Life as a student in Edmonton

Block 1912

10361 82 Ave | 780-433-6575
A spacious, comfortable, European-style café in the heart of Whyte Avenue featuring coffee, home-made desserts, gelato, and more! This is the perfect spot to enjoy a quick coffee to go, a conversation, or a long study session.

Blues Java Bar

5010 106 Ave | 780-463-9918
This local coffee bar is owned and operated by Leah--a woman who welcomes you into her shop like she’s welcoming you into her own home. This hidden gem is sure to send a smile to your face and caffeine through your veins.

Café Bicyclette

8627 91 St | 587-524-8090
Just a short bike-ride away from King’s, in the French Quarter, this small café offers French meals and coffee, with a side of trendy francophone ambiance.

Café Haven

9 Sioux Rd, Sherwood Park | 780-417-5523
Café Haven boasts the title of 'Best Café' in Sherwood Park. It's a great place to share a coffee or spend hours studying. Try the London Fog--it’s a menu favorite. 

Common Ground Community Café

50 Brentwood Blvd, Sherwood Park | 587-269-4808
Ian and Eileen Edwards, pastors at the Moravian Church, have a mission of empowering and creating community for all in their non-profit, direct-trade coffee shop and its many volunteers.

Elm Café

#100, 10140 117 St | 780-756-3356
This little café is tucked away in a larger building just off Jasper Ave, but once you spot it, you want to go inside. The design is fresh, and besides coffee, they also serve breakfast and lunch.

Mandolin Book & Coffee Co.

6419 112 Ave | 780-479-4050
This little coffee shop is one of President Melanie Humphrey’s favourites. It is a great place to browse through books, sip on a coffee, or do some studying.

Mill Creek Café

9562 82 Ave | 780-439-5535
Look no further for a sandwich that tantalizes your taste buds! Delicious home-made sandwiches and goods are bound to satisfy the foodie in you. The turkey, pear, and brie sandwich is one of the best in town.

Remedy Café

8631 109 St | 780-433-3096
10279 Jasper Ave | 780-757-7720
10404 Whyte Ave | 780-760-1001
Remedy makes fresh, authentic chai tea and samosas. This anything-goes place is always bustling with students and hipsters looking for a unique experience. This is a great place to have coffee or to spend hours studying, whether it’s you and a friend or a whole group.

Take 5 Café

11801 48 St | 780-471-6037
Everyone on Urbanspoon raves about the freshly baked doughnuts of this underrated place. Weather permitting, you can take the 50^th St bicycle bridge to get there. Is it worth checking out? You bet!

The Carrot

9351-118 Ave | 780-471-1580
This little 'community arts coffeehouse,' with an emphasis on community, is part of a grassroots and successful revitalization and restoration movement active on the avenue.

Transcend

8708 109 St | 780-756-8882
9869 62 Ave | 780-430-9198
Transcend boasts about having the best coffee in town. If you find yourself valuing the art of coffee making over the necessity to caffeinate, you’re on the right track. Any of the meticulously created drinks are sure to please your well-trained palate.

Boston Pizza

5515 101 Ave | 780-465-0771
If you’re looking for a nearby eatery, look no further than Boston Pizza. It’s King’s closest North American style restaurant, right beside Capilano Mall.

Five Guys

#305, 5015 101 Ave | 587-754-6077
Located by Capilano Mall, this fast food chain offers made-to-order burgers, fries, and hot dogs, plus free peanuts while you wait.

Mucho Burrito | Fresh Mexican Grills

50 St & 101 Ave
This restaurant is close to King’s, just across from the Capilano Walmart.

Simply Donairs

9004 50 St | 780-469-1223
Close to King’s, it serves fine donair wraps, such as beef, chicken, and falafel. Traditional options include: burgers, poutine and fries. You can even order online for pick-up or delivery.

Sugar Bowl

10922 88 Ave | 780-433-8369
The Sugar Bowl is always bursting with university students eager to experience delicious food in an inviting atmosphere. This fun, inexpensive diner is sure to have you coming back for more.

Across Edmonton

Café Amore Bistro

10807 106 Ave | 780-477-7896
This inviting neighbourhood style café is sure to have you feeling like you’re home in no time. The menu rotates with the seasons, and the specials change daily. Arrive early to get a seat!

