City in Alberta, Canada
Edmonton
Alberta's capital: festival summers, a huge river-valley park system, good food and cheaper rent than Vancouver or Toronto. Winters are long, cold and dark, and the city is car-oriented and spread out.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$2,460–3,510Comfortable, one person · C$3,500–5,000Details
- Value for money29/100Better value than 28% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goJun–SepWarmest: Jul, 24°CDetails
- Air quality6 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2020) · Fairly cleanDetails
- Internet258 MbpsFixed broadband, Canada medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTap water from the North Saskatchewan River is treated and safe; it is the default in restaurants and at home.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: spoken almost everywhereDetails
- Doctor's visit$70–140Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberYou'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardPractically cashlessTap-to-pay works almost everywhere, including buses and LRT.Details
Where to stay in Edmonton
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Downtown and 104 Street | Convention centre, restaurants, LRT and nightlife |
| Old Strathcona (Whyte Avenue) | Cafés, bars, theatres and the Saturday farmers' market |
| Oliver and Garneau | Walkable apartment areas near the river valley and campus |
| Ritchie and Bonnie Doon | Quieter, cheaper residential areas |
Apps that work in Edmonton
Ride-hailing
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| SkipTheDishes | Strong local choice, with frequent offers |
| Uber Eats | Wide restaurant choice |
| DoorDash | Similar range, often with promotions |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: iMessage/SMS
- Transit: real-time public transport in most cities
- ArriveCAN: optional customs declaration before landing
- Taxis: Taxis (Alberta Co-op, Yellow Cab) take cards and can be hailed by app. In −25°C, book early; waits stretch.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Canada.
- Practically cashless Tap-to-pay works almost everywhere, including buses and LRT. Carry small cash only for some markets, tips and street vendors.
- Currency: Dollar (CAD). US$1 ≈ C$1.42 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Bank ATMs charge foreign cards about C$3–5; private ATMs in bars and shops often more. Decline the ATM's currency conversion.
- Tipping: Expected: 15–20% at restaurants and bars, 10–15% for taxis, a few dollars per night for hotel housekeeping. Card machines prompt for tips.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely accepted. Interac e-Transfer needs a Canadian bank account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Visa-exempt travellers flying in need an eTA (C$7) from canada.ca; it isn't needed by land or sea, and US citizens are exempt.
- Visitors may work remotely for a foreign employer; any job with a Canadian employer needs a work permit.
- Past criminal convictions, including drunk driving, can make you inadmissible; sort out rehabilitation or a permit before travelling.
Emergency numbers
Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · All emergencies 911
Plugs
Type A, B · 120 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Prepaid SIMs from carrier stores and budget brands, roughly C$35–60 for 30 days; mobile data is pricey. A travel eSIM is often cheaper. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Canada
Going to Edmonton solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.