Sanyukta SrivastavaThere’s so much to do and see in Edmonton’s urban core. With its vibrant nightlife, unmatched gastronomical scene, and top-notch attractions, you’re in for a real treat when you visit!
Here, in our Downtown Edmonton travel guide, we cover everything you need to know and share insider tips so you can plan ahead and make the most of your time in this part of the city!
- Time Zone
- Best Time to Go
- Things to Know
- How to Get Around
- Where to Stay in Downtown Edmonton
- Where to Eat in Downtown Edmonton
- What to Do in Downtown Edmonton
- Where to Shop in Downtown Edmonton
- Which Neighborhoods to Visit near Downtown Edmonton
- What to Expect from Downtown Weather
- Apps to Download for a Trip to Downtown
Time Zone
Mountain Daylight Time (GMT -6)
Best Time to Go
If you’re looking forward to dry and sunny weather to check out various attractions and recreation in Downtown Edmonton, we recommend visiting from mid-June to September. That’s when the chances of heavy rain ruining your plans are super low, so you might as well seize the opportunity.
And there’s more! During this time, Edmonton hosts an array of fairs and festivals. We’re talking about epic events such as the K-Days, Edmonton Fringe Festival, Taste of Edmonton, and more.
Things to Know
Currency: Canadian Dollar
(Check the current exchange rate)
Language: English
Calling Code: 780
How to Get Around
- Buses (ETS): If you’re looking to save some cash, ETS is your best option. The cheapest public transportation to travel from Downtown Edmonton to Edmonton Station is via bus line 201. Note that the direct bus traveling from Downtown to Edmonton Station departs from 100 Street and 102 Avenue and arrives at 124 Street and 118 Avenue.
- Taxis: Getting a taxi service is the fastest way to get around Downtown Edmonton. However, it’s also the most expensive because the basic fee is $4.10, and the cost per kilometer is $1.85.
- Car rentals: Want to explore Downtown at your own pace? Take advantage of services offered by trusted car rental companies like Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, and more.
- Rideshare: Uber and Lyft are all over the city. Ridesharing fares are usually cheaper than taxi rates.
Where to Stay in Downtown Edmonton
JW Marriott Edmonton ICE District
Address: 10344 102 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 0K9, Canada
Phone: 780-78-7950
Pricing: $$
JW Marriott Edmonton ICE District is just steps away from the city center, making it super-convenient for folks who are always on the go. It also has everything you’ll probably need in one place!
Guess what? It has an indoor swimming pool that’s open throughout the year and an infinity pool that features scenic views of Downtown. Plus, a spa where you can unwind after your exploration.
And there’s more! Foodies will also love staying here since they have not one but three restaurants right on site – Braven Restaurant, The Lobby Bar, and Kindred Food + Drink.
Fairmont Hotel Macdonald
Address:10065 100 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 0N6, Canada
Phone: 780-424-5181
Pricing: $$
If you want to catch a glimpse of Downtown’s historical and cultural background, then look no further than Fairmont Hotel Macdonald. This place has welcomed guests from all over the globe for—be ready for it—more than 100 years!
If you opt for a room with a balcony, you can take in the majestic view of the landscaped courtyard and the North Saskatchewan Valley!
It’s also not surprising that plenty of weddings, birthdays, and special events are shot in this iconic hotel just because its facilities are fabulously vintage and elegant. It’s like a perfect dreamy setting for unforgettable events.
Matrix Hotel
Address: 10640 100 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 3N8, Canada
Phone: 780-429-2861
Pricing: $
Matrix Hotel is a modern and family-friendly hotel that’s a great pick for travelers looking for an affordable place to crash in while exploring Downtown. Sure, it’s not as big as other hotels in the area, but believe us when we say that it’s totally worth its price.
The rooms here are designed to be minimalist and cozy. Plus, each room comes with an amazing soaking tub where you can peacefully relax after a long day of wandering around the city center.
Another perk we like about Matrix Hotel is its complimentary buffet breakfast. They’ve got tons of options too, so you can easily snag some gluten-free and dairy-free goodies.
Radisson Hotel & Convention Center Edmonton
Address: 4520 76 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6B 0A5, Canada
Phone: 780-468-5400
Pricing: $
This hotel is easy to get to, but it’s not directly along the main road, so you can escape all that annoying traffic noise. And it’s a nice play to catch up on your beauty sleep. You see, not only do the rooms have super comfy beds, but they also offer a great selection of pillows!
