Is Edmonton worth visiting?
Yes, Edmonton is worth visiting for a number of reasons. This is a city that everyone should explore, and we loved our time here.
Whether you're a traveling as a family or a couple, this city has a lot to offer. Any local will tell you what makes it special is the fantastic museums and attractions and spectacular shopping.
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.
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
4 Reasons to Visit Edmonton
1. Museums and Attractions
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.
2. Shopping
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.
3. Nightlife
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.
4. Authenticity
Edmonton has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.
Things to Consider Before Visiting Edmonton
Food: Edmonton doesn't top the list for most foodies. You'll find a mix of casual cafes, international eateries, and more upscale dining options.
Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Edmonton might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Edmonton here or see if Edmonton is expensive here.
Related
What is Edmonton most famous for?
Edmonton is most famous for its many festivals and lively personality. The city is very popular for its museums and attractions and shopping. It is also known for its great nightlife. It is often described as cultural, authentic, and friendly.
What is the most famous sight in Edmonton?
The most popular sight in Edmonton is the West Edmonton Mall. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Edmonton on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for the West Edmonton Mall and other attractions here.
How touristy is Edmonton? Is it a popular city to visit?
Edmonton is an off-the-beaten-path city that many travelers overlook. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Edmonton Food Bike Tour: $147
- The Best of Edmonton Walking Tour: $237
- Summer Sunset Cruise (2Hr Tour): $88
- Festival Food Bike Tour: $146
- 1-Hour Edmonton River Valley Segway Tour: $44
- 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
How long should I spend in Edmonton?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Edmonton is one to two days. Since Edmonton has activities such as museums and attractions and shopping, many visit for up to two days.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Edmonton? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Edmonton?.
For guided and organized tour options, check out The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Canada.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.