Your guide to Edmonton
Edmonton highlights
Big-time nature
Get ready to be astounded by Edmonton’s natural splendour. Travel an hour east to Elk Island National Park — you’ll see loads of elk, bison and bears, especially along the Wood Bison Trail. Kayak Astotin Lake before picnicking on its sandy shores. Photograph the Milky Way at the Beaver Hills Dark Sky Reserve, or book visits to Edmonton between September and April to catch the Northern Lights.
Indigenous culture
Learn about the Indigenous communities that make up Edmonton’s vibrant tapestry. Get an overview at the Indigenous Peoples Experience in Fort Edmonton Park before embarking on a Cree crafting workshop at Elk Island. The IAM Collective sells authentic Indigenous crafts at their store in the Indigenous Peoples Experience building. And the Bearclaw Gallery carries Canadian First Nations, Metis and Inuit fine art.
Where to stay
Great restaurants, galleries and museums will be right on your doorstep if you stay in the downtown core. Whyte Avenue is relaxed, artsy and a top spot for patio hopping on those long summer nights. Family-friendly West Edmonton gives you easy access to the West Edmonton Mall, formerly the largest on the continent. Its collection of arcades, water parks and rollercoasters is quite the spectacle.
Edmonton: Know before you go
| Language | English, French |
|---|---|
| Currency | Canadian dollar ($) |
| Time zone | UTC-7 (MST) and UTC-6 (MDT) |
| High season | July - August |
| Low season | January - February |
Things to do in Edmonton
Nightlife
Start your night with a stroll through the Neon Sign Museum, whose historic signs illuminate the night sky. In summer streetcars play host to events that cover cask beer, cocktails and concerts. Come winter Victoria Park IceWay’s forest trails allow for ice skating under the dazzling lights of kaleidoscopic lanterns. Hockey hounds won’t want to miss an Edmonton Oilers game at Rogers Place arena.
Take in the culture
Edmonton has the highest population of Ukrainians outside of Ukraine. Visit the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village to learn about the early settlers’ way of life. The Muttart Conservatory is one of Canada’s largest botanical gardens. Each glass pyramid has its own ecosystem, transporting you to tropical climes during Edmonton’s frigid winters.
Places to eat
Edmonton’s food culture is influenced by its diverse population. Green onion cake, a popular snack from northern China, is the city’s beloved unofficial dish. At Uncle Ed’s it’s all about pierogi, cabbage rolls and borsch brought over by Ukrainian immigrants. While Bernadette’s celebrates Indigenous flavours in an upscale setting.
