• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Contact
  • Route Guides
    • Best Alberta Road Trips
    • Calgary to Banff
    • Calgary to Edmonton
    • Edmonton to Jasper
    • Banff to Jasper / Icefields Parkway
    • To Drumheller
    • Other Popular Routes
  • Destination Guides
    • Banff
    • Calgary
    • Canmore
    • Drumheller
    • Edmonton
    • Jasper
    • Lethbridge
    • Medicine Hat
    • Waterton
  • Accommodations
    • Banff
    • Calgary
    • Canmore
    • Edmonton
    • Jasper
    • Lethbridge
    • Waterton
  • Blog
  • Plan Your Trip
    • Alberta Itineraries
    • Plan an AMAZING Alberta Vacation
  • Book an RV
  • Shop
Home » The ULTIMATE Guide of the Best Things to do in Edmonton (for 2022)

The ULTIMATE Guide of the Best Things to do in Edmonton (for 2022)

Disclaimer: This page may contain affiliate links. Please review our full Terms and Conditions for more information and our Privacy Policy. Note that any pricing, operating hours, or other such information provided below may have changed since initial publication.

 

Compiled by the Road Trip Alberta team

Last Updated on January 4, 2022

Alberta’s capital city is the farthest north of all of Canada’s capitals, but don’t expect that means Edmonton is cold, dark, and inhospitable. It is exactly the opposite of all those things – except for maybe the cold, YES, winter temps can dip quite low – but it also exudes a friendly warmth and charm. And in recent years, the city has done more than just tolerate its winters, it has decided to fully embrace them, by offering experiences and so many things to do in Edmonton that you will be very glad you made the trip.

Edmonton river valley in the fall.

Why You Need to Visit Edmonton

While Edmontons’ stellar festival lineup year-round enables the city’s strong claim on being one of Canada’s top festival spots, it’s their summer schedule that really makes them shine. The renowned International Fringe Theater Festival, Interstellar Rodeo (not a real rodeo!), and the Folk Festival are just a few that give a taste of what Edmonton has to offer.

Tasting Edmonton is also exactly what you should do. The culinary scene has really been heating up, rivaling Alberta’s other major delectable metropolis of Calgary. You’re going to be super hungry anyway after all of the shopping you’ll do along Whyte Avenue and at North America’s largest shopping mall (yes, this is yet another tremendous thing that the city generously offers), so be sure to line up some of these top Edmonton restaurants to compliment your full day. Oh, and save room for the craft beer scene too – don’t miss enjoying any of these excellent Edmonton breweries.

For the rest, dive into our guide below for the best things to do in Edmonton, in order to plan out several unforgettable days in this delightful city.

An aerial view of the Edmonton river valley
Edmonton skyline – Photo provided by Travel Alberta / Sameer-Ahmed-@sameer.design
Contents hide
1 Why You Need to Visit Edmonton
2 About the City
3 Getting to Edmonton
4 Practical Essentials
5 Where to Sleep
6 Sights to See
7 The Best Things to do in Edmonton
8 Where to Eat
9 In the Area

About the City

Edmonton is Canada’s “Gateway to the North”, and the country’s fifth-largest city with a population of nearly one million people.

Acknowledgments

The land on which Edmonton is located is Treaty 6 territory and a traditional meeting ground and home for many Indigenous Peoples, including Cree, Saulteaux, Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Métis, and Nakota Sioux Peoples.

History

The city of Edmonton started out as Fort Edmonton in 1821. The name Edmonton came from the town of Edmonton, England (which is now a part of London). People were slow to settle the area, largely because the Canadian Pacific Railway line only went up as far as Strathcona. It only received its own connection in 1905 after becoming the Capital City and being incorporated as a city in 1904.

Where is Edmonton located?

Edmonton is 610ms above sea level and is situated almost smack dab in the middle of Alberta (although the area is often called “northern Alberta”). To be exact, it’s at 53.55 latitude and -113.47 longitude. Edmonton is ~300km north of Alberta’s other biggest city – Calgary.

