Top 10 Hidden Gems

Explore Edmonton’s unknown treasures.

These summer to-dos aren’t as well known, but that’s part of the draw. From underground festivals to quaint summer eats, this list will have you wandering off the beaten path and into some of Edmonton’s best-kept secrets.

Edmonton’s known for a lot of secrets, including these nifty finds

When it comes to anything unusual, Edmonton has its fair share fair share of hidden finds, some of them tucked away in popular locations, and others requiring a bit of sleuthing to discover. We’ve taken a bit of legwork and heavy lifting out of the equation to provide you some background on just a few of them.

—

Alexander Circle Park

From the air, this grassy refuge looks like everything converges to the centre of the world. Actually, you’d find yourself in a park in Old Glenora, with an ornate fountain and lots of bench space on the premises. Located by Stony Plain Road and 102 Avenue, even passers-by are unaware of the spot.

Find the park using THIS MAP

–

–

Clap and Squeak

Who knows how many acoustic engineers it took to create this effect on the Legislature Grounds? Follow the footpaths north of the domed building to a giant brick circle and stand right in the centre. Now clap. Almost instantaneously, you’ll hear an echo of a squeak.

Find it here using this map

–

–

End of the World / Keillor Point Viewing Area

Edmontonians can’t stand being told they live in the middle of nowhere, but at least they can claim being on the edge of the planet. That would be the retaining wall blocking remnants of the old Keilor Road from the river. See it from a distance via Saskatchewan Drive in the Belgravia neighbourhood.

Find the viewing area using THIS MAP

–

cr Associated Engineering

Henday Wildlife Underpass

It’s admirable that planners introduced this component as part of the Anthony Henday Freeway to accommodate wild animals who use the river valley to pass through the city undisturbed. For a chance to see nature using the facility, you can access it via the McTaggart neighbourhood.

Find the viewing area using THIS MAP

–

Leadbeater’s Genesis

At first glance, this sculpture in The Citadel’s Lee Pavilion looks like a flying saucer crash. But its creator, Roy Leadbeater —one of the city’s most celebrated artists— said it was inspired by the historic Apollo 11 moon mission and the Big Bang Theory. Either way, it’s an eye-catching display.

–

Okuda San Miguel Mural

Edmonton’s Old Strathcona neighbourhood has more than its share of eccentricities, namely a six-storey mural by Spanish street artist Okuda San Miguel. Donations totaling $120,000 made possible this half-wolf, half-human caricature on the side of the Crawford Block, making it the city’s largest mural. Photo courtesy of Rustmagic

–

Purple Haze

Edmonton’s weirdest surreptitious pastime consists of folks heading down to the Legislature Grounds to stare into one of the orange footlights aimed at the dome for 30 seconds. The result? You’ll see everything in a shade of purple for about a minute.

–

–

Resonant Progression Sculptures

Resonant Progression Sculptures

In Terwillegar Park lie three weird-looking installations meant to be seen and heard. Created by artist Royden Mills, one piece amplifies natural sounds, the other bounces those sounds while the third one is meant for personal reflection, probably to help make sense of those altered sounds.

Find the sculptures using THIS MAP

–

Roper Pond

Roper Pond

Believe it or not, pelicans use this wetland spot that’s totally surrounded by industrial complexes on the south side. Just off Roper Road east of 75 Street, you’d never know you’re in the city, given the lush vegetation and abundance of animal life.

Find it using THIS MAP

–

–

Talus Dome Balls

This sculpture is hardly a hidden find, since locals have complained about this installation at Fox Drive and the Whitemud Freeway for eons. But its real secret is up close where you can catch the reflective splendor of the sculpture, which depending on the sun’s position can get kaleidoscopic at times.

Find the Talus balls with THIS MAP

Find some other public art in Greater Edmonton, HERE

More Like This