New York City 5.25 hrs

Miami 6.5 hrs

Philadelphia 4.5 hrs

Boston 5.5 hrs

Los Angeles 3 hrs

Chicago 3.75 hrs

Dallas/Fort Worth 4 hrs

San Francisco 2.75 hrs

Downtown: Just north of the Saskatchewan River, downtown is the center of Edmonton's arts world. This is an area where you can snack on caviar in an opulent grand café, walk a few blocks and find yourself in a bohemian coffee house rapping with a local artist whose work is showing in a gallery down the street. Enjoy scenic walks by the river or discover in detail the elegant architecture in the area. This is a hive of intriguing nooks and crannies that are lots of fun to explore.

Historic District: Scenic drives around the outskirts of town pass by many points of interest, some centuries old. South of Edmonton is the township of Leduc, home of the first big oil strike in 1947, where a living history exhibit follows the events that brought Edmonton into the oil industry. Northwest of Edmonton is Stony Plain, a charming community that proudly displays a series of murals created by local artists. A living museum pays homage to the early homesteaders by reenacting daily life at the time of the first settlement.

Strathcona County: Much of the landscape of this area east of the city consists of miles of wild forest. Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area contains about 90 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding as well as plenty of opportunities to watch the wildlife. Winter's downpour of snow makes this the perfect area for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, as well as ice hockey on the abundant lakes. Elk Island National Park is home to herds of elk, bison, and moose - all of which are very friendly with curious onlookers. Also in the area, Festival Place holds celebrations all year, as wild as the surrounding landscape!

The city of Edmonton rests on both sides of the winding North Saskatchewan River. It is relatively flat with some sloping streets and is laid out in a grid system. The riverbanks are loaded with park areas. Downtown is cradled by a sharp curve in the Saskatchewan River and holds many of the older buildings in the city.

Sunshine is plentiful in Edmonton. The city gets an average of 12 hours of sunshine a day, and blue skies are the norm. The summer months are warm and the days are long, up to 17 hours! Fall and spring are generally a bit cooler, but very pleasant. Winters are quite cold and snowy, and perfectly suited for snow sports. Many nights out of the year, the clear skies reveal nature's brilliant light show, the aurora borealis (Northern Lights).

Spring average 50°

Summer average 66° 

Fall average 48°

Winter average 22°

Edmonton, like most of Canada, has entertainment and recreation that spans the four seasons, so any time is a good time to visit. One of the most popular times is winter for skiing and other winter sports. The other most popular season is summer, when the idyllic climate turns the mountains and valleys into a sunny playground for hikers, mountain bikers, and bird-watchers. The spring and fall shoulder seasons have pleasant, mild weather and are the least crowded.

Skiing & Winter Sports: Edmonton's northern location and close proximity to the Rocky Mountains makes it an ideal destination city for those wishing to hit the slopes. A number of nearby ski resorts offer a vast array of winter activities, accommodations, and vacation packages suitable for all needs and skill levels. When it comes to winter, the Canadians know how to do it right!

Grand Scenery: Canada is an incredibly vast and sweeping country, and on the edge of the Rockies, Edmonton boasts some of the country's grandest scenery. Mountains soar to unreal heights, and dense forests stretch for miles. Rivers, streams, and lakes are scattered throughout the area, and all sorts of wild animals from bears and moose to birds and fish inhabit the great Canadian wilderness.

Grand History: As the main trading post of the 18th century, and the route to riches during the Yukon Gold Rush, Edmonton has many historical sites along the banks of the North Saskatchewan River.

Outdoor Pursuits: Apart from skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports like ice hockey and dog sledding, Edmonton is the perfect base for year round outdoor recreation. Hiking and biking through the forests is second to none. Mountain climbing, mountain biking, and river rafting are also popular seasonal activities.

