Invest in Edmonton's Tourism Market

Where innovation fuels tourism growth

As Alberta’s capital and Canada’s Festival City, Edmonton combines youthful dynamism, global connectivity, and a robust visitor economy to offer a strategic advantage for business expansion. With Canada’s largest sports and entertainment district, one of the world’s biggest malls and the longest stretch of urban parkland on the continent, our capital likes to do things big.

Explore Edmonton

Edmonton Global

Couple standing outside of Edmonton's Ice District

Why Edmonton?

Dynamic growth

With a metropolitan population exceeding 1.4 million and one of the youngest median ages in Canada, Edmonton is on an upward trajectory of demographic and economic expansion.

Affluent talent pool

Edmonton boasts a high median household income and is supported by a well-educated, globally savvy workforce, ready to drive your business forward.

Global connectivity

Edmonton International Airport (YEG) is a major hub, offering direct flights to numerous destinations worldwide, ensuring seamless international access.

Thriving visitor economy

Edmonton welcomes millions of visitors annually, generating substantial tourism revenue and bolstering the local economy.

At a glance

Direct access to the world

Edmonton International Airport (YEG)

Edmonton International Airport welcomes millions of passengers annually, reaching almost 8M in 2024. With direct flights from key U.S. and international cities, YEG is a gateway for global visitation.

Four people cheers beverages while sitting at a picnic table outside of Rig Hand Distillery

A crowd of people watching fireworks while sitting on the grass beside the North Saskatchewan River in Edmonton

Main attractions

What’s bringing visitors to Edmonton?

West Edmonton Mall

With over 30M visitors a year, the world’s second largest mall encompasses 5.3 million square feet or 48 city blocks. West Edmonton Mall is also home to attractions including World Waterpark, Galaxyland amusement park, mini-golf, an ice palace, underground aquarium, movie theatre, and bowling alley. With around 800 stores, plenty of dining options—ranging from fast food to fine dining—and the themed rooms of the on-site Fantasyland Hotel, this mall offers endless experiences for visitors from across the globe.

Royal Alberta Museum

Visitors get immersed in the stories of Alberta’s people and natural environment at the largest museum in Western Canada. The Royal Alberta Museum is home to five expansive galleries, where they’ll find 5 million uniquely Albertan stories waiting to be told—space rocks, live bugs, enormous dinosaurs, wildlife, and personal accounts from people who have shaped their province.

Rogers Place in the ICE District

Seating upwards of 18,000 to 20,000 people, this world-class arena is home to the Edmonton Oilers NHL hockey team and hosts some of the biggest international music acts. It serves as the main hub of the ICE District, Canada's largest mixed-use sports and entertainment district in the heart of Edmonton. Offering dining options ranging from sports bars to speakeasies, upscale accommodations of the JW Marriott Edmonton ICE District, and luxury condominium living at the SKY Residences and The Legends Private Residences, this thriving hub is full of potential.

Get inspired

KDAYS

Held in late July, KDays is Edmonton’s biggest summer fair hosted at the Edmonton EXPO Centre grounds, attracting 740,000 visitors per year. The ten-day fair includes amusement rides, midway games, live music, cultural exhibits, and fireworks.

Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival

Every August, Fringe features more than 200 live theatre performances and attracts 750,000 visitors. As North America’s largest and longest-running Fringe Theatre Festival, it offers shows, street performances, food vendors, and artisan markets.

North Saskatchewan River Valley

At 22 times the size of New York City’s Central Park, visitors can enjoy the valley’s hiking and biking trails, river access, and a wide range of wildlife and plants.

Edmonton Folk Music Festival

Held each August in Gallagher Park, the Edmonton Folk Music Festival brings together top folk, roots, and global music artists for four days of live performances—complete with scenic hillside views, local food vendors, artisan markets, and a laid-back vibe.

Canadian Finals Rodeo

Every fall, CFR brings the best of professional rodeo to Rogers Place, showcasing top athletes from across the country. Canada’s premier rodeo championship features five thrilling performances packed with events like bull riding, barrel racing, and steer wrestling.

Fort Edmonton Park

This living history museum depicts the early development of Edmonton, from its early days as a fur trading post to Indigenous history and more. There's old-time fun in the 1920s-inspired midway and cocktail bar, plus a 1919 steam train to ride. Shopping and restaurants make for an immersive full-day experience.

Elk Island National Park

Only 35 minutes east of Edmonton is a designated dark sky preserve—perfect for spotting the Northern Lights. Visitors can also hike, canoe, snowshoe, skate, and more in this protected nature area.

Unlock opportunities

Discover your next great investment with our expert-led team.

Contact us to learn more about Travel Alberta’s efforts to grow tourism in Edmonton, and to access third-party opportunity assessments and bespoke insights.