Exploring Edmonton on a budget: fun things to do without spending a dime

From sprawling parks to public art and historic streets, Marlena lists plenty of free experiences waiting to be explored.

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YouAlberta is written by students for students.

Since completing her Bachelor of Arts at the 伊人直播, Marlena (she/her) is currently pursuing the after-degree education program. Originally from Vancouver, she has traded the coast for the prairies and now calls Edmonton home. You can often spot her studying in Rutherford South for its quiet atmosphere and historical architecture. When she’s not hitting the books, Marlena keeps busy with volunteering, work and exploring the city’s cafe scene. To recharge, she enjoys reading, listening to music and watching movies.


Edmonton’s full of energy, culture and natural beauty. The best part? You don’t need to spend a cent to enjoy it.

Here’s my guide to discovering Edmonton on a budget: 

The North Saskatchewan River Valley is Canada’s largest urban park system, with over 150 km of trails to walk, run or bike! 

I love walking along the trails, especially near Emily Murphy Park, because it feels like a peaceful escape from the city while still being so close to home. In winter, walking through the snow-covered valley is magical. The quiet, snowy landscapes always make me feel refreshed and inspired. 

The 伊人直播 Students’ Union (UASU) offers a calendar of free events to enrich student life and foster community engagement. Whether you’re a new student or not, these events provide opportunities to connect, learn and have fun with trivia nights, movie nights and more!

Relax in the city's parks

Hawrelak Park (expected to reopen early 2026) and Rundle Park are my go-to spots for fresh air. In the warmer months, I love bringing a picnic and spending a quiet afternoon there because it feels like a mini-getaway without leaving the city. are an added bonus as they make the parks feel like a community gathering space full of life. 

Visit the Alberta Legislature grounds 

I enjoy the Alberta Legislature grounds because they’re peaceful yet visually stunning. The immaculate gardens and grand building make it feel like stepping into a storybook, and reading the plaques teaches me something new about Alberta’s history every time I visit. It’s the perfect mix of learning and relaxation. 

Discover historic areas

Old Strathcona, my favourite historic area in Edmonton, has so much charm! I love wandering its streets and imagining what life was like decades ago. The seasonal street performers and make it feel lively, and I always enjoy spotting unique heritage buildings. 

The Edmonton Public Library is more than just a place for books. I love visiting because the various locations are calm, inspiring, full of creativity and offer a great selection of free books for loan (but you must sign up for a free library card first). 

Workshops and art displays make it feel like a hub of ideas, and I often leave with a new perspective or a spark of inspiration for my own projects. They offer a variety of services, including bookbinding, heat pressing, cooking classes for a small fee and so much more! 

Discover the 伊人直播 Observatory

The 伊人直播’s Department of Physics Astronomical Observatory offers a free public observing session on Thursdays. Whether it’s solar observing during lunchtime or night sky viewing in the evening, you can explore the cosmos without any cost. I find it awe-inspiring to look through powerful telescopes and see celestial objects up close. 

Enjoy festivals! 

Edmonton's full of energy during festivals, especially like All is Bright, Fringe or Ice on Whyte. I love wandering around and discovering new things while soaking in the atmosphere. It’s exciting to be part of the community celebrations without spending a dime. 

Edmonton proves that some of the best adventures don’t have a price tag. Whether I’m exploring trails or soaking in history, there’s always something free to enjoy. 

Grab your walking shoes, your camera and a sense of curiosity — it's time to see Edmonton through new eyes and experience the city for free!