On the flip side, if you’re the type who just can’t resist getting some work done while on vacation, the business center can be your go-to spot. It has free Wi-Fi, and it’s open 24 hours a day, so it’s pretty convenient for workaholics (like us).
Wyndham Edmonton Hotel and Conference Center
Address: 4440 Gateway Blvd NW, Edmonton, AB T6H 5C2, Canada
Phone: 825-901-4946
Pricing: $
Wyndham Edmonton Hotel and Conference Center gives off rad retro vibes. It’s also a hotspot for people attending conferences or events in Downtown Edmonton.
After a day filled with meetings, it might be great to get your sweat on and have fun. You can play around the squash courts or unleash your inner athlete on the indoor running track.
We think fitness enthusiasts will also like their well-equipped gym. And there’s more! The saltwater pool, hot tub, and sauna are also a nice treat for those looking forward to a pampering and relaxing day.
Where to Eat in Downtown Edmonton
The Old Spaghetti Factory
Address: 10220 103 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 0Y8, Canada
Phone: 780-422-6088
Pricing: $$
Here, every entreé you order comes with an ‘all included’ feature. So, you basically get three dishes for the price of one.
For example, if you order one of their signature spaghetti dishes, you’ll also get to enjoy a serving of minestrone soup, fresh sourdough bread, and a heaping scoop of Spumoni ice cream! It’s now wonder this is a favorite spot for locals!
CRAFT Beer Market
Address: 10013 101A Ave, Edmonton, AB T5J 0C3, Canada
Phone: 780-424-2337
Pricing: $$$
Are you a big fan of craft beer? Come here, then! With 100+ brews and seasonal beers, you will have plenty of options when you drop by for a drink or two. Some of the best brews we’ve tried are community brews, dark ales, and hazy ales.
Nonetheless, if you just want to grab a pint and take some pics for the ‘gram, their cozy patio is worth checking out.
DOSC
Address: 10190 104 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 1A7, Canada
Phone: 780-540-0606
Pricing: $$$
DOSC is a restaurant like no other. It’s probably the place for gastronomical exploration when you’re here.
DOSC features different sections to cater to different customers throughout the day. It has a classy steakhouse, a trendy cocktail bar–and, wait for it– a cute cat cafe!
If you happen to drop by during dinner, the A5 Japanese Wagyu is a definite must-try! Halal-certified beef is also available here, so everyone can enjoy some nice steak.
Woodwork
Address: 10132 100 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 0N8, Canada
Phone: 780-757-4100
Pricing: $$
Woodwork is best known for its savory wood-fired cooking and a great collection of barrel-aged spirits. And if there’s one thing that made us regulars here, it’s definitely their hand-crafted cocktails. Also, it’s a nice spot for a fine-dining dinner.
Just note that tables here are only available through the online reservation on their website.
SODO Bar on Jasper
Address: 11011 Jasper Ave, Edmonton, AB T5K 0K7, Canada
Phone: 780-705-1101
Pricing: $$
The vibe, the cocktails, and the service – are the three things that keep locals coming back to SODO Bar in Jasper.
With its rustic brick interior refined with vintage decor and accents, you can easily feel the hip and cozy vibe of this place. They also have a nice little patio where you can enjoy your drink and bask in the view of the Downtown bustle.
Remember that reservations here are limited because most tables are saved for walk-ins.
What to Do in Downtown Edmonton
Visit the Royal Alberta Museum
Address: 9810 103a Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 0G2, Canada
Phone: 825-468-6000
The city features tons of museums, but the Royal Alberta Museum is arguably one of the most famous, especially in Downtown Edmonton. We think exploring this place is a fun and chill way to learn more about Edmonton’s heritage and culture.
Inside, you can find a lot of intriguing galleries, such as the National History Hall, Human History Hall, and Bug Gallery. Besides that, they also have a Children’s Gallery where kiddos can play with the interactive displays, materials, and tools!
Check out the Alberta Legislature Building
Address: 10800 97 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5K 2B6, Canada
Phone: 780-427-7362
If you’re in Edmonton’s Downtown core, you shouldn’t miss out on the free attractions and tours offered at the Alberta Legislature Building or “The Ledge,” as we locals call it.