The World's Biggest Mall: No visit would be complete without a trip to the largest mall in the world - West Edmonton Mall. Over 800 stores and services, this shopping and entertainment extravaganza will keep you busy for hours. In addition to shops, restaurants, and an indoor amusement park, the mall also has a hotel because one day just isn't enough! Beyond the mall, you'll find many great little shops and galleries downtown.

Outdoor Sports: Everything from skiing to hiking is available to you in the wilderness surrounding Edmonton. There are numerous ski resorts to the west in the Rockies, and more lakes than can be fished in a lifetime close by!

Fort Edmonton Park: For a sample of life when Edmonton was the main fur trading post, this living-history park takes you back to life in 1846. Learn how the furs were prepared for trading and watch as a blacksmith shapes wheels in his shop. There's also a saloon, and more. Explore the village on foot or by horse-drawn wagon and even stagecoach!

Old Strathcona Historic Area: These houses and shops from the 1890s have been restored with traditional styles. The result is a charming shopping district loaded with antiques, gift shops, and historic restaurants. To complete the Old World feel, visit the Old Strathcona Farmer's Market for farm-fresh vegetables and 19th-century crafts.

Multicultural Heritage Center & Oppertshauser Gallery: Costumed villagers depict 19th-century Canada through daily reenactments of the struggle to forge a settlement out of the wilderness. A settler's cabin, general store, and farm bring history to life.

City Hall: Built in the 1990s, Edmonton's City Hall combines architecture from the 1950s building it replaced along with eye-catching modern touches. It is capped with a glass pyramid and 23-bell carillon that chimes out 99 melodies. Inside, an extensive art collection by Alberta's finest adorns the walls.

Sir Winston Churchill Square: As the focus of the arts district, this 6-block area houses many of Edmonton's most important cultural institutions, everything from the Francis Winspear Center for Music to the City Hall. Look up at the buildings in detail as you walk around this architecturally marvelous area.

River Valley Parks: Many miles of parkland line the curves of the North Saskatchewan River, providing open spaces for year-round strolling, cross-county skiing, and picnicking.

Valley Zoo: Take in an afternoon of exotic, domestic and endangered animals at this "Best Affordable Family Attraction" according to an Edmonton Journal reader's poll. You'll encounter over 350 species, including endangered species rarely seen in the wild.

Northlands Park: You'll find everything from gambling to a rodeo at this one stop entertainment center. With 2,600 events hosted here every year, you can count on something special whenever you visit. If you can, visit during Klondike Days, especially for the rodeo.

Devonian Botanical Garden: Even in the middle of winter, you can find refuge in the warm tropical air of these gardens. Housing everything from Alpine to exotic plants, there is something to interest most lovers of vegetation. Nature trails and forests peak during summer and the Butterfly House holds over 30 species of colorful butterflies.

Over 2,000 restaurants spice up this city with their culinary delights, offering everything from breakfast bistros to elegant banquet halls. You'll have no problem finding almost any kind of fare, although the most common gourmet dishes revolve around the creative use of game such as duck and quail. With such a well-preserved history and culture, finding a restaurant that specializes in traditional Alberta cuisine is easy.

Gourmet

The Hardware Grill was once a repository of pipes and screws, but now it's a repository of creative chefs and top-notch meals. Small alcoves built into the open-floor brick building lend an ambiance of intimacy to the place. Innovation is the name of the game and with dishes such as applewood smoked salmon with truffled potato perogies, you're sure to be delighted. 9698 Jasper Avenue

New Asian Village: Stunning views and private maharaja rooms mark the setting, but it is the grand authentic Indian cuisine that draws salivating guests to this landmark restaurant. Voted one of the top five ethnic restaurants in Canada by Hotel Restaurant Magazine, the New Asian Village serves a vast selection of tandoori chicken, goat, beef, and lamb dishes, as well as vegetarian and seafood choices. The menu also includes some exotic specials, like Shahi Navaratan vegetable Korma (a vegetarian's dream!), shrimp butter Masala, and a choice of Vindaloo curries for the bravest of gastronomic daredevils. 10143 Saskatchewan Drive

