Sir Winston Churchill Square

The Crown Jewel of downtown Edmonton is the neighborhood known as Churchill Square. It's a bustling social, cultural, and artistic hub of so many things and activities. There are statues and monuments everywhere, big soaring towers, "Lunchbox Joe" - a lifelike sculpture of a guy sitting on a bunch by Seward Johnson, a sculpture named "Catching Neutrinos" a striking 10 foot high granite cone inscribed with headlines of the last 100 years, and monuments to Canada's war dead, Sir Winston Churchill and the Ukranian genocide. I saw an amphitheater with room to seat 500, formal gardens, a skating rink, and light poles representing the northern lights. Throw in shopping, outdoor movies, fireworks, street performers, and a theater ticket booth and you have a pretty good idea of what the area has to offer. We were there on a Monday morning and it wasn't very crowded, but by lunch time the office buildings emptied out and we saw hundreds of people hanging out, eating their brown bag lunches or hitting the food trucks. What a fun time we had strolling around the Square and taking in all of its sights.

Located in the heart of downtown Edmonton which is easily accessible by bus or train, this is a favorite hangout for locals and tourists. Why not? It's a nice place to sit, play chess, table tennis, or basketball, stroll around the gardens, admire the different artworks all throughout the Square, or enjoy the pool at the nearby City Hall. All these activities are possible while taking advantage of the free Wifi provided by the city. Felling hungry and/or thirsty? You don't need to leave because there are several eateries in the Square to choose from: Three Bananas Cafe, L'Espresso Café, City Centre Food Court, and Kids in the Hall. Not feeling a sit down restaurant? Then see one of the food vendors selling hot dogs, donuts, waffles, smoothies, etc. With tables and chairs under huge red umbrellas, this is a nice place to enjoy a cup of coffee while reading a book or watching people having fun. The Square is also where all festivals and events are being held. While on the Square, please visit TIX on the Square Box Office & Store, a non-profit box office where they sell artwork made by local artists, and tickets to local music, theatre and dance events. I actually bought my souvenir item from here during my last visit.

My favourite thing about Churchill square in the summer is the free fitness classes over the lunch hour. Monday & Friday is Zumba from 12-1:pm, Tuesday & Thursday is yoga from 12:30-1:30pm, & Wednesday is circuit training from 12-1pm. Just make sure you bring sunscreen and water. Great classes and lots of fun. This program usually runs from the end of April to the end of September.

Over the years, I have attended so many great events in the Square. I remember when they had the grassy areas and no washrooms, and now they have it all paved, it seems a bigger and better use of the space! I love seeing people playing chess or ping pong, or seated at the red chairs and table when the weather is nice and sun shining. I like walking through the square if I'm heading somewhere for a meeting. Zumba and fitness classes at lunch time, yes and too bad I didn't work downtown as I would love it and free too! So many great activities and festivals I've been to the Square for including Taste of Edmonton, Street Performers, The Works festival, New Years' fireworks, Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, and more! My most recent event was for the Hometown Hockey tour. A stage was set up and TVs showing the hockey game. There were a few picnic tables set up which was great for those seating outside and watching. There were various tents set up and a great reprieve from the cold and love there was some heat inside too. It wasn't too busy so lots of walking room even though there were tents and activities set up on the sides. Great central location and inviting space for all to use!

A square right in the middle of the city. They all have them so why is Sir Winston Churchill Square so different? For one, the summer schedule! It's not just a spot in the sun to sit and eat on your lunch break. There are ping pong tables and giant chess boards not to mention the random al fresco exercise classes you can take part in. After the big thaw, I'll get into those hilarious Zumba classes, it looks so much fun. There is random events with pipe bands, food trucks and more... I love summer in Downtown YEG, it's never a dull moment. In winter there are Christmas Parades, concerts for New Year and other random non-holiday related goings on. It's family friendly and if you get too chilly it's only a few steps to get inside the mall for a heat. The train station has a stop right there, so when going for an event it's super easy to avoid any parking problems

I like the idea of child sized pieces even though my imagination uses them as weapons against my enemies (I shall stab you with the bishop tip!). This child sized chess set is one of a few toys you'll find to help you pass time in Churchill Square. Others include a chess set and ping pong tables. Or you can grab a coffee at Three Bananas Cafe and people watch. Heck have a seat in the rafters for that grandstand effect. When you get bored walk south to the library, west for shopping, east for some theatre, northeast if you want to see the latest at the Alberta Gallery of Art. I can't even think of the number of events that are held here every year. Safe to say its a lot. If I were to make a criticism it would be that there is a lot of concrete here. Like throw back to the 80s amount of concrete. More vegetation would be nice, but you can't have everything.