Fun facts:

  • Edmonton’s River Valley is 22 times the size of Central Park. The urban green space is filled with many pathways for the public to enjoy.
  • One of Canada’s sunniest cities, Edmonton sometimes getting up to 17 hours of daylight.
  • Being farther north, Edmonton is a hot-spot for the Aurora Borealis in wintertime.
The Walterdale Bridge at night in Edmonton, Alberta

Getting to Edmonton

By Car

How far is Edmonton from Calgary? From city center to city center, 300km separate the two. It takes just under 3 hours to drive via the AB-2. Want a more scenic route? We have a guide outline two alternatives to get from Edmonton to Calgary, plus it gives plenty of ideas for great places to stop along the way.

How far is Edmonton from Saskatoon? 522kms sit between Saskatoon and Edmonton, and it takes roughly 5 1/2 hours to make the drive.

How far is Edmonton from Vancouver? A whopping 1,159kms via the most direct route. If you want to make this drive (which would take over 12 hours), consider splitting it up with stops in Kamloops, BC, and/or Jasper, AB.

By Plane

With non-stop service to 50 destinations around the world, the Edmonton International Airport (YEG) is a popular spot for people traveling to the city. Traveling from the airport to the rest of the city is easy through a number of options:

  • There are multiple options for renting a car at the airport. Book in advance to avoid any hassle! We recommend booking via RentalCars.com, to select the cheapest rate or to book with whichever company you prefer.
  • A taxi from the airport to downtown Edmonton will take approximately 40 minutes and all taxis charge a flat rate of $60. You can phone the Edmonton International Airport Ground Transportation Office at 1-800-268-7134 or 780-890-8553 for assistance booking a taxi.
  • Uber is in Edmonton and does pick-ups and drop-offs at YEG.
  • The Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) operates a bus (route 747), that travels from the airport to the southern transit station of Century Park (from there you can get on the light-rail-transit, or take a bus or taxi to get to your final destination). One-way fare is $5. The ETS has this handy trip planner to help you figure out the system from there.
  • The Edmonton Skyshuttle service from the airport has been suspended due to COVID-19.
View of the High Level Bridge with the Edmonton Street Car crossing
View of the High Level Bridge with the Edmonton Street Car crossing – photo provided by Travel Alberta credit Lee Marvin

By Train

The Via Rail Canadian train connects to Edmonton! Experience traveling by train and you’ll have time to appreciate all the beautiful sights out the windows. Connected destinations include: Toronto, Winnipeg, Saskatoon, and Vancouver.

By Bus

Several bus companies also service Edmonton (easy comparisons can be made on Busbud, but a couple of the options are outlined below):

  • We’ve personally taken Red Arrow several times, and always had a seamless and on-time journey. There are three drop-off points (south, downtown Edmonton, and the International Airport), and the current cost, if originating in Calgary, is near $80.
  • Ebus is Red Arrow’s less-luxurious sister company, with similar pick-up/drop-off points but at a lower rate. If originating in Calgary, the cost is near $51.
Skyscrapers in Edmonton, Alberta

Take the guesswork out of building your itinerary for your Alberta trip!

We now offer two ways to help ease the burden of travel planning:

  • We've developed ebook itineraries (available at a very low price!) for a variety of 7-day trips.
  • Want a custom trip tailored exactly to your needs? We are pleased to also offer a custom service for planning your Alberta vacation.

