48 Hours in Edmonton
We camp with bison, party under the aurora, and surf on the prairies. We've always done things a little differently, and we welcome you to be a part of it.
DAY ONE
Head to Elk Island National Park
Forty-five minutes east of Edmonton lies a wild oasis. The perfect place to day-hike, canoe, camp or spot some bison. Elk Island National Park is also a designated dark sky preserve and the cornerstone of Canada’s bison conservation.
Canoe on Astotin Lake
Elk Island is a wonderful place to explore both on the land and on the water. Haskin Canoe offers canoe, kayak and stand up paddleboard rentals (north end of beach area) for your exploring pleasure at Astotin Lake.
Lunch & free time at the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village
History is brought to life at the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village, an open-air museum where costumed role-players recreate the life of early Ukrainian pioneers that settled in east central Alberta from 1892-1930. Step back in time to hear real stories of hardships and triumphs in Canada’s oldest and at one-time largest bloc settlement of Ukrainian pioneers.
Shop ‘til you drop at West Edmonton Mall
Welcome to the Mt. Everest of shopping and indoor entertainment in North America. Spanning the equivalent of 48 city blocks, West Edmonton Mall is part entertainment complex, part shopping and dining destination.
DAY TWO
Explore Whyte Avenue
Anchored by the funky, bohemian spirit of Whyte Avenue, historic buildings blend with youthful exuberance to make Old Strathcona one of Edmonton’s trendiest neighbourhoods. Find the perfect outfit at a chic boutique, sip and socialize on a summer patio and enjoy world-class festivals, entertainment, and live music.
Take in a Festival
Here, every season is festival season. Shakespeare under an open sky? You got it. A winter festival with sculptures made of ice and…fire? Done and done. If you’re in Edmonton, there’s a festival going on. Over 50 festivals annually means there’s no shortage of excitement to fill your stay - whether it’s 30 degrees above or below.
Ride the High Level Bridge Streetcar
Hitch a ride on the highest streetcar river crossing in the world! This is a great way to travel from Old Strathcona to downtown Edmonton and a great treat for anyone interested in streetcar history.
Explore the Royal Alberta Museum
The Royal Alberta Museum is Western Canada’s largest, bringing you more than 82,000 square feet of history! Don’t miss the artfully curated gift shop – you can purchase some of the greatest finds this city can offer, from local artists, restaurants, and artisans.
Dinner at SABOR
SABOR has been bringing soulful Latin culture to Edmonton for years. Chef Lino's love of timeless Spanish and Portuguese flavour profiles is evident in his signature Lobster Risotto, Paella and Piri Piri chicken - but his expertise is most showcased in preparing fruits of the ocean.
Explore 104th Street and Canada’s only Neon Sign Museum
A distinguished destination to live, work and play, 4th Street Promenade, as its often called, is becoming one of the most exciting areas in Edmonton. The Neon Sign Museum, the first of its kind in Canada, features a collection of functional historic signs that tell a story about Edmonton’s neon past.