Discover the charm and winter beauty of Edmonton, Canada.
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The city of Edmonton in Canada is not necessarily the destination for which most individuals have a detailed travel itinerary readily prepared.
While cities such as Vancouver or Toronto often come to mind, given our recent visit and the necessity to construct a travel plan based on our experiences and the season in which we traveled, it seemed timely to compile this itinerary and travel plan for Edmonton, Canada (distinguished from other locations with the same name, including one situated in London) to alleviate the burden of planning during your visit!
Indeed, an exploration of Edmonton is essential! The city possesses an exceptional charm, especially during the winter season.
One of the aspects I appreciate about Canada is its celebration of the seasons! Winter is exemplified here—cold, brisk, and replete with snow. Additionally, summer is delightful, providing a warmth surpassing that of the UK.… you get my point.
With little deliberation, we opted to visit Edmonton during the winter. My prior journeys to Canada had been in the summer.
Having frequented many warm locales previously to this journey in Edmonton, I had yet to experience a comprehensive winter adventure.
Indeed, I have traveled during winter, but I refer to days characterized by consistently colder temperatures, at times dipping into double digits below zero.
Expect an abundance of snow and winters so severe that even lakes and waterfalls are prone to freezing.
With its strategic access to the Canadian Rockies (an extraordinary mountain range), Edmonton emerged as the optimal location for a winter holiday.
A brief caveat before I commence! Firstly, this itinerary is specifically designed for six days, not an entire week—allowing for one day of leisure or opportunity to explore any attractions you might have missed in the city.
Moreover, as our visit took place during winter, two activities listed here are exclusive to this season—the Ice Castles and the Frozen Lake (for obvious reasons).
While visiting the lake during summer is feasible without a frozen surface, your likelihood of witnessing the incredible local wildlife significantly increases.
Regarding the Ice Castles, although you may need to seek alternatives at that time of year, this should not pose a challenge in Edmonton (considering it occupies merely an hour or two of your planned week, it is likely not a significant concern).
Now, let us begin with our itinerary and travel plan to discover Edmonton, Canada.
DAY 1
Afternoon/Early Evening: Welcome to Edmonton!
Upon arrival, pick up your rental vehicle and drive to Metterra Hotel, which will serve as your accommodation for the subsequent days. Located in Old Strathcona, a vibrant area of the city perfect for social outings, you will find this hotel to be an excellent choice.
The accommodations are expansive—with suites featuring distinct living areas. Furthermore, complimentary wine is available in the evenings, making it a rather simple decision! Explore room rates for Metterra Hotel here.
7:00 PM: Engage in whiskey tasting at Have Mercy Southern Table and Bar. This establishment is an excellent choice to either commence or conclude your evening, conveniently situated within walking distance from your hotel.
8:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at El Cortez, a restaurant renowned for its tequila selection. I highly suggest initiating your meal with a cocktail before indulging in the delightful cuisine!
On weekends, the subterranean section functions as a music venue, offering an excellent opportunity for a lively experience if jet lag has not yet taken its toll.
Later that night: Return to the Metterra Hotel for a well-deserved rest.
DAY 2
Assuming you have adjusted well to the time difference, you will awaken early, thoroughly rejuvenated following a restful night’s sleep. The key to overcoming jet lag is to acclimate to the local time as swiftly as possible.
In our case, traveling from Europe, we aimed to remain awake for as long as feasible (but certainly not past midnight), which left us quite fatigued, followed by a long sleep that provided me with a refreshing ten hours of rest, enabling me to rise at 8 AM the following day.
9:00 AM: Breakfast at District Café is highly recommended. The offerings are exceptional and focus on fresh, wholesome goodness (they even prepare their own granola!). As a self-proclaimed food lover, I indulged in several options for breakfast.
10:00 AM: Your adventure continues with pickup by Revolution Cycle for a Fat Bike excursion to the Ice Castles (akin to a Canadian Narnia).
1:00 PM: Lunch at Rostizado—a Mexican restaurant located in the Downtown area of Edmonton. The rotisserie chicken and cheesy tacos (though I cannot recall their official name) are unequivocal must-tries during your visit.
It is worth noting that the duration of the Fat Biking experience (from 10 AM to 1 PM) might not require the full three hours, yet the sheer awe upon reaching the Ice Castles will likely captivate you, making time feel fleeting. Remember, a guided tour accompanies the ride, offering intriguing insights into the city.
Mid-Afternoon: Take a leisurely stroll through 4th Street Promenade, a vibrant district in Downtown that is enjoyable to explore. It is an ideal way to work off your lunch indulgence (should that align with your dietary practices).
While you are here, make sure to visit Jacek Chocolate Couture to sample some exquisite homemade chocolates. (Fascinating flavors await you!)
If time permits, visit the Art Gallery of Alberta! It is conveniently located nearby and is perfect for spending a few enjoyable hours in the city.
7:00 PM: Relish dinner at MEAT. As the name implies, this establishment specializes in delectable, home-smoked meats (vegetarian options are also available), accompanied by remarkable sides and house-made sauces! The quality is impressive!
(And if you happen to indulge as extensively as I did, fret not, as your hotel is merely a minute away, minimizing your walk back!)
Later that evening: Return to the Metterra Hotel for a pleasant overnight rest.
Continue to Day 3
By effectively managing jet lag, you will wake up refreshed and ready to make the most of your day.
DAY 3
Morning (At your leisure): Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel.
