Downtown Edmonton is home to many of the city's iconic landmarks and attractions. Visit the Alberta Legislature Building and the adjacent Legislative Grounds for a scenic walk with free tours available. Explore the shopping district along Whyte Avenue, with its boutique shops, galleries, and restaurants. End the day at the High Level Bridge for stunning views of the city skyline at sunset.
Learn about the history and culture of Edmonton at the Royal Alberta Museum, the largest museum in western Canada, with free admission on the first Thursday of every month. Take a stroll through the beautiful Muttart Conservatory, showcasing four biomes of living plants under glass. End the day with a visit to the Art Gallery of Alberta, showcasing contemporary and historical art from Alberta and around the world.
Get outdoors and explore the North Saskatchewan River Valley, the largest urban parkland in Canada. Start with a visit to the Edmonton Valley Zoo, home to over 350 animals and featuring a variety of exhibits. Walk or bike the trails in the river valley, with stunning views of the city and river. End the day with a picnic in the park and watch the sunset.
Visit North America's largest shopping and entertainment complex, the West Edmonton Mall, with over 800 stores, a water park, amusement park, mini-golf course, and more. Spend the day shopping and enjoying the attractions, or catch a movie at the IMAX theatre. End the day with a visit to the Mutual UFO Network at Bourbon Street for a unique experience.
Explore Edmonton's arts and culture district in Old Strathcona, located just south of the river. Visit the Old Strathcona Farmers' Market for local produce and artisanal products. Browse the galleries, boutiques and antique shops along 104th Street, which comes alive on Saturdays with live music and street performers. End the day with drinks and dinner at one of the many restaurants in the area.
Edmonton has a good public transportation system, with buses and light rail trains available. Purchase tickets at the station or through the mobile app. A Day Pass costs $9.75 CAD and can be used for unlimited travel. Taxis and ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft are also available.
If you have more time, consider adding a day trip to Elk Island National Park, just 35 minutes east of the city, for hiking, wildlife sightings, and stargazing. If you have less time, skip the West Edmonton Mall and spend more time exploring the River Valley or Old Strathcona district.
The main international airport in Edmonton is Edmonton International Airport (YEG), located 26 miles south of downtown Edmonton. It is served by several major airlines including Air Canada, WestJet, and Delta. The airport is accessible by bus, shuttle, taxi or rental car with travel time approximately 30 minutes.