Highly Recommended

La Ronde is a revolving restaurant with the best view in town. It also features a fine, extensive menu of international selections grounded by Alberta Specialties. Favorites include the Wild Rice Crepe with Forest Mushrooms served on a Pimento Basil Coulis. Top off the night with a spin around the dance floor to live music. 10111 Bellamy Hill

Brewsters Brewing Company & Restaurant: This hometown restaurant chain has a few locations around Calgary, but their 11th Avenue venue is our favorite. Serving upscale, hearty home-style meals and handcrafted beers, whatever you fancy you can rest assured that it'll be good. From handcrafted bison burgers to Gurvinder’s butter chicken, grilled Atlantic salmon to Mariscada linguini, the menu is eclectic and impressive. It is, however, the beers that steal the show, and any beer aficionado simply must check this place out. Some of our recommendations are: Wild West Wheat Ale, brewed with 30% wheat malt, this lightly hopped refreshing beer is served ice cold and highly carbonated; Bighorn Bitter, copper in color, this is a full-bodied English ale with a hoppy aroma and dry finish; Flying Frog Lager, a medium bodied, lightly hopped lager exhibiting a golden to copper color. If that doesn't tempt your palate, noting will! 834 11th Avenue South West

Local Flair

DeVine's overlooks the North Saskatchewan River valley and offers outdoor dining on the deck, as well as a cozy indoor dining room. The food is hearty and pure Canadian. 9712-111 Street

Capitals: Grand Canadian cuisine and an extensive wine list are served in this most Canadian of fancy restaurants. With one of the most varied Sunday brunches in the downtown Arts district, Capitals proudly offers such dishes as baked brie in phyllo with mulled blueberries, prawns provincial with three cheese polenta, and medallions of Alberta beef tenderloin with port glaze and horseradish cream. Truly delectable! At the Sutton Place Hotel, 10235 101st Street

Romantic

La Creperie claims to have hosted the greatest number of marriage proposals in the city! Cozy tables in a quiet room are hidden away under countless arches, surrounded by racks of quality wines. The menu delights even discerning gourmands, with original dinner crepe combinations, many vegetarian dinners, and a full menu of traditionals like rack of lamb and tender filet mignon. 10220-103 Street

Characters: An elegant dining room awaits you and your loved one in this exquisite Edmonton restaurant. A diversity of seasonal offerings include Alberta lamb shank with caramelized onions and pine nuts, Black Angus beef tenderloin wrapped in wild boar bacon and topped with butter roasted chanterelles, and pan seared Brome Lake duck breast with spring roll confit and duck foie gras to name but a few. 10257 105th Street

Everything from Canadian comedy to a combination Vegas showgirl Voodoo safari playhouse will keep you occupied once night falls. A city truly in love with the night, you'll find diverse entertainment choices like symphony orchestras and multi-level dance hall raves.

Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium: Home to the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, this theater hosts various professional theater companies as well as the Edmonton Opera and Alberta Ballet Company.

Citadel Theatre: This performing arts complex houses 4 theaters staging a variety of productions from contemporary local shows to the classics.

Black Dog Freehouse: The three levels of this smoky jazz club impress even the most selective jazz connoisseur. Housed in an early 19th-century building, this popular spot attracts big-name players and popular local performers.

Lush: For a true club experience, it doesn't get better than this. Well-known DJs are featured every night (except Monday when they're closed). Fresh faces play the downstairs Velvet Underground.

Rum Jungle: Advertised as an "after-hours safari experience," this wild performance theater housed in an abandoned movie house is an entertainment circus. Fire-breathers, magicians, and acrobats play the opening acts for a far-out main attraction.

The Comedy Factory: North America's top comedians keep you laughing all night.

