Whether you’re new in town or simply want to expand your social circle,there are oodles of clubs and groups in town that cater to all types of interests where you can meet new people. Get ready to unleash your inner social butterfly at these Edmonton clubs. [Image credit: iStock.com/Joseph C. Justice Jr.]
A great way to meet new people is through organized co-ed sports. ESSC has grown since its humble beginnings in 2004, and now hosts more than 4,400 teams each year, along with tournies and social events. Choose from a variety of sports, such as dodgeball, hockey, soccer or basketball, select the day you want to play, register with a team and presto – new friends.
If you want an excuse to break out your dancing shoes, check out Sugar Swing Dance Club with their weekly dances on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. For just $10 a dance, plus $2 for a lesson if you arrive early, you can dance the night away. Don’t worry if you have two left feet, or if you haven’t danced since Footloose came out – all ages and levels of experience are welcome.
Shamrock Curling Club is one of the top-rated curling facilities in Edmonton with its well-kept ice and large upstairs lounge. They have a variety of fun leagues for novice curlers to learn the sport, to more serious leagues for the seasoned curler. Personally, I’d like to check out curling just to hear a bunch of skips yell, “Hurry Haaarrrrrd!” as the rock hurtles down the ice.
If you love reading and are itching to discuss your favourite books, EPL hosts monthly book clubs in various library branches throughout the city. Clubs review fiction and non-fiction titles. Be sure to register ahead of time as spaces fill up quickly.
Since 1975, Images Alberta Camera Club has been a hub for Edmonton and area photographers to gather to share expertise, improve their skills and give back to the community. From budding photographer to seasoned pro, all those who are interested in the art of capturing light are welcome. Meetings and workshops take place at Pleasantview Community Hall.
Road bikers and mountain bikers, unite! The EBTC is a non-profit group that organizes recreational cycling trips in spring, summer and fall. During the winter freeze, members participate in group cross-country skiing. Cycling trips range from short rides to gruelling multi-day excursions for more experienced riders. The Tour de l’Alberta is an annual event organized by the club.
With our long, snowy winters and wide open spaces, it makes sense that Edmonton Nordic has one of the largest membership bases in Canada. Their mission is to promote cross-country skiing across all ages and to provide both recreational and competitive programs. If you’ve ever wanted to train for a biathlon where ‘skiers shoot,’ this is the place. ENSC helps to develop and maintain ski trails in Gold Bar and Goldstick parks.
If you’re an entrepreneurial mind between the ages of 18 to 40, JCI is a non-profit organization focused on improving the local community and meeting other young leaders in Edmonton. Members volunteer at a variety of community events, such as the Christmas Hamper and Junior Achievement Awards, and attend monthly speaker events from business professionals.