Alberta, CanadaFestival City
Edmonton
Edmonton is Alberta's capital on the North Saskatchewan River, with a deep river valley park system, summer festivals and a big mall. It is also the gateway to Jasper and the north.
- Best months
- Jun to Sep
- Ideal stay
- 2 days
- Train
- Not confirmed
- Bus
- Not confirmed
Photo by Alex Pugliese on Unsplash
Sign in or create an account to build a route through Edmonton and the cities around it.
Best months
- January
- February
- March
- April
- May
- June, a good time to go
- July, a good time to go
- August, a good time to go
- September, a good time to go
- October
- November
- December
Known as
- Capital
- River city
- Arts city
- Big city
- National park gateway
Getting there
- Highway / road trip
- Commercial airport
- Local public transit
Train and bus
- Train
- Not confirmed
- Bus
- Not confirmed
People
1,010,899
in the city, 1,418,118 in the metro area
Languages
English
Edmonton lies in the middle of Alberta, on the prairie, with the North Saskatchewan River cutting a deep valley through the city. That valley, full of trails and parks, is the main draw. It is a government and university city, and an oil and gas hub, so it has a practical, hard-working character. The summers are long and bright, and the city goes outdoors in them. Winters are long and cold, and Edmontonians treat them with a sense of humour and a good coat. Visitors tend to arrive en route to the Rockies, and a stop here is rewarding.
The river valley is the main attraction, with the Edmonton Valley Zoo, Fort Edmonton Park, which re-creates the city's past, and the Muttart Conservatory, with its pyramid glasshouses. The Royal Alberta Museum covers natural and human history, and the Art Gallery of Alberta is a striking building downtown. The Alberta Legislature Building and its grounds can be toured. West Edmonton Mall draws crowds with an indoor waterpark and amusements, whatever the weather. Elk Island National Park, about forty minutes east, is a place to see plains bison. The Ice District around Rogers Place is the home of the Oilers.
Old Strathcona, south of the river, is the best area for eating and nightlife, with restaurants, pubs and live music along Whyte Avenue and its side streets. The Saturday farmers market there is a long-running local tradition. 124 Street and Downtown have craft coffee and newer restaurants, and the city's Italian, Ukrainian, Chinese and Vietnamese communities give it plenty of variety. Alberta beef is a regional strength, and prairie cooking leans toward steak and hearty dishes. Local craft breweries have multiplied. Summer patios fill quickly on warm evenings, so go early or book ahead.
Stay downtown for convenience, with easy access to the Ice District and the LRT, or Old Strathcona for the pubs, theatre and cafes. The airport is about forty minutes south of the city, so a hotel near it can be handy for early flights. The LRT, a light rail line, links downtown, the university and Old Strathcona, and buses cover the rest. The city is spread out and a car is useful, especially for the river valley and West Edmonton Mall. Parking downtown is paid, and in winter many lots have outlets for plugging in car block heaters.
Summer is the peak, with long daylight and a long run of festivals, and a trip in August is the most lively. Early autumn is crisp with golden aspens in the valley. Winter is cold and snowy, though the sun is often bright. Spring is brief and changeable. Plan two days. That covers the river valley, a museum, Old Strathcona and a festival or a hockey game. Add a day for Elk Island or Fort Edmonton Park. If you are heading west, one night here is enough before the long drive.
Edmonton is the main stop between the Rockies and the northern prairies. Jasper National Park is about four hours west on Highway 16, and Banff is farther along via Calgary. Calgary is about three hours south on Highway 2. The Canadian, the VIA Rail train between Toronto and Vancouver, stops here, and Highway 43 leads northwest toward the Peace River country and the Alaska Highway. If you are heading far north, Edmonton is the last big city for a long stretch, so it is a good place to stock up on supplies, fuel the car and sort out any repairs before the road empties.
Highlights
- North Saskatchewan River Valley
A long chain of trails, parks and viewpoints that runs through the city.
- West Edmonton Mall
A vast mall with an indoor waterpark, an amusement park and an aquarium.
- Fort Edmonton Park
A living history park with streets from several eras of the city's past.
- Muttart Conservatory
Four glass pyramids of plants from different climates.
- Royal Alberta Museum
Natural history and Indigenous collections downtown.
- Old Strathcona and Whyte Avenue
Pubs, restaurants, theatres and an independent shopping strip.
- Alberta Legislature Building
A grand capitol with a large lawn, fountains and public tours.
- Elk Island National Park
A park east of the city where bison graze on rolling aspen parkland.
Neighborhoods
- Old Strathcona
The south side's arts and nightlife district, centred on Whyte Avenue.
