Edmonton, the capital city of Alberta, Canada, is a hidden gem that blends urban vibrancy with stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and unique shopping experiences. Whether you’re traveling from the Americas or other parts of the world, this 7-day itinerary is designed to be practical, actionable, and immersive, allowing you to explore the best of Edmonton—from its historic forts and art districts to its world-famous malls and scenic river valleys. Every detail, including transportation, accommodation, dining, and safety tips, is curated to ensure a smooth and memorable trip.
Pre-Trip Preparation: Essential Tips for International Travelers
Before embarking on your Edmonton adventure, take care of these key preparations to avoid last-minute hassles.
Visa and Documentation
- Visa Requirements: Travelers from most countries (including the U.S., Mexico, and many South American nations) need either an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or a Visitor Visa to enter Canada. The eTA is valid for up to 5 years and is required for air travel; apply online via the Government of Canada website at least 2-3 weeks in advance.
- Important Documents: Carry a printed copy of your visa/eTA, passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond your trip), travel insurance policy, and driver’s license (if you plan to rent a car). For non-English licenses, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.
Best Time to Visit
- Summer (May–September): The most popular season, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). Ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, river cruises, and visiting open-air museums.
- Winter (November–March): Cold but magical, with temperatures often below -10°C (14°F). Perfect for ice skating, visiting winter festivals, and skiing at nearby resorts (e.g., Rabbit Hill Snow Resort). Pack warm layers, waterproof boots, and a heavy coat.
Currency and Payments
- Currency: The official currency is the Canadian Dollar (CAD). Exchange money at the airport (Edmonton International Airport, YEG) or local banks for the best rates.
- Payments: Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted at restaurants, shops, and attractions. Debit cards with Interac can be used for cash withdrawals. Carry small cash (50–100 CAD) for street food, small vendors, or public transportation fares.
Transportation in Edmonton: Getting Around Easily
Edmonton’s transportation system is efficient, making it easy to navigate the city whether you prefer public transit, renting a car, or rideshares.
From Edmonton International Airport (YEG) to Downtown
- Airport Bus (Route 747): The most affordable option, costing $10 CAD one-way. Buses run every 30 minutes (6 AM–12 AM) and take 45–60 minutes to reach downtown. Stops include Churchill Square and Rogers Place.
- Uber/Lyft: Costs 40–60 CAD one-way, with a 30–40 minute ride time. Book via the app upon arrival.
- Rental Cars: Major companies like Enterprise, Avis, and Budget have desks at YEG. For winter travel, snow tires are mandatory (rental companies include them at no extra cost).
Local Transportation
- Edmonton Transit System (ETS): Includes buses and light rail (LRT) with two lines (Capital Line and Metro Line). A day pass costs $10.25 CAD and covers unlimited rides. Buy passes at LRT stations, convenience stores, or the ETS app.
- Renting a Car: Recommended if you want to explore areas outside downtown (e.g., Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village). Daily rates start at 40–60 CAD for economy cars. Parking is available at most hotels and attractions (downtown parking costs 15–25 CAD/day).
- Walking and Biking: Downtown, Old Strathcona, and the River Valley are pedestrian-friendly. Rent a bike from River Valley Adventure Co. ($30 CAD/day) to explore the 160 km of river valley trails.
7-Day Itinerary: Day-by-Day Breakdown
Day 1: Arrival & Downtown Exploration – Settle In and Discover the City Center
Theme: Orientation and urban highlights
Accommodation: Downtown Edmonton (recommended: Fairmont Hotel Macdonald, a historic 5-star hotel with river views; or Delta Hotels by Marriott, a modern 4-star option near Churchill Square).
Morning: Arrival and Check-In
- Upon landing at YEG, use your preferred airport transfer to reach downtown. Check into your hotel and freshen up. If you arrive early, store your luggage at the hotel front desk and start exploring.
Afternoon: Downtown Highlights
- Churchill Square: The heart of downtown, surrounded by landmarks like Edmonton City Hall (with its iconic glass pyramid roof) and the Art Gallery of Alberta (AGA). Spend 1–2 hours wandering the square—look for street performers or farmers’ markets (Saturdays in summer).
- Rogers Place: If there’s a hockey game (Edmonton Oilers, NHL) or concert during your visit, book tickets in advance. Even if no event is scheduled, the building’s modern architecture is worth a photo.
Dinner: Local Flavors at Hardware Grill
- Head to Hardware Grill (10310 104 Street), a beloved spot known for Canadian comfort food. Try the bison tenderloin or the Alberta beef steak, paired with a local craft beer (e.g., Big Rock Brewery’s Traditional Ale). Dinner costs 40–60 CAD per person.
