The story is: I chose University of Alberta over Hawaii University. (this is a very true story). And every winter in -40c, I ask myself, "what the heck?"
However, Edmonton definitely has its unique culture. The food scene is rising and the summer, it's super! It has a name, City of Festivals.
However, Edmonton definitely has its unique culture. The food scene is rising and the summer, it's super! It has a name, City of Festivals.
House keeping
Is it safe? YES. It is safe. There's always that sketchy area in every city. And in Edmonton, it is the downtown area. During the 9-5 hour, it's all business white collar. Just be careful when it gets dark when you finished up your night at the bar, don't walk alone, always Uber!
Wifi and cell services: As many of you may already notice, Canada's wireless phone services provider are super expansive. For travelers, I've found something that might just be your best deal, Chatr. Chatr provides pre-paid services, for $50 dollars you can get 8GB data, unlimited Canada wide phone calls, and International texting. You will not have to worry about if you will go over your plan and get charged with ridiculous fee. Or just enjoy your time without data! All the malls, coffee shops and most of restaurants have free wifi.
Transportation
LRT (subway), Bus, Uber, Taxi, and Pogo Carshrare
Take the *LRT if you are commute between South Gate Mall, University, and Downtown area.
Bus: if you are heading to Whyte Ave, West Edmonton Mall. (Prepare exact Cash $3.50)
Uber / TappCar / *Pogo Carshare: If you are heading to South Common or just anywhere.
Rental Car Company: if you are thinking going on a roadtrip with more than a day driving.
*Bus ticket and LRT ticket are the same and it's valid for 2 hours. There is no zone in Edmonton. (Except to Airport.)
*What is Pogo Carshare: it is a similar idea like regular rental car company except you can drop off the car anywhere on streets parking, and not worries about paying parking fee and gas. You download the app, check where's the nearest car, unlock the car from your app, and off you go!
Wifi and cell services: As many of you may already notice, Canada's wireless phone services provider are super expansive. For travelers, I've found something that might just be your best deal, Chatr. Chatr provides pre-paid services, for $50 dollars you can get 8GB data, unlimited Canada wide phone calls, and International texting. You will not have to worry about if you will go over your plan and get charged with ridiculous fee. Or just enjoy your time without data! All the malls, coffee shops and most of restaurants have free wifi.
Transportation
LRT (subway), Bus, Uber, Taxi, and Pogo Carshrare
Take the *LRT if you are commute between South Gate Mall, University, and Downtown area.
Bus: if you are heading to Whyte Ave, West Edmonton Mall. (Prepare exact Cash $3.50)
Uber / TappCar / *Pogo Carshare: If you are heading to South Common or just anywhere.
Rental Car Company: if you are thinking going on a roadtrip with more than a day driving.
*Bus ticket and LRT ticket are the same and it's valid for 2 hours. There is no zone in Edmonton. (Except to Airport.)
*What is Pogo Carshare: it is a similar idea like regular rental car company except you can drop off the car anywhere on streets parking, and not worries about paying parking fee and gas. You download the app, check where's the nearest car, unlock the car from your app, and off you go!
What to do:
Keep in mind that Edmonton is VERY different in the winter and summer. Check out Explore Edmonton for all the most updated events!
Summer:
Winter
After all these food exploration, gotta do some Workout: I only wrote about experiences that I have done before. And here are my favs!
Summer:
- Farmer's market in downtown on Saturday and 124th on Thursday night.
- Check out the Heritage Festival, Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival, Folk Festival, K Days, Taste of Edmonton. Craft Beer Festival
- Bar / Patio Hopping on a bike and meet new friends: Urban Pedal Tours
- Day trip BBQ at Elk Island Park, Jasper National Park, River Valley.
- Stand Up Paddling in the River. Rent a board from the MEC, drive down to the river and enjoy! it's $40 dollars for 24hrs!
Winter
- Wine Festival
- Farmer's market at Old Strathcona Farmer's Market on Saturdays.
- Ice Castle / Skill in downtown / Outdoor Skating / Hockey Game
After all these food exploration, gotta do some Workout: I only wrote about experiences that I have done before. And here are my favs!
Where to Stay?
