Society for Mathematical Biology Annual Meeting - 2025
Edmonton, Canada
Excursions:
Edmonton has so much to offer. From experiencing our stunning river valley to learning about our unique history or staying cool with a beer at a local brewery, there is something for everyone.
We invite you to choose your own adventure from the many options below. Choose one or combine a couple. Get together with old friends and be sure to make new friends!
To connect with others, join the SMB 2025 Annual Meeting - Edmonton community on the Slack messaging platform. We have set up channels for each of the excursions, so you can decide on a time and location to meet.
Have fun, and we look forward to hearing about your adventures when you return to the Edmonton Convention Centre on Thursday, refreshed for the last two days of our conference.
Nature Adventures
Hike the River Valley Trails
Edmonton’s river valley is 22 times the size of New York's central park, with over 150 km of pathways and trails. Enjoy a hike on paved or unpaved trails, on both sides of the river. With the many bridges crossing the river, you can choose a short, medium, or long loop.
For specific route suggestions near the Edmonton Convention Centre, visit this website. It has route maps and suggestions for food and drink on or near the trails.
River Valley Adventure Company: Segway, Cycle, or Paddle
Visiting Edmonton's river valley but only brought your walking shoes? River Valley Adventure Co., located in the heart of the river valley, is where you can find Segway tours, mountain bike rentals, stand up paddle boarding, and sports equipment just waiting to be put to good use.
Location: 9735 Grierson Hill, on the trail by the river just steps (southeast) away from the Edmonton Convention Centre
Muttart Conservatory
The Muttart Conservatory holds one of Canada's largest indoor plant collections. Explore over 700 different kinds of plant species and botanical gardens in four unique pyramids, surrounded by music, nature and beautiful works of art. Bathe yourself in the lush Tropical pyramid, alive with delicate orchids, a weeping fig, towering banana trees, and huge palms. The Arid pyramid bites back, with its spiky cactus and exotic desert species. Australian pampas grass and Eucalyptus trees are two colourful species you will find in the Temperate pyramid. The fourth pyramid is a seasonal surprise! Complete your excursion with a visit to Café Bloom, a local favourite.
Location: 9626 - 96A Street NW (within walking distance from the Edmonton Convention Centre; just south of the river via the Tawatinâ pedestrian bridge)
Public Transportation: LRT from Quarters to Muttart on the Valley Line
Elk Island National Park
Enjoy a hike on a park trail, and look for herds of bison, elk or one of more than 250 bird species that call this special place home.
Location: Approximately 48 km from Edmonton’s city centre, via Highway 16 East (Yellowhead)
Public Transportation: N/A (car transportation required)
University of Alberta Botanic Garden
Sorry, the University of Alberta Botanic Garden is closed on Wednesdays
The Arts and Crafts
Art Gallery of Alberta
From original contemporary to historical exhibitions from Alberta, across Canada and around the world, explore over 6,000 objects (created by a mix of local & international artists!) throughout three bright and airy floors of viewing space.
Location: 2 Sir Winston Churchill Square, a 10-minute walk from the Edmonton Convention Centre
Public Transportation: LRT from Central Station to Churchill Square
Alberta Craft Council
Discover a wide variety of handcrafted items, including pottery, blown and fused glass, jewellery, woodworking, fibre art, furniture, home accessories, and more, created by nearly 200 talented artisans from Alberta.
Location: 10186 106 Street NW, a 20-minute walk from the Edmonton Convention Centre
Public Transportation: Many options; consult public transportation directions on Google Maps for details
Freewill Shakespeare Festival: As You Like It
Get thee to a festival that brings the works of the Bard into the realm of everyone, from kids to scholars during the Freewill Shakespeare Festival.
As You Like It brings Shakespeare’s timeless comedy to life in the whimsical Forest of Arden. Exiled from court and disguised as a boy, Rosalind escapes to the forest, where freedom reigns and love runs wild. With mistaken identities, clever wordplay, and unexpected romance, As You Like It is a joyful romp through tangled hearts and comic twists.
Outdoor theatre at its best, in the Louise McKinney Riverfront Park, just a 9-minute walk from the Edmonton Convention Centre. A Festival Pass for 2 includes snacks and non-alcoholic drinks.