Evening: Relaxation
- Take a short walk along the North Saskatchewan River Valley (5 minutes from downtown) to enjoy the sunset. Return to your hotel to rest for the next day.
Day 2: History & Art Immersion – Dive Into Edmonton’s Cultural Roots
Theme: Museums, art, and heritage
Accommodation: Downtown Edmonton
Morning: Royal Alberta Museum
- Start your day at the Royal Alberta Museum (9810 103A Avenue), Alberta’s largest museum. Explore exhibits on Indigenous cultures (including traditional artifacts and stories of the Cree, Blackfoot, and Dene nations), natural history (dinosaurs and local wildlife), and immigration history. Don’t miss the “Wild Alberta” gallery, where you can see a life-sized moose and grizzly bear exhibit. Tickets cost $20 CAD per adult; allow 3–4 hours.
Lunch: Old Strathcona Market
- Take the LRT (Capital Line) to the Old Strathcona stop (15 minutes from downtown) and have lunch at Old Strathcona Market (8301 104 Street). This indoor market features over 100 vendors selling fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, baked goods, and international street food. Try a poutine (fries, cheese curds, gravy) from Poutine King or a Ukrainian perogy (dumpling) from Perogy Boyz. Lunch costs 15–20 CAD.
Afternoon: Art & Heritage
- 104 Avenue Art District: Walk along 104 Avenue (between 100 Street and 109 Street) to see colorful street murals and visit contemporary art galleries like the Edmonton Art Gallery (AGA) and Latitude 53. Many galleries offer free admission.
- Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village (Optional): If you have extra time, drive 30 minutes east of downtown to this open-air museum. It recreates Ukrainian settlements from the late 1800s, with costumed guides demonstrating traditional crafts (weaving, blacksmithing) and cooking. Open May–September; tickets cost $18 CAD.
Dinner: Italian Cuisine at Corso 32
- Make a reservation at Corso 32 (10320 82 Avenue), a upscale Italian restaurant in Old Strathcona. Try the homemade pasta (e.g., tagliatelle with mushroom cream sauce) or the wood-fired pizza. Pair your meal with a glass of Italian wine. Dinner costs 50–70 CAD per person.
Evening: Old Strathcona Nightlife
- Wander Whyte Avenue (82 Avenue) in Old Strathcona, known for its lively bars, live music venues, and boutique shops. Stop for a drink at The Black Dog Freehouse, a cozy pub with a wide selection of craft beers.
Day 3: Natural Wonders – Explore the North Saskatchewan River Valley
Theme: Outdoor adventure and nature
Accommodation: Downtown Edmonton
Morning: Muttart Conservatory
- Start at the Muttart Conservatory (9626 96A Street), a unique botanical garden with four glass pyramids. Each pyramid features a different ecosystem: tropical (bananas, orchids), temperate (maples, ferns), arid (cacti, succulents), and a seasonal exhibit (e.g., tulips in spring). Tickets cost $16 CAD per adult; allow 1.5–2 hours.
Late Morning: River Valley Hiking or Biking
- Rent a bike from River Valley Adventure Co. (9930 98 Avenue) or lace up your hiking boots to explore the North Saskatchewan River Valley—North America’s longest contiguous urban park (22 times larger than New York’s Central Park). Choose a trail:
- Emily Murphy Park Trail: A 2 km easy trail with stunning river views and picnic spots.
- Fort Edmonton Footbridge Trail: A 3 km trail that crosses the iconic Fort Edmonton Footbridge (great for photos).
Lunch: Food Truck Delights
- Grab lunch from a food truck near Emily Murphy Park. Bully Food Truck is a local favorite—try their smoked meat sandwich (slow-cooked beef with mustard on rye bread) or pulled pork wrap. Lunch costs 12–15 CAD.
Afternoon: More River Valley Exploration
- Visit Emily Murphy Park (named after Canada’s first female judge) to relax by the river or have a picnic. If you’re traveling with kids, stop at Kinsmen Park (14300 111 Avenue), which has a playground, mini-golf, and paddle boat rentals ($20 CAD/hour).
Dinner: Farm-to-Table Dining at The Butternut Tree
- Dine at The Butternut Tree (10359 82 Avenue), a James Beard-nominated restaurant that focuses on local, seasonal ingredients. Try the Alberta lamb chops or the wild salmon, paired with a side of roasted root vegetables. Dinner costs 60–80 CAD per person.
Evening: Stargazing (Summer Only)
- If you’re visiting in summer, drive 20 minutes to Elk Island National Park (a dark-sky preserve) for stargazing. Bring a blanket and snacks—you can see the Milky Way on clear nights.