Practical Essentials

Getting Around Edmonton

  • Taxis – Edmonton has multiple taxi services available to get around! Download the Greater Edmonton Yellow Cab app for easy access to eight taxi fleets. The app is available on the App Store and Google Play (or just the good ol’ telephone)!
  • Uber – Edmonton Uber gives you a large area of travel with nearby communities of Fort Saskatchewan, Spruce Grove, Leduc and Sherwood Park making the map.
  • Transit – A cheaper option for traveling around Edmonton is their transit system. An adult day pass is only $10.25! The Edmonton LRT map and bus route maps can all be found on their website. There is also a handy trip planner to help you figure out how to get from point A to point B.
  • Cycling – Looking for a more active way to travel? Rent a bicycle at United Sport & Cycle – they’re just a few blocks south of the River Valley. Travel around on either a mountain, road, electric or casual bike. (Here’s a map of all of Edmonton’s bike trails!)
An aerial view of the Edmonton River Valley

Best Time to Visit Edmonton

Though Edmonton is great to visit any time of the year, visiting from June through August will ensure a lot of available activities and a beautiful river valley bursting in green. You’ll get to enjoy summer in the prairies – mild weather and no* snow! This is also peak time in festival season so there are plenty of activities to take part in. Longer days in the summer are also something to take advantage of.

If you are not scared by winter, then Edmonton should also be on your must-visit list. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to marvel at aurora borealis (the best time to see northern lights in Alberta is winter). Consider also planning your visit around the Ice on Whyte Festival, which features an ice carving competition and even an ice slide!

*Once in a blue moon, it will snow in summer, but that’s Alberta for you.

A view of the Edmonton river valley
A view of the Edmonton river valley – photo provided by Travel Alberta credit FOODBOOM-GmbH

Where to Sleep

Being Alberta’s capital city, there is no shortage of great Edmonton hotels to rest at during your travels. Not all are created equal though and the quality you get is really dependant on your budget.

Luxury – In terms of luxury accommodations in Edmonton, nothing beats the iconic Fairmont Hotel MacDonald. You can’t miss this hotel as it offers spectacular views of the Edmonton river valley and features a restaurant and spa. Close to many Edmonton attractions and located right in downtown Edmonton, this hotel is worth the splurge even if it’s just for one night!

View from the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald Edmonton
Fairmont Hotel Macdonald – photo via Booking.com

Mid-range – The Mettera Hotel on Whyte is close to the shopping and vibrant amenities Whyte Ave is known for. Fitting in with the funky vibe of Old Strathcona, Mettera Hotel on Whyte offers rooms decorated in fire, earth, air or water themes. Additionally, this boutique hotel features a cozy library with fireplace!

Budget – Close to Whyte Ave and West Edmonton Mall, Travelodge by Wyndham Edmonton South gives you access to Edmonton sightseeing without breaking the bank. Great for kids, it also has a hot tub and pool and also includes a complimentary continental breakfast.

Home away from home – Being such a large city, there are plenty of options for an Edmonton Airbnb to choose from. We recommend staying at the cozy carriage house in Strathcona, perfect for 2 people and close to Whyte Avenue.

Sights to See

There are so many places to visit in Edmonton. The city has a lot to offer and the choices can get overwhelming so we decided to narrow down the options to a top-five list of things to see in Edmonton.

Muttart Conservatory

The iconic glass pyramid structures of the Muttart Conservatory juxtaposes the river valley that surrounds them. Inside each pyramid is a climate-regulated biome with three different zones – arid, temperate, and tropical – with a mission of education and conservation. The conservatory is home to more than 700 species of plants and has an on-site restaurant to make a nice afternoon out of a visit.

The pyramids at the Muttart Conservatory Edmonton

River Valley

Did you know that Edmonton has the largest urban park in all of Canada? With more than 160kms of maintained pathways and 20 major parks, the Edmonton River Valley provides endless outdoor opportunities for exploration and recharging in nature. Bonus: You don’t even have to leave the city to immerse yourself in nature! The 20 Edmonton parks are all easily accessible by public transit.

Neon Sign Museum

The Edmonton Neon Sign Museum is a blast-from-the-past shining in neon! The first of its kind in Canada, 20 functional historic signs tell the story of Edmonton’s neon past. You can find this installation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on the east wall of the TELUS building and the south wall of the Mercer Warehouse building on 104 Street and 104 Avenue. No admission is required.

