//
Neighbourhood in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Photo: WinterforceMedia WinterE229, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Central Edmonton is most densely urbanized and oldest area of Edmonton. The heart of Central Edmonton is the "Downtown Core": which is what locals call the central business district plus the areas immediately adjacent like the Government Centre and the Warehouse District. Surrounding this are several distinct neighbourhoods with their own personalities.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Beautiful to visit any time of the year at any time of the day. In December the grounds are lit with thousands of lights and there is a skating pond one can use. In the summer you can wade in the pools and play in the fountains north of the building. There are free hourly public tours of the interior that last about an hour. There are security staff walking around and it is quite safe even later in the evening.
AGA
Housed in a bold postmodern building, the Art Gallery of Alberta explores all forms of art. Exhibitions change regularly and there is a particular emphasis on Canadian, Albertan and Indigenous artists. Though you can't touch most of the art works, there is always an exhibit room dedicated to hands-on activities, and family fun events happen regularly. Inside is a good restaurant and a quality gift shop. Free admission Th from 5PM-8PM.
the first of its kind in Canada - is a handful of interesting galleries from local and international artists'. It's something neat to have a look at and you could even buy a few pieces. For parking, consider 123 Street just north of Jasper Ave.
The archives detail in historic photographs, events, statues, clippings of Edmonton in this unique museum.
The High Level Bridge Streetcar offers a magnificent view of the North Saskatchewan River from the High Level Bridge.
Chinese and Vietnamese establishments extend along 97 St NW north of 105 Ave NW. Just south of 107A Ave NW is a Chinese arch spanning 97St NW.
Gate of Happy Arrival
This attractive Chinese Gate marked the entrance to an older, southern section of Chinatown, that extends east to Jasper Avenue. (The gate was dismantled in November 2017 to facilitate construction construction of a light rail line to open in 2020.) This section of Chinatown has a few Chinese institutional buildings with Chinese ornamentation, but hardly any eateries.
formerly the Odyssium
Temporarily closed due to flooding. Edmonton's largest science museum with an architectural design that is out of this world, with lots of science exhibits, a planetarium, and an IMAX theater. They also have some delicious pizza.
Having just moved to a new home in 2018, Alberta's provincial museum makes human and natural history come alive. Exhibits range from palaeontology and geology to Indigenous histories and the modern Oilers dynasty. The Bug gallery and Children's gallery are particular favourites for kids.
The magnificent skyline view. It fantastically combines the clean cut park, old houses, and the amazing skyline. It has a very complete view as you can see all parts of the skyline. You will be in awe. Especially with the Muttart Conservatory four pyramids popping out too. The trees around it give a nice frame to the ultimate skyline that centres the Central Business District and accents the residential high rises. Beautiful mix. Edmonton/Southeast.
A cool way to view downtown Edmonton. It shows mostly brutalist/Early modern towers and contrasts with the river.
Probably the most awkward area to get into. You'd need to get in from downtown and go from 97 Avenue onto the James MacDonald Bridge. From there you'd need to take southbound on Scona Rd. NW until your first chance at getting off (it's not an overpass or anything) which would bring you to 99 A St. NW. From there, find a place to park your vehicle (unless you're walking) and walk around in this little residential village. You'd need to go west or northwest to the riverbank and then there's prime viewing. You'll see the panorama of skyscrapers at your feet. Definitely beautiful. Edmonton/South Central
On Saskatchewan Drive is this brief break from trees into a nice view of Edmonton's skyline. This side shows some density, as well as industrialization through the power plant near downtown but still the beauty of the trees in the parks.
A more office tower view of downtown, where you see the least amount of residential and density. Despite that, it gives a really clean shot. Basically go to Forest Heights Park. In Edmonton/Southeast.
It has no particular place to look. Just watch out for views of the river because then you'll find the breathtaking skyline. Do be careful though, it's right at the edge of the valley there's no railings so it's a big drop if you fall. Edmonton/West End.
A very interesting angle. It shows grit, modern pleasing buildings, crowdedness, intensity, and multiculturalism. Definitely a neat angle.
Literally meaning a view from the river. The best would be to take Edmonton Queen and from the east, look west. It would be similar to Forest Heights view.
