After all those summer road trips and patio visits in Edmonton, money can be tight; it can feel like enjoying fall is almost out of financial reach.
But you don’t need a big budget to have big fun this fall. Even if you have $50 (or less), you can find something on this list to get your autumn fix.
Here are 11 cost-effective ideas to make the most of the spooky season.
1. Visit some trails and stairs in the river valley
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Take in the beauty of fall by exploring the vast and majestic river valley. Get some cardio in by running some stairs, or take a stroll on the dozens of trails and parks that line the area. It’s a natural jewel of the city and almost glows as the leaves turn gold.
2. Spooky candlelight concerts
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Fever is holding numerous candlelight concerts in Edmonton this fall, offering up some of the best Halloween movie themes and songs to be heard live. Tickets start at $36 for select shows.
3. Go on a haunted tour
Edmonton Ghost Tours
Looking for a little fright and a history lesson at the same time? Three ghost tours are running in Edmonton that would be perfect for a Halloween date. From a ghostly walk through old historical Strathcona to a haunted hike and history lesson at the University of Alberta, these tours will surely cause the hairs on the back of your neck to stand up a little.
4. Get lost in the Edmonton Corn Maze
Edmonton Corn Maze
It’s one of the greatest fall things to do around Edmonton, and for more than two decades, the maze has been a staple in the area for some fun in the heart of fall. Each year brings with it a new design, with this season paying homage to the Telus World of Science, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary.
5. Thrift shop for your Halloween costumes
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From gently used costumes to ones brand new out of the packaging, you are sure to find the perfect fit for that Halloween party or casual in night filled with candy and horror movies while thrifting for your costumes. Nothing worse than shelling out too much money for a Halloween costume, right?
6. Visit a cozy coffee shop
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As pumpkin spice everything rolls out and we inch closer to fall, there are plenty of cozy coffee shops to visit in Edmonton. Nothing beats a chilly fall day spent with a good cup of coffee in a gorgeous coffee shop!
7. Deadmonton Haunted House
Deadmonton Haunted House
This year, the terrifying event is at a brand new location, and there are three themes to be frightened by, including the Curse of the Mucklebone Coven, The Abbey, and Puppet Factory. Tickets start at $42.99 and can be found here.
8. Take a pumpkin home from a pumpkin patch
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What’s more of a fall celebration than snagging a pumpkin and taking it home for decoration or carving? We rounded up some easy-to-get-to pumpkin patches in the Edmonton area for affordable, outdoorsy fun for all.
9. Snag a perfect YEG fall Instagram post
Tomas Kulaja/Shutterstock
Whether it’s historic buildings alongside beautiful fall colours at the University of Alberta or a footbridge spanning the North Saskatchewan River with fall foliage on either side, there are plenty of spots in YEG that provide prime fall photo opportunities.
10. Pick up some tasty Halloween candy
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Okay, the candy should be saved for the kids’ trick-or-treating, but we have to indulge a bit with some neat novelty Halloween-themed treats. Edmonton has plenty of candy stores with classics like Reeses Pieces and Caramilk bars, as well as more specialty items like Jack O’ Lantern, Dubble Bubble gum, and It-themed treats.
11. Get your adrenaline pumping at DARK in Fort Edmonton Park
@fortedmontonpark/Instagram
For 12 nights in October, Dark will take over Fort Edmonton Park with spooky characters that will surely haunt you long after your return home. Tickets start at $50 and can be found here.