As Edmontonians, we welcome fall’s crisp mornings with open arms. The weather has a familiar autumn bite, the leaves are clean off the trees, and the shorter days mean longer nights, giving you the chance to feel the buzz that’s building around Downtown Edmonton at Dusk.
A New Nightlife
When the sun sets, Downtown switches gears from a hub of productivity to a diverse and exciting night scene. More than just pub food and beer (although, I could recommend some incredible spots for both), Downtown’s offerings after dusk keep our core just as vibrant as in the daytime.
The shear breadth of activities and things-to-do in the evening is a sign of changing times. There are few places in the city where a couple can enjoy dinner at one of 35 recognized top restaurants, take in the latest Broadway hit, go for a stroll through a neon sign museum, and finish off the night with a few cocktails in a trendy lounge. The best part? All of these activities are within a 10 minute walk of each other.
Getting Around is Getting Easier
With the introduction of ETS’ Late Night Owl Service, five bus routes (each stretching to a different corner of the city) have had their service extended to approximately 3am every day of the week. With a half-hour frequency, late-night Downtown-goers have another affordable option to get home safely.
Responsible Nightlife
And in terms of safety, Edmonton’s restaurants, clubs and bars have set high standards.. With the implementation of Best Bar None (BBN), these venues are awarded and recognized for practicing responsible hospitality. The program rewards excellence among venues that elevate the minimum acceptable levels of safety, security and responsible management.
It may be hard to believe that our once “ghost town“ Downtown has become a go-to spot for arts and culture (and soon sports). But it’s happening and it’s exciting– so clear your evening plans, jump on the LRT, and check out what the buzz is all about.