Edmonton is easing into autumn with a surprisingly pleasant stretch of weather, and there's plenty happening around the city to make the most of it. Environment Canada is calling for cloud from Thursday evening onward, with a 60 per cent chance of showers on Friday, so an umbrella belongs in your weekend bag. Before then, the early part of the week stays comfortably mild.
First up for food lovers: Super Crunch Tanghulu has just opened its first Edmonton location inside West Edmonton Mall. The spot specializes in tanghulu, the Chinese street dessert of fresh fruit coated in a shattering sugar shell, plus chocolate strawberry cups. Wash it all down with fresh fruit juice or a dirty soda — a sweet pit stop whether you're shopping or hiding from a rainy afternoon.
If you want something more seasonal, this is your final chance to catch Fall-O-Ween at Prairie Gardens and Adventure Farm. The u-pick farm, which runs through summer and fall, wraps up its family-friendly festival this weekend with seasonal food, activities and displays. After that, it's gone until next year.
The big draw, though, is AsiaFest, Edmonton's Asian night market, landing in Windermere this weekend. The event has doubled its footprint compared to last year, with more than 120 vendors serving food and selling artisan goods, and over 50 cultural performances on the main stage. Admission is free, so the cost of entry is no excuse to skip it.
Prefer the outdoors? The city's roundup of local stables points to horseback riding as a solid fall option — rides range from one hour to full-day trips, both close to the city and further out into Alberta's trail country, and many outfitters keep running through the autumn months.
