Edmonton Canada Hotel Guide

Edmonton is the capital city of the southwestern Canadian province of Alberta, located in the center of the province. The city sits on the North Saskatchewan River and boasts a metro population exceeding a million, so visitors can expect plenty to do and see. Edmonton International Airport (YEG), located south of the city center and served by 17 airlines, delivers many visitors and there are a variety of discount Edmonton hotels nearby for convenience. Via Rail also serves the city; once arrived, Edmonton Transit System (ETS) offers light rail and bus transportation and the city is easily accessible by automobile as well.

Downtown Edmonton is the place to begin your exploration of this historic locale, as it's the center of government as well as an arts district. Head to Churchill Square for events like the annual Street Performers Festival which brings jugglers, musicians, clowns and the like to town. Renowned Winspear Centre is found here, home to the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra and cultural performances and events such as the Edmonton International Jazz Festival. The Art Gallery of Alberta offers tours of 3 levels of artifacts, as does the beaux-arts style Alberta Legislative Building which also boasts 46 acres of manicured gardens, wading pools and a skating rink in the winter. For live stage performances, the Citadel Theatre is the city's premier venue.

Old Strathcona, across the river from downtown, is a vibrant, historic shopping and dining district; popular Whyte Avenue is located here. Also on this side of the river is one of the finest colleges in all of Canada, the University of Alberta. Visitors enjoy cultural performances at Horowitz Theatre and Timms Centre, a network of 28 museum collections across campus, and rooting for the Golden Bears and the Pandas, the school's athletic teams.

You have likely already heard about a little shopping destination known as the West Edmonton Mall. Join more than 30 million annual visitors to this mall, just west of downtown, to shop the finest stores, visit exciting theatres, and dine at trendy restaurants. The mall also boasts major attractions, including Galaxyland, the world's largest indoor amusement park, an indoor waterpark and Marine Life to explore life below the seas.

TELUS World of Science is always popular with kids. You can attend theatre programs, IMAX movies and explore exhibits with topics such as the environment, robotics and forensics. Fort Edmonton Park is another fun destination for the entire family, offering living history of the area.

Sports fans are in heaven, with Rexall Place hosting the NHL Edmonton Oilers and WHL Oil Kings hockey teams, the National Lacrosse League's Rush, along with big name concerts. Other major league sports teams include the Eskimos of the Canadian Football League and FC Edmonton of the NASL.

Northlands Park is the location of Rexall Place as well as major events such as summer's Capital EX, offering excellent concerts, casino gaming and family-friendly activities, and November's Canadian Finals Rodeo's roping and racing events plus big-name performers. Head to the Edmonton EXPO Centre at Northlands for Farmfair, an annual agriculture and livestock event.

Visiting in September? Edmonton International Film Festival attracts well-known actors and filmmakers and those on their way up. Many area venues are utilized to screen the multitude of intriguing films at this annual event. August in Edmonton means it's time for the International Fringe Festival, bragging over 1,000 bold and unique performances you can attend.

Banff National Park and Jasper National Park are both within driving distance, providing the outdoor recreational opportunities, mountains, clear running streams and lakes that western Canada is famous for.

As you can see, Edmonton has a lot to offer! We have gathered all the information on Edmonton attractions and events to help you plan. Why not consider this prosperous, multi-dimensional city for your next getaway?