The free guided tour is all about the city’s history, architecture, and of course, the provincial government.
Meanwhile, if you do some further exploration, you can find various Instagrammable spots on The Ledge’s grounds. The beautifully landscaped areas and manicured gardens are also good spots for picnics.
Explore Muttart Conservatory
Address: 9626 96a St NW, Edmonton, AB T6C 4L8, Canada
Phone: 780-496-8755
You have to add Muttart Conservatory to your must-visit list if you’re into flowers and all things green. This botanical paradise includes four amazing pyramids and three climate-controlled biomes with–guess what–over 700 plant species!
Our favorite spot here is the Feature pyramid, and true to its name, it features five floral themes. Apart from that, they switch it up to different seasonal displays every year too, so it’s always a treat to see something different whenever we visit.
Tour the Fort Edmonton Park
Address: 7000 143 St NW, Edmonton, AB T6H 4P3, Canada
Phone: 780-496-7381
Include Fort Edmonton Park in your itinerary if you’re up for a busy and fun day packed with adventure and discovery.
Get ready to step back in time through the interactive visual tour and the lineup of artworks that focuses on the origin of the First Nations and Métis People in the city.
Here’s a helpful tip for you: If you don’t want to walk the entire tour, you can also take the horse-drawn wagon when exploring the Ottewell Farm and 1885 Street.
Take a stroll at Neon Sign Museum
Address: 104 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 0K7, Canada
Phone: 780-496-5281
Want to see something unique? How about an outdoor museum? The Neon Sign Museum is certainly one of a kind because the main attraction here are the 20 vintage neon signs installed along 104 Street and 104 Avenue.
As you can see, there’s no actual gallery or museum because all the restored neon signs are set up outside the TELUS building and Mercer Warehouse. Nonetheless, the lineup of colorful neon signs has been a famous photo-op spot for people visiting Downtown, especially at night.
Watch live performances at Francis Winspear Centre
Address: 4 Sir Winston Churchill Square Northwest & Corner of 99 Street &, 102 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 4X8, Canada
Phone: 780-428-1414
Francis Winspear Centre is a world-class facility that hosts live concerts and performances.
We had the opportunity to attend one of the shows of the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra (ESO), and it was truly an experience like no other. With the venue’s great structure, there’s no bad seat in the theater!
Some of the new shows you can look forward to are the Symphony at Snow Valley, ESO Outdoors, and Nosferatu.
Have a picnic at Elk Island National Park
Address: 54401 Range Rd 203, Fort Saskatchewan, AB T8L 0V3, Canada
Phone: 780-922-5790
Want a timeout from the noise and hustle of Downtown Edmonton? Having a simple and quiet picnic at Elk Island National Park might be best for you.
Here you can enjoy a little outing in nature because the sanctuary park boasts various meadows, trails, and lakes. Besides that, it’s also a great spot for wildlife viewing.
Go to Highway 16 if you wish to see a herd of wood bison! Just make sure to keep your distance because they’re not that friendly.
Where to Shop in Downtown Edmonton
West Edmonton Mall
Address: 8882 170 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5T 4J2, Canada
Phone: 780-444-5321
West Edmonton Mall is certainly a shopaholic’s dream destination. This massive shopping complex is packed with over 800 shops and boutiques, so you can literally shop ’til you drop!
If you think you need a day or two to explore this whole retail space, you might as well enjoy a luxurious staycation at one of the two hotels on site.
It might cost you a bit more, but isn’t it nice to pamper yourself and unwind after a day of retail therapy? Treat yourself this time and make the most of your shopping extravaganza at your own pace!
Edmonton City Centre
Address: 10025 102A Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 2Z2, Canada
Phone: 780-426-8444
When you’re in Downtown Edmonton and you want to do some shopping, Edmonton City Centre is a go-to spot you shouldn’t miss. It’s easily accessible via car, bus, and LRT, so there’s no hassle getting there.
It has a good selection of stores, although it’s not as big as other malls in Edmonton.
There is a food court and a movie theater on the top floor as well! So if you feel a little hungry or need a little break after shopping, just go to the top floor.
