Edmonton in Alberta has a diverse range of activities and attractions to suit visitors looking for entertainment and outdoor adventure. The North American city hosts more than 30 festivals throughout the year, including the renowned 10-day International Fringe Theater Festival in the historic district of Old Strathcona.
Family-friendly Edmonton is a provincial center for culture, government and education. Visit the Alberta Legislature Building to see one of Edmonton’s most iconic buildings and enjoy its well-kept public parklands with flowerbeds and reflecting pools.
Driving is the easiest way to get around, but buses and the Light Rail Transit (LRT) are good options too. Most major attractions are in or close to downtown, north of the North Saskatchewan River. From here you can hike, cycle or drive to the Edmonton River Valley, the largest stretch of urban parklands in North America.
Edmonton has hot and often humid summers and very cold, snowy winters. Depending on the time of year you visit, you can ski and ice skate, walk, mountain bike, have a picnic, play golf and canoe along its winding river.
The city is known for its arts culture, with more than 20 theater companies and over 60 visual art galleries and exhibitions. Visit the Winspear Centre or the Art Gallery of Alberta to see some of the best displays and performances.
Experience what it was like to be a pioneer more than 100 years ago by paying a visit to Fort Edmonton Park and the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village. Step even further back in time in the Jurassic Forest, with a nature walk past mock-ups of huge dinosaurs.
Don’t miss the chance to visit North America’s largest shopping center, the West Edmonton Mall. It has over 800 shops and encompasses a theme park and water park. For a more traditional shopping scene, head to Old Strathcona to browse quirky shops selling one-of-a-kind clothes and crafts.
Edmonton
Where to stay in Edmonton
Downtown Edmonton
Rogers Place and Edmonton City Centre are top sights in Downtown Edmonton, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at 102 Street Station or Bay-Enterprise Square Station to see more sights in the area.
West Edmonton
West Edmonton is beloved for its popular shops. Take some time to explore sights in the area like West Edmonton Mall and World Waterpark.
Southside
Southside is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Monster Mini Golf and Golfanatics while in the area.
Southwest Edmonton
If you're spending time in Southwest Edmonton, check out sights like South Edmonton Common or Currents of Windermere and hop on the metro to see more the city at Century Park Station or Southgate Station.
Northwest Edmonton
Northwest Edmonton is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by TELUS World of Science-Edmonton and Yellowhead Casino while in the area.
Southeast Edmonton
Southeast Edmonton is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like South Edmonton Common and Alley Kat Brewery. See more of Edmonton by jumping on the metro at Mill Woods Station or Grey Nuns Station.
Reviewed on 2024/4/15
Reviewed on 2024/4/17
Reviewed on 2024/4/15
Reviewed on 2023/7/23
Popular places to visit
West Edmonton Mall
Take the family to the largest mall in North America, with over 800 stores, restaurants, amusement parks, theaters, gyms, a petting zoo, an ice palace and aquarium.
South Edmonton Common
You can find the perfect gifts to bring home with a trip to South Edmonton Common, a favorite shopping spot in Edmonton. Amble around this vibrant area's riverfront or experience its entertainment choices.
Rogers Place
Catch an event at Rogers Place during your trip to Edmonton. Discover the entertainment choices and shops in this vibrant area.
World Waterpark
Bring your family to World Waterpark and enjoy some excitement at this amusement park in Edmonton. Attend a sporting event or visit the shops in this vibrant area.
Fort Edmonton Park
One of Canada’s largest living history museums places you in four eras from centuries ago, including Edmonton’s fur trading and pioneering days.
University of Alberta
Walk around the campus at University of Alberta during your stay in Edmonton. Amble around this vibrant area's riverfront or attend a sporting event.
Reviews of Edmonton
5/5 - Excellent
Love Edmonton, easy to get around, people are always friendly.
4/5 - Good
I like Edmonton but not the hotel I was at NEVER AGAIN
5/5 - Excellent
Was overall satisfied with my visit. I had gone to visit my sister at the nursing home!
5/5 - Excellent
I really like this city, especially in wintertime.
3/5 - Okay
The six am traffic was heavier than I expected but the streets were cleared of snow and passable.
2/5 - Disappointing
Not going back