Edmonton is the capital and second largest city of the Canadian Province of Alberta. Colloquially known as the Festival City, Edmonton is a place that has something for everyone. Edmonton is famous for its stunning River Valley Park and the North Saskatchewan River Valley, which give visitors and locals alike the opportunity to explore 100 kilometres of recreational trails, panoramic city views and wildlife viewing.

Culture

Edmonton is known for its rich culture and artistic heritage. The Arts District in Downtown Edmonton holds a broad range of options with live music venues, concert halls and theatres.

Edmonton also contains some of the most architecturally significant buildings in the Province such as the Alberta Museum and Rutherford House.

Getting Around Edmonton

Getting around Edmonton couldn’t be simpler. The city is laid out in a grid pattern of straight streets. The Edmonton Public Transit System is a safe, highly efficient and fairly inexpensive bus network. It offers an extensive bus networking covering the entire city.

Edmonton’s Light Rail Transit (LRT) provides a fast and convenient service for those travelling to or from the Northeast, Downtown, Government Centre, University and South areas of the city.

Edmonton Airport

Flights to Edmonton touch down at Edmonton International Airport which is 30km from downtown Edmonton. The Skyshuttle provides convenient connections to major hotels and other destinations across the city, as well as the public Route 747 bus service, which connects passengers to the city's bus and LRT network. Car rental and taxis are also readily available at the airport upon arrival.

Time in Edmonton

Edmonton is in the Mountain Time Zone which is GMT minus 6 hours and minus 7 hours in Daylight savings time in winter.

Weather in Edmonton

The weather in Edmonton is fairly dry with highs of 30 degrees Celsius and lows of -20 degrees Celsius.

Jobs in Edmonton

Edmonton is a centre for creativity and innovation, with industries based around oil and natural resources. With low unemployment, high wages and a demand for workers, Edmonton is the perfect choice for anybody looking to work in the engineering, construction or natural resource sectors. Check the Go4less Jobs board for Edmonton jobs!

Accommodation in Edmonton

Options for accommodation in Edmonton are varied from large hotels to some cheap and cheerful hostels. Hampton Inn & Suites Edmonton/West and Courtyard Edmonton West are highly rated and may suit for your first few nights’ accommodation.

For longer stays many new comers to Edmonton with families settle in the suburbs to the South such as Mill Woods and Summerside and Ellerslie in the southwest of the city. Rents for a 3 bed house starting at $1800 per month.

Singles or couples may prefer to be closer to downtown. Perhaps try the popular area of Old Strathcona which is Edmonton’s main entertainment and shopping district. Whyte (82nd) Avenue is a draw for residents and tourists alike, and is buzzing with shops, bars, and great restaurants. Whyte Avenue runs through several neighbourhoods, including Garneau, Queen Alexandra, Strathcona and Bonnie Doon. A standard one bedroom apartment costs from $1000 per month.

Edmonton Nightlife

Visitors to Edmonton will be very pleased by the sheer volume of quality nightlife entertainment that this city possesses. The Whyte Avenue Strip is a very popular part of Edmonton where you will find bars, nightclubs and restaurants are all within easy access.

Jasper Avenue is also a busy strip at night, located in Edmonton’s Downtown area you will find an eclectic mix of nightclubs and chilled out wine bars.

Edmonton Visitor Centre

There is so much to see and do in Edmonton and the helpful staff at the Edmonton Visitor Centre will be able to point you in the right direction for touring this bustling Canadian city.

The Edmonton Visitor Centre is located on the third floor of the World Trade Centre on Jasper Avenue.

Irish Community in Edmonton

Edmonton Irish Club provides support and assistance to the large numbers of Edmonton’s Irish community. Founded in 1962, the Edmonton Irish Club is also the home to Edmonton’s GAA Club – the Edmonton Wolfetones. Joining the local GAA club will be a sure way to meet new people when you arrive.

What to do in Edmonton

Elk Island National Park

The Elk Island National Park is home to over 259 species of birds, herds of deer, elk, moose, wood bison and free-roaming plains bison. There is something for everybody at this picturesque national park. If you enjoy hiking, cross country skiing, overnight camping or wildlife viewing, this is certainly the national park for you.

Alberta Legislature

Enjoy a stroll through 23 hectares of stunning parkland, which is surrounded by history, parliamentary tradition and grandeur. It is without a doubt an amazing place to visit when you are in Edmonton.

Old Strathcona

Old Strathcona is a historic district located in south-central Edmonton. Stroll through historical Whyte Avenue. This area is known as the area is now Edmonton's main arts and entertainment district and one of Canada’s top five shopping districts. You will also discover some top of the range shops, nightclubs and farmer’s markets.

Alberta Aviation Museum

Visitors can enjoy a trip to the Alberta Aviation Museum which is located on-site at the Edmonton City Centre Airport. With 40 exhibits and with over 50 aircraft as well as eight simulators, a trip to the Alberta Aviation Museum will give you a superb insight into Edmonton’s aviation history.

Edmonton Valley Zoo

The Edmonton Valley Zoo is a great attraction that the entire family will enjoy. It is located in the centre of Edmonton and opens 364 days a year, only closing on Christmas Day! It is the home to over 350 exotic, endangered and native species.

Art Gallery of Alberta

The striking sight of the Art Gallery of Alberta is located on the beautiful Sir Winston Churchill Square in the heart of Edmonton’s Art District. Visitors can view a fantastic selection of over 6,000 works of art over 3 floors totalling 30,000sq ft.

Annual Edmonton Events

Edmonton is called the Festival City for good reason! This Canadian city plays host to a large number of events throughout the year. Churchill Square in Edmonton’s Downtown area is where most of the city’s festivals take place.

The Works Art and Design Festival: The Works Art and Design Festival takes place from late June to early July. It showcases Canadian and International Art and Design from well-known artists as well as student artists.

Edmonton International Street Performers Festival: This fun festival takes place in mid-July, showcasing amazing street performance artists from all corners of the globe.

K-Days: Known as Edmonton’s main summer festival, it started in 1879. Originally it was an annual fair and exhibition but today it is known for its music, trade shows, the carnival rides and daily firework displays.

Canadian Finals Rodeo and Farm fair: This is a major event in Canada’s Rodeo circuit. This Rodeo Finals is second only to the Las Vegas National Finals Rodeo.

International Fringe Festival: Edmonton’s International Fringe Festival takes place in the middle of August and it is the largest Fringe Theatre Festival in North America.

Edmonton Folk Music Festival: Every August the Edmonton Folk Music Festival is a joy to experience. It is one of the most popular and successful folk music events to hit North America.