Looking for the best things to do in Edmonton? Edmonton, Alberta’s capital, has North America’s largest urban park system, West Edmonton Mall and summer festivals. This list mixes famous landmarks with local favourites and easy day trips, with practical tips on timing, tickets and costs for Canadian travellers.
Best things to do in Edmonton
1. West Edmonton Mall
Waterpark and rides. Weekdays are much quieter than weekends.
2. River valley
Trails. Combine it with a nearby café or lunch spot.
3. Royal Alberta Museum
Museum. Combine it with a nearby café or lunch spot.
4. Elk Island National Park
Bison nearby. Combine it with a nearby café or lunch spot.
5. Fringe Festival
August. Book tickets online to skip the line.
6. Whyte Avenue
Nightlife. Check opening hours before you go, as they change seasonally.
Tech that makes the trip easier
- Best phones and wearables for travel Buyzello
Phones with great cameras and wearables that track your hikes. - Outdoor gear we recommend VerdictFox
Honest reviews of the camping and outdoor kit worth packing.
Partner links: these go to our sister review sites, which may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
7. Festivals
One of the most popular ways to experience Edmonton; ask your hotel or a local outfitter for current options and prices. Wear comfortable shoes; you will walk more than you expect.
8. Shopping
One of the most popular ways to experience Edmonton; ask your hotel or a local outfitter for current options and prices. Sunset is a particularly good time.
9. Cycling
One of the most popular ways to experience Edmonton; ask your hotel or a local outfitter for current options and prices. Combine it with a nearby café or lunch spot.
10. Take a day trip to Jasper
Jasper is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, wilder and quieter than Banff, with Maligne Lake, abundant wildlife and a Dark Sky Preserve. Read our Jasper travel guide. Weekdays are much quieter than weekends.
11. Eat your way through the local food scene
Try perogies and green onion cakes. Food tours are a fun way to sample several places in one afternoon. Bring a refillable water bottle.
When to go
The best time to visit is June to August.
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | April–May | Changeable and cool. |
| Summer | June–August | Warm and sunny, festival season. |
| Fall | September–October | Crisp and golden. |
| Winter | November–March | Very cold, often -20°C. |
Where to stay
- Downtown: Arena.
- Old Strathcona: Lively.
| Style | Typical price per night | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | C$130–210 | Motels, hostels, simple inns and campground cabins |
| Mid-range | C$220–380 | Comfortable hotels and B&Bs, often with breakfast |
| Luxury | C$450–900 | Resorts, historic hotels and boutique properties |
For more detail, read our Edmonton travel guide.
Tips for visitors
- Winters are long and cold.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Trying to cover every neighbourhood in a day: cluster sights by area instead.
- Renting a car you will barely use and paying high overnight parking fees.
- Eating only in the main tourist zone, where prices are higher and quality lower.
- Skipping reservations for popular restaurants, tours and observation decks on weekends.
- Underestimating walking distances: bring comfortable shoes.
Sample 3-day budget for two
| Item | Mid-range estimate |
|---|---|
| Hotel (3 nights) | C$660–C$1,140 |
| Food and drink | C$660–C$1,056 |
| Activities and entry fees | C$160–C$320 |
| Local transport or car | C$210–C$315 |
| Total | C$1,690–C$2,831 |
Estimates exclude flights and assume a mid-range hotel; travelling in shoulder season can cut accommodation costs by a third or more.
What to pack for Edmonton
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A light layer for air-conditioned interiors
- A compact umbrella
- A crossbody bag or small backpack
- A portable charger
- A smart outfit for nicer restaurants
For seasonal advice, see our guide to the best time to visit Canada.
Planning tips for your trip
- ID for flights: Domestic flights require government-issued photo ID; carry a passport if you might cross into the US.
- Money: GST or HST is added to most prices at the till, so budget 5–15% more than the shelf price; tipping 15–20% at restaurants is standard.
- Insurance: Provincial health plans may not pay the full cost of care in another province, and ambulance and air-ambulance costs can be high, so check whether an out-of-province travel insurance policy makes sense for you. Read our guide to out-of-province travel insurance.
- Driving: Most Canadians road-trip in their own car; rentals are widely available, and winter tyres are required on many BC highways and in Quebec in winter. Fuel is usually cheapest in Alberta and most expensive in BC and the North.
- Saving money: see our Canada budget travel and cheapest places to travel in Canada guides.
What a trip costs
Typical spending per person per day, excluding flights:
| Travel style | Per person per day | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | C$150–C$220 | motel, hostel or campsite, casual meals, self-drive |
| Mid-range | C$300–C$480 | good hotel, restaurant meals, some tours |
| Luxury | C$700–C$1,400 | resort or historic hotel, fine dining, guided experiences |
Prices rise in peak season and on holiday weekends, and fall sharply in the shoulder seasons.
Responsible travel tips
Popular places are under pressure from crowds. Visit on weekdays or in shoulder seasons, carpool or use shuttles, refill a reusable water bottle, and buy from local businesses. Respect Indigenous lands and cultural sites, follow posted closures, and keep a safe distance from wildlife.
Safety basics
Carry water and layers on outdoor outings, check weather and road conditions before long drives, and tell someone your plans in remote areas, where mobile coverage can be patchy. In cities, use normal precautions with valuables at night. The emergency number is 911.
Travel gear we trust
- Best luxury backpacks Opulique
A polished backpack for city breaks and carry-on days. - Travel phones and smartwatches Buyzello
Phones with great cameras and wearables that track your hikes. - Best wireless earbuds for travel VerdictFox
Compact earbuds for flights, trains and long drives.
Partner links: these go to our sister review sites, which may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
What is the number one thing to do in Edmonton?
For most first-time visitors it is West Edmonton Mall: waterpark and rides.
How many days do you need in Edmonton?
Plan 2 days to cover the highlights at a relaxed pace.
What is the best time to visit Edmonton?
June to August.
Is Edmonton good for families?
Yes. Many of the top attractions suit children, and Edmonton is popular with families.
What should I eat in Edmonton?
Try perogies and green onion cakes.
Plan the rest of your trip
- Edmonton Travel Guide: Festivals, River Valley and the Mall
- Jasper Travel Guide: Wildlife, Lakes and Dark Skies