The City of Edmonton, Canada Visitors Guide: Everything You Need to Know

If you’re looking for an adventure, want to see the world, or planning to move, why not try the city most people overlook? Edmonton belongs to the province of Alberta in Canada. This heavenly place can give you shelter, recreation, education, and inner satisfaction for living here.

Edmonton is a hub for administration, culture, and academia. The other term used for Edmonton is ‘Canada’s festival city’ as it conducts many eves in a year. It has Fort Edmonton Park, museums, West Edmonton Mall, and the world’s biggest mall. Edmonton holds about 375 neighbourhoods and many visiting places.

It is a non-expensive city in Canada. Edmonton is enriched with oil and gas resources. These are the other reasons for being a choice of every newcomer. Do not wander through the whole internet in search of Edmonton and its immigration system. This guide covers all aspects of the city and what it has to offer.

So let’s have a walk through this.

About The City Of Edmonton

Edmonton is located on the North Saskatchewan River and serves as the hub of the Metropolitan region of Edmonton. This area shares a boundary with Alberta’s central region. The city serves as the northern terminus of the Calgary-Edmonton Corridor.

Edmonton lies in the north of North America, with a population of more than a million. Although it is the province’s capital, Edmonton is Alberta’s second-largest city next to Calgary.

Due to Edmonton’s heavy reliance on automobiles, many of its major retail and entertainment districts are concentrated in a small number of strategic locations. 

These locations include:

• Whyte Avenue
• Jasper Avenue
• South Edmonton Common
• West Edmonton Mall

Although the economy of Edmonton and the Canadian state of Alberta have had some difficulties lately, chances still exist in various fields for individuals who are prepared to seek.

Edmonton is a part of that province (Alberta) that experiences no Provincial Sales Tax (PST). The principal economic core for central and northern Alberta is Edmonton. It is also the source of oil and gas for Canada. 

The three main economic drivers of Calgary are:

• Tourism
• Agriculture
• Petroleum

The majority of Canada’s oil production takes place in Alberta. Only Saudi Arabia is said to have more oil reserves; it comes second in reserving petroleum in the form of sand.

In the 1940s, Edmonton was the center of the Albertan Petrochemical Industry and won a label for its Oil Capital of Canada. The energy extraction engine is powered by the supply and service sectors.

Research creates new technologies and promotes the actual worth of processing enormous oil, oil sand deposits, and gas in Alberta. The robust technology industry is one of the major industrial sectors.

The status of Edmonton as one of Canada’s top research and education hubs has contributed significantly to the expansion of the technology industry. 

Edmonton’s Cost Of Living

Anyone who resides in Edmonton is aware of the city’s financial advantages. Edmonton is the least expensive city in North America but the fourth-most inexpensive city on the continent.

For a single renter, the average monthly cost of living is $2870 in Edmonton. The price of housing, groceries, transit, and refreshment are just a few of the numerous variables that go into calculating this average.

With the moderate cost of living, the average annual income in Edmonton is the highest in Canada. There are fewer taxes, and the PST-Provincial Sales Tax is not implemented in Edmonton.

The residents of Edmonton have more spare money on average than most Canadians do. The cheapest gasoline and diesel in Canada are both sold in Edmonton. Cars are frequently the main form of transportation for locals.

What Is The Weather Like In Edmonton?

Moving to Edmonton is a significant choice, so you should be prepared for the weather there. Edmonton experiences extremely considerable seasonal changes in a comparatively arid and wet continental climate. 

• Mainly, Edmonton faces warmer winters.
• There are a few days each year when the temperature drops below -20 degree celsius.
• The temperature goes higher here, up to 30 degree Celsius.
• It enjoys pleasant summers and frigid winters.
• The average temperature in July is 17.5 degree Celsius.
• In January, the temperature stays at 11.5 degree Celsius.

Edmonton is one of the warmest cities in Canada despite fluctuations. Edmonton’s northern location receives 17 hours and 16 minutes of sunlight during summer. The duration of the Summer season ranges from June to August, and the humidity level is rarely very high. 

The length and intensity of winter last from November to March. This duration can differ substantially. The storms frequently occur throughout the summer, occasionally cause damage, and can be stunning simultaneously. 

Spring and Fall are brief and quite unpredictable. 

What Is The Practiced Culture In Edmonton?

Edmonton draws a lot of migrant labour because it is a significant source of oil and gas. The city has a varied population, with >25% of the locals being members of a visible minority, primarily the Chinese and Asian nationalities.

