Edmonton spreads along a deep, green river valley that holds the largest stretch of urban parkland in Canada. Add the enormous West Edmonton Mall, a cluster of museums and galleries, and a packed summer of festivals, and the city rewards a couple of days.
A connected system of parks and trails along the North Saskatchewan, larger than New York's Central Park many times over, with the funicular linking downtown to the water.
One of the largest malls in the world, with an indoor water park, an amusement park, an ice rink and a hotel under one roof.
The Royal Alberta Museum, the Art Gallery of Alberta and the pyramids of the Muttart Conservatory, plus the historic Whyte Avenue strip south of the river.
Attractions keep their own hours and admission; the river valley trails are free. Edmonton's festival calendar, including the Fringe and folk festivals, peaks from June to August. Winters are long and cold, so plan indoor options.
Morning on the river valley trails or the funicular, afternoon at the museums, Old Strathcona or the mall.
July and August bring the strongest programme and the mildest weather. Winter visits lean on the mall and indoor attractions.
Elk Island National Park, with its bison, is about 45 minutes east, and Jasper is a longer drive west.
What is Edmonton best known for?
The river valley park system, the West Edmonton Mall, and its summer festivals, which give it the nickname Festival City.
Is the river valley walkable from downtown?
Yes. Trails drop into the valley from the core, and the 100 Street Funicular gives step-free access to the riverbank.
When should I visit?
June to August for festivals and mild weather. Winters are harsh, though the mall and museums make cold days workable.
Can I do a day trip to see bison?
Yes. Elk Island National Park, about 45 minutes east, has both plains and wood bison.
Edmonton grew from the Hudson's Bay Company's Fort Edmonton and became Alberta's capital in 1905. It was a staging point for the Klondike gold rush and, later, Alberta's oil industry.
It is the northernmost large city in North America and is known for its river valley parkland, its retail and its festival programming.
This page is an independent guide for visitors. It is not affiliated with any government or tourism body.
