by Jibril Yassin
Let’s get right to it: Edmonton winters are cold and miserable. Until April arrives with the promise of spring, we’re stuck with cold days and long, bleak nights. With the dropping temperatures and fast-chilling air, you’ll need to work extra hard to stay busy. If you’re not really into the idea of venturing outdoors, here are a few indoor options that’ll let you beat the cold and have some fun at the same time. [Photo credit: iStock.com/Sanjeri]
The last few years have seen a great number of board game cafés pop up in the city. Cafés such as Table Top Cafe, Hexagon Board Game Cafe and the The Gamers’ Lodge are making it easier for you to round up a group of friends and play through some exciting rounds of board games. For a small fee, you'll have access to a massive collection of games – enough to play to your heart’s content alongside hot drinks and food. These game cafés, a new phenomenon in Western Canada, provide a unique experience, a must-visit for any Edmontonian looking to make the most of their time.
A longstanding favourite: Besides offering jaw-dropping exhibits and shows featuring major international artists and local stars alike, the Art Gallery of Alberta offers a myriad of activity within its walls. The late-night Refinery and Vibe art parties are great for the older crowd looking for a cool night out. The AGA doubles as a community hub too, offering art classes aimed at both adults and kids looking to express their creativity and burgeoning talents.
You might have heard the city is host to a burgeoning coffee culture. Local cafés such as Transcend, Iconoclast, BRU Coffee + Beer House and Credo provide comforting environments and vibes but also put their own individual spin on crafting a great cup of java – whether it’s Transcend’s insistence on using in-house roasted beans or BRU's state-of-the-art machinery. Make an excuse to visit a café you haven’t yet seen with friends and family!
Like the AGA, the Telus World of Science is a constant presence you may have started to take for granted. Boasting a massive IMAX theatre that now projects in 4K and has ever-changing programming and thought provoking exhibits and events, the Telus World of Science will be sure to rekindle the inner kid in you again and again.
Another phenomenon staking its claim in Edmonton and sure to make its presence known during the winter – escape rooms. Scattered across the city, rooms like Breakout and Logiclock are perfect group outings thanks to their brevity and endless challenges. Teams will have to solve puzzles and outlast their competitors; to do so, you may have to defuse a bomb, head to space, solve mysterious cases or prevent a major global outbreak in only 45 minutes.
With a stunning array of things to see and do year-round, there’s no reason to go into hibernation this winter when you can keep yourself busy with some proactive indoor fun instead.
