· CA

Edmonton

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Edmonton: Where Urban Excitement Meets Natural Wonder Edmonton, the vibrant capital of Alberta, is a city that effortlessly blends urban excitement with natural beauty. Boasting a youthful spirit and a passion for arts a…

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Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Edmonton.

Top Hotels in Edmonton

Top Flights to Edmonton

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Edmonton.

Tours

Art Gallery of Alberta

Explore contemporary and historical art exhibits at the Art Gallery of Alberta.

Fort Edmonton Park

Step back in time and experience Edmonton's history at Fort Edmonton Park.

Muttart Conservatory

Explore unique botanical gardens housed in glass pyramids at the Muttart Conservatory.

Edmonton Valley Zoo

A family-friendly zoo with a diverse range of animals and interactive exhibits.

TELUS World of Science - Edmonton

Discover scientific wonders with interactive exhibits and an IMAX theatre at TELUS World of Science.

Shopping

Visit the West Edmonton Mall

Explore one of the world's largest malls with shopping, entertainment, and attractions.

Whyte Avenue (Old Strathcona)

Stroll through one of Edmonton's most vibrant shopping and entertainment districts.

Outdoor

Explore Elk Island National Park

Discover the beauty of Elk Island National Park with hiking, wildlife viewing, and more.

River Valley Parks

Enjoy the scenic beauty and recreational opportunities in Edmonton's River Valley.

Rundle Park

Enjoy outdoor activities like picnicking, hiking, and disc golf at Rundle Park.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Edmonton.

Currency

$ | CAD | Canadian Dollar

Population

1.5 million

Languages

English, English, French, Ukrainian, German, Tagalog, Spanish, Punjabi, Urdu, Arabic, Chinese

Average weather

Edmonton

Jan

-6°-15°

Feb

-3°-12°

Mar

2°-8°

Apr

10°-1°

May

17°5°

Jun

21°10°

Jul

23°12°

Aug

22°11°

Sep

17°6°

Oct

10°0°

Nov

0°-9°

Dec

-6°-14°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Edmonton.

What people love

There are several pros of traveling to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada:

Natural beauty: Edmonton is known for its stunning natural landscapes, including the North Saskatchewan River Valley, which is one of the largest urban parkland areas in North America. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and picnicking in this scenic area.
Festivals and events: Edmonton is known as the "Festival City" and hosts a wide variety of festivals and events throughout the year, including the Edmonton Fringe Festival, the Edmonton International Film Festival, and the Ice on Whyte Ice Carving Festival. These events offer visitors a chance to experience the city's vibrant arts and culture scene.
Shopping and dining: Edmonton is home to a diverse range of shopping and dining options, from trendy boutiques and local markets to upscale restaurants and international cuisine. Visitors can explore the city's diverse culinary scene and shop for unique souvenirs and gifts.
Cultural attractions: Edmonton is home to a number of cultural attractions, including the Art Gallery of Alberta, the Royal Alberta Museum, and the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village. These attractions offer visitors a chance to learn about the city's history, art, and culture.
Outdoor activities: Edmonton offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and snowshoeing in the winter, and hiking, golfing, and kayaking in the summer. The city's outdoor spaces provide plenty of opportunities for visitors to stay active and enjoy the fresh air.

Overall, Edmonton offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and outdoor activities that make it a great destination for travelers looking to explore a diverse and dynamic city.

What to know

There are several potential cons to traveling to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Here are some detailed factors to consider:

Weather: Edmonton experiences long and cold winters with temperatures dropping significantly below freezing. Snowfall can be heavy, leading to potential travel disruptions and difficulties in exploring the city.
Distance from Other Major Cities: Edmonton is located quite far from other major Canadian cities like Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal. This can result in longer travel times or higher costs if you plan to visit multiple destinations in Canada.
Limited Public Transportation: While Edmonton does have a public transportation system, it may not be as extensive or efficient as in other major cities. This could make getting around the city more challenging, especially if you prefer not to drive.
Limited Tourist Attractions: Compared to cities like Toronto or Vancouver, Edmonton may have fewer tourist attractions and cultural landmarks. This could impact the variety of activities available to travelers.
Higher Cost of Living: Edmonton is known to have a relatively high cost of living compared to other cities in Canada. This could translate to higher prices for accommodations, dining, and entertainment during your stay.
Industrial Character: Edmonton is known for its strong ties to the oil and gas industry, which may not appeal to travelers looking for a more diverse or environmentally friendly destination.

Overall, while Edmonton has its attractions and unique charm, these factors should be taken into consideration when planning a trip to the city.

Edmonton, the capital city of Alberta, Canada, has a rich and varied history that spans centuries. Here is a detailed account of its development, significant events, historical figures, and important landmarks:

Early History and Indigenous Peoples

Pre-European Contact: The area around Edmonton was traditionally inhabited by Indigenous peoples, including the Cree, Blackfoot, and Nakoda (Stoney). The region was rich in resources and served as a seasonal meeting and trading place for Indigenous groups.

Fur Trade and Settlement

1795: The establishment of Fort Edmonton by the Hudson’s Bay Company marked the beginning of European settlement in the region. It was originally located near the North Saskatchewan River and served as a major center for the fur trade.
1821: After the merger of the Hudson's Bay Company and the North West Company, Fort Edmonton became even more significant as a trading post.

Growth and Development

1870s-1890s: As the fur trade declined, agriculture became more important. The arrival of settlers and the establishment of farms in the surrounding areas led to further growth.
1892: Edmonton was incorporated as a town, and in 1904, it was incorporated as a city.
1905: Edmonton was named the capital of the newly created province of Alberta.

Early 20th Century

1907: The University of Alberta was founded in Strathcona, which later amalgamated with Edmonton.
1912: The incorporation of Strathcona into Edmonton helped the city expand its boundaries significantly.
1920s-1930s: The city continued to grow, driven by agriculture and the discovery of oil.

Mid 20th Century

1947: The discovery of oil at Leduc, just south of Edmonton, transformed the city into a major center for the oil and gas industry.
1950s-1960s: Edmonton experienced rapid growth, becoming a major economic hub in Canada.

Late 20th Century to Present

1981: The opening of the West Edmonton Mall, which was the largest shopping mall in the world at the time, became a major tourist attraction.
1987: The Edmonton Oilers, the city's NHL team, won the Stanley Cup, marking a high point in the city's sports history.
1997: The establishment of North America's first and only indoor horticultural attraction, the Muttart Conservatory.

Significant Landmarks

Alberta Legislature Building: Completed in 1913, it serves as a political and architectural landmark.
Fort Edmonton Park: A reconstructed living history museum, it provides insights into Edmonton's past.
Royal Alberta Museum: Offers extensive exhibits on the natural and cultural history of Alberta.
Art Gallery of Alberta: Known for its modern architecture and diverse collection of art.

Notable Figures

Emily Murphy: A women's rights activist and one of "The Famous Five," she was the first female magistrate in the British Empire and played a crucial role in the Persons Case, which helped women be legally recognized as persons in Canada.
Wayne Gretzky: Played for the Edmonton Oilers and is considered one of the greatest hockey players of all time.

Edmonton continues to be a vibrant city known for its cultural festivals, educational institutions, and as a gateway to northern Alberta and the oil sands. It is also recognized for its diverse population and strong community spirit.