A geek’s guide to Edmonton

by Caroline Barlott

Being a geek is no longer something you need to tuck away behind large framed glasses and pocket protectors. Nowadays, it’s something to be embraced – a label that indicates you’re passionate about something; and those passions can be as diverse as the people who obsessively follow them, from being really into science, to loving a fine cup of coffee. And luckily, for those with these passions, there are plenty of places in town that speak to your inner geek. Here are just a few. [Image credit: iStock.com/BraunS]

Telus World of Science is a non-profit organization dedicated to encouraging a love for science and technology – and for some of us, that’s not very difficult. The centre always has new shows that bring interesting hands-on exhibits that often combine both science and popular culture. The Angry Birds Universe exhibit, for example, teaches physics through the lens of a popular game.

Nerd Nite is a global phenomenon that was brought to Edmonton by Wade Kelly and Adam Rosenhart. Each event has three presenters who speak for 20 minutes on topics that range widely. The past has included presentations on asteroids, conservation biology, biotechnology, literary critique and body building, just to name a few. Kelly and Rosenhart like to call it “Discovery Channel with beer,” but it’s so much more interesting than watching TV.

For those who are passionate about a good cup of joe, Transcend Coffee is a great place to learn more about it. The coffee shop has strong relationships with growers, and likes to share its knowledge of coffee – from growing to brewing to tasting – with customers so they too can become aficionados. Classes range from taste and appreciation courses to the basics of using a French press and Aeropress.

Nerds who are especially into environmental and sustainable practices will be intrigued by the ever-evolving calendar of interesting workshops offered through Earth’s General Store. While the list is always changing, in the past, they’ve offered classes on building and maintaining small-scale aquaponics, and courses on making probiotic beverages.

The Gamer’s Lodge Café and Games has shelves built into its walls, stocked full, like a library. But instead of books, patrons can choose the board games they’d most like to play. Meanwhile, they also offer snacks that are made for a day of gaming like the Cheese-3-PO sandwich with three different cheese, or the Chewbaccamole and tortilla chips.

TableTop Café is a great place to spend an afternoon catching up with friends, while playing a board game. Customers can either pay a flat fee and enjoy unlimited play time, or they can buy games to take home. Lattes, beer, pop, and Slurpees are on tap, as well.

Hexagon Board Game Café just looks like a normal, trendy coffee spot on first inspection, but it’s actually a place where you can play board games along with your Americano. Owners Kellie Ho and Randy Wong opened the café after finishing their degrees and struggling to find work; long nights were spent playing board games, and they realized maybe that passion could translate into full-time work.

Just for Fun Video Games buys, sells, and trades new and used video game. It’s been around since 1993, and carries thousands of titles for all consoles. They also offer disc repairs, and retro video games you remember from your childhood.

Just Be Cos: Cosplay and Craft Supplies carries everything needed to make elaborate costumes for cosplay. Everything from elf ears to patterns for elaborate costumes can be found to help create an incredibly unique costume. The shop even offers classes in sewing, makeup, electronics, prop making and armour building, to name a few.

Happy Harbor Comics offers more than just a place to get all your geek merchandise. It’s also a hub of the community, hosting events that bring together people of all kinds. They offer drawing camps for kids, gaming events, scotch tastings, meetings where people can meet comic creators, and events specifically for women. It’s an inclusive environment where everyone who loves comics can come together, and even get a peek into the inner workings of the industry.

Comic King started about 25 years ago and now has a huge selection of not just comics, but also t-shirts, action figures, posters, graphic novels, and more. The store is packed full of wall-to-wall geek paraphernalia.

For bookworms, there’s nothing better than spending an afternoon in a local bookstore, perusing the aisles for the perfect paperback. Wee Book Inn is an Edmonton stalwart that has been in the city since the 70s. The shop now has three locations – one on Whyte Avenue, one downtown, and one on 118 Avenue, where used books are bought and sold. Each location has its own cat.

Audreys has roots that go back to 1975 and is a cornerstone of the literary community. The bookstore carries a fantastic Canadian selection, but also seeks to enhance the local literary community by hosting author events, which connect authors with readers.

Block 1912 is a café right on Whyte Avenue with a wall that will speak to many customers. What’s it saying? It’s saying: “Sit down with a gelato and a book from our book nook for a relaxing afternoon.” The nook is packed full of books of all kinds – and customers are encouraged to take one, and leave one. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the food is also a draw with everything clearly labelled for those with allergies or sensitivities.