A classic view of Edmonton. Its centrepiece is the Gibson Block, basically Edmonton's Flatiron, and behind is the modern office towers of the downtown. It's a contrast and great for historians and people who love the design of modern planning.
It is basically the NW view from High Level Bridge. It shows of great density yet has the nice touch of the river valley. Also, the High Level Bridge Streetcar, a seasonal tram service, offers a magnificent view of the North Saskatchewan River from the top deck of the High Level Bridge.
Go to the Robbins Health Centre and look out on the main southface windows. It gives a neat look on downtown and is unspoiled. You shouldn't have a problem going to the building as it is a public institution.
Churchill Square
Large city square surrounded by modern buildings including Edmonton's distinctive city hall.
Scattered across the Central district's southern side. These places are good places to walk, relax, enjoy, or go to festivals.
The garden contains a Chinese pagoda and other decorative structures.
This park in the valley is probably one of the most interesting because it has good connections to downtown and it has a view of downtown plus it is on the river and is home to some great public art.
View of the river from the north rim of the valley
It's on the corner of 105th Street and Jasper Avenue (neighbouring Sobey's) and is well paved with some neat local art and tree scenery. Nice for a quiet relaxing break after shopping your butt off in downtown or having an outdoor meal!
This park is just south of MacEwan University and stretches from 104 Avenue NW to Jasper Avenue, making for a nice stroll.
Public: 6027 yards, par 71. This is another city-owned public course. It's in the river valley a couple of minutes from downtown, and has a large driving range on site. The setting is very attractive, although the course is less treed than Riverside with a more-open feel, particularly on the back nine. As with Riverside, tee times are booked by phone starting 6PM sharp two or three days ahead of the date of the reservation (call the automated system at 780-496-4900 to book).
Attached to Rogers Place, has what you'd expect from a casino plus some good restaurants.
This funicular, walkway, and elevator take you from the Hotel Macdonald down to the river valley, with viewpoints in between with great river views.
Hockey reigns supreme in Alberta, even when "the Oil"'s not playing well (or being mismanage, depending on who you ask), the city still can't resist watching the game. The shiny new Rogers Place was opened in 2016--a marvelous facility for fans and players. As most fans will point out, the Oilers have won five Stanley Cups, with hockey legend Wayne Gretzky as the centerpiece of the team for the first four. However since the most recent title was in 1990, the faithful fans are hungry for another cup after years of suffering. Hope in the form of young superstar Connor McDavid has returned.
The local West Coast League team plays during summer at Re/Max field.
the Eskimos until 2020
(Ticket Office). The local Canadian Football League (CFL) team plays at Commonwealth Stadium. They have won numerous championships and were once the best in the league.
The place has some of the broadest ranged, most unique plays in Canada. One can choose from Family, Seasonal, or "rice theatre". The Rice gives intimate plays guaranteed to provoke a response. Family plays are great for if you have little ones with you as they are both entertaining for adults, and G rated. Seasonal ones are mainstream and have Christmas, Valentine, Easter, Summer, and Fall themes, among others. Some of them are repeats of previous years, others are different. Each is sure to please a different demographic.
Francis Winspear Centre for Music
Is a major performing arts centre that focuses mostly on music. Definitely a nice place to see unique musical acts.
Despite the fact that this offbeat place not very well known, it is still a great local theatre with a community sense and a variety of really unique plays.
formerly City Centre Empire Theatres
A nice quiet movie experience with all the amenities of the big theatres.
Formerly known as Klondike Days and now renamed, this is Edmonton's main exhibition event, complete with a parade on the first day and fair at Northlands Park. Other exhibition events such as Global Connections, showcasing wares and foods of other countries, and Ed Fest, the 10-day rock festivals with up to 3 bands per night. The place is great for celebrity spotting who might be playing their music that night. It has games, roller coasters, Ferris wheels, waterslides, and other Carnaval Festival stuff.
Showcases decoration and trees of different styles that are unique enough to take the idea and use it at home. It is a kick off for winter.
Every year the turnout gets bigger. Full of fireworks and fun hot chocolate. It takes place on New Year's Eve.
