Edmonton Trip Planner
Why Visit Edmonton: Top Reasons & Highlights
"Visitors love Edmonton for its vibrant arts scene, with reviews praising spots like the Art Gallery of Alberta. Travelers enjoy exploring the expansive river valley parks, capturing the city's festival energy, and indulging in local cuisine. Pilot helps make planning seamless by organizing these authentic experiences into one trip." Seattle is approximately 11 driving hours from Edmonton.
Edmonton travel photos
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What to do in Edmonton
With so much to do and so much to see, use Pilot to make your plan to make the most of your trip.
Explore top things to do
- 🌻 Explore the Muttart Conservatory's unique pyramids and exotic plants. - 🏞️ Enjoy scenic riverside views in the lush River Valley Park System. - 🎨 Discover art and history at the Art Gallery of Alberta. - 🌇 Head to the downtown core for vibrant nightlife and local eateries. - 🎡 Don't miss the vibrant atmosphere of the West Edmonton Mall. Use Pilot to effortlessly create an itinerary with these attractions.
Find the perfect neighborhood to stay in
- 🌟 West Edmonton Mall is lively for entertainment and shopping. Families love the attractions and dining options. - 🍻 Whyte Avenue in Old Strathcona is ideal for nightlife, dining, and unique shops. It's perfect for a vibrant evening out. - 🌿 River Valley is fantastic for nature lovers. Walk, bike, or picnic with stunning city views. - 🖼️ Downtown's arts scene captivates with galleries and live theater, plus it's walkable. - 🚗 Use Pilot to find nearby hotels and snag the best deals for a comfortable stay.
Discover the best food and drink
- 🍖 Edmonton offers fantastic bison dishes, a regional specialty beloved by visitors and locals alike. - 🥟 Perogies are another local favorite; they're everywhere, from street markets to upscale eateries. - 🍤 Indigenous-inspired cuisine is making waves, offering modern takes on traditional dishes. - 🍞 Uccellino serves exquisite Italian, often raved about for its fresh pasta. - 🍔 MEAT, known for its BBQ, provides an authentic, casual dining experience. - 🍺 Visit Tres Carnales Taqueria for vibrant, authentic Mexican street food flavors. - 🚀 Pilot can streamline your dining plans to ensure you make the most of Edmonton's culinary delights.
In popular culture
🧭 "Fargo" Season 1 used Edmonton as a filming location, with the city standing in for different Midwestern locales. 🎲 "The Last of Us," the acclaimed series, filmed several scenes throughout Edmonton, showcasing its unique landscapes. 🎭 "Interstellar" used the city's surrounding areas to depict its otherworldly environments. 🎥 Movies like "Inception" also filmed in the region, drawing from the area's vastness. 📱 Edmonton's Ice District has become a popular spot on social media for influencers capturing urban energy. 🎨 Local street art frequently features in music videos, highlighting its vibrant creative scene.
Edmonton at a glance
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What reviews say
- Edmonton is known for its vibrant arts scene and festivals. - Locals rave about the River Valley for hiking and biking. - The West Edmonton Mall is a hit, perfect for shopping and family fun. - Winters are harsh; dress warmly. - Consider visiting in summer for longer daylight and outdoor events. - Some mention the traffic can be frustrating, especially during rush hour. - Downtown dining offers diverse food options.
What reddit says
- Travelers love the river valley parks; great for hiking and biking. - West Edmonton Mall is a must-see with its indoor amusement park. - Downtown has vibrant food scenes; explore restaurants and cafes. - Visit the Royal Alberta Museum for history buffs. - Locals recommend the Fringe Festival in summer. - Winter can be harsh; dress warmly. - Public transport is decent but renting a car may offer more flexibility.
Travel tips and safety
- Edmonton's public transportation is efficient. Consider a day pass for convenience. - Culturally, Edmontonians value friendliness. Smile and engage in small talk. - Alcohol sales end at 2 AM. Plan accordingly. - Average meal costs around $15-30. Craft beers are about $7-10. - Dress in layers; even summer evenings can be chilly. Edmonton is generally safe, but it's wise to be cautious in less-populated areas at night. Always consult travel advisories for updated information as situations can change.
Getting around
- Edmonton’s public transit is extensive, covering the city with buses and LRT trains. It’s effective for daily travel. - Ridesharing services like Uber and taxis are widely available but can be pricier than transit for longer distances. - Downtown and the Whyte Avenue area are walkable with great shops, cafes, and cultural sites. - Explore bike rentals through Lime for an eco-friendly transit option. - Use Pilot to plan smooth logistics and walking routes during your visit.
