Majestic forests, towering mountains, and crystal-clear springs—these are all part of every corner of Edmonton. Certain places will take your breath away, revealing this city’s vibrant, unforgettable, and captivating sides. If you’re planning a photoshoot, here are some must-consider locations. Learn more at edmontonka.
How to Choose the Right Idea for a Photoshoot
First, decide on a location. A studio setting gives you greater flexibility—you can shoot in winter or pick an interior suited to your theme. Outdoor photography typically happens in the warmer season and requires extra care if you’re renting costumes.
If you’re on a limited budget, consider urban streets. You can capture stunning images against cityscapes, parks, or waterfronts. Look up a few sample photos and show them to your photographer. If you want more portrait-focused shots, send them a photo of your face. This helps pick a suitable background and style. In practice, many people prefer city photography. Edmonton has beautiful places that deliver gorgeous pictures.
Muttart Conservatory
On the south bank of the North Saskatchewan River stand four pyramid-shaped greenhouses hosting both rare and common plant species. Each pyramid represents a distinct environment from different world biomes. Featuring a large variety of plant species in rotating exhibits, the Muttart Conservatory is Edmonton’s top horticultural institution.
It’s a unique botanical garden featuring towering glass pyramids and tropical arid biomes. The pyramids rise dramatically against Edmonton’s skyline. The conservatory isn’t just a cutting-edge botanical garden shaping Western Canadian plant research; it’s also an iconic Edmonton spot ideal for photos—both inside and out.
Inside each pyramid is a separate botanical space filled with different plant varieties to enrich your photos. An admission fee is charged for entering the garden.
High Level Bridge of Edmonton
When you visit, you’ll feel the sun is nearby, and the sky is within reach. Strolling around the Legislature grounds is perfect. Because of the stunning vista from the bridge, you can capture unique shots. Nighttime photos are especially impressive, with 60,000 LED lights illuminating the structure. All you need is good timing to photograph yourself amid the car headlights.
Alberta Legislature Building
Amid a large park-like garden stands a building with a rich history—constructed in 1913. Free tours are offered for residents and visitors alike.
The Beaux-Arts–style building is sizable and overlooks the North Saskatchewan River. It’s considered one of Edmonton’s most photogenic sites. People choose it as a backdrop for its nighttime glow and reflections in the pools. This building is a favorite location for wedding and prom photos.
Talus Dome
This local art piece sparks controversy but is still wonderful. Located near the Quesnell Bridge and Fox Drive, Talus Dome is a unique sculpture comprising nearly 1,000 handcrafted stainless-steel spheres attached together to form an abstract talus shape. You’ll see reflections of sky and car lights on these spheres—great for extraordinary photographs.
University of Alberta Botanic Garden
A 240-acre park with an array of trees, plants, and flowers, this garden is a top Edmonton attraction. Founded in 1959, it’s the largest botanical garden in Alberta. You can snap fantastic pictures in the Japanese Garden or the large tropical greenhouse with butterflies.
There’s also an enclosed pavilion and natural pathways in the area.
100 Street Funicular
If you want unconventional photos on a striking backdrop and love staircases, definitely visit the 100 Street Funicular. It gives you views of the Hotel Macdonald, Edmonton’s skyline, and the river valley.
Its stylish design creates a futuristic, modern setting for your pictures.
Manchester Square Edmonton
A slice of Europe in Edmonton’s Queen Mary Park area, Manchester Square offers a lively walk along a borderless pond. Its distinctive exterior provides an ideal city backdrop for your shots—vibrant, safe, and beautiful.
This new complex forms a magical setting for pictures, thanks to its unique architecture and a large fountain.
Wolf Willow Stairs
These “Wolf Willow Stairs” are perfect for a workout. Ascend them for scenic views of the North Saskatchewan River Valley surrounded by dense woodland. You’ll find multiple spots along the way to sit and capture breathtaking photos.
Keillor Point (Keillor Viewpoint)
A lovely viewpoint perched atop an old retaining wall along the North Saskatchewan River. Until 2018, it was off-limits to visitors because of instability and potential hazards.
That didn’t stop people from coming for the stunning panoramas. Over time, improvements made it safe and open to visitors. With the river, forest, and gorgeous skies in the background, you can get truly spectacular shots.
Walterdale Bridge
This unique engineering marvel has become a landmark in Edmonton’s identity. While crossing the Walterdale Bridge, you’ll feel part of the city. Its elegant arch provides an excellent photo backdrop. It’s easy to walk up to and snap pictures featuring the river and cityscape beyond.
Hawrelak Park
A 168-acre park with a five-hectare lake. Perfect for summer picnics, strolling along footpaths, or biking.
Hawrelak Park is a well-known outdoor recreation spot, equally enchanting in winter when ice formations on small hills create a fairy-tale atmosphere. At this time of year, skating rinks open, making it an ideal wintry photo setting.
Rutherford House
Often the site of guided tours, Rutherford House is the former residence of Alberta’s first premier, built in 1911. Now recognized as a provincial historic resource, local societies have worked diligently to protect and maintain its history, converting it into a museum. Photos taken here make a wonderful keepsake.
Ice Castles
These hand-sculpted ice structures with tunnels and LED-lit sculptures draw attention. With amazing sculptures everywhere, the site also has ice slides for kids and adults. At night, when lit by streetlights, the castles form a magical scene perfect for capturing unique images.