The Edmonton International Fringe Festival is the largest in North America. Moreover, it comes second in the entire globe. It is one of the many significant events that Edmonton hosts each year.

The Francis Winspear Centre for Music is one of Canada’s most musically ideal concert halls. It is only one example of Edmonton’s rich cultural landscape, which contains:

• Cinemas and theatres.
• Art galleries.
• Live music centers.
• Symphony halls.

The city has produced several well-known musicians:

• Cadence Weapon.
• Shout out out out.
• Edmonton Symphony Orchestra.

The largest retail mall in North America is West Edmonton Mall. It is well-known and makes Edmonton a desirable place to live. A remarkable array of activities is available inside the mall, such as:

• Roller coaster
• Swimming pool and a water park
• Amusement park
• Bowling
• Skating
• A game of golf
• Marine life exhibits

Transportation In Edmonton

No matter where you’re coming from or what brings you here, Edmonton is a pleasant destination during any season. After you enter here, getting around the city is simple. One of the best ways to get around a city is by using the extensive bus system that is part of Canada’s public transportation system.

The primary public transportation providers in Edmonton city are:

• Significant bus system.
• Edmonton Light Rail Transit (LRT).
• Skyshuttle.
• Red arrow. 
• Taxis, cycling, and many others.

Significant Bus System

You may use the bus to get everywhere in Edmonton to reach any of its 191 pathways and 7456 stops. The effective bus system links the whole city, and the LRT web also joins the main central and Downtown regions.

LRT

The LRT (Line Railway Transit) is extensive and runs from the extreme North (ClearView) to even further to the South (Century Park). The train goes all through the city above-ground and underneath. There is a total of 18 stops that this train covers in the whole city. The LRT has one downside: it only travels from North to South, not from East to West. 

Skyshuttle

Skyshuttle offers the service of transit to travel from Edmonton International Airport. Alternatively, you may also use the 747 route, a bus system in Edmonton.

Red Arrow 

It offers transportation from several neighbouring cities. You can also use Uber or Cab to move from one spot to another.

Taxis, cycling, and many others

• Edmonton has a large selection of Cab or Uber companies to take you where you need to go.
• You can also use pedestrian walkways to go above and below the ground. These walkways have a vast network connecting most significant cities and LRT.
• There are more than 200 Kilometers of cycling, biking, and walking routes throughout Edmonton.
• To assist you in starting up, Edmonton is home to the majority of car rental firms like:

1. Thrifty.
2. Budget.
3. Enterprise.

How To Move To Edmonton

Before we tell you about the whole procedure of entering Edmonton, some of the reasons to get settled here are given below:

Site Of Attraction

• Edmonton is a charming city located on the North Saskatchewan River. 
• This city location provides closeness to some of Canada’s most breathtaking wildlife. 
• It offers secure and clean antique areas and lovely playgrounds.

Two factors that contribute to the reputation of the city as a vacation spot are:

1. The splendour of Jasper National Park.
2. Closeness to the city of Calgary.

Events And Festivals

• Edmonton was a Hudson’s Bay Corporation fur trade landmark in the past.
• But now it has citizens’ tourism, sports, traditional, and cultural affiliations.
• The city is home to more than 20 events:

1. International Street Performer Festival.
2. International Fringe Theatre Festival.

Shopping Outlets

• The West Edmonton Mall is the largest shopping center in North America. 
• This outlet is located in Edmonton, where you do not have to pay any provincial sales tax.

 Population 

• The population of Edmonton is about 930,000. Isn’t it a monumental figure? Yes! It is. This denser population is all the factor attracting immigrants and citizens to this heaven-on-earth place.
• It is the 5th denser city in Canada and 2nd most in Alberta.

Climate Contributions

• It receives more sunlight than any other Canadian city.
• During the summer, the temperature stays at 35 degrees celsius here. It may vary between 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. 
• The day span in summer is about 17 hours long.
• The average daytime temperature is roughly -10 degrees Celsius during the winter months.
• Newcomers will rapidly learn how to adjust to the proper winter attire.

Edmonton’s Immigration Process

Once you decide to pack toward Cannada, you are ready to start the process of immigration. Following are the ways through which you can relocate quickly.

Temporary work permit

• These work permits are available if you are going for a brief duration in Canada.
• This will let you reside and work here in Edmonton for some time. 
• You can quickly obtain a work-tourist visa if you are a young oversea from any 30 countries with International Experience Canada.
• You can also avail of Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) in that situation when Canadian citizens are not available to cover the seat for a specific job. Hence, it is also a type of temporary work permit.