Chianti Cafe & Restaurant

10501 82 Ave | 780-439-9829
Chianti serves excellent home-made Italian food at a reasonable price. Portions are bound to satisfy even the strongest appetite. And Tuesday’s are pasta night!

Dadeo

10548a 82 Ave | 780-433-0930
Do you like Cajun food and sandwiches? It’s hip, it’s inexpensive and the food is great. Dadeo is famous throughout Edmonton for its award-winning yam fries.

Dynasty Century Palace

9700 105 Ave | 780-428-3388
Love Chinese dim sum? Dynasty Century Palace is located in the heart of Chinatown and offers both dim sum and authentic Chinese food!

India Garden Restaurant

4820 76 Ave | 780-468-2224
A very fine all-you-can-eat Indian buffet, just a few minutes south of King’s. Every dish will tantalize your taste buds and send the foodie in you reeling in delight.

Langano Skies

9920 Whyte Ave | 780-432-3334
This is the place to have an authentic Ethiopian eating experience! All dishes are served on a large platter with sourdough crepes.

Mikado

10350 109 St | 780-425-8096
Mikado boasts some of Edmonton’s best sushi and sashimi. Ingredients are flown in weekly from Japan, Nova Scotia, and the West Coast to make your eating experience as fresh as possible.

Three Boars Eatery

8424 109 St | 780-757-2600
Three Boars serves globally inspired dishes using local products. The taste is exceptional. Make sure you try the poutine!

Tres Carnales Taqueria

10119 100A Ave | 780-429-0911
Enjoy authentic tacos, tortillas, and quesadillas--arguably the best in town. Tacos and tortillas come in sets of four, perfect for sharing. Show up early to avoid lineups!

Viphalay

10724 95 St | 780-423-3213
10523 99 Ave | 780-756-8188
Viphalay serves authentic Thai and Laos food. Family-owned and operated, this restaurant oozes cultural esteem. It is an Edmonton must-see.

Alberta Legislature Tours

Tours of the Legislature Building are offered to all ages. Topics covered include the levels of government; the roles of the Lieutenant Governor, Premier, Speaker, and Members of the Legislative Assembly; a brief political history of Alberta; the daily Routine followed in the Chamber; parliamentary traditions and ceremonies; and the art and architecture of the building itself. Tours last approximately 45 minutes.

Art Gallery of Alberta

Edmonton has world-class art begging to be seen, but what if you don’t have the money to cover admission? The AGA offers free admission from 5-8 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. You may need to wait in line for a few minutes, but it’ll be worth it. Remember, exhibits change every few months, so check online to see what’s new and upcoming.

Citadel Theatre

Love live theatre but can’t afford to go? The Citadel theatre offers some seats on Sunday afternoon on a pay-what-you-can basis. Sunday doesn't work? Choose another evening and show up an hour before show time to get rush tickets at half price! 

Edmonton Street Car

Edmonton has the largest fleet of heritage streetcars in Western Canada and operates two routes. It runs from the Strathcona Terminal (Gateway Blvd at 84 Ave), crosses the North Saskatchewan River, makes a stop at the Alberta Legislature Building, and ends at the Jasper Ave terminal (109 St & 110 St). The streetcar operates daily from the May Long Weekend until Labour Day.

ESO Rush Tickets

Last minute ticket buyers can take advantage of great seats at great prices! Rush tickets to all ESO performances are $24 and go on sale at the Winspear Centre Box Office two hours prior to each ESO concert, subject to availability. Rush tickets are available to students of all ages, people aged 25 and younger, and seniors aged 65 and up. Valid ID required at time of purchase.

Francis Winspear Centre for Music

4 Sir Winston Churchill Sq | 780-428-1414
Home to the Edmonton’s Symphony Orchestra, the Winspear is Edmonton’s most loved music hall. Student rush tickets are $20 for any available seat in the house.

Freewill Shakespeare Festival

Love outdoor theatre and Shakespeare? Check out the Freewill Shakespeare Festival in June and July. On Tuesday nights and Saturday Matinees, you pay what you want!

