Edmonton
Save33 hand-picked places in 10 lists. Tick the categories you want to see on the map.
Only have a day? See 2 ready-made day plans ↓Show on the map
Tips
8 places on the map
Walking Tour
- 1
Beaux-Arts legislature overlooking the North Saskatchewan River
3 tips
- Free guided tours daily
- Explore the grounds and fountains
- Great skyline views
📷 Photos
- 2
Edmonton's main downtown boulevard
3 tips
- Plenty of cafes and shops
- Easy walk between sights
- Busy at lunchtime
📷 Photos
- 3
Western Canada's largest museum, in a modern downtown building
- Tip: Book ahead
- Tip: Allow a few hours
1 tip
- Visit the Bug Room
📷 Photos
- 4
Oilers arena at the heart of the Ice District
3 tips
- Catch an Oilers game
- Explore the Ice District Plaza
- Many restaurants nearby
📷 Photos
- 5
Contemporary building showing Canadian and international art
- Tip: At night
3 tips
- Check evening hours
- Admire the swirling architecture
- On Churchill Square
📷 Photos
- 6
Downtown civic plaza with festivals and public art
3 tips
- Free events in summer
- Ice rink in winter
- Near the Art Gallery
📷 Photos
- 7
Riverfront park with the funicular and river views
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Take the funicular from downtown
- Good for running
- Sunset spot
📷 Photos
- 8
Modern arch bridge over the North Saskatchewan
3 tips
- Walk across at dusk
- Skyline photos
- Connects downtown and Strathcona
📷 Photos
Take this map with you
Opens Google Maps with these places, ready to save to your own list.
Before you go: Edmonton tips
Transportation
- Tap with an Arc card: The Arc smart card works on ETS buses and the LRT, and tapping it is easier than paying cash on board; load it at LRT station machines before you ride.
- Ride the LRT lines: The Capital Line links downtown, the University of Alberta and Century Park, the Metro Line serves NAIT, and the Valley Line runs southeast to Mill Woods.
- Take the airport bus: ETS Route 747 connects Edmonton International Airport with the Century Park LRT station, a cheaper alternative to a taxi for the long drive into the city.
Security
- Stay alert downtown at night: Parts of downtown and some LRT stations can feel empty after dark, so stick to busy areas like the Ice District and use a cab late at night.
- Drive winter roads carefully: Snow and black ice are common from November to March; rental cars should have winter tires, and leave extra distance on the Whitemud and Anthony Henday.
- Respect river valley wildlife: Coyotes, deer and occasionally moose use the North Saskatchewan River valley trails, so keep dogs leashed and give animals plenty of space.
Saving
- Explore the free river valley: Edmonton's river valley is one of North America's largest urban park systems, with free trails, viewpoints and summer river-side picnics.
- Pay only GST: Alberta has no provincial sales tax, so purchases at West Edmonton Mall and other shops carry only the federal 5 percent GST, cheaper than most of Canada.
- Pick free festival events: Summer festivals such as the Fringe in Old Strathcona have free outdoor stages and street performers, so you can enjoy the buzz without buying tickets.
Weather/Clothing
- Dress for deep winter: January cold snaps can fall well below minus 20 Celsius, so pack an insulated parka, warm boots, thermal layers, gloves, a hat and a scarf to cover your face.
- Enjoy long summer evenings: June and July bring warm days and daylight well into the late evening, but sudden thunderstorms happen, so carry a light rain jacket.
- Layer for shoulder seasons: Spring and autumn can swing from mild to snowy in a day, so bring layers and waterproof shoes for slushy sidewalks in March or October.
Cultural
- Catch the Fringe Festival: Every August Old Strathcona hosts the Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival, one of the largest in North America, with hundreds of shows.
- Learn Indigenous history: The Royal Alberta Museum downtown has major First Nations and Metis galleries, and Edmonton sits in Treaty 6 territory, often acknowledged at events.
- Try local favourites: Green onion cakes are a beloved Edmonton festival snack, and Alberta beef steakhouses are a local point of pride worth seeking out for dinner.
Local Hacks
- Use the downtown pedways: Enclosed pedways and tunnels link many downtown buildings, malls and LRT stations, letting you cross the core in winter without stepping outside.
- Shop Old Strathcona market: The Old Strathcona Farmers' Market near Whyte Avenue runs on Saturdays year-round, a great spot for local bakery, Alberta produce and crafts.
- Chase the northern lights: On clear, dark nights head out of the city to places like Elk Island National Park, a dark-sky preserve where you may also see bison.
1-day itineraries in Edmonton
Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.
Day 1 of 2
Rogers Place and around
🕘 9:30–17:30📍 4 stops
- 1Rogers Place
- 2Royal Alberta Museum
- 3Art Gallery of Alberta
- 4Muttart Conservatory
Day 2 of 2
Alberta Legislature Building and around
🕘 9:30–15:30📍 4 stops
- 1Hawrelak Park
- 2Alberta Legislature Building
- 3High Level Bridge
- 4Whyte Avenue