48 Hours In Edmonton – 2 Day Itinerary

Edmonton – a city full of diverse attractions, so no matter your interests, you’re sure to find something that’ll make your two-day stay in Edmonton an enjoyable and fun experience. From the museums and parks that tell the story of Alberta’s history, to the outdoor activities like kayaking and biking trails, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy and entertained.

Plus, Edmonton is known for its friendly locals – “Edmontonians” – who are always ready to offer advice and insight on where to go and what to see, and who take great pride in their city’s heritage and traditions. 

Edmonton offers an exhilarating blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for travellers seeking a different experience of Canada.  

During your 48 hours in Edmonton, and as the northernmost North  American city, they enjoy long summer days and enchanting winter nights, perfect for enjoying popular attractions and activities.  

Favourite attractions while in Edmonton include visiting the Elk Island National Park and Fort Edmonton Park; art enthusiasts must visit the Art Gallery of Alberta and the Royal Alberta Museum; and for an overall city experience take a ride on the High Level Bridge Streetcar.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the North Saskatchewan River Valley presents numerous opportunities for hiking, biking, and picnicking amidst breathtaking views.

Visiting Edmonton when the weather is comfortable for exploring would be best. Summer days (June to September) are long in the city and ideal for outdoor exploration and festivals, and the best time to try all the fun things to do in Edmonton. 

Where to stay in Edmonton? Downtown Edmonton is the ideal base for a short visit, and being close to major attractions, restaurants, and nightlife, you’ll find yourself in the heart of the action. Strathcona is another excellent option, boasting a bohemian atmosphere with eclectic shops and trendy eateries. 

Overview of 2 Days in Edmonton Itinerary

Here’s a glance at what you’ll see and do in two days in Edmonton:

Day 1 in Edmonton

• Breakfast at Rooster Kitchen and Bar 
• Visit the Royal Alberta Museum 
• Discover art at the Art Gallery of Alberta
• Lunch at Pip 
• Explore Old Strathcona
• Stop by the Edmonton Muttart Conservatory
• Ride the High Level Bridge Streetcar 
• Dinner at CRAFT Beer Market Edmonton 
• Enjoy Downtown Edmonton’s Nightlife 

Day 2 in Edmonton

• Morning stroll at Louise McKinney Riverfront Park 
• Breakfast at De Dutch
• Drive to the Elk Island National Park 
• Lunch at Highlevel Diner 
• Explore the Fort Edmonton Park 
• Shop at the West Edmonton Mall
• Visit the Neon Sign Museum
• Dinner at The Marc Edmonton

Day 1 in Edmonton

Breakfast at Rooster Kitchen and Bar

Before you start your first day in Edmonton, head over to one of the best breakfast spots in the city, Rooster Kitchen and Bar.

Open from 9am every morning, this trendy eatery offers a diverse menu of delicious breakfast options like Iron Brisket Skillet, and Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast. You must try their Rooster Polanchitas! 

Rooster Kitchen Bar is a favourite among locals, not only because of their excellent brunch menu, but also because of their welcoming atmosphere and excellent service. Breakfast specials are only served until 10am…so no sleeping in! 

​Visit the Royal Alberta Museum 

The Royal Alberta Museum – considered the largest museum in western Canada – is a natural and human history museum. With over 82,000 square feet of exhibit space, your time here will be full of immersive learning experiences as you check out several displays – from prehistoric fossils to Indigenous art and modern history.

This impressive museum showcases many collections – more than five million stories of artefacts, exhibits, and interactive displays bring the province’s heritage to life. 

Visiting the museum is the best start to your Edmonton trip, especially as this way you’ll learn more about Alberta’s rich history and culture. Open every Wednesday to Sunday, so plan your visit! 

Discover art at the Art Gallery of Alberta

Located near the Royal Alberta Museum, the Art of Gallery of Alberta (AGA) is the perfect next attraction for your morning adventure in Edmonton. Art enthusiast (or not), you’ll love this 8,000 square meter art gallery showcasing over 6,000 art pieces. 

