Sweater Weather Activities
Fall holds a different meaning for each individual. It is a time of transformation and growth, invoking a mix of both positive and negative emotions. As a long-time autumn enthusiast, I tend to associate the season with cozy sweatshirts, fancy lattes, comfort movies, and the start of all things spooky. But for many university students, fall can carry negative connotations like back-to-school anxiety, the death of long summer days, and worst of all, the seemingly never-ending runny nose. Whether your stance on fall is a good or bad one, indulging in fall festivities is sure to bring joy to the back-to-school season. I have compiled a list of activities around Edmonton, ranging from low cost and around campus, to more popular and sought-after fall events in the city!
Explore Edmonton’s River Valley
As CUE students, we have the privilege of having the River Valley only steps away from our campus! Whether you like to bike, run, or just want to partake in the fall atmosphere, I encourage you to explore what Edmonton’s River Valley has to offer. Having over 100 kilometers of trails and various parks to choose from, set out to enjoy the vibrant yellow and orange-covered trees beautifully seen from our very own backyard. Grabbing a coffee and a friend for an afternoon stroll is a great way to take a break from your coursework while simultaneously celebrating the fall season.
https://www.edmonton.ca/activities_parks_recreation/parks_rivervalley/river-valley-parks
Pumpkins After Dark
Running from September 29th until October 31st – Pumpkins After Dark is sure to get you in the
Halloween spirit. The walk-through event features incredible talent via thousands of hand-crafted pumpkins brought to life with music and special effects. It is less than a 10-minute walk from campus in Borden Park, an area known for its wonderfully unique and scattered art displays. Whether you visit on date night or with a big group of friends, this event is a must-see during the fall season. Adult admissions are currently $21.95 and are available on their website.
https://pumpkinsafterdark.com/edmonton/
Road-trip From Home
It’s reasonably safe to assume that as university students, we spend most of our time writing
papers, preparing for exams, and reading for what feels like an eternity. While this is the typical ‘university experience,’ it is also important to dedicate time to fun, new adventures! Guess Where Trips is a unique brand that offers one-day road trips right at home. Their Peculiar
Wonders package truly encapsulates fall energy – setting you up for a fun day of hikes, museums, and more around Edmonton in a scavenger-like fashion. Mailed packages cost $65, but a PDF alternative is available for $39, and both can be split between a maximum of five participants. Happy Road-tripping!
https://guesswheretrips.com/product/peculiar-wonders/
By Victoria Gonzalez