The Neon Sign Musuem, best seen at night!

Alberta Legislature Building

Known to Edmontonians as “the Ledge,” the Alberta Legislature Building is definitely a sight to see during your stay in this capital city. Built in 1913, not only is the building architecturally interesting to look at, political buffs would be interested to note that the building is the meeting point for the Legislative Assembly of Alberta and the Cabinet of Alberta.

Free tours of the building are available 362 days a year and cover topics related to the levels of government, Alberta’s political history, and the art and architecture of the building.

The Alberta Legislature Building

The Best Things to do in Edmonton

With the largest mall in North America, more festivals than any other destination in Alberta, and plenty of parks and nature to explore, Edmonton has a plethora of things to do in any season.

Festivals

Festival season never seems to end in Edmonton; there is a good reason why it is called ‘the Festival City’. From music, street performing, heritage and culture, and even ice sculptures, Edmonton hosts over 50 festivals annually across all genres in locations all over the city.

A Caribbean festival in Edmonton, Alberta

West Edmonton Mall

West Edmonton Mall is a destination in and of itself! It is the largest mall in North America with over 800 stores and services. Inside, the mall hosts theme parks, a massive water park and bungee jump, a miniature golf course, multiple movie theatre complexes, and even a large indoor skating rink so you don’t just have to shop the whole time.

Conveniently, there is also an on-site hotel at West Edmonton Mall that has one-of-a-kind themed rooms including Pirate, Space, Polynesian, and more. 

A view inside West Edmonton Mall
Inside West Edmonton Mall.

Walk Whyte Avenue

If you are in the mood to get a taste of Edmonton and really feel what the city is all about, a trip to Whyte Avenue in Old Strathcona is a must. This historic district is full of historic buildings but also is the trendiest part of town – full of art galleries, music shops, and trendy restaurants and cafes. Also take a stroll through the picturesque Dr. Wilbert McIntyre Park which, in true Edmonton fashion, is a place for festivals, public events, and informal gatherings at the notable gazebo.

Also don’t miss the Old Strathcona Farmer’s Market, which is just off of Whyte Avenue and open every Saturday 8am – 3pm year-round!

The always busy Strathcona Farmers Market in Edmonton, Alberta
Old Strathcona Farmers Market

Fort Edmonton Park

Experience a true immersion into the history of Canada in one of the best Edmonton museums! Complete with costumed historical interpreters, Fort Edmonton Park is the largest living history museum in Canada by area at 64 hectares (158 acres).

The Park includes a reconstructed Hudson’s Bay Fort from 1846, as well as historically accurate reconstructed streets from the years 1885, 1905, and 1920, each depicting the evolution of Edmonton’s early history.

Dancers at Fort Edmonton Park
Dancers in Fort Edmonton Park – photo provided by Explore Edmonton credit EEDC

Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village

Can’t get enough of local history? Otherwise known as the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village and located 25 minutes east of Edmonton, this open-air museum houses refurbished buildings from east-central Alberta that tell the tale of early Ukrainian settlement in Alberta from 1892-1930.

These early settlers made a significant impact on Alberta’s identity and the museum showcases the stories of survival and perseverance through more than 35 restored historic buildings and costumed interpreters. The 25-minute drive is worth it for the mouth-watering Ukrainian food available at the concession!

Ukrainien Village Dancers
Ukrainien Village Dancers – photo provided by Explore Edmonton credit EEDC

Elk Island National Park

Another wee jaunt from the city, Elk Island National Park is also well worth the trip. It is one of the best spots for stargazing and northern lights viewing, and the park is also an important refuge for bison, elk, and more than 250 species of birds.

The national park is open year-round, but a summer visit also includes some incredible camping options (including “comfort” camping)! Note the fees that come with visiting National Parks in Canada.