Tickets (2:00 pm matinee on Wednesday, July 16; 7:30 pm evening shows on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday)
Location: Louise McKinney Riverfront Park, a 9-minute walk east of the Edmonton Convention Centre
Yarn Shop Hop
Check out the fabulous yarn shops in Edmonton (accessible by bus) and/or Sherwood Park (requires a car). There are coffee shops near each of these stores for refreshments after all your shopping.
Little Blue Fibre Studio, 10159 81 Avenue NW, Edmonton (closes at 3 pm on Wednesdays)
The Fibre Nook, 9843 63 Avenue NW, Edmonton
Numana Yarns, 191 Athabascan Avenue, Sherwood Park
Statement Junkie Yarn Co., #124 2755 Broadmoor Boulevard, Sherwood Park
History, Science, and Culture
Royal Alberta Museum & Orcas: Our Shared Future
Discover what makes Alberta remarkable! Expansive galleries will immerse you in stories of Alberta’s people and natural environment. Discover both historical and contemporary Indigenous stories in the Human History Hall.
Currently, the Royal Alberta Museum also hosts Orcas: Our Shared Future. Follow the currents of scientific research, popular culture, and Indigenous beliefs to gain a new appreciation of these sophisticated animals, their complex social structures, stunning intelligence, and the surprising consequences of captivity.
Location: 9810 103a Avenue NW, a 10-minute walk from the Edmonton Convention Centre
Public Transportation: LRT from Central Station to Churchill Square
TWOSE: TELUS World of Science Edmonton
TWOSE is a large, interactive science center in Edmonton, Alberta. It is a broad-based science center with a wide variety of themed galleries to explore, an IMAX theatre, and a planetarium, all designed to engage and inspire visitors of all ages.
Be sure to check out the What’s On section of the website to find out about current exhibits and IMAX films.
Location: 11211 142 St NW
Public Transportation: Many options; consult public transportation directions on Google Maps for details
Horizon of Khufu: Journey in Ancient Egypt (Immersive VR Experience)
A unique expedition to discover the wonders of Egypt.
Travel back 4,500 years and explore the Giza Plateau and the Great Pyramid of Giza as if you were really there!
Tickets (reserve your time slot in advance; discounted price for groups of 6 or more)
Location: West Edmonton Mall (8882 170 Street NW), Upper Level, Phase III by the ship
Public Transportation: Many options; consult public transportation directions on Google Maps for details
Space Explorers: THE INFINITE (Immersive VR Experience)
Adventure to outer space!
You’ll step on the International Space Station through state-of-the-art VR, deepening your connection with the universe and your place within it.
Space Explorers: The Infinite claims to be “more than just a simple expedition, it’s an emotional odyssey that leaves a lasting impression.” From precious astronaut encounters to jaw-dropping Earth-gazing, the experience won’t leave you the same as when you came in.
Tickets (reserve your time slot in advance; discounted price for groups of 6 or more)
Location: West Edmonton Mall (8882 170 Street NW), Upper Level, Phase III by the ship
Public Transportation: Many options; consult public transportation directions on Google Maps for details
Fort Edmonton Park
Fort Edmonton Park is a living history museum that depicts Edmonton's evolution from the fur trade era to the 1920s, offering visitors a chance to step back in time. The park showcases various historical eras with reconstructed and relocated buildings, costumed interpreters, and interactive exhibits. It also features an Indigenous Peoples Experience, allowing visitors to explore First Nations and Métis cultures and histories.
Location: 7000 143 St NW
Public Transportation: LRT to South Campus Fort Edmonton Park, then bus; consult public transportation directions on Google Maps for details
Coffee, Beer, and Ice Cream
YEG’s Indie Coffee Culture
Edmonton's indie coffee shops come in every size and flavour! Explore and enjoy the unique experiences our locally-owned indie cafes are offering. This website lists local gems in various parts of the city. Having trouble making a selection? Ask the UofA folks to recommend their favourite hangout, or rely on this list of 9 places for best coffee in Edmonton.
Edmonton’s Hopping Beer Scene
Edmonton’s craft beer scene has exploded over the past few years. Find some friends, and embark on a self-guided brewery tour from this guide to the city’s hopping beer scene. Our favourite is Irrational Brewing Company, an award-winning brewery started by two graduates from the mathematical biology program at the University of Alberta.