This August parade features many wonderful Caribbean costumes and tunes. Participants eventually end up in Churchill Square, where all can enjoy Caribbean food and item vendors. This tradition comes primarily from the Caribbean nations of Trinidad and Tobago. They close down Jasper Avenue from vehicles, but for an event like this, it's okay, as it is that good.
Celebrate Edmonton's LGBT community with Edmonton Pride, complete with parade and festival at Churchill Square. It includes colourful designs, costumes, dances, and songs.
Canada's best street performers converge on Edmonton to show off their skill. It takes place over a time-period of 10 days and is fun packed with clowns, jugglers, mimes, magician's and more. Great for kids, adults, toddlers, seniors, teens, babies, whatever.
This festival showcases samplings from around the world of lush folk music.
A collection of different anime designers and unique books all in one location. Some materials found only in Japan otherwise. Very unique and even for you non anime lovers, can be quite neat.
One of the best North American contemporary art fests, this cool fest is home to unique artworks, lectures, and more. It gets you into the heritage behind art.
A number of Edmonton eateries show off their wares. This event coincides with Capital Ex (formerly the Klondike Days). Each participating restaurants has a booth where it showcases two dishes that can be 'purchased' with tickets. These dishes are small portions and require a various number of tickets, which are purchased at nearby ticket booths. A popular sport is trying to determine which booths give the best value before you run out of either tickets or room in your tummy. If you really want more, check out the restaurant.
A much-loved ethnic grocery with gourmet Italian food for purchase. Dozens of varieties of preserved meats and European cheeses make up the deli counter, all at excellent prices. Elsewhere, there are canned meats and vegetables from Europe, many varieties of dry pasta and fresh European breads. The Italian sandwich, a fresh submarine available in regular and spicy hot, is a favourite take-out food.
This is the super-store of Asian groceries downtown. It has an extensive meat selection, including animals you may not know as well as novel pieces from familiar beasts. The vegetable and fruit selection includes many Asian varieties. Canned and other prepared foods round out the Asian specialties, and there are plenty of familiar Canadian brands on the shelves to suit Western tastes. Prices are very competitive, though items like some fruit and vegetables may be closer to their "best-by" dates than you would find at a Safeway. Prepared take-out meals have their own counter, so you can quickly put together a dinner on the run.
Whether it is iced or hot coffee, 3 Banana's has some yummy flavours. Aside from that they have well blended smoothies and offer regular drinks. For food, they have the best mini-pizzas around and some very good paninis. They also have muffins, cookies, and goodies. Nice for a lunch or snack.
A nice Italian twist to the cozy Canadian café.
Very good, cheap chicken stir-fry served with a smile by Amy, who will remember your name and your order the next time. Get there by 11:30AM to avoid lunch-hour line-up. There are other food kiosks nearby if you can't wait. Cash only.
The Free Press serves hot, grilled panini with fresh unprocessed ingredients, a modern twist on traditional panini. There are great pastas, salads and grilled items too, though the sandwiches steal the show.
Although aficionados argue about the best burger in town, this little restaurant has been appearing as one of the top two or three in city-wide reviews for years. It has a full liquor license and a good variety of inexpensive, high-quality burger meals. The prices are low and the staff friendly.
This spot is one of the city's best Vietnamese restaurants, with a menu somewhat distinct from the rest. It's family-run, and service is usually friendly and attentive. Everything is good, but be sure to try the crispy spring rolls, which are much thicker and tastier than the standard "freezer-pak" items usually served.
Thai food usually costs a premium in Edmonton, but this attractive room shows it can be brought to the table well within budget. Favourite Thai meat curries are available, as well as an extensive number of flavorful vegetarian dishes.
This has long been Edmonton's favourite Vietnamese restaurant. Decor has evolved upward to today's comfortable, contemporary interior. Food is served quickly by brisk staff, and ranges widely through noodle and rice bowls to à la carte meat, seafood and vegetable dishes. Crowd favourites include the spring roll appetizer and the spicy beef satay soup - good for combating winter's chill.
