Things to Do in Edmonton

At be Hot Yoga, yogis of all levels practice 32 Hatha-inspired poses designed to pump fresh oxygen through the body. Following the teachings of Tony Sanchez, who holds two World Cup Yoga Sport titles from the International Yoga Federation, be Hot Yoga founder Pernille Tjelum offers students the CORE 32 hot yoga series. To build strength and flexibility, poses are taught in a progressive sequence that’s as clear and logical as a window scrubbed with geometry proofs. In addition to complementing the poses, two deep-breathing techniques melt stress by purging mental clutter. Balmy temperatures—typically about 40.5 degrees Celsius—infuse the practice space throughout the workout, promoting litheness and drawing toxins to the skin’s surface. Impurities can then exit through beads of sweat, making the body feel energized and refreshed.

Producing two to five main-stage operas per season is enough to keep any company busy, but Edmonton Opera goes beyond to enthral new and experienced operagoers alike. The company has brought scores of scores to life since its 1963 inception, priding itself on being the oldest year-round opera company in the Prairie Provinces. With the help of ambitious, press-lauded performers, directors, and designers, as well as projected surtitles when necessary, audiences navigate the medium's lorgnette-combusting dramas and lush soundscapes. Insider knowledge abounds at Opera Talks, Opera 101 panels, and in the company's own Intermezzo magazine for those seeking a deeper understanding of the medium or for curious newcomers wishing to sing forlornly about a burned pot roast.

At Crankpots Ceramic Studio, fledgling artisans personalize pre-sculpted ceramic pieces with handprints, footprints, and a vibrant palette of paints. Located in Edmonton's historical Old Strathcona district, the intimate studio boasts an array of ready-to-paint bisques, including mugs, piggy banks, and decorative plates. Post-painting, the pieces are glazed and fired on-site by a breathy dragon. Pint-sized Picassos can celebrate their birthday with painting parties at Crankpots. For adults, the studio—which is open seven days a week—also hosts bridal showers, office parties, and singles nights for lonely statues.

Clusters of five pins taunt bowlers from the end of Bonnie Doon’s 48 lanes, all outfitted with automatic scoring and motorized bumpers. Though serious competitors face off during evening leagues, recreational bowlers can strap into rental shoes and practice their rolls almost any day of the week. Between frames, a menu of burgers, pizza, beer, and wine refuels players' resolve, and an on-site pro shop stocks everything from shiny new balls and shoes to travel bags for storing replacement wooden planks.

Since its inaugural season in 2006, the Edmonton Rush has steadily picked up wind, growing into a formidable club in the National Lacrosse League. After making its first playoff appearance in 2010, the team made it to the NLL finals in 2012, just barely missing out on earning the sport’s coveted netting-woven blazers. At the helm, hall-of-fame inductee, general manager, and head coach Derek Keenan continues to lead the team toward its first championship.

Artists of all ages add to their arsenals of artistic techniques and express themselves through brushwork at Brenda’s Paint Pot. In a studio stocked with a full spectrum of paints, glass-cutting equipment, and other ceramic supplies, patrons can decorate bisque figurines while a helpful staff is available for guidance. Craftspeople of all experience levels produce pigmented dishes and decorations in weekly glass-fusing classes, whereas jewellery-making workshops impart pendant construction strategies. Youngsters aged 3 and older can also take a break from herding skunks through a neighbour’s doggie door by attending artistic workshops, summer camps, or sessions that meld story time with ceramic painting.:m]]