Muttart Conservatory

9626 96a Ave | 780-496-8755
This is a nature-lover’s paradise. Stroll through the temperate, arid, tropical and feature pyramids. Be sure to bring your camera!

Varscona Theatre

10329 83 Ave | 780-433-3399
Hosting over 350 cultural events per year, the Varscona plays a vital riles in Edmonton’s art scene. Try out the legendary weekly Live Improvised Soap Opera: Die-Nasty. Check the website for all showings.

Leisure Access Program

Did you know that if you’re an Edmonton resident who fell into the low-income category on your last tax return, you could be eligible for a leisure access pass? This pass gives you FREE access to Edmonton’s swimming pools and arenas, as well as Fort Edmonton Park, the Valley Zoo, the Muttart Conservatory, and the Sir John Walter Museum. Want more? You got it! You can get 75% off of 3 of the cities registered courses. Always wanted to take pottery, learn to cook, or take dance lessons? Now is the time!  

SPC Cards

SPC is Canada’s most popular loyalty card that provides students with discounts and deals at thousands of the best stores and restaurants across Canada.

The Bookseller

9562 82 Ave | 780-496-9193
The Bookseller boasts a large collection of used books. Let loose your inner nerd by perusing the shelves of well-loved, affordable treasures.

Gateway Entertainment Centre

3414 Gateway Blvd | 780-435-1922
Here you can enjoy ten-pin bowling, five-pin bowling, virtual golf, mini golf, billiards and even laser bowling. Come early to get a lane or reserve one!

High Level Streetcar

103 St and 84 Ave | 780-437-7721
Take a historic trip across the North Saskatchewan River from 49 meters above water level. The railcar was fully restored in 2011 and has been running ever since.

Movies 12

5074 130 Ave | 780-472-9779
Tuesdays are cheap nights at the theatre. See the latest flicks for only $1.75! Only $3.50 on all other nights.

Oil Kings

11230 110 St | 780-414-4625
Take in all the action of a junior level hockey game at Rexall Place. The Oil King’s promise all the excitement of an NHL game at a fraction of the cost.

Strathcona County Library

401 Festival Ln, Sherwood Park | 780-410-8600
This is a great place to go study. The quiet atmosphere and the shelves of books are bound to get your brain focused and your thoughts flowing!

Telus World of Science

11211 142 St | 780-451-3344
Satisfy the explorer and scientist in you by checking out a variety of exhibits, both featured and permanent.

Cineplex Family Favourites

Check out Cineplex on Saturday mornings at 11 a.m. for Cineplex Family Favourites. Watch a family favourite film each week for only $2.99. A portion of the proceeds goes towards supporting Free The Children. It's a fun and affordable way to enjoy the weekend!

City of Edmonton Free Day

One of the best things about Edmonton are the annual FREE ADMISSIONS DAYS. On this glorious day, the City of Edmonton throws open the doors to nearly every facility in town for the general public’s enjoyment. You can enjoy Edmonton’s swimming pools and arenas, as well as Fort Edmonton Park, the Valley Zoo, the Muttart Conservatory, and the Sir John Walter museum, among many others!

Movies in the Square

Every Tuesday evening in August, the city puts out a massive three-storey high inflatable screen in Churchill Square and shows movies for free! Bring your own chair and come early. Check out their website for show times.

Devonian Botanic Garden

51227 AB-60, Parkland County | 780-987-3054
The University of Alberta created this garden in 1959. You can take a walk in their 240 acres of gardens, explore their indoor greenhouses, and enjoy a cup of tea at their Patio Café. 

Elk Island

Visit one of Canada’s bison conservatories! Go for a walk, a picnic, or for a camping trip at Elk Island. Enjoy the trees, meadows, lakes and wetlands, and the bison who live there.

Lacombe Corn Maze

Site 6 Box 9 RR1, Lacombe | 403-302-1709
Every year they create a new maze design on their 50 acres of corn. It takes about an hour and a half to complete the whole maze.                       

Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village

Hwy 16 E, Tofield | 780-662-3640
This outdoor museum is much like Fort Edmonton Park, with authentic buildings and costumed actors. Take part in one or more of their activities while you feel like you've stepped back into an early pioneer's life.

