Cheap Flights to Edmonton

Known as "The Gateway to the North" due to its adjacency to Canada's vast Northwest Territory,Edmonton, the capital of Alberta, is a lively, bustling city with so much going on that it's often also known as "Canada's festival city".

First incorporated in 1892 on a site made possible by the coming of the railway, it's rich in history, both of the settlers and of the First Nations peoples who originally populated the area where modern Edmonton now stands.

You'd expect a city with two nicknames to have a lot happening, and you'd be right. Its location makes Edmonton an ideal base for exploring Canada's stunning landscape, but there's a lot more to the city than the great outdoors alone. There's a rich cultural life, as well as all the city life you'd expect of a modern conurbation. Whatever you're into, you're bound to find something to interest you.

Things To Do

Edmonton offers up a whole host of activities for all manner of tourists. Whether you're a culture vulture, a lover of the great outdoors or a city slicker, this city s sure to have something for you.

• Take in the air

As a city so close to a vast wilderness, you can enjoy a tamed taste of the wild in one of the many parks. The spectacular Mill Creek Ravine and Terwillegar parks are located right in the city. Or why not try one of the many tours for a different way to take in the sights? There are any number of organised walks, bike rides or even Segway-riding tours, taking in all aspects of the city and for all levels of activity.

• Shopping and more

The city is a shopper's paradise, as you'd expect from the place home to North America's largest shopping mall: the West Edmonton* mall (the world's 10th largest, at that). The city's Old Strathcona district is a fascinating district with quirky and interesting independent shops, a farmer's market and a great number of restaurants and bars too. It's an excellent place just to wander around and get a feel for the city.

• Cultural highlights

There's a strong and vibrant cultural buzz here. A healthy local music scene means there's always an interesting concert on somewhere, and for the more highbrow music fans, the city boasts its own Symphony Orchestra, performing in the world-class Winfield Centre. There are multiple museums and art galleries, so many on 124th St that it's known as the "Gallery Walk".

Calendar Of Events

There's something happening in Edmonton whatever time of the year that you visit, with over 100 annual events. What else would you expect from "Canada's festival city"?

• Silver Skate: Every February, this festival combines both pioneer and indigenous heritage in a celebration of winter with food, music, sport and cultural events.

• The Fringe: This theatre festival, second only to Edinburgh's in terms of its variety and scope, takes place every August, as the city becomes a global hub for theatre.

• Rocky Mountain Food and Wine festival: Every November, this festival brings together the city's enviable selection of gourmet restaurants with beer and wine from around the world. A foodies' paradise.