Day 4: Western History – Fort Edmonton Park & Steam Train
Theme: Old-West heritage and vintage charm
Accommodation: Downtown Edmonton
Morning: Fort Edmonton Park
- Spend the morning at Fort Edmonton Park (7000 143 Street), Canada’s largest living history museum. The park recreates Edmonton’s history from the 1840s to the 1920s, with four distinct “eras”:
- 1846 Fort: A fur-trading post with actors in period clothing demonstrating canoeing and blacksmithing.
- 1885 Street: A frontier town with a saloon, general store, and schoolhouse.
- 1905 Street: A bustling early-20th century street with a bakery, pharmacy, and horse-drawn carriages.
- 1920 Street: Features a movie theater, garage, and jazz club.
- Tickets cost $25 CAD per adult; allow 4–5 hours to explore.
Lunch: Selkirk Grill at Fort Edmonton Park
- Eat at the Selkirk Grill inside the park, which serves Western-inspired dishes. Try the bison burger (made with local Alberta bison) or the chicken pot pie. Lunch costs 15–20 CAD.
Afternoon: Steam Train Cruise
- Take the Fort Edmonton Park Steam Train (included with park admission) for a 45-minute ride along the North Saskatchewan River. The vintage train (built in 1919) offers scenic views of the river valley—perfect for photos. Note: The train only runs from May to September; book a time slot online in advance.
Dinner: Alberta Specialties at RGE RD
- Head to RGE RD (10644 96 Street), a farm-to-table restaurant that celebrates Alberta’s agriculture. Try the beef short ribs (slow-cooked for 12 hours) or the roasted chicken, paired with a local wine (e.g., Pinot Noir from Alberta’s Okanagan Valley). Dinner costs 50–70 CAD per person.
Evening: Relax at a Local Pub
- Unwind at The Pint Public House (10011 101 Street) downtown. Enjoy a pint of Alberta’s famous Labatt Blue beer and listen to live acoustic music (weekends).
Day 5: Shopping & Entertainment – West Edmonton Mall
Theme: Retail therapy and family fun
Accommodation: West Edmonton (recommended: Fantasyland Hotel, located inside West Edmonton Mall; or Courtyard by Marriott Edmonton West)
All Day: West Edmonton Mall – The World’s Second-Largest Mall
- Spend the day at West Edmonton Mall (8882 170 Street), a shopping and entertainment complex with over 800 stores, 100 restaurants, and 24 attractions. Don’t miss these highlights:
- Galaxyland: An indoor amusement park with 24 rides, including the Mindbender (a triple-loop roller coaster) and the Space Shot (a 120-foot drop tower). Tickets cost $40 CAD for an all-day pass.
- World Waterpark: North America’s largest indoor waterpark, with slides like the Twister (a 17-story drop) and the Lazy River. Bring a swimsuit—lockers cost 5CAD.Daypassescost45 CAD.
- Sea Life Caverns: An aquarium with sharks, sea turtles, and a touch tank. Tickets cost $25 CAD.
- Shopping: Shop for Canadian souvenirs (maple syrup, Hudson’s Bay Company blankets) at stores like Canadian Tire or The Bay. For luxury brands, visit Holt Renfrew.
Lunch: Czech Cuisine at Bistro Praha
- Eat at Bistro Praha (inside West Edmonton Mall), which serves authentic Czech dishes. Try the goulash (beef stew with dumplings) or the schnitzel (breaded pork cutlet). Lunch costs 15–25 CAD.
Dinner: Mediterranean Small Plates at Uccellino
- Dine at Uccellino (10359 82 Avenue, a short drive from the mall), which offers Mediterranean-inspired small plates. Share the charcuterie board, grilled octopus, and truffle fries. Pair with a glass of Spanish sangria. Dinner costs 40–60 CAD per person.
Evening: Mall Nightlife (Optional)
- If you’re traveling with adults, visit Casino Edmonton (inside West Edmonton Mall) for slot machines, blackjack, or poker. For families, watch a movie at the mall’s Cineplex Odeon theater.
Day 6: Science & Night Views – Fun for All Ages
Theme: Education and city skyline
Accommodation: Downtown Edmonton
Morning: Telus World of Science
- Start at Telus World of Science (11211 142 Street), an interactive science museum perfect for families and curious travelers. Explore exhibits like:
- Space Place: Learn about astronomy with a planetarium show (tickets cost $12 CAD extra).
- Body Works: Discover how the human body functions with hands-on displays.
- Energy Gallery: Learn about Alberta’s oil and gas industry and renewable energy.
- Tickets cost $22 CAD per adult; allow 3–4 hours.
