The spot has earned a place on Lonely Planet’s list thanks to its revitalized downtown core
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One of Canada’s largest cities has new bragging rights after being singled out for global praise by a leading travel guide.
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Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2025 list has named Edmonton, Alberta as one of their top 10 best cities to visit. The western Canadian city is listed alongside international gems such as Toulouse, France; Puducherry, India; Bansko, Bulgaria; Chiang Mai, Thailand; Genoa, Italy; Pittsburg, U.S.; Osaka, Japan; Curitiba, Brazil and Palma, Spain.
Alberta’s capital city took the very last spot on the list, coming in at number 10.
“Canada’s fifth-largest city has long been celebrated for its legendary fringe festival and bohemian Old Strathcona district, but in recent times Herculean efforts have been put into revitalizing its once lacklustre downtown with sleek skyscrapers and state-of-the-art sports and entertainment facilities,” Lonely Planet explained in a section of its new book.
Thanks to a decade-long effort, the travel experts said the downtown core has been reawakened. The transformation includes a collection of vacant buildings and parking lots turned into a 25-acre development called the Ice District. This dynamic area combines condos, a public plaza, sports, entertainment, shopping, accommodations and more. The Grand Villa Casino in the heart of Ice District also offers gaming, dining and entertainment.
The Ice District is where you’ll find Rogers Place, another notable draw mentioned in the guide. Throughout the NHL season you can catch a hockey game and witness the phenomenal talents of Edmonton Oiler’s star Connor McDavid. Rogers Place also hosts concerts for some of the biggest names in music.
As North America’s northernmost metropolis, the guide acknowledges that Edmonton winters can be brutal, but there’s still plenty to do if you’re visiting. During the colder months you can tackle the city’s sprawling trail system on foot, fatbike, snowshoe or cross-country skis. During the summer months, those 150 kilometres of trails become a great way to see the city’s greenspace and boreal landscape along the North Saskatchewan River Valley.
Edmonton is known for hosting over 50 festivals throughout the year, some of these even happen in the winter months. In February visitors can experience a classic Nordic adventure with the Canadian Birkebeiner Ski Festival. Also in February, the Silver Skate Festival focuses on arts, culture, recreation and sports. Marvel at the snow sculpture garden or learn from knowledge keepers and craftspeople at the Heritage Village. Silver Skate is free and has something for everyone.
Regardless of the season, outdoor adventure awaits at Elk Island National Park just east of the city which serves as a refuge for moose, elk, lynx, 250 species of birds and herds of bison. There’s a chance to capture an Instagram-worthy moment with some wildlife, soak in a prairie sunset or gaze at the stars in this pristine landscape.
There are many reasons to plan a trip to Alberta’s capital, especially if you haven’t experienced its refreshed vibe. With a transformed city centre and a host of year-round activities and recreation to choose from, Edmonton has become a top-tier destination for your next adventure.