With the gallery’s diverse and thought-provoking exhibits, they have various experiences to offer guests: discover contemporary and historical artworks, attend rotating exhibitions, and participate in art-related events and workshops.

Lunch at Pip 

For a satisfying midday meal in Edmonton, head to Pip, a charming brunch restaurant known for its creative and locally sourced dishes.

Open every day from 9am to 3pm, Pip serves a variety of options, from gourmet sandwiches and salads to hearty mains. One highly recommended dish is their Creamy Polenta Bowl with Fried Eggs, which is best paired with a Strawberry Aperol Spritz or Breakfast Negroni for a total experience.

Explore Old Strathcona

Complete your Edmonton itinerary with a visit to the iconic Old Strathcona, and s​tep back in time as you explore this historic neighborhood teeming with unique shops, boutiques, cafes, and live performance venues. 

Some of the historical buildings you can find along the Old Strathcona are the Strathcona Hotel and Knox Church. One spot not to miss at the Old Strathcona is Whyte Avenue, known for its eclectic charm and named one of Canada’s best shopping neighborhoods.

If you enjoy shopping in vintage stores, luxury shops and contemporary art galleries, your time here will be paradise!

Stop by the Edmonton Muttart Conservatory

From Old Strathcona head straight to the Edmonton Muttart Conservatory where you can discover the beauty of nature amid a bustling city. The Edmonton Muttart Conservatory – Canada’s most extensive indoor botanical garden – is known for its iconic glass pyramid that houses four distinct climate-regulated biomes. 

Inside these four pyramids, the botanical gardens comprise more than 700 different species of plants that grow in three different climates – Arid, Temperate and Tropical. The fourth pyramid houses seasonal displays and celebrations. 

Explore lush tropical forests, arid deserts, and stunning floral displays from around the world. It’s a fantastic place to escape the city and experience the wonders of various ecosystems.

Ride the High-Level Bridge Streetcar 

For a unique Edmonton experience, take a ride on the High Level Bridge Streetcar. This historic streetcar offers scenic views of the city’s skyline and the North Saskatchewan River as it runs through the former Canadian Pacific Railway. It also takes you to the Old Strathcona Farmer’s Market where you can get off and quickly grab a snack or shop at the market. 

Dinner at CRAFT Beer Market Edmonton 

Head to one of the local’s favourites, CRAFT Beer Market Edmonton, to end your day with great food (and drinks)! This local pub features over 100 beers locally sourced across Alberta and Canada. 

The food is good too. Try seasonal pub fare such as burgers, pizzas and salads. Whether you’re a beer fan or just looking for a great dining experience, CRAFT offers a relaxed ambience to wind down after a day of sightseeing. 

Enjoy Downtown Edmonton’s Nightlife 

Downtown Edmonton offers a vibrant nightlife scene – entertainment, music, and dancing at various bars, clubs, and live music venues scattered throughout the area. Whether you prefer a laid-back pub or a high-energy dance floor, the city’s nightlife caters to a wide range of tastes. The best end to Day 1 of your 48 hours in Edmonton. Some nightclubs or bars you can check out are the Black Dog Freehouse, Woodwork, Alchemy Bar and Blues on Whyte Pub. 

Day 2 in Edmonton

Morning stroll at Louise McKinney Riverfront Park 

Edmonton is home to loads of parks, and one of the most famous ones is the Louise McKinney Riverfront Park. This picturesque park, located along the North Saskatchewan River, offers scenic walking paths, beautiful river views, and well-maintained green spaces – a morning stroll here is a refreshing way to start your day. Or, you can also rent a bicycle to pedal through the park’s bike trails. 

Some other parks you might pass along the banks of the North Saskatchewan River are Rundle Park, Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park, Terwillegar Park, and more.  

Breakfast at De Dutch

After your morning walk, try De Dutch for a delicious breakfast. This popular eatery has been around since 1975 and is known for its Dutch-inspired cuisine with some twists. 

