Edmonton, AB: Hotel & Motel Planning Guide

When to Visit Edmonton, Alberta

If your Edmonton plans call for warm, sunny days, schedule your trip in the months of June, July, or August. High temperatures are usually in the 70s, but can reach into the mid-80s, and humidity tends to be low. The city is far enough north to enjoy long days in summer, with a full 17 hours of sunlight on June 21, the summer solstice and longest day of the year.

Locals and visitors make the most of summer by attending festivals — Edmonton's local nickname is "the Festival City" — including the Edmonton International Jazz Festival and Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival. They also might explore the 48-kilometer stretch of parks, trails, and golf courses along the North Saskatchewan River, called the River of Green.

Edmonton winters are long and filled with snow, attracting visitors who come for winter sports. From October through March, temperatures often hover around freezing and can dip below the freezing mark. In 2009, a temperature of -36.6 degrees Celsius made Edmonton the coldest place in North America that day. Still, winters here are milder than in cities like Ontario and Quebec to the east, and low relative humidity makes the cold more bearable.

Skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing are popular winter activities. However, if you plan to spend a significant amount of time outdoors during winter, take some precautions, especially if you're not accustomed to such low temperatures. Dress in layers of wool or synthetic fabrics and avoid cotton, which retains moisture. Pack warm gloves, hats, earmuffs, socks, and waterproof boots to stay warm and dry in freezing temperatures, and remember to stay hydrated and protected against the harsh winter sun.

Weather can be unpredictable in the spring months of April and May, and in September's autumn, warmer temperatures are often punctuated by occasional heavy snow and rain. These seasons tend to attract fewer visitors, however. As a bonus, if you're in Edmonton between August and April, you may catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.

Best Discounts in Edmonton, Alberta

Get more hotel for your money by looking for properties that offer discounts. The Comfort Inn & Suites Downtown Edmonton has discounts for AAA and AARP members and military personnel. The Westin Edmonton is an upscale property with rates to match, but by taking advantage of the available AAA discount, you may find affordable luxury here.

If you are planning an event or organizing travel for a large group, look for hotels offering group rates. The Home2 Suites by Hilton West Edmonton is not only an affordable choice for solo travelers and small families, but it also offers a group discount of almost 20 percent. Chateau Lacombe Hotel caters to groups with a discount of more than 13 percent and a complimentary room for every 20 rooms booked each night.

Best Value Options in Edmonton, Alberta

Visitors looking for the best combination of amenities and price can choose from among Edmonton's value hotels. The Hilton Garden Inn West Edmonton offers brand value and gives guests complimentary amenities, such as parking and Wi-Fi access. Use the in-room mini-fridge and microwave to save and reheat leftovers, or you can make simple breakfasts and snacks if you choose to save on dining.

Chateau Nova Yellowhead is a newer property that caters to business travelers. Three meeting rooms and a group discount make it a good option for small conferences. Fast Internet and an on-site restaurant allow you to work and dine on-site, plus you'll still have plenty of time to unwind in the fitness room or visit attractions in Alberta.

Discover More Places to Stay and Shop in Edmonton, Alberta

The West Edmonton Mall is the most popular visitor attraction in Alberta. About 30 million visitors come to the mall each year — nine times the province's population. If you are among those visitors, enjoy the novel experience of staying at one of the mall's two hotels.

The aptly named Fantasyland Hotel, set in the West Edmonton Mall, offers 235 traditional and newly renovated guest rooms for less adventurous visitors. You can also book one of the hotel's 120 themed rooms; select a room with a Roman, Polynesian, Hollywood, or igloo theme, among others. Depending on which you choose, you can sleep in a circular king-size bed or put the kids to sleep in bunk beds and savor a soak in your own four-person Jacuzzi.

The West Edmonton Mall Inn is a more casual, affordable option, steps away from a wealth of activities. In fact, since this budget hotel is so close to everything the mall has to offer — directly across the street — you may feel like you're staying at a resort property without paying resort prices.

This mall is about more than shopping. In addition to the more than 800 shops, you'll find a water park, aquarium, ice rink, golf course, Imax theater, and more. You and your family can easily fill several days here and never see the same scene twice.