Getting PR

It can be attained in two ways:

1. Federal Migration Procedure

• If you want to relocate to Edmonton, you can choose a ‘permanent residency pathway. 
• We better advise you to choose the Express Entry Program mechanism as it is compatible with several well-known federal migration procedures.

2. Provincial Migration Procedure

• You can also go through the provincial migration option. This deals with specific provinces.
• If your selected place in Canada is Edmonton, you can contact Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program.
• It enables a broad spectrum of employees, students, and businesspeople to move permanently to Edmonton.

Best Neighbourhoods In Edmonton

The neighbourhood has an enormous impact on your mental and physical health. An eco-friendly environment is essential for a home society and a city society. Here you will find out the best neighbourhoods in Edmonton in case you want to relocate here: 

South Edmonton

It’s common to know that the most attractive neighbourhoods of Edmonton lie in the South and Southwest. Haddow, Handerson Estates, and Ogilvie Ridge have high wealth and relatively low crime levels. This south area of the city is relatively safe and friendly.

Mill Woods

• A neighbourhood lies in the South of Edmonton called Mill Woods. 
• It includes >8 different communities.
• More than 100,000 people reside here.
• It is more reasonably priced than the majority of other locations in the South.
• Hospitals, police stations, and leisure centers are just a few resources available in Mill Woods.
• One unforgivable thing about Mill Woods is that it has a history of high crime levels.

Old Strathcona

• It is a famous city in the South of Edmonton.
• It is the primary district of Edmonton, a district of art and entertainment.
• It is a commercial center and is located nearby the University of Alberta.
• Whyte Avenue is bustling with stores, pubs, and excellent restaurants. Hence, it is an attractive place for locals and visitors.
• This place is ideal if you are seeking a bit of an artistic and unconventional place to call home.
• Whyte Avenue passes through several communities:

• Garneau.
• Bonnie Doon.
• Strathcona.
• Queen Alexandra.

Summerside

• Summerside is located in the southwest of the city. It is a new neighbourhood in Edmonton and is well-known for its various facilities.
• There are several brand-new homes and flats in this tranquil neighbourhood.
• The public bus is the best option if you do not have a personal vehicle or car. You can also choose the bike overall.
• Summerside has a beautiful site termed Lake Summerside, where you can go to spend some vacation days. This lake combines an artificial lake (made by humans), swimming pools for summer, skating for winter, and boating.
• Lake Summerside is a private lake, and only the inhabitants of Summerside can utilize it.

Downtown Edmonton

Downtown is the commercial hub of Edmonton. In contrast to other downtown areas in Canada, Edmonton is ideally situated in the city’s center. It makes it simple for you to get outside of it. The Art District and famous Churchill Square are located in this central business district.

Boyle Street

• One of Edmonton’s oldest neighbourhoods is Boyle Street. 
• It boasts one of the city’s most significant densities of historic structures.
• It is pretty multicultural and is located in the east of Downtown. 
• Boyle Street has concrete buildings and stroll flats.
• The city is predominantly associated with limited wages but is now experiencing renovation. This ensures the netizens a bright future ahead! 

Cloverdale

• Cloverdale is situated on the edge of River Valley and right after the river from Downtown.
• It is one of Edmonton’s finest neighbourhoods. 
• It has always prioritized the development of residential areas over the business sector.
• Following are the events that are presented in the city:

• The oldest Ski Hill in Edmonton.
• Distinctive Muttart Pyramids.
• The traditional music festival of Edmonton.

Oliver

• Oliver is also one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Edmonton.
• It is situated directly west of the Downtown area.
• It is one of the most crowded neighbourhoods in Edmonton.
• It offers you recent and older residential units and flats.
• Edmonton’s main street is Jasper Avenue which bisects Oliver.
• It is studded with businesses, dining establishments, and other facilities.

West Edmonton

There are many facilities close to West Edmonton, and it is widely known for the renowned West Edmonton Mall. It offers you a lot of diversity when searching for flats, houses, or detached homes.  

A few neighbourhoods of West Edmonton are:

• Parkview.
• Glenora.
• Crestwood.

Westmount 

• Westmount is the most wanted neighbourhood in Edmonton and is regarded as being in the central west.
• It was created in the 1970s and still radiates the same elegance.
• Westmount has a well-established neighbourhood made up primarily of detached houses.
• It has several shopping malls, 102nd Avenue and 124th street.

North Edmonton

The old house magazine identified the Highlands as one of Canada’s top older neighbourhoods. It has gained a little popularity because of having a golf club that backs up to the River Valley and its commercial area alongside 112th Avenue. 

