Edmonton travel guide
Edmonton Tourism | Edmonton Guide
You're Going to Love Edmonton
The city of Edmonton is the capital of Canada's Alberta Province and is known for its many museums, parks, and summer festivals.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Edmonton
1. Elk Island National Park
Visitors can see up to 40 different mammal species at one of the densest regions of wildlife in North America.
2. TELUS World of Science
This science museum has many interesting exhibits, including a planetarium and an IMAX movie theater.
3. Muttart Conservatory
Music lovers can enjoy a live performance at these four iconic glass pyramids along the banks of the North Saskatchewan river valley.
4. Art Gallery of Alberta
This modern facility showcases both Canadian and international artists in its 85,000 square foot exhibition space.
5. Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village
Here you can step back in time with re-enactments of the daily life and buildings constructed during Edmonton's settlement by Ukrainian immigrants.
What to do in Edmonton
1. Elk Island National Park: Get Up Close to the Animals in this Bison Sanctuary
A short drive from downtown Edmonton, Elk Island National Park is a refuge for city dwellers. The ancient home of the Cree and Métis First Nation peoples, the park is now a haven for Canadian bison, which share the meadows with elk and coyotes. The Bison Backstage Tour allows visitors to see North America's largest mammals up close. The park also offers year-round activities for adventurers, including hiking, canoeing, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
2. Fort Edmonton Park: Living History
Travel back in time at Fort Edmonton Park. The first European outpost in Edmonton features attractions from different eras. The 1846 Hudson Bay Fort revisits the 19th century fur trade. A reproduction of the 1885 Jasper House Hotel brings you back to the era of covered wagons and the original Mounties. Travel on a streetcar from the 1900s, where a biplane like the one flown by aviator Wop May is on display, to the 1920s, where you can enjoy a ride on a hand-carved carousel and a Ferris wheel.
3. Muttart Conservatory: See Natural Wonders
Designed by architect Peter Hemingway, the four glass pyramids that comprise the conservatory house tropical, temperate and arid biomes. Showcasing white water lilies, eucalyptus, agaves, redwoods, banana trees and orchids among others, the botanical gardens bring the Earth's flora to life. Experience live performances and art exhibitions, grab a bite at the locally sourced Culina Muttart Café, pick up some souvenirs at the gift shop or stroll through the public gardens.
4. Alberta Legislature Building: Canadian Politics in Action
"The Leg", as locals know it, is an exponent of Beaux-Arts architecture with marble pillars and carved oak. From the Famous Five suffragettes to Justin Trudeau, the building bears witness to Canadian politics in action. The visitor center houses Alberta Branded, a gift shop, the Borealis Gallery, an exhibition space, the Pehonan Theatre featuring a 360-degree screen and 4-D effects, and the Agora Interpretive Centre, which is an interactive multimedia learning space.
5. West Edmonton Mall: A Shopping Thrill Ride
West Edmonton Mall houses 800 stores and welcomes 32 million visitors each year. Galaxyland features the Mindbender, the world's largest triple loop roller coaster; World Waterpark contains the world's largest wave pool; Deep Sea Adventure, an indoor lagoon, showcases a replica of the Santa Maria; and Sea Life Caverns is home to four California sea lions as well as penguins, sharks and sea turtles
1. Elk Island National Park: Get Up Close to the Animals in this Bison Sanctuary
A short drive from downtown Edmonton, Elk Island National Park is a refuge for city dwellers. The ancient home of the Cree and Métis First Nation peoples, the park is now a haven for Canadian bison, which share the meadows with elk and coyotes. The Bison Backstage Tour allows visitors to see North America's largest mammals up close. The park also offers year-round activities for adventurers, including hiking, canoeing, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
2. Fort Edmonton Park: Living History
Travel back in time at Fort Edmonton Park. The first European outpost in Edmonton features attractions from different eras. The 1846 Hudson Bay Fort revisits the 19th century fur trade. A reproduction of the 1885 Jasper House Hotel brings you back to the era of covered wagons and the original Mounties. Travel on a streetcar from the 1900s, where a biplane like the one flown by aviator Wop May is on display, to the 1920s, where you can enjoy a ride on a hand-carved carousel and a Ferris wheel.