Lunch: Cajun Chicken at Da-De-O
- Take the LRT to Whyte Avenue (Old Strathcona) and have lunch at Da-De-O (8231 104 Street), a casual spot known for Cajun and Creole food. Try the Cajun fried chicken (spicy and crispy) or the jambalaya (rice with sausage, chicken, and shrimp). Lunch costs 15–20 CAD.
Afternoon: River Valley Suspension Bridge (Optional)
- For adventure seekers, drive 20 minutes to Edmonton River Valley Suspension Bridge (near Whitemud Park). The 60-meter bridge hangs 30 meters above the river, offering panoramic views of the valley. Hike the 1 km trail to the bridge—wear sturdy shoes.
Evening: Victoria Park & Legislative Building
- Head to Victoria Park (97 Avenue and 100 Street) for a leisurely walk. The park overlooks the North Saskatchewan River and offers views of the Alberta Legislative Building (the provincial government building). At dusk, the Legislative Building is lit up with colorful lights—take photos of the iconic dome.
Dinner: Award-Winning Spanish Paella at Sabor Restaurant
- Make a reservation at Sabor Restaurant (10323 104 Street), a Spanish restaurant known for its paella. Try the seafood paella (with shrimp, mussels, and clams) or the chicken and chorizo paella. Pair with a glass of Spanish Rioja wine. Dinner costs 50–70 CAD per person.
Night: Downtown Skyline Views
- End the day with a drink at The View Restaurant & Lounge (located on the 30th floor of the Delta Hotels by Marriott downtown). Enjoy panoramic views of Edmonton’s skyline while sipping a cocktail (e.g., a Canadian Caesar, made with Clamato juice and vodka).
Day 7: Souvenir Shopping & Departure
Theme: Last-minute gifts and travel prep
Accommodation: N/A (check-out day)
Morning: Edmonton Farmers’ Market
- Visit the Edmonton Farmers’ Market (10310 82 Avenue, Old Strathcona) to buy souvenirs. Open Saturdays (8 AM–3 PM) and Sundays (10 AM–3 PM), the market sells:
- Canadian maple syrup (try the dark amber variety for a rich flavor).
- Handmade Indigenous crafts (dreamcatchers, moccasins).
- Artisanal chocolates and honey.
- Allow 1–2 hours to browse—arrive early to avoid crowds.
Late Morning: Check-Out and Departure
- Return to your hotel to check out and pick up your luggage. Take a taxi, Uber, or the 747 airport bus to YEG. Aim to arrive at the airport 2–3 hours before your flight (international flights require extra time for security and customs).
Final Tip:
If you have a long layover, explore YEG’s amenities—including duty-free shops (buy Canadian whiskey or maple candy), local food stalls (try poutine at Smoke’s Poutinerie), and the airport’s art exhibits (featuring Indigenous artists from Alberta).
Key Tips for a Successful Trip
- Book in Advance: Popular attractions (e.g., Fort Edmonton Park steam train, Sabor Restaurant) and hotels fill up quickly in summer. Reserve 2–3 months ahead.
- Attraction Pass: Save money with the Edmonton Attractions Pass, which includes entry to the Royal Alberta Museum, Telus World of Science, and Muttart Conservatory. Costs 50CADperadult(vs.58 CAD if bought separately).
- Safety:
- Summer: When hiking in the river valley, carry bear spray (available at outdoor stores like MEC) and make noise to avoid surprising bears.
- Winter: Wear ice cleats (for slippery sidewalks) and check weather forecasts—blizzards can delay travel.
- Etiquette: Canadians are polite—hold doors open for others, say “please” and “thank you,” and avoid talking loudly in public. Smoking is banned in all indoor spaces and most outdoor public areas.
Budget Reference (Per Person, CAD)
| Category | Economical (3-Star Hotels, Public Transit) | Comfortable (4–5-Star Hotels, Rental Car) |
| Accommodation | $700 (7 nights) | $1,200 (7 nights) |
| Dining | $350 (3 meals/day, casual spots) | $600 (3 meals/day, upscale restaurants) |
| Transportation | $150 (bus/LRT passes + airport transfer) | $300 (rental car + gas + airport transfer) |
| Attractions | $200 (entry fees, no extras) | $300 (entry fees + optional activities) |
| Total | $1,400 | $2,400 |
Conclusion
Edmonton offers a unique mix of nature, culture, and fun that appeals to all types of travelers. From exploring the historic Fort Edmonton Park to splashing in West Edmonton Mall’s waterpark, every day of this itinerary brings a new adventure. By following this guide—with its practical tips on transportation, dining, and safety—you’ll be able to make the most of your 7 days in Alberta’s capital. Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or with friends, Edmonton is sure to leave you with lasting memories of Canadian hospitality and beauty.
