First Timer's Guide to Edmonton, AB

Often referred to as a "city for everyone," Alberta's capital city has a ton to offer. From its four-season outdoor recreation and thriving arts and food scenes to the many professional sports teams and North America's largest shopping mall, there is truly no shortage of things to experience, see, and eat and drink in Edmonton.

To help you make the most of your visit to Edmonton, we've put together this first-timer's guide with several highlights of what to do, where to eat, and where to stay in Edmonton. Enjoy!

Things to do in Edmonton, AB

From outdoor recreation to world-class museums and galleries and some of the best shopping in North America, Edmonton truly has something for everyone.

West Edmonton Mall

Calling it a mall feels almost like a misnomer — the West Edmonton Mall is the largest in North America! It features over 800 stores, dozens of restaurants, a waterpark, multiple theme parks, four movie theatres, an indoor ice skating rink, and so much more!

Edmonton's River Valley Parks

Made up of 20 distinct parks spanning an area 22 times larger than New York City's Central Park, River Valley Parks are Edmonton's crown jewel. Outdoor recreation opportunities are endless, but some of the most popular options include hiking, cycling, cross-country skiing in the winter, and even camping.

Things To Do In Downtown Edmonton, AB

Downtown Edmonton is the city's arts and culture hub. In particular, head to the Arts District, where you'll find City Hall, the Art Gallery of Alberta, dozens of shops, and restaurants spanning every type of cuisine.

Historic Walking Tour in Strathcona District

While historic, Edmonton's Strathcona District is home to lively nightlife and vibrant, picturesque streets lined with a variety of shops and restaurants. Starting at the old train station (built in 1907!), you can tour this fascinating, historically significant neighbourhood on foot.

Edmonton, AB Museum Tour

• Royal Alberta Museum - Western Canada's largest museum, with exhibits on natural and human history in downtown Edmonton.
• Alberta Aviation Museum - Learn all about Edmonton's storied aviation history.
• Fort Edmonton Park - This living history museum includes both original historical and rebuilt structures.
• TELUS World of Science - A hands-on science centre with an observatory and exhibits ranging from the human body to robots.
• Alberta Railway Museum - An outdoor museum displaying a range of vintage trains and other railroad equipment.
• Art Gallery of Alberta - One of Canada's biggest art galleries, spanning about 8,000 square metres in downtown Edmonton.

Muttart Conservatory

Edmonton's botanical gardens are a highlight of the city. Shaped like four glass pyramids that are actually home to greenhouses, this Edmonton landmark is a must-see located just outside the downtown core.

Where to Eat - Restaurants in Edmonton, AB

Being that Edmonton is well-known as a favourite destination for foodies, there's no shortage of fantastic restaurants to choose from. Whether you're craving comfort food, high-end modern cuisine, or even high tea, you're sure to find it in Edmonton.

• Preston’s Restaurant + Lounge - Inside the Coast Edmonton Plaza Hotel in the ICE District, this restaurant features "Canadian-inspired comfort food" with a modern twist.
• Vaticano Cucina - This open-concept Italian restaurant centers around artisan ingredients and an authentic wood-burning pizza oven.
• Hathaway’s Diner - A small, country-style diner tucked far away from the "main drag." Come for breakfast and the authentic retro decor and memorabilia. Don't miss the homemade pies, but order in advance if you want a whole one — they often sell out!
• RGE RD - "Inspired by feasts in fields, forests, mountains, and oceans," this innovative eatery takes farm-to-table dining to a whole new level. The menu changes constantly, dictated by what local farmers have in season.

Where to Stay in Edmonton

Whether you prefer to be in the heart of all the action downtown, want the convenience of staying near the airport, or the lively West End appeals to you, there's a Coast hotel in Edmonton to suit your taste.

Coast Edmonton Plaza Hotel by APA

It's hard to top the convenience of staying in the heart of downtown Edmonton and being within a few minutes' walk of hot spots like the ICE District. Enjoy everything Alberta's capital city has to offer, alongside top-notch amenities at this pet-friendly Coast Hotel. As an added bonus for you pet parents, there's an off-leash dog park right next to the hotel!

• Prestons Restaurant + Lounge onsite
• Two electric vehicle charging stations
• Indoor saltwater pool
• Fitness centre
• Rooms and suites with city views
• TOTO® washlets, which have often been called "life-changing"

Coast Nisku Inn & Conference Centre

Just a five minute's drive from Edmonton International Airport, the Coast Nisku Inn & Conference Centre is conveniently located no matter where you plan to visit in Edmonton. There are countless other reasons to choose this hotel, though, including it being pet-friendly and the stunning 15,000 square-foot atrium with a bedrock river and multiple bridges. Whether you're here for a quick overnight or a full week, welcome home!

• 24-hour free airport shuttle
• 24-hour, state-of-the-art fitness centre
• Indoor water park with pool, hot tub, and 120-foot water slide
• Hair salon
• Gift shop
• Montana's BBQ & Bar onsite
• The Den Pub, with several big-screen TVs and VLT machines

Our Hotels in Edmonton are Just the Beginning

In addition to our hotels in Edmonton, Coast Hotels has dozens of properties across Western Canada and the United States. Whether you want to research more about Edmonton, have a specific destination in mind, or you're simply looking for some travel inspiration, visit our blog, There's No Place Like Coast. We can't wait to host you soon!