Introduction
What to do
Where to eat
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Hiring a car
Local costs

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.

Article

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.

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.

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

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

Edmonton in December
Estimated hotel price
₹ 9140
1 night at 3-star hotel
Edmonton in December
Estimated hotel price
₹ 9140
1 night at 3-star hotel

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.

Data provided by weatherbase
Temperatures
Temperatures
Data provided by weatherbase

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.

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

YEGEdmonton

Airlines serving Edmonton

Lufthansa
Good (7,193 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,370 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,099 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,652 reviews)
Delta
Excellent (7,954 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (3,896 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,468 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (806 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (8,842 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,288 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,591 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (9,687 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,093 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (351 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (10,364 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,312 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,914 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,324 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (929 reviews)
Egyptair
Good (357 reviews)
Show more

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.

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

See all
Hyatt Place Edmonton West
3 stars
Excellent (8.3, Excellent reviews)
₹ 11,086+
View
Sandman Signature Edmonton South Hotel
4 stars
Excellent (8.3, Excellent reviews)
₹ 8,082+
View
Coast Edmonton Plaza Hotel by APA
4 stars
Excellent (8.1, Excellent reviews)
₹ 9,516+
View
Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Edmonton International Airport
3 stars
Good (7.7, Good reviews)
₹ 6,352+
View
Park Inn by Radisson Leduc
3 stars
Good (7.7, Good reviews)
₹ 6,601+
View
Fantasyland Hotel
3 stars
Good (7.6, Good reviews)
₹ 14,686+
View

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.

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.

Car hire agencies in Edmonton

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Budget

Budget

Avis

Avis
Find car hire in Edmonton

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.

Cheap meal
₹ 1,034
A pair of jeans
₹ 257
Single public transport ticket
₹ 210
Cappuccino
₹ 257

Everything you need to know for your stay in Edmonton

Edmonton Travel Guide - View the KAYAK Edmonton city guide for the best Edmonton travel tips. To help you organise your Edmonton trip ideas, this Edmonton visitors guide provides travel information and trip tips about how to get there, where to stay, what to do, where to eat and more.