Elk Island National Park Fees

Effective January 1, 2022 Elk Island National Park daily pass fees are:

  • Adult: $8.50
  • Senior: $7.25
  • Youth (up to 17 yo): FREE
  • Family/group (up to 7 people): $16.75
  • Commercial group (per person): $7.25

Annual Elk Island National Park pass fees:

  • Adult: $41.75
  • Senior: $36.75
  • Youth (up to 17 yo): FREE
  • Family/group: $83.75

The daily passes expire at 4 pm the following day. If you’re looking to enter multiple times or staying longer, consider the Parks Canada Discovery Pass. It gives you unlimited admission for a year to all the national parks in Canada.

Discovery Pass fees are as follows:

  • Adult: $72.25
  • Senior: $61.75
  • Family/group: $145.25
Bison in Elk Island National Park, Alberta
Bison in Elk Island National Park – Be sure to keep your distance from wildlife!

Where to Eat

In recent years, Edmonton has really grown into a foodie paradise with cuisines from all over the world in many different budget ranges. Below, we have listed some of our favourites.

  • Offering a fine dining experience like no other, Tzin is the perfect spot for wine and tapas in Edmonton. This surprisingly small winebar creates an intimate ambiance to experience the unique and inspired fine dining plates. Tip: We recommend trying out the “surprise me” menu option. Each dish is a surprise by the chef and pairs perfectly with a corresponding wine.
  • As the #1 ranked restaurant in Edmonton, Vaticano Cucina is the place to go for authentic rustic Italian food. With a warm ambiance and creative decor, Vaticano Cucina is a welcoming place to warm your belly with fresh pasta and hot pizza that are made fresh with the highest quality ingredients for a reasonable price.
  • Upscale restaurants not really your thing? Are you looking for craft beer in Edmonton? Then this is the city for you! Craft Beer Market is an inviting spot to enjoy great food and sample Canada’s largest selection of draft beer! With an emphasis on local for each Craft Beer Market location, the Edmonton location is a great way to sample brews from local breweries in the province. Bonus: The location is right in the City Centre, right off Jasper Avenue, and very close to the Edmonton Convention Centre, Art Gallery of Alberta, and other Edmonton attractions.
  • Offering one of the best breakfasts in Edmonton, Hathaway’s Diner is a secret local’s know spot! There’s a good reason for why it is the #2 restaurant in Edmonton on TripAdvisor. Despite lack of curb appeal, inside Hathaway’s rocks the old-school-cool-diner atmosphere while serving up quality food at reasonable prices. Don’t forget to finish your meal with some pie…it is to die for!
  • Looking for something sweet? The Parisian inspired Duchess Bake Shop offers the perfect blend of classic French pastries with Alberta favourites that are made from scratch daily. The quality is especially notable as only the finest ingredients are used to create their fresh goodies, including imported chocolate from France. It’s no wonder they are regularly mentioned as one of the best cafes in Edmonton.
A chef prepares dishes in Edmonton, Alberta
A chef prepares dishes in Edmonton, Alberta – photo provided by Travel Alberta credit Detour Photography

In the Area

Sylvan Lake

You don’t need to go all the way to British Columbia to enjoy time at a quality lake! Sylvan Lake is one of the most popular lakes in Alberta and is less than a two-hour drive away, making it a perfect day trip from Edmonton. The 2.5km white sand beach is perfect for relaxing. Grab some ice cream at the ‘Big Moo’ on Lakeshore Drive to help you cool off on those hot summer days. During the summer, catch the weekly movie at the beach. The food trucks are always out during movie nights so you can grab some great local food too! There are campgrounds, hotels, and cute cabins to stay in to extend your visit.

People playing frisbee at Sylvan Lake
Sylvan Lake – photo provided by Travel Alberta credit Colin Way

Alberta Beach

On the southeast shore of Lac St. Anne sits Alberta Beach, just an hour north of Edmonton. The beach is in the center of town with a grocery store and ice cream store within walking distance. This cute cottage-filled village is a popular spot for boating, swimming, and fishing. There is a campground in the middle of town too, open from May 1 to Sept. 30. Check out local goods at the weekly farmers market every Sunday from spring until fall.