Shop Chop
Address: 10265 107 St NW #102, Edmonton, AB T5J 5G2, Canada
Phone: 780-429-9629
Shop Chop is hands down one of the cutest retail stores in Downtown. It’s funny how it’s aptly named Shop Chop because you can literally do some shopping and get your hair ‘chopped’ right after! You see, it’s also a hair salon!
This place is an excellent place to visit if you’re stumped on what gifts to give your loved ones. It may look tiny at first, but it features a wide array of unique and cool items, such as plants, home goods, jewelry, handmade crafts, and also self-care stuff.
It’s also a delight to chat with the staff because they are always so kind and helpful. They really got our backs when we asked for some out-of-the-box gift suggestions!
Unity Square Centre
Address: 11808 104 Ave NW #11410, Edmonton, AB T5K 2T7, Canada
Phone: 780-944-4545
We always have a fun and chill time when we shop at the Unity Square Center. It’s like a one-stop shop for home decor, apparel, and other trinkets.
After shopping, the cafe and bar are also worth checking out. If you’re planning out with friends, the fruity beers they serve are a total must-try.
Just a heads up – if you’re new in the area, it’s best to know that this place is formerly known as Oliver Square, and locals tend to refer to it as that. Don’t be confused!
Edmonton Downtown Farmers’ Market
Address: 10305 97 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 0L9, Canada
Phone: 780-756-3022
Edmonton Downtown Farmers’ Market is our go-to place if we want to save more and score great deals when grocery shopping.
It’s open throughout the year too, so you can easily access fresh food and horticultural products. Another thing we like is that all items here are directly supplied by local farmers and makers.
It’s also fun to explore this farmers’ market because it’s a rendezvous point for local buskers, artists, and from time to time – pop-up shows!
Which Neighborhoods to Visit near Downtown Edmonton
Strathcona
Downtown may be Edmonton’s urban center, but Strathcona is the city’s historical core, so you shouldn’t miss this part of the city. It’s where the fun is at, and Strathcona hosts a lot of events and festivals year-round!
There are numerous eclectic and fancy shops to explore on Whyte Avenue too! Plus, the nightlife scene here is unmatched, so we think this is the best place for bar hopping.
Oliver
Oliver is where Unity Square Center is, so it’s obvious that this neighborhood is easily accessible from Downtown.
Another thing that makes Oliver worth visiting is its proximity to North Saskatchewan River Valley’s trails. You’ll surely have plenty of options when it comes to outdoor attractions and recreation if you decide to visit!
Central McDougall
The community of Central McDougall is designed to be walkable, so you can leisurely stroll around even without a car.
It’s also a nice starting point if you wish to check out the popular academic institutions in the city. Guess what? It’s within walking distance from MacEwan University, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, and Norquest College.
McKernan
Want to explore an old and historic neighborhood? Make sure you visit McKernan!
It’s a small and quaint neighborhood, but don’t let these characteristics take away its shine. You see, McKernan offers quick access to fun and popular attractions in the city, such as Hawrelak Park and Kinsmen Park!
Garneau
Garneau is also one of the most accessible neighborhoods in the area. It showcases a hub of amenities and facilities, so it’s one of our top favorite neighborhoods to visit!
The most distinct feature of this lovely neighborhood is Garneau Theatre. It’s our go-to spot if we want to binge-watch some indie films and cult classics.
What to Expect from Downtown Weather
- Spring: Early spring is around March to May and can still be pretty chilly, but as the season progresses, temperatures will gradually rise.
- Summer: Downtown Edmonton experiences warm and pleasant summers from June to August, so it’s the best time to explore attractions and check out outdoor activities in the area. Just don’t forget to put on some sunscreen because heat waves can climb up to 30°C to 35°C.
- Fall: From September to October, there’s usually an increase in precipitation, so better have your umbrella on your bag when getting out because rain showers become more frequent. Nonetheless, it’s also the best time to appreciate Edmonton’s display of colorful foliage as they gradually fall.
- Winter: Just like any other part of Edmonton, Downtown experiences long, harsh winters with a significant amount of snowfall. It also lasts for a long time, typically from November to mid-March.
Apps to Download for a Trip to Downtown
Uber: Ridesharing, ridehailing, food delivery, etc.
ETS Live To Go: Real-time info about bus routes
Transit App: Live ETS schedule, step-by-step navigation
MyEPark Edmonton Parking: Account for parking payment