I was a little disappointed a few years ago when they took away all the grass and replaced it with cement. My disappointment didn't last long, as I saw what they were now able to do with the space. From concerts, to outdoor movies, art exhibits, fitness classes, poetry readings... okay... all of those things could have been done on grass. But giant checkers and chess would be a little more difficult on the grass. Also... two very important words... PING PONG. The city has done a great job of getting the most out of this space. And it's really gorgeous too... I love walking through it during the winter mornings when it's still dark. It can take my breath away sometimes. And during the summer... there's always something going on! All around a pretty fantastic place that Edmontonians should be proud of.

Churchill Square sits in front of City Hall in downtown Edmonton. Many view it as a simple piece of land. What once was a grassy field in the heart of the city, is now paved over and complete with a cafe and a ticket/information/tourist centre, Tix on the Square. But you shouldn't underestimate this little square of land. At any given time, it is transformed into a lunch room, activity space, festival grounds, political forum, entertainment hub, or place of leisure. And that's year round! This isn't just a summer spot. (Although, you should be warned, it does get a tad slippery during the winter months.) Location is also key for Churchill Square. You are a hop, skip, and a jump from the Stanley Milner Library, so you can go borrow a book and then come sit in the square and read. Sometimes, they even bring the books to you with their book sales held in the square. You're also near the Art Gallery of Alberta, law courts, City Hall, City Centre Mall, Citadel Theatre, and the Winspear. Hungry? No problem! Three Banana's Cafe is there for you! (Try their pizza.) There are also easily a half dozen places to grab a coffee or a bite within a block from there. And, in the summer, the festivals will have a variety of eats, as well, the food carts will be out. (If Eva Sweet Waffles are there, they are a must!) Churchill Square has a diverse crowd, wide open space, and infinite possibilities. It's a great spot to spend an afternoon - year round!

Many years ago when this was a grassed area I was kind of sad that the City decided to pave the area. Since then though my mind has changed and I think that paving the area has really opened up the potential of the Square. Many more activities, events and festivals can now enjoy the use of the space. It has been great to see and attend some of the great things happening in the square. I am glad that the City puts a lot of effort into animating the Square with events and activities on a daily basis. Ping-Pong and a giant Chess Board! How fun! Basketball nets are usually up. Music is playing. Outdoor seating to enjoy your lunch. You can also enjoy the wading pool close by in front of City Hall. Food Trucks are there a lot during their season. There are lots of cool shops and restaurants close by, not to mention the downtown library! The fun doesn't stop in winter either! There are festivals and events here all year round. If you are a visitor to Edmonton and staying in a downtown hotel you should stop by and check out what is going on in the Square! You don't want to miss out on some fun opportunity! Check out events here: http://www.edmontonarts.ca/eac_projects/eac_projects_churchillsquare/ More info on the Square: http://www.edmonton.ca/attractions_events/sir-winston-churchill-square.aspx

Winston Churchill Square was a major investment by our city that was controversial a few years back, but I can now say dramatically improves the quality of our downtown experience. Churchill Square, since it was revamped, six or seven years ago, has become a hub for summer festivals and activities, including Taste of Edmonton, The Street Performers Festival and other smaller community events. As I write this, I am sitting in Churchill Square. On this glorious afternoon there are small pockets of people everywhere, sitting on the steps, park benches and in umbrella-covered chairs, soaking up the sun and the blues-folk beats of singer Al Brant, who is serenading us on this mid-week afternoon. To cool off, there are people splashing about in the fountains in front of city hall, and from where I'm perched I can see our new modern art gallery, shining in its sinewy metallic glory. There's a City of Edmonton home composting booth set up in the middle of the square and visitors can roll up their sleeves if they want and dig for worms in a pile of fertile soil. I pass, but enjoy the lookie. Things are thriving at Three Bananas Cafe, where business lunches are being conducted on the patio over mouth-watering oven-baked pizzas. I, myself, go for the cup o' grape jello, and enjoy its cool, slippery texture gliding down my throat on a hot summer day in E-town. There aren't all that many in a year, here, so I'm in the perfect place to enjoy it fully. Any spot you can get mini-donuts and kettle corn in the middle of the afternoon is A-OK to me.

