Weird & Unusual Attractions in Edmonton, Canada
1. Strathcona Hot Dog, Strathcona
A hot dog shop that's been serving unique creations since the 1940s. It offers an extensive menu with over 250 varieties of hot dogs.
- Variety: Offers over 250 different types of hot dogs
- Historic Significance: Established in the 1940s, one of Edmonton's oldest eateries
- Cultural Impact: A popular spot among locals and tourists alike
2. Dr. Wilbur's Musical Museum, Downtown
A quirky museum filled with over 350 working mechanical musical instruments, from music boxes to player pianos.
- Number of Instruments: Over 350 working musical instruments
- Interactive Experience: Visitors can play many of the instruments themselves
- Historical Significance: Features antique and rare instruments dating back to the 1800s
3. Ukrainian Shumka Dancers Museum & Archives, Downtown
A museum dedicated to preserving Ukrainian dance and culture. It offers interactive exhibits and live performances.
- Culture Preservation: Dedicated to preserving Ukrainian dance and culture
- Interactive Experience: Offers live performances and interactive exhibits
- Historical Significance: One of the few museums dedicated to Ukrainian dance and culture in North America
4. The Muttart Conservatory, Downtown
A botanical garden housed in four glass pyramids showcasing tropical, arid, temperate, and fiction environments.
- Diverse Biomes: Four distinct biome environments under one roof
- Tropical Paradise in Cold Climate: Offers a tropical oasis in the heart of Edmonton's winter
- Educational Programs: Provides educational programs and workshops for visitors
5. The World's Largest Kokopelli, Kinsmen Park
A giant statue of the Native American fertility symbol, Kokopelli, standing at over 14 meters tall.
- Size: Standing over 14 meters tall, it's one of the largest Kokopellis in the world
- Cultural Significance: Represents Native American fertility symbol and culture
- Landmark: An iconic landmark in Edmonton, often used for events and photo opportunities
6. The Institute of Reality (iOr), Downtown
A unique art gallery that combines virtual reality technology with traditional artwork.
- Virtual Reality Art Integration: Combines virtual reality with traditional artwork
- Interactive Experience: Allows visitors to interact with the art in a virtual environment
- Innovative Approach: Pioneers the use of VR technology in the art world
7. The Little White School House Museum, Downtown
A historical museum located in a restored one-room schoolhouse from the early 1900s.
- Historical Preservation: Preserves a piece of Edmonton's educational history
- Interactive Experience: Offers interactive exhibits and schoolhouse activities
- Cultural Insight: Provides a glimpse into early Canadian life in the prairies
8. The Art of Steel, Downtown
A contemporary sculpture park showcasing works by renowned artist Blacksmith Steve Loffer.
- Modern Sculptures: Features contemporary steel sculptures by a renowned blacksmith
- Artistic Talent: Showcases the exceptional skills of master blacksmith Steve Loffer
- Outdoor Experience: A unique outdoor art experience in the heart of downtown Edmonton
9. The Hanging Chapel, Downtown
A small, historic chapel built on a bridge over the North Saskatchewan River.
- Location: Located on a pedestrian bridge over the North Saskatchewan River
- Historical Significance: One of the few remaining wooden truss bridges in Alberta
- Interactive Experience: Offers weddings, blessings, and small services for visitors
10. The Frank Oliver Plaza, Downtown
A public art piece that features a giant head of former mayor Frank Oliver made entirely of flowers.
- Unusual Sculpture: A giant flower head sculpture of the city's former mayor
- Interactive Experience: Visitors can pick and take flowers from the sculpture
- Cultural Landmark: A unique and iconic landmark in downtown Edmonton
11. The Dr. Jean Tanqua Memorial Garden, Downtown
A peaceful garden dedicated to the memory of a beloved city official, featuring a unique waterfall sculpture.
- Memorial Garden: A tranquil space dedicated to the memory of Dr. Jean Tanqua
- Waterfall Sculpture: Features a unique waterfall sculpture designed by local artist, Gareth Curtiss
- City Landmark: A popular spot for relaxation and reflection in downtown Edmonton
12. The Big Blue Menhir, Kinsmen Park
A giant blue stone standing over 6 meters tall, resembling a menhir (prehistoric monument).
- Size: Standing over 6 meters tall, it's one of the largest menhirs in Canada
- Unusual Landmark: An unusual and eye-catching landmark in Kinsmen Park
- Cultural Significance: Represents the prehistoric menhirs of Europe
13. The World's Largest Snowboard, Downtown
A giant snowboard sculpture located in downtown Edmonton, standing at over 27 meters tall.
- Size: Standing over 27 meters tall, it's one of the largest snowboard sculptures in the world
- Cultural Significance: Represents Edmonton's snowboarding culture and sports history
- Landmark: An iconic landmark in downtown Edmonton, often used for events and photo opportunities
14. The Fountain of the Great Bear, Downtown
A public art piece featuring a giant bear holding salmon, located in downtown Edmonton.
- Unusual Sculpture: A unique giant bear and salmon sculpture
- Cultural Significance: Represents the indigenous culture and wildlife of Canada's North
- Landmark: A popular spot for photos in downtown Edmonton
15. The Forks of the North Saskatchewan River, Downtown
A historic location where two branches of the North Saskatchewan River meet.
- Historical Significance: A historically significant location where two rivers merge
- Nature Experience: Offers a unique opportunity to observe the confluence of the rivers
- Cultural Insight: Provides a glimpse into the Indigenous history and traditional use of the area