Rossdale Power Plant Edmonton
Explore the historic Rossdale Power Plant, a decommissioned industrial marvel with surprising art deco charm and deep Indigenous roots.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Ideal for tours
Rossdale Power Plant Edmonton
Best Time
Ideal for tours
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the historic Rossdale Power Plant, a decommissioned industrial marvel with surprising art deco charm and deep Indigenous roots.
"Loved the art deco design and the history, especially the Indigenous connection. "
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Give yourself ample time to find parking, as it's often a walk from the entrance. :car:
📅 Book Tours in Advance
Tours are guided and can fill up, especially during peak seasons. :ticket:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Art Deco Architecture
Interior
Discover unexpected art deco design elements throughout the historic power plant space. A visual treat!
Indigenous History Integration
Throughout the tour
Learn about the area's 10,000-year history and the plant's construction, including unearthed human remains.
Industrial Grandeur
Exterior and accessible interior sections
Explore the impressive scale and industrial heritage of this decommissioned natural gas power plant.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking & Punctuality
Tour Availability & Booking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Give yourself ample time to find parking, as it's often a walk from the entrance. :car:
📅 Book Tours in Advance
Tours are guided and can fill up, especially during peak seasons. :ticket:
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a fair bit of walking around the historic site. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Details
The art deco elements and industrial scale make for stunning photos.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Give yourself ample time to find parking, as it's often a walk from the entrance. :car:
📅 Book Tours in Advance
Tours are guided and can fill up, especially during peak seasons. :ticket:
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a fair bit of walking around the historic site. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Details
The art deco elements and industrial scale make for stunning photos.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Rossdale Power Plant tours for their informative content, engaging guides (often university students), and the surprising architectural beauty, particularly the art deco elements. The historical context, including Indigenous heritage, is also a highlight. Some find parking inconvenient and recommend arriving early.
"We had a very cool tour of this power plant. We learned a lot and had a great time. I love the visions of what this power plant could turn into in the next couple years. our tour guide was fabulous as well. I wish I could remember her name but we started the tour a wee bit late because it was difficult to find parking.
Speaking of parking. You definitely want to go at least a half an hour early to find parking because your parking options are quite a distance away from the entrance to the plant.
The tour is an hour long. And at the end they gave us a delicious cookie. From my understanding the tours are guided by University students. Maybe that's a coincidence ormaybe it's intentional, I'm not sure. But I like it. Something about students is so refreshing.
Around the tour are old pictures of what the area used to look like. And there's a lot of art deco design throughout the space which I did not expect. Loved it. It was the perfect fall date with my husband.
I highly recommend the tour in the spring when they become available again."
Rayne-Anne Latchford Oosterveld
"Tour of the decommissioned power plant. Very informative and the guide, a university student was very knowledgeable. She tired in the Indigenous history in the area with the building of the plant. During construction human remains were found and this led to the eventual burial of these remains just to the west of the plant. This area has been a gathering place for people for 10,000 years."
Louise Perkins
"Historic building in the Rossdale area. It’s no longer in use and currently closed but the City of Edmonton has some different plans in play and some time in the future it will be used in some way. The building is still in good shape."
Kirk Dewhurst
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Rossdale Power Plant is located along the North Saskatchewan River in Edmonton, Alberta. While public transport options exist, many visitors find driving to be the most convenient. Be prepared for parking challenges and arrive early.
Yes, parking is available, but it's often a considerable distance from the plant's entrance. It's highly recommended to arrive at least 30 minutes before your tour to allow time for parking and walking.
Access is primarily through guided tours. The plant is decommissioned, so independent exploration is not permitted. Check for tour schedules and booking information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Information on ticket prices for tours is not readily available in public discussions, but tours are often guided by university students. It's best to check the official booking platform or contact the organizers for current pricing.
Yes, it is highly recommended to book your tour tickets in advance, as availability can be limited, especially during peak seasons.
Tours are not year-round and are often seasonal, with a recommendation to visit in the spring. Specific operating hours will vary, so it's essential to check the tour provider's schedule.
No, the Rossdale Power Plant is a decommissioned site and can only be visited via guided tours. Independent access is not permitted.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The guided tours of the Rossdale Power Plant typically last for about an hour.
Expect to see impressive industrial architecture, art deco design elements, and learn about the plant's history, including its connection to Indigenous heritage and the surrounding area.
While the tour guide is careful to point out safe areas, not the entire building may be accessible. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes as there is walking involved.
The historical and industrial aspects might appeal to older children. However, the tour involves walking and learning about historical contexts, so parental discretion is advised.
It's a historic, decommissioned natural gas power plant with notable art deco architecture and a significant connection to the Indigenous history of the land it occupies.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed, and many visitors capture the unique industrial and art deco features. Be mindful of your surroundings and any specific instructions from your tour guide.
The interior with its art deco details and the exterior showcasing the industrial scale are prime photography locations. Look for interesting architectural lines and textures.
While not explicitly stated, it's always good practice to ask your tour guide if there are any areas where photography is restricted for safety or preservation reasons.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's advisable to prepare children for the walking involved and the historical context, which includes discussions about Indigenous history and the discovery of human remains. Ensure they wear comfortable shoes. The unique setting provides a different kind of outing compared to typical family attractions, making it a memorable experience.
🏛️ History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts
Beyond the built environment, the site's deep Indigenous history, stretching back 10,000 years, adds a profound layer of cultural significance. Learning about the land's original stewards and the plant's construction history provides a comprehensive historical perspective. The guided tours are highly informative, often led by knowledgeable university students who can share detailed insights.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Charm of Rossdale
Beyond the art deco, the industrial architecture itself is a major draw. The sheer scale of the plant and its historical machinery evoke a sense of a bygone era. The building's design speaks to the engineering prowess of its time, offering a glimpse into the infrastructure that powered Edmonton. This blend of historical significance and architectural interest makes Rossdale a compelling destination for those who appreciate both history and design.
A Site Steeped in History and Culture
During the plant's construction, human remains were discovered, a discovery that led to the respectful reburial of these remains just to the west of the plant. This event underscores the site's long and layered history, acknowledging the Indigenous heritage that predates the industrial era. Tour guides often integrate this crucial aspect of local history, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the area's significance.
Future Visions for Rossdale
Edmonton has already seen the site utilized for large-scale events, such as the SingularityU conference, demonstrating its capacity to host significant gatherings. The community is hopeful that these plans will bring new life to the power plant, preserving its heritage while creating a dynamic space for cultural and community engagement.
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