- Downtown
Government buildings, the Ice District and an expanding number of restaurants and cafes.
- 124 Street
A strip of galleries, boutiques and cafes just west of downtown.
- Garneau
A student-friendly neighbourhood beside the University of Alberta with old houses and cafes.
- Little Italy
A short run of Italian bakeries and restaurants along 95 Street.
Getting around
The LRT and buses connect downtown, the university and Old Strathcona. Edmonton is spread out, so a car is the easiest way to see the river valley, the mall and the parks.
Scores
Good
- Rated by Route By Design.
- Crime Severity Index around 101 for the metro area; the Canadian figure is about 78. Source: Statistics Canada Crime Severity Index, 2024 (metro area).
- The other scores are estimated from the city’s size, attractions and transport links.
Where to stay
- Camping nearby
- Plenty
- Hostels
- A few
Showing 1 to 6 of 12
RV parksCamp 'n Class RV Park4107 50 St, Stony Plain, AB HotelsChateau Lacombe Hotel10111 Bellamy Hill Rd NW, Edmonton, AB HostelsEdmonton Mennonite Guest Home8304 117 St NW, Edmonton, AB HotelsFairmont Hotel Macdonald10065 100 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 0N6 RV parksGerry Patsula RV ParkFour Seasons Trail, Beaumont, AB HostelsHI Edmonton10647 81 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB HotelsJW Marriott Edmonton ICE District10344 102 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 0K9 HotelsSandman Signature Edmonton Downtown Hotel10235 101 St NW, Edmonton, AB RV parksShakers Acres RV Park & Campground21530 103 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB RV parksSt. Albert Kinsmen RV Park47 Riel Dr, St Albert, AB HostelsUniversity of Alberta - Hotel116 Street & 87 Avenue Lister Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB CampgroundsWinterburn RV Campground21530 103 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB
Things to do
Showing 1 to 6 of 81
Entertainment99ten9910 109 St NW, Edmonton, AB Parks & outdoorsAccidental BeachNorth Saskatchewan River Valley, Edmonton, AB Sightseeing & toursAlberta Legislature Building Family activitiesAmazone Playzone3210 118 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB Museums & galleriesArt Gallery of Alberta2 Sir Winston Churchill Sq NW, Edmonton, AB Museums & galleriesArt Gallery of Alberta Sales & Rentals2 Sir Winston Churchill Sq NW, Edmonton, AB Parks & outdoorsAspen Beach Provincial ParkGull Lake, AB Family activitiesBorden Natural Swimming Pool7615 Borden Park Rd NW, Edmonton, AB Parks & outdoorsBorden Park Pavilion7715 Borden Park Rd NW, Edmonton, AB climbing gymsBoulders Climbing10505 107 St NW, Edmonton, AB Family activitiesBouncy Planet5108 75 Street NW, Edmonton, AB Parks & outdoorsBuena Vista Dog Park7823 131 St NW, Edmonton, AB Museums & galleriesBugera Lamb Fine Art10110 124 St, Edmonton, AB ToursCadence Cycle Tours10136 104 Street NW #2602, Edmonton, AB casinosCentury Casino Edmonton13103 Fort Rd NW, Edmonton, AB EntertainmentCineplex Cinemas North Edmonton and VIP14231 137 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB EntertainmentCineplex Odeon South Edmonton Cinemas1525 99 St NW, Edmonton, AB stadiumsClare Drake ArenaMain Campus, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB climbing gymsClimb YEG9735 Grierson Hill NW, Edmonton, AB stadiumsCommonwealth Stadium11000 Stadium Rd NW, Edmonton, AB ActivitiesCryptic Characters7201 104 Street NW, Edmonton, AB Parks & outdoorsEdmonton Chinese Garden Society9649 105A Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB zoos aquariumsEdmonton Valley Zoo13315 Buena Vista Rd NW, Edmonton, AB Parks & outdoorsElk Island National Park ActivitiesEscape Street11219 Jasper Ave B1, Edmonton, AB climbing gymsFactory Climbing10247 184 St NW, Edmonton, AB stadiumsFoote Field11601 68 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB Parks & outdoorsFort Edmonton Park ActivitiesGTFO Escape Entertainment10018 105 St NW, Edmonton, AB Sightseeing & toursGibson Block9608 Jasper Ave, Edmonton, AB Family activitiesHide N Seek Indoor Playground & Cafe10830 170 St NW, Edmonton, AB zoos aquariumsHologram Zoo & Aquarium Edmonton7657 50 St NW #102, Edmonton, AB Parks & outdoorsInglewood Off Leash Dog Park11740 121 St