Whether you come to Edmonton for a summer festival, a winter ski vacation, a trip to the famous mall, or simple to get a change of scenery, the right hotel makes all the difference. Spend some time thinking about what you want to do with your time here and choose a property that complements the experience during your visit.

Travel overview of Edmonton, AB

The jovial events that the Festival City hosts every year, tourists have been drawn to the interesting history and rich culture of Edmonton that manifests in the heritage sites and numerous museums that come in different sizes and types. Discover what the town can offer and have the best of it during your visit. If you are into artifacts and memorabilia, visit the city's museums that houses collections of different items that have historical significance. The Royal Alberta Museum is the largest and gives shelter to millions of relics owned by aboriginal tribes. Other prominent similar interests include Alberta Aviation Museum, Telus World of Science and Telephone Historical Centre. Share with the fun and be merry at the numerous large festivals held by Edmonton annually which are usually held at Sir Winston Churchill Square. Marvel at the masterpieces by local artists in The Works Art & Design Festival or catch amazing performances by talented individuals in the Edmonton International Street Performance Festival. Put on your cowboy hats and have fun watching or competing for the prestigious Canadian Finals Rodeo. With so many things to do and places to go in Edmonton, you will not be bored for even a minute.

"Edmontonians, as always, have been very, very generous," said Can Man Dan, a Canadian philanthropist. "A lot of donations have come in at all hours of the night. We're going to help feed a lot of people in need, so I'm very excited."

With nearly 27,000 acres of parkland spread across the river valley, the city is blessed with enough greenery to attract tourists. Hotels in Edmonton are busy throughout the year with the many summer festivals and mountain parks. Biking enthusiasts, golfers, trekkers, and cross-country skiers all arrive at different times to enjoy open spaces and trails existing for hundreds of years. The city plays host to nearly 30 different festivals and with its downhill skiing hills is an all-weather resort.

3 Affordable Hotels For Travelers

The city attracts so many visitors it is bound to have some really good cheap hotels catering especially to travelers who look to make the most of their visits to Edmonton. Cheap hotels are found in all the districts with some offering highly-affordable tariffs. Best Western Cedar Park Inn - The nearly 50-year-old renovated hotel provides comfortable stay with complimentary breakfasts. It has a good location with popular restaurants and shopping centers nearby. Days Inn Edmonton South - Air-conditioned rooms are offered at this clean hotel close to University Hospital. The service is excellent, and the hotel serves elaborate breakfasts. It also has a romantic package for couples. Courtyard Edmonton West - Close to West Edmonton Mall, the busy hotel has ample parking space both in front and at the back. The convenient hotel is counted among the best cheap hotels for businesses with spacious rooms and bathrooms. Rooms also have working tables and sofas. Other amenities include conference rooms, a well-equipped gymnasium, hot tub, and a pool.

2 Convenient Luxury Hotels for International Visitors

Convenience is the key with the busy airport managing a large number of international business and leisure visitors. Hotels in Edmonton close to the airport offer lucrative luxury deals. Renaissance Edmonton Airport Hotel - The hotel has a luxurious hot tub and indoor pool. Visitors and business visitors can make full use of the seating area and desk. Comfort Inn & Suites Edmonton International Airport - Located at a distance of around 24 km from the city, it is one of the top Edmonton hotels with a shuttle service to the City Center as well as the international airport, which is around 4 km away. It has an indoor pool, large restaurant, well-equipped gymnasium, and spacious rooms with working space. A conference room is available for business meetings.

Great Outdoors With Festivals and Wildlife 

Downtown Churchill Square is known to play host to famous summer festivals including The Works Art & Design Festival as well as Edmonton International Street Performer's Festival. Spectator sports like Farmfair and Canadian Finals Rodeo take place on November. Other attractions are Edmonton International Film Festival, North Saskatchewan River Valley Park system, and the Edmonton Heritage Festival. Popular museums like Royal Alberta Museum and Telus World of Science showcase huge collections. Mid-range Edmonton hotels are focused around downtown areas, while luxury hotels are found all across the city.