Our Top 26 Major Attractions & Adventures Across the Region
*Listed in alphabetical order
Summer 2026 is the perfect time to explore everything East of Edmonton and beyond. From breathtaking aerial parks and dark sky preserves to agritourism, fishing, museums, and unforgettable camping, this region is packed with experiences for every kind of traveler.
1. Aerial Adventure Park
Take in breathtaking views of Cold Lake from 60 feet above the ground at the Kinosoo Ridge Resort Aerial Adventure Park in the M.D. of Bonnyville. This exciting attraction offers a safe and engaging experience with four levels and more than 40 thrilling challenges, making it perfect for adventurers of all ages.
2. Appetizing Agritourism
Step into the countryside and discover the best of local Alberta. Enjoy farm-fresh food, flower farms, greenhouses, farmers’ markets, craft breweries, and distilleries, including Rig Hand Distillery in Leduc County. Visitors can also explore corn mazes, pumpkin patches, adorable farm animals, and unforgettable farm-to-table dinners at Prairie Gardens and The Old Red Barn.
3. Battle River Train Excursions
See rural Alberta by rail with themed excursions aboard the Battle River Train. Located southeast of Camrose in Flagstaff County, this nostalgic experience offers a relaxing and scenic way to explore the countryside.
4. Beaver Hills Biosphere & Elk Island National Park
Explore the internationally recognized UNESCO Beaver Hills Biosphere, home to Elk Island National Park, numerous local parks, and much of Strathcona County. This year-round outdoor oasis is famous for hiking, paddling, wildlife viewing, and unforgettable encounters with free-roaming bison.
5. Bike Parks & Trails
Experience the thrill of mountain biking throughout the region. Popular spots include Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area, Lac La Biche Mountain Bike Adventure Park, Cold Lake Bike Park, and Vermilion Provincial Park. The region also offers excellent trail systems and camping options for outdoor enthusiasts.
6. Cool Camping
With more than 150 campgrounds and over 1,000 campsites, the region is a dream destination for campers. From wilderness escapes in Athabasca, Lac La Biche, and the M.D. of Bonnyville to lakefront sites, Alberta Parks, and beachside camping, there’s no shortage of unforgettable places to stay under the stars.
7. Casino Entertainment
Whether you choose the Gold Horse Casino in Lloydminster or Casino Dene in Cold Lake, visitors can enjoy exciting entertainment, delicious dining, and of course, great games.
8. Dark Sky Preserves
Experience some of Alberta’s most beautiful night skies with stargazing, astronomy events, and special dark sky programming. Top locations include Miquelon Lake Provincial Park, Cooking Lake-Blackfoot, Elk Island National Park, Lakeland Provincial Park, Métis Crossing skywatching domes, and Bon Accord’s Dark Sky Community. Learn more by clicking here to view the blog on Dark Skies East of Edmonton.
Dark Sky Preserves photo by Steve Ricketts
9. Fantastic Fishing
The Lac La Biche and M.D. of Bonnyville regions are renowned for trophy fishing experiences. Book a fishing charter on Cold Lake with Hamilton House Inn & Adventures, or cast a line for sturgeon in the mighty North Saskatchewan River.
10. Forts, Missions & Museums
Where Alberta’s settlement history began. Explore the impressive Fort Saskatchewan Heritage Precinct, then continue east to discover Lac La Biche Mission, Victoria Settlement, Fort George & Buckingham House, and the many museums found throughout Cold Lake, Bonnyville, Lac La Biche, Plamondon, St. Paul, and beyond.
11. Golf Getaways & Fairways
Golf lovers will enjoy stunning courses across the region, including Coal Creek Golf Resort, known as one of Alberta’s top-rated courses. Other favorites include Mannville Riverview Golf Course, Whistle Stop Golf in Camrose, and the island green challenge at Daysland Golf Club. See more featured golf courses here.
12. Indigenous Tourism
Discover some of Alberta’s most meaningful Indigenous tourism experiences across the region. Home to Alberta’s #1 Indigenous tourism attraction, Métis Crossing in Smoky Lake County, visitors can enjoy authentic cultural experiences, Indigenous cuisine, luxury stays, skywatching domes, and riverside adventures.
In the southern region, the Bodo Archaeological Site & Centre offers guided tours, fascinating displays, and artifact collections that celebrate the Indigenous history and culture of the Great Plains. Thousands of discoveries—including bison bones, pottery, stone tools, and arrowheads—have been uncovered here.
The Lac La Biche region also offers unique experiences such as tipi camping, Hideaway Adventure Grounds, and Indigenous-inspired cultural stays. Visitors can also explore locally made art and gifts at Dreamcatchers Gift & Art Gallery in Fort Saskatchewan and Onihcikiskwapiwin Trading Post at St. Brides near St. Paul.
13. Iron Horse Trail & ATV Trails
Adventure awaits on the Iron Horse Trail, a four-season multi-use route that forms part of the Trans Canada Trail. Stretching nearly 300 kilometres across the M.D. of Bonnyville, Smoky Lake, and St. Paul County, it is especially popular for ATV riders.