My wife and I love Churchill square. There is always something awesome going down. Whether it's winter or summer there is a ton of action. We thoroughly enjoy the indoor farmers market that happens all year round, and after you're there you head outside to the outdoor ice rink for a little skate. It's been known to host a mid winter marshmallow roast as well. In the summer there are movie nights, games, free concerts!! We saw the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra do a free Disney concert last summer!Keep on the city of Edmonton website to see what's going on next weekend and make a date with your family, your special someone, or just you and your own bad self. You'll be visiting the most popular spot in the city. In Edmonton, it truly is hip to be square!! Now get going why don't you!

This space has great activities! There's Giant chess, snakes and ladders, ball hockey, table tennis, and in the winter... fire barrels too. Zumba on the square, basketball or skateboard too! Music is always being streamed and there are weekly performers & bands scheduled to play a concert or two. Not your bag? Well come out for Lightsaber Training. Nope - not kidding. Zoodays brings the Zoo to you - critters and their handlers visit the square. If there is a festival or special event booked at the Square, the above fun moves to the plaza just on the south side of the Stanley A. Milner Library (over past the Second Cup)! You don't miss a thing! Tables and chairs with umbrellas so you can sit and have lunch, chat or a snack. Just to the north is City Hall and the fountain/wading pool in the summertime, and in winter, it's a skating rink. The carillon bells chime and sing a merry tune on the hour too. Occasionally, there's a carillon concert and that's a treat - once you know how difficult they are to play, it's a marvel to listen to. Also in the summertime, there's Movies on the Square - usually every Tuesday in August. A FREE event! Bring your festival (short leg) chair, bug spray and some cash as there are usually some food trucks to get your nosh on. Get here early if you like to sit up close. In the winter, the square is still so lively - Santa comes to light the giant tree set up every year in the Square, Fireworks and a great party New Years' Eve, Festivals galore... there's often something good going on. If you are looking for nearby food, there's Kids in the Hall, Three Bananas, Normand's Bistro, Zinc in the Art Gallery of Alberta, and the mall across the street. There is no shortage of great food to be found a stone's throw away from the Square. Check out the City Events Calendar http://goo.gl/2l4Ta3 and Festival-Going 101 http://goo.gl/U9isYg for more information on how to best enjoy the events in the square. There are also many memorials in the vicinity. Take a moment to stop and check them out.

Love love love Churchill.. The heart of downtown. Last night I was there for the Christmas parade it was magical so Christmassy. Churchill always have events and activities on all year round.

Don't bother coming. It takes some imagination to see this unimpressive mass of concrete as a hub of anything. Even when it is not under construction (summer 2019), this area would be singularly unimpressive with the paltry collection of cafes, restaurants, and stores. Stephen Avenue in Calgary is much better.

Love coming to Churchill Square, there's always something going on whether it's summer or winter. Myself and a few friends went to the Santa Parade for the first time, it was great regardless of the temperature. There were food trucks, fires to keep warm and a fun atmosphere from everyone there. I have also come here for Canada Day, Taste of Edmonton, Turning on of the Christmas Lights and just for a few casual days in the summer. Each time I come I'm never disappointed, such a beautiful place in the heart of the city.

What's not to like about Winston Churchill Square? This fantastic Edmonton landmark is home to about a bazillion events every year, including casual lunchtime activities like zumba and kite-flying, and bigger festivals like Taste of Edmonton (YUM). This is also a great spot to hang out during your lunch hour (if you're a downtown worker bee) with nearby restaurants like Sequel Cafe and Three Bananas. In the summer, there's sometimes a hot dog cart and the Eva Sweet Waffles truck, too! Even in winter, you can watch them light up the giant Christmas tree and take in the Winter Light festival with live music in heated tents! On really hot days, don't miss the wading pool, too. It's fun to watch little kids play in here :)

From an event stand point I would have to say this is a great place to attend or rent space for events. Recently, I was part of a team that rented this space for an event during the day and it worked perfectly for us. The only minor hiccup was an issue with parking in the square, but other than that it was fine. I love that the both the Library and Three Bananas are so close. I was able to sneak off to crab a latte and warm up and after the event was over I headed over to the library to pick up some books! Efficiency at it's finest ladies and gentleman. During the summer there are so many great events that go on here, my favourite has to be A Taste of Edmonton and while it's busy there isn't any other place that could hold this event as well as this square does. Another bonus is that it's so close tot he train station that when parking is difficult to find you can just hop on the LRT to get home!