NW, Edmonton, AB EntertainmentLandmark Cinemas10200 102 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB Parks & outdoorsMa-Me-O BeachMa-Me-O Beach, AB EntertainmentMagic Lantern Theatres11729 105 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB zoos aquariumsMarine Life8882 170 St NW, Edmonton, AB Parks & outdoorsMcCauley Community Orchard9528 107 A Ave, Edmonton, AB Family activitiesMill Creek Outdoor Pool9555 84 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB Parks & outdoorsMuttart Conservatory climbing gymsNiche Climbing10340 71 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB Parks & outdoorsNorth Saskatchewan River Valley EntertainmentOld Strathcona and Whyte Avenue EntertainmentPawn Shop Live6240 99 St NW, Edmonton, AB casinosPure Casino Edmonton7055 Argyll Rd NW, Edmonton, AB casinosPure Casino Yellowhead12464 153 St NW, Edmonton, AB Family activitiesQueen Elizabeth Outdoor Pool9170 Walterdale Hill NW, Edmonton, AB stadiumsRE/MAX Field10233 96 Ave, Edmonton, AB EntertainmentRapid Fire Theatre10437 83 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB ToursRiver Valley Adventure Co9735 Grierson Hl NW, Edmonton, AB stadiumsRogers Place10220 104 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB Museums & galleriesRoyal Alberta Museum Museums & galleriesRutherford House11153 Saskatchewan Dr NW, Edmonton, AB zoos aquariumsSassy G's Adventure Farm51009B Range Rd 273, Division No. 11, Alberta EntertainmentScotiabank Theatre Edmonton8882 170 St NW, Edmonton, AB Parks & outdoorsSir Winston Churchill Square100 St NW, Edmonton, AB EntertainmentSorry Not Sorry Productions10019 81 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB Parks & outdoorsSouthBARK on Whyte10565 Whyte Ave NW, Edmonton, AB ActivitiesSplitsville Bowl Edmonton Northwest13543 St Albert Trail NW, Edmonton, AB casinosStarlight Casino8882 170 St NW, Edmonton, AB Parks & outdoorsStation Lands10423 101 St NW, Edmonton, AB Parks & outdoorsStreet Fountain named after Alex Decoteau.10218 105 St NW, Edmonton, AB Parks & outdoorsTerwillegar Dog Park16360 Rabbit Hill Rd NW, Edmonton, AB EntertainmentThe Aviary9314 111 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB EntertainmentThe Comic Strip8882 170 St NW, Edmonton, AB EntertainmentThe Grindstone Comedy Theatre and Bistro10019 81 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB Museums & galleriesThe Loyal Edmonton Regiment Military Museum10440 108 Ave NW #118, Edmonton, AB Sightseeing & toursThe McLeod Building10134 100 St NW, Edmonton, AB EntertainmentThe Starlite Room10030 102 St NW, Edmonton, AB ToursToonie Tours Edmonton102A Ave NW #112, Edmonton, AB ActivitiesTrapped Edmonton8944 82 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB Museums & galleriesUkrainian Museum of Canada, Alberta Branch10611 110 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB Parks & outdoorsUniversity of Alberta Botanic Garden51227 AB-60, Parkland County, AB climbing gymsVertically Inclined Rock Gym8523 Argyll Rd NW, Edmonton, AB Parks & outdoorsWabamun Lake Provincial ParkTownship Rd 531A, Parkland County, AB Family activitiesWe Rock The Spectrum4152 99 St NW, Edmonton, AB AttractionsWest Edmonton Mall Parks & outdoorsWilliam Hawrelak Park9330 Groat Rd NW, Edmonton, AB EntertainmentWinspear Centre4 Sir Winston Churchill Sq NW, Edmonton, AB Museums & galleriesWomen's Art Museum of Canada8627 91 St #116, Edmonton, AB EntertainmentYuk Yuk's Comedy Club13103 Fort Rd NW, Edmonton, AB
Food & dining
Showing 1 to 6 of 42
Nightclubs101 CLUB10524 101 St NW, Edmonton, AB Markets & food halls124 Grand Market12310 108 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB Bars & pubsAlchemy Bar10344 102 St NW, Edmonton, AB Breweries & wineriesArcadia10712 120 St NW, Edmonton, AB RestaurantsAtlas Steak + Fish10204 104 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB Bars & pubsBar Henry10220 103 Ave NW #160, Edmonton, AB Breweries & wineriesBarr Estate Winery51526 Range Rd 231, Strathcona County, AB Cafés & coffeeBean Around The World Coffees10510 111 St NW, Edmonton, AB Breweries & wineriesBent Stick Brewing Co.9926 78 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB RestaurantsBianco10020 101A Ave NW, Edmonton, AB Cafés & coffeeBlenz Coffee10116 