How much it costs to visit
- Edmonton is a great blend of culture and nature. - For budget travelers: around $70/day. Hostels cost about $25. Meals in affordable restaurants are about $12. Local transportation is around $5. - Mid-range: plan for $150/day. A standard hotel room is about $80. Dining in casual restaurants costs about $20 per meal. Consider $15 for public transit and occasional taxis. - Luxury: aim for $300/day. Upscale hotels are typically $150. Fine dining can be $50 per meal. Premium activities and transport might add up to $100. Prices vary at different times of year and during large events. Check Pilot to find current rates for hotels and activities.
What to do if you only have one day to visit
🛍️ Explore the West Edmonton Mall: It's more than just a shopping center. Visit Galaxyland and the World Waterpark. Plenty of routes to navigate easily. 🌿 Stroll through the Muttart Conservatory: Four pyramids house plants from various climates. It's a unique, lush experience. 🖼️ Head to the Art Gallery of Alberta: Enjoy contemporary and historical art in an architectural gem. 🥘 Check out Old Strathcona: Pop into local shops and enjoy a meal at a cozy restaurant. A vibrant neighborhood to relax. 🌆 Finish with a scenic walk in the River Valley: There's over 160 km of trails for outstanding views. Pilot can help you generate and map an itinerary like this for free in just a few clicks.
What to do if it rains
- ☔️ When it rains, visit the Royal Alberta Museum. It's fascinating and full of local history and culture. - 🎨 Check out the Art Gallery of Alberta. Enjoy contemporary and classic exhibits in a beautiful space. - 🍽️ Explore Edmonton's local food scene. Try a cooking class or visit a food hall like Edmonton Downtown Farmers Market. - 🏊♀️ Have fun at the World Waterpark in West Edmonton Mall. It's indoors and feels like a mini getaway. - 🎭 Catch a show at the Citadel Theatre. From dramas to musicals, there's always something exciting. - 📚 Spend time at Audrey's Books, a cozy local bookstore with a fantastic selection. - 🎲 Hang out at a board game cafe like Hexagon Board Game Cafe. It's perfect for a laid-back day with friends. - 📽️ If you’re in the mood for a movie, head to Metro Cinema for indie and international films.
When to visit and how many days to spend
- Visit Edmonton in late spring or early fall for optimal weather. - Spring: May-June; mild, 10-22°C (50-72°F); blossoming nature. - Fall: September-October; crisp, 5-15°C (41-59°F); vibrant foliage. - Avoid mid-winter; December-February; freezing, -15 to -25°C (5 to -13°F). - Mild summer: July-August; warm, 18-25°C (64-77°F); festivals abound. - Climate: humid continental with cold, snowy winters to warm summers. - Situated in a prairie-parkland biome; flat landscapes, open spaces.
How to find events during your stay
- Explore upcoming cultural events on the official Edmonton Tourism website at exploreedmonton.com. They regularly update with information on festivals, markets, and concerts. - Check out Edmonton's local news on edmontonjournal.com for reliable coverage on community happenings and annual celebrations. - Follow EPL dot CA on Facebook (@EPLdotCA) for posts about library events and local cultural happenings. - Discover local events on @exploreedmonton’s Instagram, showcasing temporary markets and community events. - For insights into concerts and live shows, tune into CKUA Radio Network or visit ckua.com. - Engage with @yegventures on Instagram for insider tips on hidden gems and popular happenings. - Edmonton's entertainment website, taprootedmonton.ca, provides comprehensive event listings and updates. - Visit CTV News Edmonton's webpage or follow @ctvedmonton on social media for breaking news and community event updates. These resources offer a mix of local flair, community insight, and practical event information. Enjoy planning your trip!
Before your trip, read the history
Edmonton, founded in 1795 as Fort Edmonton, became an essential trading post for the Hudson's Bay Company. Before European settlers arrived, Indigenous peoples, particularly the Cree, had called the area home for centuries, utilizing the rich resources of the North Saskatchewan River Valley. This natural landscape greatly influenced the city's development and continues to offer beautiful parks for visitors to explore. The Cree name ‘Amiskwaciy’ translates to ‘Beaver Hills,’ reflecting its abundant wildlife, which played a significant role in the area’s early economy.Politically, Edmonton has leaned towards more progressive policies, often reflected in provincial and federal elections. Culturally diverse communities, stimulated by immigration waves, have enriched Edmonton's history, particularly in the arts. The city hosted the 1978 Commonwealth Games, boosting its international reputation. Alexander Cameron Rutherford, Alberta's first premier, is a notable figure, helping shape the province. While in Edmonton, enjoy the Alberta Legislative Building, with its historical significance and lovely grounds, and consider a visit to the Royal Alberta Museum to understand the broader tapestry of regional history.
