Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Edmonton?

Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Edmonton?

Most visitors spend one to two days in Edmonton when visiting. The authentic city offers so many things to see and explore, so you'll want to take full advantage of the limited time you have. Highlights include the museums and landmarks, the quaint shops, and the nightlife.

Edmonton is the capital of Alberta. It runs along the North Saskatchewan River and it has grown into a cultural city with museums and other entertainment options. This is also one of the coldest cities in the world, but that doesn't slow down the people who live here.

Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Edmonton? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.

Is 3 days enough time in Edmonton?

Three days is more than enough time to see everything that Edmonton has to offer. After all, it's not such a huge city. Many visitors prefer to spend one to two days here, so you'll be able to take in all of the museums and landmarks, the quaint shops, and the nightlife at your own pace. We have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting, and then you can take a day trip if you're looking to explore further around the area.

How to spend 3 days in Edmonton

A number of fantastic museums and famous landmarks are found in Edmonton, so spend at least one full day exploring those that look the most appealing to you. You'll find a number of good museums around town such as the Royal Alberta Museum, Muttart Conservatory, the Alberta Aviation Museum, and the Art Gallery of Alberta.

The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. There's a mix of nightclubs, bars, and breweries around town. Head to Jasper Avenue for the high end clubs or check out a live show at one of the active theaters around town.

The public transit in Edmonton is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the city quite easily and affordably. The city has both bus and light rail systems.

Shopping in Edmonton is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. The city is home to the West Edmonton Mall, which is the largest shopping mall in Canada, and among the largest in the world. The mall includes hundreds of shops, restaurants, a hotel, ice rink, movie theaters, an aquarium, and Galaxyland, which is one of the largest indoor amusement parks in the world. The mall is divided into themed sections that represent iconic places from around the world such as Europa Boulevard and Bourbon Street.

After you've explored most of Edmonton, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.

Is 4 days enough time in Edmonton?

Four days is more than enough time to see pretty much everything in Edmonton, as it's not as large as some other cities. You can move at your own pace and relax in your hotel. Browse through museums, find the best deals at the shops, and enjoy an evening out. You could also use Edmonton as a base for exploring the nearby destinations. You'll find some great day trips in the region.

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

How to spend 4 days in Edmonton

If you have more than 4 days in Edmonton, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the city has to offer.

With so much time here, you should absolutely take another day trip to one of the many nearby destinations around Edmonton. Plenty of amazing options are available.

Is 5 days enough time in Edmonton?

Five days provides ample opportunity to explore the entirety of Edmonton at your own pace to experience the museums and landmarks, the quaint shops, and the nightlife. Then you can use this city as a convenient base for venturing into smaller destinations nearby where you'll discover exciting day trip options.

How to spend 5 days in Edmonton

With 5 days in Edmonton, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy everything the city has to offer at your own relaxed pace. You'll want to spend plenty of time perusing the musuems, browsing the shops, hopping around the bars and clubs, and dining at local restaurants. You can also relax at your hotel, or casually explore this city looking for hidden gems. Also, consider taking some day trips to nearby destinations where you can explore more of the region.

A few trip suggestions:

Edmonton River Valley 90-Minute Segway Adventure ($63)
Edmonton River Valley 60-Minute Segway Adventure ($44)
Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Edmonton by Crazy Dash ($10)

More Info

If you're looking for more information about Edmonton, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.