Additional designated ATV trail systems can also be found in Redwater, Bruderheim, Lac La Biche, and Athabasca, making this region a must-visit for off-road enthusiasts.
14. Jurassic Forest
Step back in time just north of Edmonton at Jurassic Forest, an immersive outdoor family attraction where life-sized animatronic dinosaurs come to life along scenic forest trails.
Families can enjoy mini golf, fossil digs, playgrounds, guided tours, interactive exhibits, glamping tents, and a gift shop full of dinosaur treasures, making it a perfect summer stop for explorers of all ages.
15. Kinosoo Beach & Cold Lake Marina
Named one of Canada’s Top 25 Beaches, Kinosoo Beach offers three blocks of sand, sunshine, and lakeside fun. Nearby, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views from Lakeshore Drive overlooking the marina and harbour.
For adventure seekers, Wicked Watersport Rentals offers exciting activities like flyboarding right from the beach. Plus, the surrounding region is home to many other incredible beach destinations.
16. Lac La Biche – Lakeland Canoe Circuit
Live like a modern-day voyageur and paddle Alberta’s only backcountry canoe circuit. Launch from Jackson Lake and experience the Lakeland Canoe Circuit, a three-day, 40-kilometre flatwater route through pristine boreal wilderness.
This unforgettable paddling journey leads adventurers to hidden lakes, peaceful campsites, and remote natural beauty that few land-based travelers ever experience.
Lakeland Canoe Circuit by Jessica Tricker
17. Legal – The French Mural Capital of Canada
Explore the charming town of Legal, proudly known as the French Mural Capital of Canada. Admire more than 35 historical and cultural murals painted across buildings throughout this welcoming Francophone bilingual community.
It’s a unique and inspiring stop filled with art, heritage, and culture around every corner.
18. Métis Crossing
Only an hour from Edmonton, Métis Crossing is Alberta’s premier Métis cultural destination. Guests can enjoy authentic Indigenous cuisine, a gift shop, special events, a luxury boutique lodge, spa, skywatching domes, new cabins, campground, and riverside comfort camping tents.
This is where the Métis spirit truly comes alive, creating one of Alberta’s most unforgettable cultural travel experiences.
19. Motorcycle Tourism
Hit the open road and experience some of the region’s best motorcycle touring routes and rally events.
A major highlight is the 10-day Run to the Hills motorcycle rally in the Town of Two Hills from July 17–27, 2026, featuring bike games, stunt riding, classic cars, family events, and more. Another must-attend ride is the Ride to Reynolds Museum on August 8, 2026.
Motorcycle Tourism by Lea Ross
20. North Saskatchewan River Adventures
The majestic North Saskatchewan River offers endless adventure opportunities. Book a voyageur paddle trip with Métis Crossing or Saskatchewan River Voyagers, enjoy wildlife viewing, scenic riverbank landscapes, gemstone hunting, and even try your luck at catching an Alberta sturgeon.
21. Prairie Gardens Adventure Farm
Located just north of Edmonton, Prairie Gardens Adventure Farm is a favourite family destination. Explore the greenhouse, garden centre, gift shop, u-pick experiences, train rides, gem mining, farm animals, and seasonal festivals.
It’s the perfect place to create unforgettable summer family memories.
22. Reynolds Museum
Discover the awe-inspiring Reynolds Museum, home to an incredible collection of airplanes, classic cars, trucks, farm machinery, industrial equipment, and interactive exhibits.
With spectacular events held throughout the year, this museum is a must-see for history lovers and transportation enthusiasts.
23. Roadside Attractions Go Big!
Get ready for iconic photo stops with more than 26 world’s largest, Canada’s largest, and one-of-a-kind roadside attractions across the region.
Fan favourites include the Vegreville Pysanka, Glendon Pyrogy, and Andrew’s Giant Mallard Duck, along with many other memorable oversized landmarks.
Glendon Perogy by Lauren Guibat
24. Shop, Dine & Drink Local
Explore vibrant downtowns, shopping districts, and hidden gems throughout the region. Discover boutiques, jewelry, footwear, home décor, antiques, gifts, and souvenirs, while also enjoying amazing local restaurants, wineries, breweries, and distilleries.
This is the perfect way to shop local and #EatEastofEdmonton while supporting communities across the region.
25. Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village
Step into living history at the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village, an immersive open-air museum where costumed interpreters bring Alberta’s Ukrainian pioneer story to life.
Located in Lamont County, the Cradle of Ukrainian Settlement in Canada, visitors can enjoy authentic buildings, delicious Ukrainian food, and exciting special events.
26. Ultimate Roadtrip Adventure Game
Make this summer the ultimate road trip season with the Roadtrip Adventure Game. Gather the family, hit the road, collect stickers for your gameboard, and enter for a chance to win over $10,000 in prizes.
With more than 250 winners last year, this interactive summer adventure is the perfect way to explore the region while making incredible memories.
Start Planning Your Summer 2026 Adventure
From cultural tourism and outdoor escapes to family attractions, beaches, museums, and scenic drives, the Top 26 Picks for Summer 2026 showcase the very best experiences across the region.
➡️ Explore more at Things To Do
➡️ Or use our 2026 Go East of Edmonton Travel Guide