Explore Edmonton Before + After the Taste of Place Summit!

Arriving early or staying a little longer for the Taste of Place Summit? Edmonton offers a vibrant mix of culture, nature and culinary discovery that makes it well worth extending your visit.

From Flying Canoes and folk festivals to an eclectic arts and culture scene, Edmonton is a place that invites visitors to join in rather than sit on the sidelines. Take your taste buds on a journey through one of Canada’s most exciting culinary scenes, then step outdoors to explore the city’s remarkable natural landscapes. With more than 160 kilometres of trails in the North Saskatchewan River Valley, it’s easy to find quiet green spaces right in the heart of the city.

Experience Edmonton’s Festival Energy

Edmonton is known as Canada’s Festival City, with cultural celebrations, music festivals and performances taking place across the city throughout the summer. Mid-June marks the beginning of Edmonton’s lively festival season, bringing outdoor performances, arts programming and cultural experiences to neighbourhoods across the city.

Delegates extending their stay may have the opportunity to experience local events, live performances or community festivals taking place during the same week as the Summit, like the Edmonton International Jazz Festival.

Explore the River Valley

Just minutes from downtown, the North Saskatchewan River Valley is the largest stretch of urban parkland in North America. The trail network stretches across more than 160 kilometres, making it ideal for walking, cycling or simply enjoying the view.

Whether you're starting your morning outdoors or unwinding after a full day of programming, the river valley offers a refreshing way to experience Edmonton’s natural beauty.

Visit Edmonton’s Cultural Landmarks

Edmonton’s cultural institutions provide meaningful ways to explore the region’s art, history and communities.

Art Gallery of Alberta

Located just steps from the Summit venue, this striking contemporary gallery hosts exhibitions featuring Canadian and international artists. Delegates will also experience this space firsthand during the Taste of Place Summit Opening Reception on June 15, where the culinary tourism community will gather to kick off the event.

Royal Alberta Museum

Western Canada’s largest museum showcases Alberta’s natural history, wildlife and cultural heritage through immersive exhibits.

Fort Edmonton Park
Take a journey through a 29,000-square-foot immersive experience that shares the histories, perspectives and cultures of First Nations and Métis peoples connected to Beaver Hills, the area now known as Edmonton.

Discover Outdoor Adventures Nearby

For delegates with extra time to explore, Edmonton offers easy access to nature and outdoor attractions.

Elk Island National Park
Located less than an hour from the city, Elk Island National Park is home to roaming plains bison herds and is one of the best places near Edmonton to experience dark skies and northern lights viewing. This stop is also on the Strathcona County Learning Journey!

Other attractions worth exploring include:

Eat and Drink Your Way Through the City

Edmonton’s culinary scene is bold, diverse and deeply rooted in its local landscape.

From Indigenous-inspired dishes and Prairie-grown ingredients to globally influenced restaurants, buzzing craft breweries and award-winning cocktail bars, the city offers something for every palate. Whether you’re grabbing lunch between sessions or planning a memorable dinner with fellow delegates, Edmonton invites you to savour every moment.

The Taste of Place Summit is known for its immersive Learning Journeys, full-day, hands-on experiences that take delegates beyond the conference walls and into the communities shaping Alberta’s culinary and agritourism landscape.

Need more inspiration?

Looking to spend the day exploring outside? Or perhaps you're interested in uncovering the history of Amiskwaciy Washahikan (Edmonton), through our many Indigenous experiences. Is that your stomach talking? No problem, we have a two-day culinary scene menu to help curb your appetite!

Wide Open Spaces | Explore Edmonton

Indigenous Itinerary | Explore Edmonton

More to Explore

Accessibility in Edmonton | Explore Edmonton

Edmonton's Best Photo Spots | Explore Edmonton

5 Trails in Edmonton to Try This Summer | Explore Edmonton

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5 Top Reasons to Attend the 2026 Taste of Place Summit in Edmonton