10:30 AM: Experience a River Valley Segway Tour. This marked my inaugural venture on a Segway, and it proved to be immensely enjoyable!
The exhilarating challenge of balancing while navigating through the wintry landscape was extraordinary! Furthermore, it provides a more efficient means of exploration compared to walking.
12:00 PM: Lunch at Little Brick Café. The cuisine is remarkably delightful! Initially expecting typical café fare to suffice, we soon realized the quality justifies the accolades it has received from numerous sources.
Afternoon: Head towards the West Edmonton Mall. This is no ordinary mall! It features an indoor beach, complete with slides, so while it may be -30°C outside, inside it remains a comfortable 30°C!
Moreover, Galaxyland, an indoor amusement park, houses the largest indoor roller coaster globally. I was caught off guard by the thrill of an indoor roller coaster, realizing its magnitude only upon reaching the top.
Although minimal shopping occurred during my visit—aside from acquiring gloves and trousers (having experienced unfortunate wardrobe malfunctions)—if shopping is your passion, this is indeed the ideal locale to unearth some incredible deals!
4:00 – 5:00 PM: Visit the nearby Hansen Distillery for tastings (consider a tour if interested).
The Hansen family, originally moonshiners, have established a rich distilling heritage. Previously operating illegally during Prohibition, it now welcomes visitors within legal bounds to enjoy crafted cocktails to commence your evening.
7:00 PM: Savor dinner at Baijiu, a restaurant offering Asian-inspired dishes (or Asian-fusion cuisine). The meals served here are exceptionally delicious. The ambiance is inviting, so, if merely for drinks, be sure to incorporate it into your itinerary during your visit.
Later that evening: Return to the Crash Hotel for the night. It’s conveniently located a mere two minutes from Rogers Place, ensuring you can quickly return, avoiding traffic and maximizing your time in a comfortable space.
DAY 4
The next morning: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel (hopefully hangover-free, although I would not judge you if otherwise).
Late Morning: Proceed to the Old Strathcona Farmer’s Market and sample as you explore the market (perhaps even in pursuit of a remedy for your hangover). The market closes at 3:00 PM, allowing you ample time for exploration.
12:30 PM: (Optional depending on your capacity for indulgence) Head to Situation Brewing for lunch and a potential brewery tour. We opted for lunch during our visit (notably indulging far beyond anticipated, considering our extensive sampling in the market).
Afternoon: Allocate time for leisurely exploration within the Old Strathcona neighborhood, fostering relaxation. Given the busyness of the preceding days, today offers a chance to unwind.
Consider a nap post-exploration—there is an exciting evening planned ahead.
4:30 PM: Early dinner at Ampersand 27. While early, it aligns well with your schedule since you will be departing the city towards Elk Island, thus, time for a post-dinner meal is limited.
6:15 PM: Travel to Elk Island National Park. Anticipate approximately a 45-minute journey. Keep an eye out for Bison while in the park, bearing in mind that nighttime arrival may hinder your chances of spotting them.
7:00 PM: Engage in Moonlight Snowshoeing on a frozen lake within Elk Island National Park. The landscape illuminated by the moonlight is breathtaking, and, if luck is on your side, you may even witness the Northern Lights! Conclude with hot beverages and toasted marshmallows by the fire.
Later that night: Return to the Metterra Hotel for a restful evening.
DAY 5
Morning: Breakfast will take place at the hotel (you are already familiar with the routine).
While optional, consider a change in scenery by staying centrally in the Downtown area for your final night in the city.
On our journey, we opted to briefly depart Edmonton for a couple of days in Jasper (notably striking during the winter—here’s our itinerary complete with details and photographs), returning to Edmonton, so transitioning hotels felt natural.
If you choose to stay, here’s your agenda.
Late Morning: Check out from the Metterra Hotel and check into the Crash Hotel.
Afternoon: Here, I must allow for discretionary time. Explore any locations from earlier suggestions (should any piqued your interest) or venture into entirely new establishments.
Late Afternoon: This period is entirely at your discretion—enjoy spa treatments, mix cocktails, shop exuberantly, or relish in leisure pursuits. In summary, spend your afternoon as you see fit.
5:30 PM: Enjoy a convenient dinner at Crash Lobby. Notable for both its excellent cuisine and superb beverages, this establishment makes for an ideal place to dine early, especially as you prepare for an iconic Canadian cultural experience later.
7:00 PM: Attend an Ice Hockey match at the impressive Rogers Place (which does not refer to a quaint pub, but rather a substantial arena situated in Downtown Edmonton). Although I have a limited understanding of Ice Hockey (glancing at a puck and scoring), the exhilarating atmosphere and sheer fun are unmistakable!
Typically, Ice Hockey is not a common sight in the UK; thus, I chose to support the Edmonton Oilers, who faced off against the Arizona Coyotes. Be sure to enjoy a few drinks while spectating!
As it turns out, the Oilers emerged victorious, and the sheer enthusiasm from the audience during every goal scored was astonishing—a vibrant celebration of sport, contributing significantly to the best night we experienced in the city.
Later that evening: Retire to the Crash Hotel with ease. Enjoy the short distance back, enabling you to unwind after a thrilling day.
DAY 6
Morning: Rely on the usual breakfast at Crash Lobby.
Late Morning/Afternoon: Upon checking out, head to the airport, filled with fond memories crafted during your time in Edmonton and Alberta as a whole.
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