Edmonton is unofficially known as the Festival City and hosts over 61 different festivals across all seasons. These festivals cover a wide range of interests, including music, film, theatre, sports, and world cultures. Chances are there is an Edmonton festival you will enjoy!

Many festivals have free events you can attend. Here are some to look out for:

• Symphony Under The Sky
• Kaleido Family Arts Festival
• International Street Performers Festival
• Comic & Entertainment Expo
• Comedy Festival
• Valley Zoo Festival of Light
• New Year's Eve and Canada Day in Churchill Square
• Deep Freeze: A Byzantine Winter Festival
• Silver Skate Festival
• Sand on Whyte
• Art Walk
• Taste of Edmonton
• Cariwest Caribbean Arts Festival
• Heritage Festival
• Fringe Festival

Check out a full list of Edmonton's Festivals here. 

Capilano & Gold Bar Park

Capilano Park: 10810 54 St
Gold Bar Park: 10955 50 St | 780-442-5311
South of the river on 50^th St, both parks have a bicycle bridge to cross the river and are a jumping-off point for trail use year-round. 

Rundle Park

2909 113 Ave | 780-442-5311
With Frisbee golf, tennis, baseball, walking/biking, picnic spots, cross-country skiing, and skating rinks, it’s Edmonton’s best-kept secret.

Hardisty Fitness and Leisure Centre

10535 65 St | 780-442-5311
A friendly atmosphere and unique programs: the fitness centre, circuit training, lane swims and aquafit are popular with many active people.

Vertically Inclined

8523 Argyll Rd | 780-496-9390
Edmonton’s favourite rock-climbing gym. Whether you’re new or a weathered climber, this place is guaranteed to give you a thrill.

Aurora Watch

Do you love watching the sky for Aurora Borealis? Check out the University of Alberta’s Aurora Watch so you’ll always know when to look out for the Northern Lights.

Cross Country Skiing

Edmonton is full of cross-country ski trails! Head out to places like Kinsmen Park or look up the full list on the City of Edmonton's webpage. Haven't been cross-country skiing before? Sign up for one of the many lessons. 

Edmonton Ski Club

Edmonton's expansive river valley offers some convenient skiing options if you don't feel like driving to the mountains. The Edmonton Ski Club has five different hills suited for different levels of skiers, along with a variety of lessons and programs! Check out their website for more information on lift passes and ski rentals.

Outdoor Skating Rinks

Edmonton has plenty of options for skating whether you want to use an indoor rink or an outdoor rink, including the ever-popular Alberta Legislature, City Hall, and Hawrelak Park rinks! Edmonton's Victoria Park has a speed skating rink and a Freezeway--a 400m scenic path that takes you through the trees. Many community leagues also manage their own outdoor skating rinks.

River Valley

There’s 48 km of trail along the North Saskatchewan River, the largest urban expanse of parkland in North America. There’s nothing more refreshing than a hike down by the river. The closest access to King’s is Capilano/Goldbar Park. Check out Edmonton’s interactive parks map that shows which parks you’re nearest to. Float down the river with a group of friends or even go paddle boarding! Check out the parks scattered throughout Edmonton. Explore Edmonton has a blog on all of Edmonton’s Best Picnic Spots. Check it out for great locations!

Snow Shoeing

There are many parks in Edmonton that are perfect for snowshoeing! Some parks have packed down paths, but you can even snowshoe in spots where there are no trails.

Splash Parks

The best way to stay cool during the summer months is to head to one of the City’s free, drop-in water play features. There are lots of places to splash away the day. Check out favourites in Churchill Square and at the Legislature.

Star Gazing

What better way to spend a winter night than looking at the stars? Some of the best locations to see the stars are the Telus World of Science Observatory, the U of A Observatory (free star gazing Thursday's) or Elk Island. You never know what you might see. Fingers crossed you'll see the aurora borealis!

Tobogganing & Sledding

If you want to have fun in the snow, Edmonton has a number of different locations to go sledding!

#YEGSnowFight

What better way to have fun in the winter than having a massive city-wide snowball fight? There is no set date for this event. All you need to do is text the organizer your number and follow them on Twitter, and they'll let you know more when the time comes. You never know when the excitement will begin!