Keep It Cool
Beat the heat with a cool cone from one of our local ice cream makers. Each ice cream shop is located in a fun area of town with opportunities for window shopping nearby.
Made by Marcus (Brewery District and Whyte Avenue)
Kind Ice Cream (Highlands neighbourhood and Ritchie neighbourhood)
Yelo’d Ice Cream (Whyte Avenue)
Evening Events
Disney’s The Lion King
Giraffes strut. Birds swoop. Gazelles leap. The entire Serengeti comes to life as never before. And as the music soars, Pride Rock slowly emerges from the mist.
Experience the awe-inspiring visual artistry, the unforgettable music, and the uniquely theatrical storytelling of this Broadway spectacular – one of the most breathtaking and beloved productions ever to grace the stage, playing in Edmonton during the SMB 2025 Conference!
Tickets (7:30 pm shows on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday); reserve early, tickets are limited
Location: Northern Jubilee Auditorium
Public Transportation: LRT from Central Station to Health Sciences Jubilee Station
Where Dark Things Dwell (Outdoor Escape Room)
The village is watching.
The curse is growing.
Time is running out and only the bravest will see the dawn.
Stopping in the sleepy Village of Edmonton for a night’s rest, you and your fellow travellers soon find yourselves caught in the grip of an ancient curse. The townsfolk, once kind and welcoming, now mutter in riddles, their eyes vacant, their minds unravelling.
With only lantern light to guide you, you must journey through the town, exploring multiple historic buildings, uncovering cryptic clues, and solving interconnected puzzles. This isn’t a typical escape room: you’ll journey across the village, meeting both helpful villagers and those already lost to madness.
You will know the travellers you rode in with, but there may be others playing that will be strangers to you.
Tickets (there are two games per night each day of the week; 6:00 pm and 8:30 pm)
Location: Fort Edmonton Park, 7000 143 St NW
Public Transportation: LRT from Central Station to South Campus Fort Edmonton Park, then bus; consult public transportation directions on Google Maps for details
Edmonton Queen Riverboat: Cruise and Dinner Buffet on the North Saskatchewan River
Experience the grandeur of the Edmonton Queen and discover the beauty of Edmonton’s iconic river valley on a mesmerizing sunset cruise on the North Saskatchewan River.
Tickets for classic dinner buffet and cruise (Mon-Fri; boarding begins at 6 pm)
Location: Rafter’s Landing, 9734 98 Ave NW, a 25-minute walk across the river from the Edmonton Convention Centre via the Tawatinâ pedestrian bridge
Public Transportation: LRT from Quarters to Muttart on the Valley Line
Legally Blonde
Get ready for a high-energy, heartwarming journey of self-discovery, determination, and breaking expectations. Based on the hit blockbuster, this feel-good musical follows Elle Woods, a fashionable sorority queen who surprises everyone by enrolling at Harvard Law to win back her ex. Along the way, Elle defies stereotypes, discovers her inner strength, and proves that staying true to yourself is the ultimate path to success. Bursting with catchy songs, dazzling choreography, and an empowering message, Legally Blonde is a vibrant celebration of resilience, friendship, and embracing your full potential. Perfect for anyone who loves humour, heart, and a little bit of pink!
Tickets (7:30 pm shows on Wednesday July 16, Thursday July 17, and Friday July 18)
Location: The Citadel Theatre, 9828 101A Avenue NW (within walking distance of the Edmonton Convention Centre)
Public Transportation: Directions
Freewill Shakespeare Festival: As You Like It
Get thee to a festival that brings the works of the Bard into the realm of everyone, from kids to scholars during the Freewill Shakespeare Festival.
As You Like It brings Shakespeare’s timeless comedy to life in the whimsical Forest of Arden. Exiled from court and disguised as a boy, Rosalind escapes to the forest, where freedom reigns and love runs wild. With mistaken identities, clever wordplay, and unexpected romance, As You Like It is a joyful romp through tangled hearts and comic twists.
Outdoor theatre at its best, in the Louise McKinney Riverfront Park, just a 9-minute walk from the Edmonton Convention Centre. A Festival Pass for 2 includes snacks and non-alcoholic drinks.
Tickets (7:30 pm evening shows on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday; note that there is a 2:00 pm matinee on Wednesday, July 16)
Location: Louise McKinney Riverfront Park, a 9-minute walk east of the Edmonton Convention Centre