If you’ve never been to Western Canada, the City of Champions is a great place to start. Edmonton, Canada’s fifth-largest city and the capital of Alberta, has a lot to offer. If you love Vancouver, you’ll definitely love it here, as the combination of big-city vibes and the great outdoors makes for a similar comparison.
That said, Edmonton is still distinctly its own. Known for year-round festivals and celebrations, some of the friendliest folks in Canada, and a rich, long history, it’s quite an underrated Canadian gem. Did you know Edmonton’s airport is actually Canada’s first licensed airfield? You do now.
With cheap flight deals to Edmonton from all over the country, you can make a trip out here quickly and easily if you’ve got a weekend to spare. Not sure how to best maximize your time on such a short trip? Don’t worry — that’s why we’ve made the ultimate itinerary on what to do for 48 hours in Edmonton, Alberta. Keep reading to find your perfect plan.
Where to stay in Edmonton
Whether you landed last night or are just arriving this morning, you’re now bright-eyed and bushy-tailed and ready to start the day — but first, where are you sleeping? On a mid-range budget? Check out the Hampton Inn & Suites Edmonton. Located about 20 minutes from major attractions downtown and the West Edmonton Mall, this hotel offers amazing all-around value. For those looking to splurge, there’s no better hotel to rest at than the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald.
Hint: If you’re thinking about making the most of your weekend in Edmonton, a car rental might be your best bet. Skip trying to figure out transit and find affordable car rentals right here on Skyscanner, pick up either at the airport or in the downtown core, and get driving.
Now, let’s get your day started.
How to spend 48 hours in Edmonton
Here are some of the best things to do in Edmonton anytime of the year for an unforgettable weekend trip.
- Visit Fort Edmonton Park
- Explore Edmonton’s River Loop Trail
- Get some learning done at the Royal Alberta Museum
- Check out a drag show at Evolution Wonderlounge
- Explore Old Strathcona and murals
- Ride the High Level Bridge Streetcar
- Visit the Art Gallery of Alberta
- Shop at the West Edmonton Mall
- See the bright lights of the Neon Museum
- Camp at Elk Island National Park
- Visit the Muttart Conservatory
Top things to do in Edmonton, day 1
Morning:
Start your first day in Edmonton right and grab breakfast at OEB Breakfast Co., where breakfast is the only thing they do and know, and boy, do they know it well. Next, head to Fort Edmonton Park, a multi-attraction spot for local and international visitors alike.
Create your own adventure here at this unique outdoor space, which is actually the largest living museum in Canada. Learn about the city’s history to kickstart your 48 hours in Edmonton.
While you’re here, enjoy a view of the North Saskatchewan River, a beautiful, glacier-fed body of water that cuts across Canada from the Rockies all the way to Hudson Bay. If it’s a nice day for a wander you can explore the River Loop Trail, an excellent dog-friendly hike to do in Edmonton in winter or summer.
Afternoon:
Time for lunch! Make a stop at Muggnz Family Restaurant, a beloved staple in West Edmonton. Afterwards, visit the Royal Alberta Museum for some learning time. Sitting at around 82,000 square feet, the Royal Alberta Museum is Western Canada’s largest. Spend a few hours here checking out the exhibits and getting a history lesson. Travelling to Edmonton with the family? Kids under the age of 6 get in for free.
Evening in Edmonton:
Have dinner at Parlour Italian Kitchen & Bar for a quick visit to Italy. Not feeling Italian? A little outside downtown Edmonton is the Blue Plate Diner, which serves comfort food and is both vegan and vegetarian-friendly.
Looking for some fun things to do in Edmonton at night? Check out one of the best cocktail bars in Canada, Bar Clementine. We believe one of the best ways to get to know a city is to check out its nightlife, and if you agree, end your first day in Edmonton by hitting up a local drag or burlesque show at Evolution Wonderlounge.
Top things to do in Edmonton, day 2
Morning:
Start the day by scooting over to Edmonton’s hippest neighbourhood, Old Strathcona. Grab breakfast (or brunch) at PIP, a staple in the city and open seven days a week for traditional breakfast fare and some elevated classics, or Rooster Kitchen, another local favourite. Then wander about and enjoy some local shopping on funky Whyte Avenue. This historical Edmonton district is never short of offerings — go cafe hopping, enjoy live music, and check out some of Old Strathcona’s best murals.
When you’re done here, take the High Level Bridge Streetcar, which will take you right to downtown Edmonton through former Canadian Pacific Railway tracks.
Afternoon:
After a lovely morning in Old Strathcona, you’ve got to make the most of your day in Edmonton.
If you didn’t get your museum fix yesterday, make a stop at the Art Gallery of Alberta to check out their incredible collection of work by Canadian artists.
No visit to Edmonton would be complete without a visit to the West Edmonton Mall, the largest shopping mall in North America with over 800 stores. It seems like everything out in Western Canada is huge, from the museums to the malls. You can shop ’till you drop here, literally. For lunch, consider the CRAFT Beer Market, which is a beloved beer spot across Canada.
Evening in Edmonton:
If you liked the Old Strathcona neighbourhood, consider heading back to the area for dinner at Smokey Bear. If you’d prefer to stay in downtown Edmonton, try XO Bistro for some upscale Vietnamese food.
End your trip to Edmonton with an evening walk through the Neon Sign Museum, which is full of historic signs from the city’s past. It’s outdoors and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so we recommend coming at night to really watch the signs do their thing.
Want to spend some more time exploring Alberta?
If you are travelling with a car on your trip to Alberta, we recommend fitting in a visit to Elk Island National Park, located just over half an hour’s drive from Edmonton.
Nature lovers and birdwatchers will feel right at home here, just like the 250 species of birds that populate the space. Hike one of the many beautiful trails here or plan a camping trip to the park and make the most of your Western Canada adventure.
The Muttart Conservatory is one of Canada’s largest indoor botanical collections. These four giant glass pyramids allude to both the Louvre and Giza and house plants from all around the world. A fascinating stop for both plant and architecture lovers and one of Edmonton’s best-known landmarks.
Need more inspiration? Check out these posts:
- Find out how to book the cheapest flights with Skyscanner Price Alerts.
- Love exploring Canada? Learn about the best summer vacation spots in Canada.
- Don’t be caught off-guard at the airport: Check out Air Canada’s latest baggage rules.
