Visitor Information Centres
Let Edmonton Tourism’s professional staff help you make the most of your visit to our city. This branch of Edmonton Economic Development Corporation is a destination marketing organization (DMO) that promotes international and domestic travel to the Greater Edmonton Region. Whatever planning help or information you may require—whether you’re on a personal adventure, a family holiday, on behalf of your company, or part of a large group—Edmonton Tourism can smooth your path to a memorable experience! Call 780-496-8400/ 1-800-463-4667 or visit edmonton.com.
Be sure to pick up your complimentary copy of WHERE Edmonton Magazine, the premier guide for travellers who are looking for timely information about where to eat, shop, go and stay in the city! Visit where.ca/digital-editions for the online version.
There are two Visitor Information Centres to serve you:
DOWNTOWN
World Trade Centre
9990 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta
780-401-7696
General Information
LANGUAGE — English & French are Canada’s two official languages, and while English is predominant in Alberta, many services, shops and hotels have multilingual employees.
LIQUOR LAWS — The legal age for the consumption of alcoholic beverages in Alberta is 18. It is unlawful to consume liquor in a public place, or any place other than a residence or licensed premises.
TIME ZONE — Alberta is in the Mountain Time Zone. Daylight savings time is in effect from 2 am on the second Sunday in March until 2 am on the first Sunday in November.
TIPPING — Diners should be advised that a 15 to 20 per cent tip is considered standard, though dining establishments may include gratuities in the cost of the meal for large groups.
Transportation
Getting Here and Away
CAR – Edmonton is located on the QE2, running north to south, and the Trans-Canada Yellowhead Highway, running east to west, considered to be the quickest route across Western Canada. The city is 514 km north of the USA/Canada border, 294 km north of Calgary, 362 km east of Jasper and 404 km northeast of Banff.
PLANE – Offering non-stop flights to more than 50 destinations, the Edmonton International Airport (EIA) serves more than six million passengers annually. EIA is located 30 km (about 30-40 minutes) from downtown and serves international, national and regional airlines. Taxi-fare from EIA to the city centre is about $48. Fares to other locations are charged by a zone (not metered) rate. The Sky Shuttle Bus is $18 and must be booked in advance. Visit flyeia.com or call 780-890-8382 for information.
TRAIN – VIA Rail’s train, The Canadian® , operates six times per week through Edmonton. Passengers can travel east to Saskatoon, Winnipeg or Toronto, or west to Jasper, Kamloops and Vancouver. VIA’s depot is located at 12360-121 Street. For reservations call 1-888-842-7245 or visit viarail.ca.
BUS – Get to or from anywhere in North America on one of these four major bus lines: Greyhound Bus Lines 1-800-661-8747 or greyhound.ca, Red Arrow 1-800-232-1958 or redarrow.ca, EBus 1-877-769-3287 or myebus.ca and Leduc’s C-Line Transit 780-980-7177 or c-linetransit.com.
Getting Around
LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT (LRT) – The LRT has 15 stations throughout the city, making travel fast and convenient. Visit takeets.com for routes and fares.
BUS – Routes offer quick transportation to facilities such as Commonwealth Stadium, Rexall Place, Northlands and the University of Alberta. Visit takeets.com for routes and fares.
TAXI – Taxis are usually available at hotels, shopping centres and event venues. In areas without a taxi stand, it is usually quicker to call for service rather than hail a taxi.
CAR
• The minimum age for licensed drivers in Alberta is 16.
• A Distracted Driving Law is in effect for all of Alberta.
• U-turns are prohibited.
• You must have valid accident insurance with a minimum coverage of $200,000.
Edmonton’s Roadways
• Edmonton’s roadways are numbered in a grid pattern, the first digits of an address indicate the nearest cross-street. Avenues run east to west, and streets from north to south. Odd numbered buildings are on the east side of the street and the south side of the avenue.
• Edmonton’s streets include several traffic circles. When approaching one, use the right lane if you plan to exit at the first exit. Use the left lane to take the second or third exit. The vehicle on the outside of the circle must yield to the vehicles on the inside, and you must exit the circle in the same lane in which you are travelling.