Churchill Square is one of the best hubs in the City. There is always a free event or festival happening on the square, especially in the summer - The Works, Canada Day festivities, International Street Performers Festival, Taste of Edmonton, Movies on the Square, New Year's Eve, and many other independent events. Check out the events and festival schedule on edmonton.ca. Around lunch hour on weekdays you will also find a selection of food trucks, interactive games, basketball, zumba classes, and cafe chairs to take in some people watching. There are also public washrooms on the square, LRT access, bike parking, a great lookout point, and free Wifi. You can also book Churchill Square to host your next event. Contact the Civic Events Office for more information or check out edmonton.ca There is also something happening on the square. Best to check out on the weekends!

Although I'm not a fan of the giant slab of concrete that is now Churchill Square, this is still a great place to hang out and see what's going on in the city. From big festivals to occasional activities and people watching, it seems like there's always something going on here (in the summer at least, although the winter isn't bad either). There's also a lot of good options for eats in the area, some permanent fixtures and a number of food carts too.

There's always a chance for something fun in Churchill Square. From festivals to yoga classes to art exhibits to everything in between this venue hosts so many great activities! There are often physical activities scheduled and there are public washrooms and an LRT station right here! In addition with Three Bananas cafe right here and the occasional Food Truck set up, you can totally enjoy lunch (perhaps seated by the statue of the man with a lunch box as company? The Fireworks here can be fun at New Years as well.

Sir Winston Churchill Square is a wonderful central plaza right across the Edmonton City Hall. It is a large concrete and grass area that is a wonderful gathering place throughout the year! It is used to host amazing festivals in a city that prides itself for all it's fantastic events! Some of the festivals you can attend there include: First Night (New Year's Eve family event with fireworks), A Taste of Edmonton, the Street Performers Festival, Carribbana, Pride week, Artfest, and many more! During the summer many daily activities are also held there including ping pong tournaments and dance classes. These are all free of charge! What a great way to enjoy a great city!!

I found myself sitting back today thinking about how excited I am for spring to finally come and eventually my thoughts got around to Churchill square and all the activities that take place in and around that space in the warmer months. You can find basketball nets and a couple of large chess sets outside as well as numerous picnic tables to sit and enjoy your lunch if you work in the area and have a craving to sit outdoors. The square also plays host to several different events over the course of the summer like the street performers festival and is also a central hub for some of the cities best food trucks. My personal favorite activity has to be grabbing an ice cream or pop and heading over to the wading pool in front of city hall to enjoy the shade and people watch. The crowd is very diverse and admittedly a little bit "colorful" sometimes but I have never had an issue with an aggressive or inappropriate panhandler or intoxicated person which sadly you do run into sometimes if you are wandering around downtown long enough. If you require further entertainment you are a five minute walk from the mall,the library, and the art gallery. The only reason I can't do five stars is because of the fact almost nothing goes on at Churchill in the winter months. We are a winter city and it would be nice to see the space used a little better during that time but I still firmly believe if you are visiting Edmonton Churchill is a great place to experience the culture of our city and if you are a local Edmontonian it's a great place to relax and appreciate some of the things that make living in the city of champions a great experience!

There's almost always something happening in the Square during the summer. Perfect to haul any children who are already bored of being home to. I love coming here because there's so much to do. You're close to the mall, close to the city hall fountains, the library, the art gallery and so much other stuff. It's perfect to just sit in and people watch. Not to mention all of the different events that go on here. Lightsaber training, Zumba lessons, movies... There's really a huge amount of activities you could go to. My only qualm is that parking downtown can be a nightmare, an expensive one at that. However it's highly accessible by many bus routes and the LRT.

Easily one of my favourite spots downtown. You can always find a good festival or concert here in the summer time. The food trucks are great and there is nothing better than sitting outside and enjoying the sunshine in the few short summer months we do have. Such a nice relaxing spot to hang out with friends or just read in the sun :) They do have ATMs around but bring cash as a lot of places only take cash. If you forget you can always pop over to the three bananas cafe and use theirs...

Skating rink AND wading pool. Food trucks. Festivals. Geocaches. Coffee. Only good things can come of this list. I hang out here year-round, as downtown provides the backdrop and nearly all the entertainment I need.

This place is so cool! Great views and an amazing street performers festival every July!