This restaurant is like a transplanted Mexican taqueria supplying fast, fresh Mexican food at the core of downtown. The interior is small and not luxurious, but you won't need to stay long: the food is served quickly and can be eaten just as quickly. While not overly spicy, the menu is more authentic than most of Edmonton's Mexican restaurants, with unusual cuts of meat and rarely-seen sauces in addition to conventional treats.
The Bistro is one of the longest-established restaurants in Edmonton. Its menu and ambiance have remained as they were when it opened in the mid-1970s, despite a building fire and move a few years ago. Downtowners fill this compact room enjoying crisp wiener schnitzel, roast goose, terrific steak tartare, and other eastern-European treats. The liquor markup is reasonable, beer selection features hard-to-find European brews, service is cool but professional, and the food is consistently excellent.
Blue Plate is a nice casual/formal eating establishment in a nice heritage building. The food here mostly comprises of burgers, chicken, steak, and a small section of TexMex. The place is very cozy and the place is full of interesting modern art.
Located across the street from St. Joseph's Basilica, Bua Thai serves up high-quality Thai food at competitive prices. Particularly good is their Beef with Basil, but nothing disappoints.
Coming here expect the same great food you'd find in a normal Earl's, but in a more elegant setting. The beef burger is one of the best in town, but the rest of the menu is equally trustworthy. A separate bar area keeps the sports fans and after-work socializers away from the diners.
Famoso is a successful local chain restaurant specializing in wood-fired ovens turning out thin-crust pizza. The interior is casual and contemporary, and the restaurants are family-friendly.
The place mostly caters to the adult crowd with many drinks available. It serves delicious burgers and fries.
A spacious room and central location attracts many downtowners for lunch. The weekday lunch buffet is an excellent deal in both price and quantity. Try the butter chicken and the naan bread.
Its All Greek offers some very authentic, yummy Greek cuisine. The pita bread is very fresh and moist-but not too moist. The food is very good and original.
A bar in the front hides the homey dining room, serving up Balkan style BBQ meat and specialties. Fresh and flavourful. Delivery available.
Family-operated restaurant with pricey but good Greek food and a pleasant atmosphere. Excellent mezethes selections, served in large portions, make the best dinner choice. Belly dancer Friday and Saturday evenings - five dollars is an acceptable tip if she stops at your table.
For more than sixty years, the Lingnan has been serving a loyal clientele near downtown. The lengthy menu centres on classic Chinese and Canadian dishes, very well-made and in generous portions. The interior is bit dated and dark to contemporary eyes, but it suits the familial staff and the restaurant's sense of tradition.
The original, lamentably closed, was the first Japanese restaurant in Alberta. The downtown location is a little noisy in the open centre area, but a tatami room can be requested if you want privacy and quiet. The food style is a mix of traditional Japanese and offerings of nouveau Japanese cuisine (Dragon Eyes, Mango Tango Roll, Sushi Pizza). Reservations are wise on key nights, or be prepared to wait. Note: there is a second Mikado in South Edmonton Commons.
Large portions of good pasta come served by excellent staff.
Courtyard Marriott Hotel
This hotel restaurant has a dining room and patio with a magnificent view of the river valley. The food is good and the serving staff are very attentive. The menu on the website has some differences from the printed menu shown at the table.
Fronting onto Jasper Avenue, this contemporary room houses one of the city's most respected Italian kitchens. A step up from Sorrentino's in food (and price), this establishment serves a full range of entree salads, pasta, and meat dishes. Servings are hearty and service quick and professional. It's busy and loud at lunch, but quieter in the evening.
Shogun is a comfortable restaurant, low-ceilinged and pleasantly lined with dark panelling. The sushi and teppan-style cooking are as good as anywhere in the city, but Shogun is generally less busy than the restaurants right downtown and can almost always accommodate you without reservations. The dishes are not innovative, but the quality is fine and prices are mid-range - overall, a good deal.
Italian cuisine in a stylish, modern downtown setting. This is the flagship Sorrentino's location in Edmonton and attracts city politicos and businessmen in equal quantity for lunch. The food is casual Italian, with an extensive selection of meat and fish dishes backstopping the expected salads and pastas.
Each Sorrentino's location has its own character and menu, and you may find the food here a little more old-country and little less expensive than the downtown location. The high-ceiling room is simple and warm, and service is friendly but professional.
