Cream in Highlands (6507 112 Ave) has more than 16 ultra-delicious flavours on tap with three new flavours every month.
Gelato at Spinelli’s Bar Italia at the Italian Centre (10878 95 St) features Italian gelato delights with single scoop, double scoop, and Caffe Affogato at great prices.
Go for a picnic
Borden Park: Groups of many sizes enjoy the sun and ample shade. Add a swim in the outdoor pool, and you have a full day of low-cost activity.
Rundle Park: You can book a BBQ and it has a great playground for kids. - Lauren Panaro
Get moving
Kinnaird Ravine: A nature oasis right in our community. Enjoy a peaceful walk through a beautiful treed path and check out the murals. You come out by the river and can head back up the path along the ridge for a great view of downtown. - Karen Mykietka
Miquelon Lake: Remote, but only one hour southeast of Edmonton, Miquelon Lake is a walkable park. The trails are not rugged at all. It’s an easy way to get in touch with nature. – Derek Quittenton
Rundle Park: Lots of easy parking to set you up for strolls along the North Saskatchewan River. Watch for eagles, owls, and woodpeckers. – Constance Brissenden
Highlands neighbourhood walks: Promenade along the river beside Ada Boulevard, followed up with ice cream at Kind Ice Cream or a burger at Foxx Burger. Enjoy a quaint, leafy neighbourhood reflecting on the history of Edmonton. Watch for historic designation plaques. – Larry Ellis
Alberta Avenue Cycle Nights: Join local residents on Wednesdays at 7 pm for a bike ride. Starts at the corner of 114 Ave and 95 St by OTTO. Join the Facebook group to get the latest updates.
Rundle Park Golf Course: Play 9 or 18 holes for City of Edmonton affordable prices. Ask about seniors’ mornings, family activities, and much more. Great for beginners with shade, shade, shade as an added advantage. – Constance Brissenden
Summer activities
A little road trip: Get out of the city. See some nature. Summer is the perfect season for a drive with the windows down, enjoying Alberta. – Larry Ellis
Fort Edmonton Park: The park had a complete revamp. It’s a wonderful opportunity to get together and spend time with family. It’s historic and affordable and, best of all, it’s easily accessible by public transit. – Larry Ellis
The Downtown Farmers Market has moved back outside to 104 Street, between Jasper and 102 Avenues! Every Saturday, from June 15 to Oct. 24, the Farmers Market will have over 75 vendors, many of them from the old location. Restaurants, cafes and bars along the street will have extended patios.
Isn’t summer a wonderful time of year in Edmonton? Except for the heat and smoke, it’s perfect. I enjoy camping at nearby Metis Crossing, of the many sites available. Try swimming in the North Saskatchewan River or, further afield, the Red Deer River (safety vests always recommended for any outdoor swim). Our outdoor pools are refreshing, too. – Constance Brissenden
Check out our local festivals & events
Edmonton Jazz Alley: various Thursdays June 27 to Sep. 26 near The Carrot
Theatre Prospero presents Anthem of Life Part 1: June 19 to July 6 at Alberta Avenue Community Centre
Muttstock: July 6 at Elmwood Park Hall
Chalk It Up: July 13 at The Carrot
Thousand Faces: July 12 - 14 at Alberta Avenue Community Centre
Edmonton Carnaval: July 20 - 21 at Alberta Avenue Community Centre
Edmonton is a fun summer city. Kind Ice Cream, here I come!