Edmonton Comedy Arts Festival: This festival celebrates Canada's most popular export, comedy, with the best performers from across the country doing everything from sketch to stand-up. Also featured are formal music and theater shows. January

Resound Festival of Contemporary Music: The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra presents a 4-day music extravaganza of new performances and classical favorites. Special events often include world premieres. February

Local Heroes International Film Festival: A week-long celebration of chic new independent films featuring 50 or so screenings along with seminars and other events. March

Edmonton Heritage Festival: A 4-day celebration of the cultural diversity in Edmonton, past and present. Held at Hawrelak Park, all-day music, food, and competitions entertain while you learn about more than 60 cultures. August

Cariwest Caribbean Arts Festival: A weekend of Caribbean delights, with a newly themed parade each day. There's lots of dancing, traditional costumes, folk cooking and, of course, music! August

The Fringe Festival: This festival, affectionately known as "The Fringe", is probably the region's most popular festival of all, featuring contemporary plays "on the edge" of mainstream theater. Food events and street shows are also on hand. August

Year-round, smart casuals are the norm. Keep in mind that every season is a bit cooler than in the US. Spring, summer, and fall require a light jacket, if only for nights in summer. Winter requires a heavy coat, layers, and everything from hat to boots.

We strongly advise that you confirm the following information and regard this only as a basic guide.

Tax Refund: The GST (Goods & Services Tax) is reimbursable upon departure, but you must keep your receipts. Simply pick up a copy of the Tax Refund Application for Visitors at any Customs Office and most tourism centers, duty-free shops, and some hotels. The form is short and easy to fill out and, along with your receipts, is all you need to be reimbursed on the spot as you exit the country.

The people of Edmonton primarily speak English. It is likely that members of staff at hotels and restaurants will be bilingual, and you will hear many different launguages spoken on the streets, especially in summer when visitors from around the world converge on this spot of great natural beauty.

The current and sockets are the same as in the US, so you will not need an adapter.

We strongly advise that you confirm the following information and regard this only as a basic guide.

Entry: A photo ID (such as a passport) is required to enter Canada, as is proof of US citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate). Visas are not required.

Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative: Effective January 23, 2007, ALL persons, including US citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or US Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document, or an Alien Registration Card, Form I-551, if applicable.

The passport requirement does NOT apply to US citizens traveling to or returning directly from a US territory. US citizens returning directly from a US territory are not considered to have left the United States and do not need to present a passport. US territories include the following: Guam, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Swains Island, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

Canadian Customs: Visitors may enter Canada with personal effects duty-free provided that they declare them to the customs officials upon arrival and that the goods are not subject to restrictions. Persons aged 16 and over are authorized to take 50 cigars, 200 cigarettes, and 2.2 pounds of smoking tobacco. Persons 18 and over may take 40 ounces of duty-free alcoholic beverages.

Cultural Property: Canada has restrictions to ensure that objects of historical, cultural, artistic, or scientific significance remain in Canada. To take objects that are more than 50 years old (or made by a person who is no longer living) out of the country - including artifacts, fossils, fine art, decorative art, rare books, or archival materials - you may require an export permit. You must check with the Movable Cultural Property Program, 15 Eddy Street, 3rd Floor, Room 13, Hull, Quebec, Canada K1A 0M5, phone 819-997-7761, fax 819-997-7757.

US Customs: US residents returning from Canada after a visit of 48 hours or more may return with $800 worth of duty-free articles for personal use. Up to 100 cigars (non-Cuban), 32 ounces of alcoholic beverages (travelers over 21), and 200 cigarettes per person may be included in the duty and not included in the basic exemption. Works of art are exempt, however, a receipt of purchase may be required.

Alberta Tourism Partnership: Harley Court, 7th Floor, 10045 111th Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5K 2M5, Canada, phone 403-422-8541, fax 403-422-9101

New York: 820 Second Avenue, 9th Floor, New York, New York 10017, phone 212-867-2950, fax 212-867-2795