Nestled in the province of Alberta with the snaking North Saskatchewan River flowing through the heart of it, Edmonton is Canada’s most northerly city. Dubbed “the gateway to the North,” Edmonton boasts dramatic landscapes and wilderness on its doorstep, including Elk Island National Park, where bison and deer roam across the plains. The city is an easy jumping-off point for the epic Canadian Rocky Mountains and Jasper National Park.

Edmonton is known for its arts and culture, boasting magnificent theatres like the Winspear Centre, world-class museums and galleries such as the Mactaggart Art Collection, and a vibrant live music scene. It plays host to more than 50 annual events, like North America’s oldest and largest fringe festival and a folk music festival that draws enthusiasts from around the world. When it comes to retail therapy, West Edmonton Mall takes some beating. It’s the largest mall in North America — equivalent to 48 city blocks, with more than 800 stores and 100 restaurants. Here you’ll find a full-size ice rink, an indoor amusement park with a rollercoaster, an 18-hole mini-golf course, and an enormous waterpark with a network of slides.

Edmonton International Airport (YEG) is around a 30-minute drive into the city centre, or 1.5 hours by bus. Taxis, private shuttles, and ride-hailing services are available, or you can rent a car at the airport and enjoy the flexibility to explore the city and nearby national parks at your own pace. The Edmonton Light Rail Transit system is the easiest way to get around the city; buy tickets at any station. Edmonton boasts more than 120 miles of cycling and walking trails, with bicycle rentals at various places around town.

Edmonton has a mostly dry climate with warm summers and cold winters, so holiday rentals in the city are popular all year round. July and August are the hottest months, when you can expect consistent sunny days and around 18 hours of daylight. August also brings the world-famous folk festival. Spring and autumn are pleasant times to visit, mixing sunshine with cooler, rainy days. Compared to most Canadian cities, Edmonton’s winters are mild, with less snow. You can still expect cold spells, but you’re also likely to enjoy a good dose of sun. January and February are the coldest months, when the wind chill can make it feel even colder. The Silver Skate Festival in February is full of fun for all ages with figure skating, races, and snow sculpting.

Elk Island National Park & Beaver Hills

Drive 30 minutes out of the city and discover dense woodland, placid lakes, and lush wetland at this popular national park. There’s an abundance of wildlife to spot, including elk, beavers, and the mighty herd of resident bison. In the summer, you can go hiking on one of the park’s many trails or kayaking on the lakes, while winter visitors come here for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Just east of the park is Beaver Hills, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve whose Dark Sky Preserve offers sought-after stargazing without city light pollution.

Royal Alberta Museum

Western Canada’s largest museum is located in an ultra-modern building a few blocks north of Louise McKinney Riverfront Park. Over more than 7,500 square metres of exhibition space, you’ll discover dinosaur and Ice Age fossils, historical artefacts from Canada’s First Nations, and a herbarium with tens of thousands of regional plant specimens.

Wolf Willow Stairs

Head through Westridge Park towards the Fort Edmonton Footbridge and climb about 200 steps to the viewing platform, where you’ll be rewarded with some of the best views in the city. This imposing staircase takes some effort to conquer, but the views from the top are worth it. Catch your breath and soak up the stunning panoramas across the North Saskatchewan River and its tree-lined banks.