Welcome to Edmonton. Edmonton, a vibrant capital city of Alberta, is famous for its stunning river valley parks, rich cultural heritage, and bustling arts scene. This city offers an eclectic mix of outdoor adventures with historical landmarks and culinary delights on the banks of the North Saskatchewan River. No matter what your taste — outdoor enthusiast, history buff or simply looking for good food — Edmonton has it all.
The following is a perfect one-day summer itinerary for you while in this beautiful city.
8:30 am: Breakfast at Sugarbowl
Start your day off right at Sugarbowl – a cozy café well-known for its delicious breakfast options and warm atmosphere. Nestled in the Garneau neighbourhood is the Sugarbowl which offers a variety of breakfast dishes from classic eggs benedict to fluffy Belgian waffles among others. Choose for yourself by pairing with fresh cup of locally roasted coffee that will revitalize your day.
Estimated cost: $15 – $25 per person
9:30 am: Explore the Muttart Conservatory
Immediately after eating such breakfast keep walking towards the Muttart Conservatory since it is one most iconic sites within Edmonton. This conservatory is made up of four pyramids, each of them displaying varied biomes- tropical, temperate, desert, and seasonal respectively. Move around vivid green plants, exotic plant species as well as colorful flowers from all corners of the earth then feel happy. On top of this, don’t forget to look at Muttarts rotating art installations combined with plant sales going here now.
Estimated cost:$14.95 for adults,$12.95 for seniors,$10.95 for youth (13-17 years),$6.95 for children (3-12yrs), and No fees charged at Muttart for children under 3 years.
11:00 am: Royal Alberta Museum
Afterward, go to visit the Royal Alberta Museum which is home to Alberta’s history be it natural or cultural. Here you will find numerous artifacts ranging from ancient fossils and native art forms to interactive displays depicting the province’s biodiversity and past events within our land borders. Spend a few hours exploring through the galleries and learning about this heritage in Alberta State. Do not miss Bug Gallery & Children’s Gallery for hands-on experience among others.
Estimated cost: $21 for adults and $14 for both seniors together with young individuals plus kids aged between 7-17 at $10; nothing is charged on those under 6.
1:30 pm: Lunch on Whyte Avenue
Head over to Whyte Avenue for a delightful lunch. This vibrant street is lined with an array of restaurants and cafes offering diverse culinary experiences. Here are some great options:
Continental: The Continental Treat Fine Bistro offers European-inspired dishes, including schnitzels and pierogies.
Indian: Narayanni serves up flavorful South African-Indian cuisine with a variety of vegetarian and vegan options.
BBQ: Meat, a popular BBQ joint, is known for its mouthwatering smoked meats and hearty sides.
Estimated Cost: $ 20- $40 per person (Depending on the restaurant you choose)
2:30 pm: Stroll through Old Strathcona and Whyte Avenue
After lunch go for a leisure walk along Whyte Avenue located in the historic Old Strathcona neighborhood. Explore boutiques, winkles shops, and art galleries on Whyte Avenue
Those are just a few ideas, here’s what else you could do in Old Strathcona or Whyte Avenue:
Get some amazing ice cream from Made by Marcus (they have really cool and different flavors)
Get some amazing and unique-tasting ice cream from Made by Marcus.
Estimated Cost: Free; ice cream at Made by Marcus: $5 – $10 per person
4:00 pm: Hike to the valley's "End of the World"
Next, take a short walk to End of the World, a lesser-known yet stunning little gem in Edmonton. The view from this site is breathtaking with greenery surrounding the North Saskatchewan River. It’s an excellent place to sit back, relax for photos, and appreciate natural beauty at its fullest potential in Edmonton Don’t forget comfortable shoes.
Estimated cost: Free
6:00 pm: Resting on Legislature Grounds
Proceed to the Alberta Legislature Building before you get a cup of coffee from a nearby café Take a walk through the beautifully landscaped grounds, relax by the reflection pool, and enjoy an atmosphere so peaceful that it would inspire anyone. Feel free to explore its architectural marvel of the Legislature Building since guided tours are available for those interested in knowing more about Alberta’s political history. Lastly, don’t forget to visit Pehonan Theatre to watch a 360-degree projected movie of the history of Alberta presented by Princess Alberta herself.
Estimated cost: It’s free to enter here; coffee at $3 – $5 for each person
7:30 pm: Sunset at Ezio Faraone Park
Head over to Ezio Faraone Park for a chance to enjoy the most stunning view of the sunset as it sets behind High-Level Bridge. From this spot, there is one of the best vantage points in the entire city with scenic views that stretch out across the river valley and downtown core skyscrapers. Find it a perfect place where you can relax after a long day while admiring Edmonton beauty as the light fades from the sky during the evening Bring something soft (blanket or folding chair).
Estimated cost: Free
8:30 pm: Dinner in Downtown Edmonton
For dinner, you could choose from various restaurants that match your tastes best in downtown Edmonton. Some of these restaurants include:
Italian: Corso 32 offers a fine dining experience coupled with very authentic Italian dishes besides having a wide selection of wines and others.
Japanese: Dorinku Tokyo is a great place for amazing sushi as well as ramen plus different Japanese street foods at the same time
Steakhouse: The Marc is a French-themed restaurant famous for its well-cooked steaks and classy foods.
Estimated Cost: Varies from $30 – $60 per individual based on the selected restaurant
9:30 pm: Visit the Neon Sign Museum
Last on the list is your trip to the Neon Sign Museum which lies in the open air and exhibits historic neon signs that once illuminated Edmonton. The museum looks unique and it gives us a chance to understand what the city was like before now rest after long journey within just one day. These brightly colored icons are particularly attractive at night, illuminating the spaces they occupy.
Estimated cost: Free
Here is the overall itinerary for your one-day Edmonton tour plan:
Time | Activity | Estimated Cost |
8:30 am | Breakfast at Sugarbowl | $15 – $25 per person |
9:30 am | Explore the Muttart Conservatory | $14.95 for adults, $6.95 for children |
11:00 am | Discover the Royal Alberta Museum | $21 for adults, $10 for children |
1:30 pm | Lunch on Whyte Avenue | $20 – $40 per person |
2:30 pm | Stroll through Old Strathcona and Whyte Avenue | Free to stroll; $5 – $10 for ice cream |
4:00 pm | Hike to the River Valley’s “End of the World” | Free |
6:00 pm | Relax at the Legislature Grounds | Free entry; $3 – $5 for coffee |
7:30 pm | Sunset at Ezio Faraone Park | Free |
8:30 pm | Dinner in Downtown Edmonton | $30 – $60 per person |
9:30 pm | Visit the Neon Sign Museum | Free |