Tony's is a family-friendly spot that makes authentic Florentine-style pizzas in wood-fired ovens. The crusts are large, thin, and crisp, the toppings fresh and flavorful but lightly applied, and there's no blanket of hot mozzarella on top. They're a refreshing change from the fatty, floppy North American style. And if you don't want pizza, there are lots of pastas and meat dishes too. Try the Italian Pretzel appetizer - big enough for 3 or 4 diners.
Urban Diner is a cute, little Canadiana food diner on High Street. It offers specialty soups, macaroni, sandwiches and more in a cozy atmosphere.
One floor beneath street level, this restaurant provides French-style fine dining in an intimate, quiet setting. The menu features crepes with fillings like seafood Americane, jambalaya, beef Stroganoff, and salmon. Other dishes include filet mignon, cedar baked salmon, and several vegetarian options. Prices are reasonable for a cozy, romantic dinner.
This is one of Edmonton's finest restaurants, with beautiful river-valley views from the window tables. Cuisine tends toward Canadian-Continental fusion, with an emphasis on local ingredients. The wine list is extensive, and the service exquisitely professional.
Edmonton's secret revolving restaurant atop the Lacombe Chateau. Dress up to fit in with the Continental cuisine and polished service.
Lux Steakhouse is a fine restaurant of high class inside Commerce Place. Staff are friendly and the beef dishes are among the city's best.
A long-term resident of this comfortable location, Normands is affordable fine dining close to downtown. The menu style is Canadian / Continental, with an emphasis on local ingredients and on a variety of exotic meats: bison, wild boar, elk, even kangaroo and ostrich. The wine list is intelligent and frequently updated, servers are professional, and the owner is frequently present to hear your comments on the meal.
(formerly La Spiga) Upscale Italian in a historic Edmonton residence. Outstanding food and service. Ideal for celebratory dinners or business lunches as well as just to enjoy good food. Private function space available. Reservations recommended.
This place is in the cutest little location on 104th and offers all kinds of wine.
Boasts a selection of craft brews with over 350 single malt scotches and premium offerings like Louis XIII Cognac. The store was the site of a whiskey kidnapping in 1999, as a bottle of rare malt was stolen and held for ransom.
Mike Thomas spins the records from the 1980s and 90s all night and gets busy very early due to the lack of these places in the city. Along with the fine music, the alcohol is served in a warm comfortable environment.
The flagship location of a local brew-pub and restaurant chain, this one has the on-premises brewery. The brewmaster is cautious but consistent in providing eight to ten high-quality beers, some permanently available and some seasonal. A lively bar area provides food, beer, and sports TV over most of the floor, but there are quieter tables at the north end better suited to conversation if desired. The menu is standard Canadian pub fare: burgers, salads with meat, small pizzas, and so on, well prepared and attractively served. The young waitresses provide friendly service of variable efficiency depending on the bar's busy-ness.
Another pub in the Irish style, Ceili's is the closest one to downtown. There is ample nearby parking for this compact, dark-panelled bar, unlike the Druid a few blocks away, and it's a popular spot for an Irish-inflected bar meal as well as for the usual tap beers and drink specials. Some evenings feature live music, and you may want to look for (or avoid) the unusual "jam-aoke" - would-be singers from the audience in front of a live band.
This Irish pub comes with a rustic Irish pub-style interior and a wide selection of different beers on tap. The Druid hosts live music on certain days of the week and dance music with DJs on weekends. It can be crowded with party-goers on Fridays and Saturdays, so it's a good idea to come early.
If you're looking for respite from the top 40, hip-hop or classic rock fare of most clubs in Edmonton, the music here tends toward the "darker" side, featuring plenty of industrial, goth, metal, electronica, punk, some more recognizable alternative rock, new wave and classic 80s offerings (we're talking Depeche Mode, The Smiths and The Cure as opposed to retro dance party fare here). This club caters mostly to the pierced, tattooed and black-clad crowd. The interior features an enormous dance floor with a raised stage, and a dancing cage. Drink prices are commensurate with prices in clubs around the city. There is a sit-down lounge with a separate DJ called Likwid Lounge upstairs for taking a breather from the dancing.