Jasper

The town of Jasper is a four-hour drive from Edmonton and one of our favourite towns in Alberta. It’s the anchor to Jasper National Park in the Canadian Rockies, and is the laid-back counterpart to the more popular Banff. For more information, check out our post on traveling from Edmonton to Jasper, as well as our guide on what to do in Jasper!

Visiting other spots in Alberta? Check out our extensive guides for all the things to do while visiting Calgary, Banff, or Drumheller!

ALSO, don’t forget that while you’re on the road, you can download our FREE Road Trip Alberta bingo cards, to make it just that much more fun. One of those cards is for Alberta roadside attractions, of which there is a big one in Edmonton!

Related Posts

Calgary Downtown in the summer The ULTIMATE Guide of Best Things to Do in Calgary, Canada (for 2022)
Welcome to Drumheller Sign The ULTIMATE Guide of Best Things to Do in Drumheller (for 2022)
An elk chews on grass in Jasper National Park The ULTIMATE Guide of Best Things to Do in Jasper, Canada (for 2022)

Sharing is caring!

  • Share
  • Tweet

Primary Sidebar

Play Alberta Road Trip Bingo!

We've created THREE Alberta specific bingo games to make your road trip even MORE fun. Included are some insider tips on what to see and eat in the province!

Buy Alberta tshirts, prints, stickers, and more!

Road Trip Alberta Shop

We Won!

Before Footer

Instagram Inspiration

Are you a hiker or a rider? 🤔 (For the record.. Are you a hiker or a rider? 🤔 (For the record...we love to hike, but have only ever taken the gondola up Sulphur Mountain!) 

📷 from Travel Alberta/Chris Amat
The infamous May-long weekend is soon upon us! As The infamous May-long weekend is soon upon us! As any camping-lovers in Alberta know, this weekend is historically a total crap-shoot when it comes to the weather. What do you think? Will it be ❄️ or 🌧️ or ☀️ this weekend?
The founders of Road Trip Alberta are currently on The founders of Road Trip Alberta are currently on the move from Lethbridge to Edmonton! 😮 And they'll be looking for your tips on how to enjoy this summer in the city (hint hint, leave some in the comments below, please)!
This is high on our TO-DO-ALBERTA list! Have you b This is high on our TO-DO-ALBERTA list! Have you been? 😍
May every sunrise hold more promise, and every sun May every sunrise hold more promise, and every sunset hold more peace. 🤞
Load More... Follow @roadtripalberta on Instagram

Footer

Resources

We're here to help you plan your Alberta vacation with real, local advice!

  • Destination Guides
  • Route Guides
  • Driving Advisories
  • Alberta Driving Guide
  • Alberta Weather
  • Shop for Alberta souvenirs

Play Alberta Road Trip Bingo!

We've created THREE Alberta specific bingo games to make your road trip even MORE fun. Included are some insider tips on what to see and eat in the province!

Disclaimer
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
We acknowledge that what we call Alberta is the traditional and ancestral territory of many peoples, presently subject to Treaties 6, 7, and 8. Namely: the Blackfoot Confederacy – Kainai, Piikani, and Siksika – the Cree, Dene, Saulteaux, Nakota Sioux, Stoney Nakoda, and the Tsuu T’ina Nation and the Métis People of Alberta. This includes the Métis Settlements and the Six Regions of the Métis Nation of Alberta within the historical Northwest Métis Homeland.
© 2022 Road Trip Alberta
170 shares
X

Road Trip Alberta

Free Road Trip Bingo Cards!

Join our mailing list to receive exclusive content, contest alerts, and much more. Plus when you sign up you will receive a free set of printable road trip bingo cards!