I highly recommend the Provincial Museum as a cheesy touristy option, especially during the winter. During the summer there is a schwack of festivals that shouldn’t be passed up: Shakespeare in the Park, Fringe, Street Performers, the Ex, Taste of Edmonton, Parades, etc.

Also recommend a ride on the street car over the high level bridge. If you go in the summer during Fringe and take the later trains, they stop on the bridge during the sunset.

Right now Bright Nights is on at Hawrelak Park but you need to drive through. Also skating at the Legislative grounds in the evening with all the lights is a lot of fun. I’ve heard that sledding behind the Provincial Museum is a blast. Don’t forget that a walk through Candy Cane Lane is also a great night out at this time of year.

Enjoyable restaurants downtown (the more $$$ the higher the cost):
- Laronde – revolving restaurant $$$ but you get a great view of the city
- Normands – great local cuisine $$$
- Manor Cafe – reservations are required but there are two seating times $$$
- Matahari – new asian restaurant on Jasper and 124th $, food is fun and good and really accommodates dietary restrictions
- OPM in South Common does gluten free chinese food (I love it, but that could just be a me thing)
- Good Indian Restaurants: Haweli (Downtown on the Board walk), Khazana

Don’t forget to check out some of the great organic stores in the area:
- Roots – just across from the U of A hospital
- Planet Organic – on Calgary trail south and 81st Ave