The likelihood is, you haven’t actually heard of Edmonton? And therefore, have no idea where it is in Canada or what on earth you can do there? I was in the exact same position, until I was lucky enough to go on a trip with Edmonton & Jasper Tourism earlier this month to suss the whole thing out and create a guide to Edmonton for you.

I soon gathered from speaking with the locals that Edmonton is the no-need-to-brag-but-has-everything-to-offer Canadian city, falling quickly behind the likes of Vancouver, Toronto, Whistler and Jasper when it comes to tourists.

Edmonton is still undergoing a lot of construction and is very much up and coming, so if what it has to offer now is only a taster of what is to come…

Edmonton is definitely the one to watch.

Edmonton’s gorgeous downtown landscapes, trendy neighbourhoods, humungous shopping mall and close proximity to Jasper National Park are merely a few of the highlights I discovered about Canada’s hidden gem.

It’s time for Edmonton to shine & it has every right to do so.

Here’s my guide to Edmonton, Canada…

How do you get to Edmonton?

From abroad, fly! Earlier this year KLM launched a brand new air route from Amsterdam DIRECT to Edmonton, which now opens Edmonton up to a whole new European audience. For a cheaper flight from London, fly to Calgary direct and then transfer to a flight to Edmonton.

For cheap flight tickets, check out skyscanner.net.

When should you visit Edmonton?

I visited Edmonton 29th Sept – 5th October and couldn’t have wished for more gorgeous weather (for this time of year). Blue skies, 20 degree temp and just the odd downpour.

This time is considered to be fall (autumn) in Edmonton. Temperatures have already begun to descend and leaves are desperately clinging to the trees. We were lucky enough that the leaves found their inner strength to hold on for our arrival and so we got to see Edmonton in a blanket of mesmerising oranges and yellows.

Autumn is beautiful here!

Edmonton has similar seasons to us lot here in the UK, but with slightly more contrasting temperatures.

In the winter months (Nov – March), Edmonton see’s average temperatures of -8 to -20deg. Pretty cold, but apparently it’s a dry kinda cold, disguising the extent of the chill slightly.

In the summer months (May – Sept) temperatures average between +17 and +25 deg.

Where to stay in Edmonton…

We stayed in the Metterra Boutique hotel, which was fantastic!

For more hotels, check out booking.com.
Alternatively, use this link for £25 off your first AirBnb stay!

Things to do in Edmonton…

Discover the North Saskatchewan River Valley in Downtown Edmonton by Segway (Segway River Valley Tours)
Learn about the history of Edmonton at Canada’s largest living history museum – Fort Edmonton.
Walk through the gorgeous Whyte Avenue.
Visit North America’s largest shopping mall – West Edmonton Mall, a holiday destination within itself.

In the mall lies pretty much everything. One of the world’s largest indoor waterparks, a life size ship, aquarium, theme park, haunted house, a full sized ice rink, cinema, a number of food courts and over 800 shops. Oh and a super cool themed hotel – Fantasyland Hotel (which has now been added to my bucket list!!)

Visit the public art displays. Edmonton, too, has a real urban creative flair. I visited the Talus Dome installation which was pretty cool.
Rent a car and drive just under an hour outside of Edmonton to Elk Island National Park.
Book onto a tour of Elk Island National Park and witness the organisation that played a crucial part in reviving the Bison from being extremely close to extinction.
Catch the incredible sunset over Lake Astotin
Head to the Dark Sky Reserve, to see the most gorgeous blanket of stars, and if you’re lucky, the Northern Lights!

Where should you eat in Edmonton?

One evening, we ate and drank our way through Edmonton’s quirky, trendy neighbourhood of Old Strathcona, which at this time of year is filled with Pumpkin Pie goodness.

I recommend:

El Courtez Mexican Kitchen
&27
MEAT

There are also lots of restaurants alone Whyte Avenue!

Beyond Edmonton…

If your schedule isn’t already full of fun things to do from this Edmonton guide, you can also drive 4 hours west of the city to reach the world famous Canadian Rockies. Adding a completely contrasting dynamic to your trip, Jasper’s beauty will capture you even further. With some of the most beautiful drives in the WORLD, Jasper is the perfect add on to your Edmonton trip.

Check out my guide to Jasper here.