Downtown:
Budget: Airbnb on 104th street & lofts!
Fancy: Westin Hotel, Fairmont Hotel Macdonald
Budget: Airbnb on 104th street & lofts!
Fancy: Westin Hotel, Fairmont Hotel Macdonald
Eat
There are more and more coffee shops and restaurants popping out in Edmonton every day and many has been on top 10 choice in Canada. Regardless of those fame ranking, I've been living here 3 years, here are my TRUE loves:
Here are the spots you really have to hit:
Brunch:
Lunch:
Here are the spots you really have to hit:
Brunch:
- Café Linnea $$-$$$ is always packed on weekend and it does not take reservation under 6. Be prepare to wait in line, but I promise, it is SO worth it!What to order: Oeufs-en-Cocotte
- If you love baking goods, they also have a sister shop, and this is the place you MUST go: Duchess Bake Shop
- Under the high wheel $$ It is located on Whyte Ave, a perfect location to for you to start off the meal and shopping after. The waffles are amazing here. It's a fairly popular spot in the city. If the weather is nice, sit on the patio. And if it's packed in the restaurant, trick: you can sit in the coffee shop Da Capo (Fantastic Italian espresso) and order Brunch from Under the high wheel!
- District Café & Bakery: $-$$ What to order: Mocha, Egg Benny
Lunch:
- Kb&Co$-$$ They first started on the 104th location in downtown. When I first heard plant base food, I thought , oh god those boring nutrition thing? But I am telling you, don't judge until you try the Coconut BLT Sandwiches and Sweet Green Smoothie or looking for more protein? Co-Co Bean!
- Tokiwa Ramen $-$$ As a true Asian, you gotta trust me when I say this is the real Ramen. As soon as they sold out, they close the shop!
- Filistix $ While visiting University of Alberta Campus, do not miss out this place. I have ate probably over 100 bowls of South Pacific Chicken.
- The MEAT$$-$$$ Your trip is not completed without a visit to the MEAT. Must order: RIBS, Brussels Sprouts, Garlic Fries, Corn Bread, Mac & Cheese. (They also offer brunch too, and yum, definitely a YES too!)
- Tres Carnales Taqueria $-$$ TACOS. The tacos they offers are worth the bucks! (Not legit like the street tacos in Mexico City but still, you really should try! They also have a sister restaurant, Rostizado, which offers bigger plate!
- SFC Seoul Fried Chicken $ make sure you order the G.P Cheese fried chicken! Located on whyte, perfect eat before you start bar hopping!
- Going on a Fancy Date Night: Italian Chef Daniel Costa's Corso 32 $$$$, Uccellino $$$$
Drink
Woodwork: The best cocktail bar in town. True story: I moved in the loft above the bar...simply just because I LOVE this place.
Bar Bricco: Another Daniel Costa's! Order House-made Focaccia, Egg Yolk Raviolo, Beef Carpaccio and ask for the special cheese!
Wishbone: Between going/after dancing in the Bower, you should go upstairs and order Fried chicken Sandwich, Lobster Roll, Oyster! The fried chicken sandwich reminds me the Shake Shack and a splash of the southern style.
Clementine: If you are a wine lover and fancy French dishes, this is THE place.
Baijiu & Little Hong Kong : Little Hong Kong is a speak easy bar, opens only on weekend. Baijui is a pretty upbeat bar, focused on many Asian's fusion dishes. If you are heading to Rogers Place for a Hockey Game, should stop by for a drink or two!
Bar Bricco: Another Daniel Costa's! Order House-made Focaccia, Egg Yolk Raviolo, Beef Carpaccio and ask for the special cheese!
Wishbone: Between going/after dancing in the Bower, you should go upstairs and order Fried chicken Sandwich, Lobster Roll, Oyster! The fried chicken sandwich reminds me the Shake Shack and a splash of the southern style.
Clementine: If you are a wine lover and fancy French dishes, this is THE place.
Baijiu & Little Hong Kong : Little Hong Kong is a speak easy bar, opens only on weekend. Baijui is a pretty upbeat bar, focused on many Asian's fusion dishes. If you are heading to Rogers Place for a Hockey Game, should stop by for a drink or two!
