Edmonton was just named one of Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel, and for good reason. From the buzzing Ice District to the artsy charm of Old Strathcona, Edmonton doesn’t just welcome visitors. It draws them in. It gives you space to explore, connect, and discover something new around every corner.
Whether you’re a culture seeker, an adventure chaser, or someone who plans vacations around what to eat next, we’ve curated three weekend itineraries just for you.
And here’s the best part. When you stay with Edmonton’s Best Hotels, you can unlock up to $225 in free rewards. That’s gas, meals, or prepaid cards. Think of it as getting paid to explore.
Itinerary 1: The Cultural Experience Seeker
For the traveller who wants more than just museums. They want meaning.
Friday: A Glimpse of the Glowing Past
Check in at the Matrix Hotel, an art-forward, downtown home base that puts you right in the middle of Edmonton’s cultural corridor. Drop your bags, take a moment to unwind, then walk over to the Neon Sign Museum.
This outdoor exhibit along 104 Street glows with stories of Edmonton’s past. Over 20 restored signs flicker to life as the sun sets. It’s free, accessible, and a surprisingly moving way to begin the weekend.
Wrap up your evening at Tzin Wine & Tapas, a narrow and intimate space known for bold flavours and a wine list curated with care. Each dish invites conversation, and every plate feels like a celebration.
Saturday: Wonder Above and Below
Fuel up at Roasti Coffee Co. before heading to the Alberta Aviation Museum. Wander through a historic hangar filled with restored aircraft and aviation artefacts. Climb into cockpits, hear wartime stories, and explore Alberta’s place in aviation history.
For lunch, head to Campio Brewing Co. where local beer and hearty comfort food make the perfect pairing.
In the afternoon, dive into curiosity at the TELUS World of Science. Explore interactive galleries on space, biology, robotics, and more. Be sure to catch a show at the IMAX Theatre for a jaw-dropping visual experience.
Dinner is at Rge Rd. Known for nose-to-tail Canadian cuisine and inventive plating, it is a feast for both palate and imagination.
Sunday: The Soul of Alberta
Start your day at Toast Culture with open-faced breakfast creations and locally roasted coffee.
Then, head to the Royal Alberta Museum. Wander through the Natural History Hall, meet live insects in the Bug Gallery, and take a quiet moment in the Human History Hall to reflect on Alberta’s Indigenous and settler history. It’s deep, moving, and unforgettable.
If you have time, drive to Wetaskiwin to explore the Reynolds-Alberta Museum. It is packed with vintage cars, tractors, planes, and machines that tell the story of Alberta’s industrial legacy.
Itinerary 2: The Curious Adventurer
For the road tripper, the nature lover, and the seeker of stories beyond the city limits.
Friday: Settle In and Stretch Out
Check in at the Sandman Signature Edmonton South. It’s a perfect jumping-off point for day trips and outdoor escapes. Take a sunset walk in Kinsmen Park or wander the leafy trails of Emily Murphy Park. You’re in the heart of the river valley, one of Edmonton’s most beautiful secrets.
Enjoy dinner at Padmanadi, a vegan favourite known for bold Southeast Asian flavours and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
Saturday: Choose Your Escape
Option 1: Elk Island and U of A Botanic Garden
Spend your morning among bison and quiet lakes at Elk Island National Park. Just 45 minutes east of the city, it feels like another world. Hike the Beaver Pond Trail or watch pelicans soar over Astotin Lake.
In the afternoon, swing by the University of Alberta Botanic Garden. Explore Japanese and Indigenous gardens, then stop by the Butterfly House or grab a snack at the Greenhouse Café.
Option 2: Lakeside Retreat
Head west to Wabamun Lake or south to Pigeon Lake. Wabamun offers paddleboarding, sandy beaches, and a yacht club vibe. Pigeon Lake is quieter and perfect for slow walks, boutique browsing, and lunch at Eco Café.
Option 3: Small-Town Charm
Start with Fort Saskatchewan, where you can explore heritage precincts and possibly spot the town’s summer sheep. Then visit St. Albert for brunch, galleries, and a peaceful stroll through one of Alberta’s prettiest small downtowns.
Sunday: One More Deep Breath
Drive to the Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary, about 40 minutes southwest of the city. Stroll wooden boardwalks, spot birds, and breathe in the wide-open prairie skies. On the way back, stop in Devon for ice cream or a coffee along the river.
Itinerary 3: The Foodie and Hotspot Hunter
For travellers who chase flavours, follow trends, and always book brunch first.
Friday: A Warm Welcome
Check in at the Best Western Plus Westwood Inn, your comfy west-end launchpad close to dining, shopping, and nightlife.
Dinner tonight is at Otto, a casual yet curated eatery known for house-made sausages, rotating local taps, and a friendly, low-key vibe that’s all heart.
Saturday: Snack, Shop, and Savour
Start your morning at Café Amore, a beloved Italian spot with rustic charm and generous portions.
Spend the afternoon exploring Whyte Avenue. You’ll find vintage shops, artisan boutiques, street performers, and no shortage of cafés and snacks along the way. Rent an e-bike to cruise through the river valley trails, then take a gelato break at Made by Marcus.
Saturday Night: Sip, Savour, and Soak It In
Craving cocktails in a moody, high-style setting? Head to Baijiu in the historic Mercer Warehouse. With Asian-inspired small plates and imaginative drinks, it is one of the city’s best-kept secrets.
Looking for something more upbeat? Visit The Common. It’s a resto-lounge that pairs creative comfort food with curated DJ sets and a social atmosphere.
For a rooftop experience, try Alchemy Bar inside the JW Marriott. It offers sweeping views of the Ice District, luxurious décor, and a menu that feels both elevated and approachable.
Check local listings for pop-up dinners or tasting nights hosted by local chefs. Edmonton’s food scene is creative, collaborative, and constantly evolving. You might stumble into your new favourite dish.
Sunday: A Beautiful Goodbye
Start with something sweet at Duchess Bake Shop. Whether it’s a flaky croissant or a box of lavender eclairs, this is the kind of treat that makes a morning feel special.
If you’re not in a rush, enjoy a relaxed brunch at Toast Culture. Their open-faced sandwiches and creative drinks make it a go-to for locals who want quality without the crowd.
Before you head home, make one final stop at the Muttart Conservatory. Its iconic glass pyramids hold lush desert and tropical plant life, and the feature pyramid changes with the seasons. It is quiet, colourful, and perfect for that last photo to remember your weekend by.
Your Weekend, Rewarded
With Edmonton’s Best Hotels’ 1-2-3 Deal, your getaway gives back. When you book directly, you’ll receive up to $225 in free rewards, including gas cards, meal vouchers, or prepaid Mastercards, just for booking your stay.
Use your rewards to fuel your road trip, cover your brunch, or treat yourself to that extra indulgence. It’s real value that makes your Edmonton escape even sweeter.
Book your stay now and experience more for less.
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