Northeast neighbourhoods where crime is prone to be focused are:

• Beverly.
• Hermitage.
• Abbotsfield.
• Norwood. 

That’s why the evenings Downtown may be troublesome, especially in McCauley and Chinatown districts,

Castledowns and Oxford in the northwest are regarded as excellent places to live. The surrounding villages are well-liked since house rents there are lower in the city. These villages are:

• Stony plain.
• St.Albert. 
• Beaumont.
• Leduc.
• Sherwood park.

Depending on your workplace, you may need to plan an additional trip, but the journey should not take more than 20 minutes.

Best Places To Visit In Edmonton

The history of Canada is highly valued in Edmonton. It has worthwhile and visiting places that you must visit. The following are Canada’s must-see attractions places:

Churchill Square

The central city plaza in Edmonton, named after the renowned British prime minister, is a pleasant place to take peaceful strolls. Many festivals are held multiple times a day here. You can enjoy the Edmonton International Street Performers Festival at Sir Winston Churchill Square.

You can get entertainment by visiting monuments, sculptures, and prominent structures like:

• Art Gallery of Alberta.
• Edmonton City Hall.

Whyte Avenue

Whyte Avenue teemed with hip stores, fantastic restaurants, and unique pubs. You can go freely everywhere to soothe your soul. It is the heart of Edmonton and lies on the list of the top coolest neighbourhoods in Canada. 

Capitol Theatre

The old 1929 Capitol Theatre on Jasper Avenue, destroyed in the 1970s, inspired the brand-new Capitol theatre in Fort Edmonton. A good thing about this new theatre is that it retains many of the antique theatre’s timeless qualities, like vintage ticket counters.

This preserves the style of the old theatre building. You can enjoy several performances, from comedies and tragedies to magic arts. You can watch a free movie here, telecasting the back story of the Capital Theatre via 4D shots.

West Edmonton Mall

The extension of this mall and its offers require you to visit West Edmonton Mall multiple times. This mall has more than 800 outlets, nine sights, two resorts, and more than a hundred restaurants. It is the biggest mall in North America. 

There are several renowned brands and luxury clothing shops that you can visit throughout the day. Some of the must-visit stores are:

• Michael Kors.
• Tiffany & Co.

It is a desirable destination for tourists since it houses fantastic wildlife exhibitions like:

• The Sea Lion’s Rock.
• Aquarium. 

Muttart Conservatory

Its appearance is just like glass pyramids. This appearance contributes to the city’s elevation across the region of the North Saskatchewan River. There are four weather-controlled ecosystems in Muttart Conservatory, each containing thousands of distinct plant types. 

There are tickets assigned to visit these places that cost about $12.50. Every ecosystem is accessible through the connecting courtyards. These ecosystems receive an abundance of sunlight due to their inventive styles. This creates the unusual feeling of enjoying the greenery and other natural creations inside a hut. 

William Hawrelak Park

It is a massive park of about 68 hectares in the River Valley. During the summer season, many festivals occur here in the open air like:

• The River City Shakespeare Festival.
• Heritage festival.
• Symphony.

During winter, the lakes get frozen, and you can show your skating skills here in the 5-hectare lake. You can also go Skiing on the pathways of biking and hiking here.

River Valley

The river valley is a defining feature of Edmonton. It is the most extended Urban public land in North America. You can visit 22 large parks, enjoy hiking of about 150 Km, bicycling, bridge skiing and many other activities. 

TELUS World of Science

As a student, you must go to discovery land to engage in several activities, you can watch an IMAX movie, or you can visit the planetarium cinema of Canada. We assure you that this will increase your knowledge and interest in studies.

Jasper National Park

You can’t skip Jasper National Park when many options exist to visit famous places in Edmonton. It requires only your weekend to explore it from head to toe. But it lies outside Edmonton, and you must travel from the city to the park.

Let us talk about the unquestionably worthwhile journey from Edmonton to Park. You may experience breathtaking climbs and scenery you can never see anywhere in Canada. Whenever you go here, don’t forget to check the Jasper SkyTram. 

Because it is unknown when you will go again to the park as it takes about 4 hours to travel from Edmonton to Jasper Park. So, don’t miss this opportunity!

Fort Edmonton Park

Fort Edmonton park offers a pleasant trip back in time for you. Here you can learn about the history of Canada:

•  Railway station.
• Oil economy of Alberta.
• North American fur trade.

