This summer, Edmonton gives visitors a new way to experience the city. Launching June 15, the Edmonton Explorer is a guided sightseeing experience aboard vintage 1920s-style Molly Trolleys, connecting the city’s most iconic landmarks across two scenic routes — from the majestic river valley, Rogers Place, and the Alberta Legislature at the centre of downtown, to Fort Edmonton Park, Edmonton Valley Zoo, and West Edmonton Mall. Knowledgeable local guides share the stories and history behind each stop, offering a seamless, story-driven journey through Alberta’s capital.
The Edmonton Explorer is the official trolley of the Discover Edmonton Pass, a bundled attractions pass covering nine experiences: Alberta Aviation Museum, Art Gallery of Alberta, Edmonton Riverboat, Edmonton Streetcar, Edmonton Valley Zoo, Fort Edmonton Park, Muttart Conservatory, River Valley Adventure Co., and TELUS World of Science – Edmonton. Available as a 1-, 2-, or 3-day pass, it can be purchased with or without the trolley as an add-on, creating a single entry point to Edmonton’s cultural and natural landmarks.
Both launches arrive as Edmonton opens a landmark 2026 summer festival season. Known as Canada’s Festival City, Edmonton hosts a year-round calendar of more festivals than there are weeks in the year, and this summer the lineup includes two historic milestone anniversaries and the return of a beloved event to its longtime home.
The Edmonton International Jazz Festival (June 19–28) spans free outdoor programming and headline concerts at venues including the Winspear Centre, bringing world-class jazz talent to Edmonton for more than 20 years.
K-Days (July 17–26) returns to the Edmonton Expo Centre Grounds for 10 days of headline entertainment, the Kiyânaw Indigenous Experience carnival rides, innovative festival food, and fireworks. One of Western Canada’s largest and longest-running summer exhibitions — with roots dating to 1879 — K-Days draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year and is one of the signature events on Edmonton’s summer calendar.
August opens with a landmark occasion. The Edmonton Heritage Festival (August 1–3) celebrates its 50th anniversary and marks a homecoming, returning to its traditional setting at Hawrelak Park following a three-year period of renovations. First held in 1976, the world’s largest three-day multicultural celebration represents more than 85 cultures through food, music, dance, and cultural displays. Admission is free.
The Edmonton Folk Music Festival (August 6–9) headlines with Nathaniel Rateliff, Cat Power, Of Monsters and Men, Arrested Development, and Thee Sacred Souls. Running concurrently, Cariwest (August 7–9), Western Canada’s largest Caribbean Arts Festival, fills Churchill Square with a Caribbean Village, the Friday Night Costume Extravaganza at the Shaw Conference Centre, and a Saturday parade through downtown.
The Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival (August 13–23) marks its 45th edition in the historic Old Strathcona neighbourhood, cementing its place as North America’s largest and longest-running fringe festival. Over 11 days, more than 1,600 artists perform in 210-plus productions across 35-plus venues. Shows are selected by lottery and artists receive 100 per cent of ticket revenue. Free family programming is available through KidsFringe.
“Edmonton has always been full of unexpected discoveries,” stated Nancy Jackson, Director International Market Development, Explore Edmonton. “And this summer, with the Discover Edmonton Pass, the Edmonton Explorer trolley and landmark festival anniversaries all arriving together, it’s easier than ever to explore and connect with the people, places and experiences that make Edmonton so memorable.”
With new ways to explore the city, long summer days, and a robust calendar of events and attractions, Edmonton is ready to welcome visitors from across Canada and around the world. For more information, visit ExploreEdmonton.com.