Suede is a neat upscale lounge in the heart of Oliver. The place expects you to dress up and it's really nice for socializing with some alcohol.
A small but hip lounge and bar which hosts DJ music on weekend nights.
Easy downtown access with some suites having great views.
The Coast offers fine suites with all excellent views and a neat restaurant that is friendly.
Near Bay Enterprise Square LRT Station and Red Arrow bus terminal. 15 minutes walk from either Alberta Legislature or Churchill Square. Complimentary buffet breakfast included.
This hotel is very nice and connected to City Centre Mall and is great for wanting to be downtown on a budget. Most suites have some very nice views and the staff is friendly!
Taken over the closed Riverview Inn and offers rooms with 4 and 6 dorm beds as well as private rooms with double or queen beds. Full common facilities. Pub, the Jekyll and Hyde in the lower level.
Known as Edmonton's most elegant grand old hotel, construction for this Chateau-like building began in 1911 and was completed in 1915. Located in the heart of downtown, the breathtaking view of the river valley, fine dining from the Harvest Room, and beautiful suites, makes it the inn-of-choice for the rich and famous. It is also an ideal venue for meetings and banquets. It has been named the best corporate hotel by National Post in Canada.
Right near the glamorous Alberta Legislature is Edmonton's only boutique hotel, Matrix Hotel. The Matrix is what was the Inn on 7th after a massive makeover in 2006-07. Today it is ultra modern with the best interiors for a hotel. This hotel is often called the W Hotel of Edmonton, Alberta.
Definitely world class with nice hotel rooms and great services. Many restaurants and lounges are nearby (with Rice Howard Way right there), not to mention Churchill Square which is full of festivals.
This lovely boutique hotel inhabits a small converted bank building in the centre of Edmonton's downtown. The interior is modern and business-friendly (Internet connections in nearly every room), while keeping an updated "heritage" theme in its comfortable rooms. Its restaurant, the Madison Grill, is one of the city's finer dining establishments, and if it doesn't suffice, you are only a couple of blocks away from any of the major downtown restaurants.
Very clean suites with good views and practically every room has internet connections.
The staff can be friendly and you can get good suites without notice (usually). They also accept pets. It is near good transit and road connections to get you Downtown, Old Strathcona, West Edmonton Mall, a friend, whatever!
Very easy to find with some amazing views from any direction.
A beautiful 1960s architecture defines the outside, whilst the inside is completely up to date with the latest luxuries. Good connections to 104th Street shopping area, Heritage Trail, the Legislature, other hotels, Jasper Avenue, and the LRT.
City Centre Mall
In the downtown core at 102nd Avenue and 101 Street. It was built as two malls (Eaton Centre and Edmonton Centre). The food court can be very busy on a weekday lunch. The multi-floor layout can be confusing to the first-time visitor.
This shop features high-quality arts and crafts made by mostly Albertan artisans. The shop has a large selection of handmade ceramics and jewellery. The shop is a great place to purchase unique locally made gifts and art. There is also a small gallery space in the building that features rotating exhibitions by the Alberta Craft Council.
Audreys
Edmonton's oldest independent full-service bookstore, offering an eclectic mix of books, a wonderful selection of greeting cards, calendars, children's toys and many carefully selected gift items. Audreys also offers Edmonton's premier special order service.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Edmonton · International · YEG
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Central and Canada.
Travel tipsDiscover how to use AI to find cheap flights. Learn prompt strategies, smart fare engines, open-jaw routings, and error-fare booking techniques.
6 min read
Nature & adventureThe National Parks of Canada, and some of the National Historic Sites of Canada, are managed by Parks Canada, an agency of the Government of Canada.
Wikivoyage
Travel tipsAlthough trains are not nearly as ubiquitous and convenient a mode of travel in Canada as in Europe or East Asia, they remain popular with some travelers because of the spacious design of the cars, the scenic routes,…
Wikivoyage
Nature & adventureMany books have been written about hiking in the Canadian Rockies, particularly in Alberta and eastern British Columbia (the "Rocky Mountains" don't actually extend that far).
Wikivoyage
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.