109 St NW, Edmonton, AB Cafés & coffeeBlock 191210361 Whyte Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB T6E 1Z9 Bakeries & dessertsBrio Bakery12021 102 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB RestaurantsChop Steakhouse & Bar10235 101 St NW, Edmonton, AB Bakeries & dessertsCookies By George10200 102 St NW, Edmonton, AB Bakeries & dessertsCookies By George9005 112 St NW, Edmonton, AB Bakeries & dessertsCookies By George10536 108 St NW, Edmonton, AB Breweries & wineriesCorkbeard Wine Co.15006 135 Ave, Edmonton, AB Bakeries & dessertsCosw10109 108 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB NightclubsDouble Dragon10524 Jasper Ave, Edmonton, AB NightclubsEuphoria Nightclub & Event Center8207 105 St NW, Edmonton, AB NightclubsEvolution Wonderlounge aka EVO11508 Jasper Ave, Edmonton, AB Bars & pubsFennec Kitchen and Bar10250 101 St NW #120, Edmonton, AB Breweries & wineriesHansen Distillery17412 111 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB Cafés & coffeeIconoclast Coffee Roasters12021 102 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB Breweries & wineriesIrrational Brewing Company10643 124 St NW, Edmonton, AB RestaurantsJOEY Bell Tower10310 101 St NW, Edmonton, AB RestaurantsLUX Steakhouse10150 101 St NW, Edmonton, AB Breweries & wineriesLone Pine Distilling Inc.10375 59 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB Cafés & coffeeLui-Chi's Coffee10020 101A Ave, Edmonton, AB Markets & food hallsMobu Kombucha10310 83 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB Breweries & wineriesOdd Company Brewing12021 102 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB Markets & food hallsOld Strathcona Farmers' Market10310 83 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB Bars & pubsPlume Bar10145 104 Street NW, Edmonton, AB RestaurantsRGE RD10643 123 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T5N 1P3 Cafés & coffeeRoam Cafe10130 112 St NW, Edmonton, AB Bars & pubsSpilt Zero Proof11909 Jasper Ave, Edmonton, AB Breweries & wineriesStrathcona Spirits Distillery10122 81 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB Markets & food hallsTakam Market10910 104 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB Breweries & wineriesThe Growlery Beer Co.40 Airport Rd NW, Edmonton, AB Cafés & coffeeTranscend Coffee12332 106 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB T5N 1S5 NightclubsY Afterhours10028 102 St NW, Edmonton, AB
Loading safety information…
Work remotely
Edmonton scores 6.0 out of 10 for remote work (good), in the top 30% of the cities we score.
Showing 1 to 6 of 7
CoworkingHQ - Edmonton10611 98 Ave NW 9th Floor, Edmonton, AB - Fast wifi
- Private desks
- Meeting rooms
CoworkingIntelligent Office - Edmonton10060 Jasper Ave Tower 1, Suite 2020, Edmonton, AB - Fast wifi
- Private desks
CoworkingKelly's Business Centre10665 Jasper Ave #900, Edmonton, AB - Fast wifi
- Private desks
CoworkingAction Lab10408 124 St, Edmonton, AB - Fast wifi
Cafés & coffeeBlenz Coffee10116 109 St NW, Edmonton, AB - Plenty of outlets
CoworkingHearth Cowork and Cowellness5720A 75 Street NW, Edmonton, AB - Fast wifi
CoworkingHomestead Coworking10526 Jasper Ave #202, Edmonton, AB - Fast wifi
Where to next from Edmonton
Pick a city to see how far it is and how to get there, then add it to your route. Choose how many miles out to look, up to 200.
5 cities within 200 mi of Edmonton by road.
Zoom with the buttons, or hold ctrl while you scroll. Our cities are the markers; other towns on the map are for reference only.
Pick a city on the map to see how far it is and add it to a route.
All 5 cities within 200 mi, with travel times
- Strathcona County Albertaabout 10 mi · about 16 min by car · estimated
- St. Albert Albertaabout 10 mi · about 16 min by car · estimated
- Red Deer Albertaabout 112 mi · about 2 h 7 min by car · estimated
- Drumheller Albertaabout 185 mi · about 3 h 29 min by car · estimated
- Airdrie Albertaabout 196 mi · about 3 h 43 min by car · estimated
Routes through Edmonton
- Alberta badlands and Rockies RV loop12 days · 7 stops · June to September
- Canada coast to coast by rail18 days · 8 stops · May to October
- Vancouver to Winnipeg12 days · 6 stops · June to September
Loading community…