Try their Dutch pancakes or pannekoeken, and pair this with their Stroop, a Dutch-style syrup. Order them to go if you need to leave early for your Elk Island National Park trip.  

Drive to the Elk Island National Park 

No matter how many days you spend in Edmonton, driving to the Elk Island National Park is a must! Just 40 minutes away from Edmonton, this UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserve is home to herds of bison, elk and 250 bird species.

Besides seeing the animals, there is an abundance of wildlife to explore. You can also take the hiking trails, have a picnic, or walk around and enjoy the serene natural surroundings.

Lunch at Highlevel Diner 

Back in Edmonton, lunch at Highlevel Diner offers a cosy and rustic atmosphere serving authentic Canadian cuisine. Highlevel Diner’s huevos rancheros are a must-try, and if you feel you’re in the mood for a beer, they offer a wide range of Canadian beers on tap.   

Explore the Fort Edmonton Park 

Take a step back in time – visit Fort Edmonton Park, Canada’s largest living history museum. This 158-acre park showcases the history of Edmonton through various eras, including the fur trade era, the pioneer times, and the early 20th century. 

Enjoy interactive exhibits and historic buildings that bring the past to life. Costumed performers walk around, and you can even ride the landmark streetcar from 1909. 

Inside the park is a recreation of the 1929 Capitol Theatre, where you can watch concerts or participate in events, depending on your visit. Check out their website for upcoming events and park schedules. 

Shop at the West Edmonton Mall

No 48 hours in Edmonton will be complete without a visit to the renowned West Edmonton Mall, one of the world’s most extensive shopping and entertainment complexes.

The mall not only houses 800 shops, but also features hotels, a water park, an ice-skating rink, a golf area and even a replica of Christopher Columbus’s ship (Santa Maria). Of course, a day won’t be enough if you want to explore the entire mall – but perhaps a few hours of retail therapy will suffice.

Visit the Neon Sign Museum

The Neon Sign Museum features a collection of historic signs that tell a story about Edmonton’s neon past. Located in Downtown Edmonton, this outdoor museum showcases a collection of restored neon signs that once adorned Edmonton’s streets. The vibrant display creates a nostalgic and artistic ambience, making it a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts and history buffs.

While the museum is open 24 hours a day, it’s best to visit at night to see the neon signs lit up. It’s also free to visit, so no reason why you shouldn’t add this to your itinerary of what to see in Edmonton.

Dinner at The Marc Edmonton

The last stop for this trip is to have dinner at The Marc Edmonton, a renowned restaurant known for its French-inspired cuisine and elegant atmosphere. Classic yet luxurious, they offer a selection of expertly crafted dishes featuring locally sourced ingredients, which can be eaten in an intimate setting or on the open patio.

Remember to pair your meal with cocktails for a delightful culinary experience. Also, make sure to book a table in advance. The perfect end to 48 hours in Edmonton. 

Tours in Edmonton

Walking Tour 

Edmonton is a walkable city, and you can enjoy a few attractions within just two hours. On this walking tour – with a professional guide – the focus will be on sharing fascinating facts and legends about Edmonton.

Some places you’ll walk to are the Art Gallery of Alberta, Sir Winston Churchill Square, and much more! But note, this does not include a visit inside the attractions, but rather just a walk around town, from one spot to another. 

Segway Sunset Cruise

Another tour while in Edmonton is to cruise along Louise McKinney to other parts of the city while riding a segway. The perfect sunset activity as you enjoy the city.  Cruise from Louise McKinney parking to Downtown Edmonton. You’ll see the Alberta Legislature Building, Neon Sign Museum and much more! 

FAQs About 2 Days In Edmonton

2-Day Itinerary for Edmonton Wrap-up

Viola! Now you can rest easy as you plan your 48-hour trip to Edmonton. Use this itinerary as your guide, to avoid the hassle of designing your schedule from scratch.

There are so many things to do around Edmonton. Plan well, and in just two days you can immerse yourself in a delightful blend of nature, history, shopping, and culinary delights!

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