Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in St. Albert

"Perched atop of a promontory overlooking the North Saskatchewan River Valley is the important and impressive Alberta Legislature Building. The seat of the province’s government, it boasts some beautiful Beaux-Arts architecture and lies amidst lots of lovely leafy grounds which are dotted with both memorials and statues. Affectionately known as ‘the Ledge’ to locals, the large landmark was completed in 1913 with its iconic dome presiding over a pretty portico propped up by massive columns."

"The Legislature (no date)By Margaret Chappelle, City of Edmonton Archives, EAA-2-10. On March 15, 1906, Alberta’s Legislature opened its First Session. The ceremonies were held at Edmonton’s Thistle Rink, just north of Jasper Avenue, after which the Assembly moved to nearby McKay Avenue School."

"Watching the petty squabbles of politicians would be of zero interest to most. The stately architecture of the Alberta Legislature Building, however, should inspire a visit. Known as “The Ledge” by locals, the Alberta Legislature Building is quite enchanting."

"The huge lake with little islands and inviting grassy areas with lots of elbowroom make the 168-acre William Hawrelak Park a favourite for everyone. Catch one of several major festivals here (Included the Edmonton Heritage Festival, Silver Skate Festival and Freewill Shakespeare Festival) or just stroll or cycle, play beach volleyball, take out a paddleboat, read a book on a bench, enjoy a leisurely picnic, or skate on the lake in the wintertime. Edmonton is a bustling city of nearly one million, so of course there’s plenty to see and do: museums, sporting events, shopping, festivals, and more."

"Although a seasonal location, theEdmonton Ice Castles are truly a scene from a fairytale. Between the impressive height of its castle walls, to the powder blue hue of all of that sculpted ice, this location could lend itself to so many different stories. I’m thinking perhaps of a live-action take on Disney’s Frozen?"

"In this sprawling 68-hectare park, you are sure to find an open spot to lay out your blanket. Hawrelak Park is one of Edmonton's crown jewels because it is surrounded by trails that you can explore by foot or bike. Make sure you stop in at Culina on the Lake for some hot eats and cool treats."

"The Edmonton Valley Zoo is of a very manageable size (it’s a fraction of the size of the Calgary Zoo). Highlights include snow leopards, Arctic wolves, lemurs, and (my personal favourite) red pandas. Your kids will be happy to know that there’s a petting zoo inside, as well as several play areas and structures to climb."

"Home to more than 100 exotic, endangered and native species. Tigers, elephants, zebras, red pandas and more. Little ones can ride the small train to the children’s zoo, hop-on the carousel or ride the paddleboats around the pond."

"Those cute animals will always cheer you up if you're feeling down (the Edmonton Valley Zoo has more than 350), and in the winter, they've got a spectacular light show that makes braving the cold more than worth it."

"Hudson Park has a large spinning rope climbing feature and a big orange fish connecting two large climbers. There is also a small adjacent spray park for the kiddos and a gazebo."