You can participate in live demonstrations, take a horse-drawn journey back in time, have historically accurate outfits, and many more. You may avail of these activities for $27.50, and the ticket for children under 18 costs about $22.

Royal Alberta Museum

At Royal Alberta Museum, you can see a massive cache of environmental and traditional assets of Alberta. Following are the exciting exhibitions of this museum:

• Embellished snow boots made of the skin of animals.
• Pieces of equipment used for hunting.
• Historical relics.
• Remains of Mastadons.
• Remains of cats.

There is a unique gallery for families with children where they may play and run freely and construct things with palm displays. If you are an adult, buy a ticket for $19; for children under 17, it is $10.

Commonwealth Stadium

It is the largest stadium in Canada, also known as Brick Field. In addition to serving as the home arena to Eskimos, the stadium and football frequently host many games and competitions:

• Soccer.
• Grey Cup playoff.

Alberta Legislature Building

One of Alberta’s most significant monuments and one of Edmonton’s most eye-catching locations is the Alberta Legislature building. The structure was constructed in 1912 and had a Beaux-Art architecture concept.

It is affectionately known as ‘The Ledge,’ and the Legislative Assembly is also held here. You can take a tour of this building for free with the help of the workers. They will tell you about the history of this building. There are exquisite flower beds on the adjacent grounds. 

Strathcona Historic District

It is the recognized historic district of Alberta. Strathcona is home to a sizable number of the landmark structures of Edmonton. Its historic system includes Whyte Avenue (82 Avenue).

This district holds the following:

• Ancient Cinemas.
• Restaurants.
• Stores.
• The Canadian Pacific Railway Station.
• Strathcona Hotel.
• The Princess Theatre.

You can visit many historical landmarks here if you are an aesthetic person and has endless love for vintage eras.

Duchess Bake Shop

Finding a place to indulge your dessert appetite will not be difficult if you are a foodie. You can eat tasty pastries, cakes, and other sweets. The well-known Duchess Bake Shop offers a wide selection of traditional pastries (French). You can avail of its famous dishes as well.

Other Things To Do When In Edmonton

Ice Skating

Make the most of the cold season by engaging in some of Edmonton’s most thrilling activities. Neighbourhood stadiums and grounds are a common feature of municipal and community associations around the city. Skating is the most enjoyable in Hawrelak, like playgrounds.

If you have the urge to play indoors, there are several options where you may skate all year long, such as:

• West Edmonton Mall
• YMCA

Go To Festivals

There are a lot of festivals and eves conducted here in Edmonton. This is why it is known as the ‘Festival’s City. Following is the list of events in Edmonton:

• The Canadian Finals Rodeo
• The Edmonton International Street Performer Festival
• The Edmonton Folk Music Festival
• The Edmonton International Fringe Festival
• Heritage Festival
• K-Days

The Edmonton International Fringe Festival is globally second-ranked. Moreover, The Edmonton Folk Music Festival is North America’s most well-known and popular event.

Visit Museums

With its bustling cultural landscapes, Edmonton offers a wide variety of activities for art enthusiasts. The name ‘Cultural Capital of Canada’ was assigned to Edmonton in 2007. The abundance of art galleries and museums will direct you to Edmonton if you ever feel unclear about things to do here.

• The Art Gallery Of Alberta: When you look at the image of the Art Gallery of Alberta, you will be astonished as it depicts the art through its building structure. The recently improved structure of the building was inaugurated in 2010 with a display of almost 6,000 artworks. 
• Street-124: Gallery Walk shows the finest works of art by Canadian artisans and masters of the craft. 
• The Royal Alberta Museum is a social and cultural history museum. It exhibits the life of animals, entomology, history and background, and the native American culture.
• Fort Edmonton Park: It is the oldest park in Edmonton. It depicts the history of Edmonton from 1795-1929 via parent and reconstructed monuments and antique aircraft. To explore the giant park, you can utilize the train moving here.

Check Out These Top 10 Things to do in Edmonton 2022 | Canada Travel Guide:

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Now that you know about Edmonton City, it is time to visit the place. For a trip full of adventure, fun, and great views, Edmonton city is the place where you can explore a diverse culture and a nature filled with flora and fauna. Several attractions can also be found in Edmonton City that will ignite your imagination.

We hope this guide has provided you with many critical facts for which Edmonton is known. Reading this guide will help you discover where and how to get there.

Once you learn a bit about this city, you can evaluate what is best for your needs in terms of location for your travel plans and lodging, as well as restaurants and entertainment. No matter how you spend your time in this city, you will leave with great memories. Enjoy yourself!