3. Muttart Conservatory: See Natural Wonders
Designed by architect Peter Hemingway, the four glass pyramids that comprise the conservatory house tropical, temperate and arid biomes. Showcasing white water lilies, eucalyptus, agaves, redwoods, banana trees and orchids among others, the botanical gardens bring the Earth's flora to life. Experience live performances and art exhibitions, grab a bite at the locally sourced Culina Muttart Café, pick up some souvenirs at the gift shop or stroll through the public gardens.
4. Alberta Legislature Building: Canadian Politics in Action
"The Leg", as locals know it, is an exponent of Beaux-Arts architecture with marble pillars and carved oak. From the Famous Five suffragettes to Justin Trudeau, the building bears witness to Canadian politics in action. The visitor center houses Alberta Branded, a gift shop, the Borealis Gallery, an exhibition space, the Pehonan Theatre featuring a 360-degree screen and 4-D effects, and the Agora Interpretive Centre, which is an interactive multimedia learning space.
5. West Edmonton Mall: A Shopping Thrill Ride
West Edmonton Mall houses 800 stores and welcomes 32 million visitors each year. Galaxyland features the Mindbender, the world's largest triple loop roller coaster; World Waterpark contains the world's largest wave pool; Deep Sea Adventure, an indoor lagoon, showcases a replica of the Santa Maria; and Sea Life Caverns is home to four California sea lions as well as penguins, sharks and sea turtles
1. Elk Island National Park: Get Up Close to the Animals in this Bison Sanctuary
A short drive from downtown Edmonton, Elk Island National Park is a refuge for city dwellers. The ancient home of the Cree and Métis First Nation peoples, the park is now a haven for Canadian bison, which share the meadows with elk and coyotes. The Bison Backstage Tour allows visitors to see North America's largest mammals up close. The park also offers year-round activities for adventurers, including hiking, canoeing, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Where to Eat in Edmonton
LUX Steakhouse and Bar in Commerce Place is an upscale eatery serving lobster, steak, and other gourmet meat dishes. A meal for two costs C$50.
When to visit Edmonton
The best time to visit Edmonton is in the summer between May and September when the city hosts many world-famous festivals and concerts such as the Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival and the Edmonton Folk Music Festival.
How to Get to Edmonton
Plane
Edmonton International Airport (YEG) is located six miles south of the city center. Visitors can transfer to downtown via the 747 public bus, which runs every 30 minutes and costs C$5. Alternatively, travelers can also connect to the city center by taxi or private rental car.
Train
VIA Rail offers daily connections from other Canadian cities such as Winnipeg, Toronto, Saskatoon, and Montreal. A one-way ticket from Saskatoon costs C$70 and takes 8.5 hours.
Car
Take the SK-14 W from Saskatoon to reach Edmonton in six hours' driving time.
Bus
Greyhound, Red Arrow Motorcoach, and Executive Express offer routes between cities. A one-way ticket from Calgary costs C$129 and makes the journey in under three hours.
Airports near Edmonton
Airlines serving Edmonton
Where to stay in Edmonton
Downtown - this neighborhood has the highest concentration of local attractions, museums, hotels, and outdoor festivals at Churchill Square.
Popular Neighborhoods in Edmonton
South Central - this area offers views of downtown, and has a youthful vibe with many bars, restaurants, and venue spaces due to its proximity to the University of Alberta.
West End - this area is mainly residential, however it does feature the popular West Edmonton Mall.
Where to stay in popular areas of Edmonton
Most booked hotels in Edmonton
How to Get Around Edmonton
Public Transportation
Edmonton Transit System offers many bus routes throughout the city, with a daily pass costing C$8.25 and a single-ride ticket at C$3.20. Tickets and passes can be bought within the designated station kiosks.
Taxi
Taxi rates start at C$3.50 and will cost around C$15 for a ride between destinations in downtown Edmonton.
Car
Hertz, Enterprise, and Avis offer daily rental vehicles for as little as C$20.
The Cost of Living in Edmonton
Shopping Streets
Whyte Avenue and 124th St offer the best boutique shopping opportunities in the heart of downtown. The West Edmonton Mall is the biggest shopping mall selling food, clothing, jewelry, toys, and housewares.
Groceries and Other
Earth's General Store and Loblaw City Market are the biggest grocery stores. A dozen eggs costs C$3.25.