Getting Around YEG
Edmonton, historically, has been more of a city for drivers, but in the last few years our infrastructure and accessibility to different modes of locomotion has exploded. (like, we even have a funicular…)
No car, no problems.
We are located just one block off the NEW Edmonton Vally Line LRT + major bus routes. Uber and Communauto are available year round and, if you are here during our summer months, Lime and Bird scooters + bikes are scattered throughout the city centre for your ease.
If you prefer to stay in the hood and be on foot, we are only a few blocks from the stunning Mill Creek Ravine and some of the best restaurants, wine bars, breweries, and coffee shops in Edmonton.
The Edmonton Transit System (ETS).
To access the routes and schedules to get you where you want to go, your best best is to utilize the ETS Trip Planner. Just enter your starting point, your destination and when you want to go and it will program your best route with alerts and service updates.
If you are here for only a short stay you can purchase a “pay as you go” ARC card or pay with your spare change ($2.75) for up to 90 minutes. If you plan to take full advantage of the ETS system for a longer stay you can access passes and purchase online for your ease.
For more information on our transit system you can access their website below.
Uber
Though we have cabs as well, Uber is definitely the easiest way to get yourself where you want to go quickly.
Being right in the city centre you generally don’t have to wait more than a few minutes for your ride to pick you up and get you to your next locale. If you don’t already have the Uber App on your phone you can download it free for Apple or Android.
Communauto
If you’re someone who likes to be in control behind the wheel, but doesn't want to commit to renting a vehicle for the duration of your stay, Communauto Edmonton is a great way to experience the city for trips that are a little further from the centre.
Download the app and you will gain access to a fleet of over a hundred vehicles that can be rented at low cost for a few minutes, an hour, a day, or longer.
Scooters + Bikes
During our summer months you will spot scooters and bikes strewn about the city centre. We must say, this is the most fun way to get around on a sunny Edmonton day.
Download the Lime or Bird Canada App and locate your next ride, likely not too far from you. They are also a great way to bridge any gaps between your public transit and the location you’re heading, if the stops aren’t directly by where you need to be.
High Level Street Car
This is the most Edmonton thing you can do, we’re certain.
The High Level Bridge Street Car line travels from their Whyte Ave Terminus, stopping at Old Strathcona, 107 St, Garneau, Government Centre & their Jasper Plaza Terminus before turning back for a round trip.
Not only do you get a bit of an interactive tour of central Edmonton, but the views from the high level are incredible.
We LOVE to pop into the Strathcona Farmers Market on a Saturday and grab some picnic goodies, then catch the Street Car for a ride and enjoy our snacks by the fountains on the gorgeous Legislature Grounds or at the top of the Royal Glenora Stairs which is a hot spot for Edmonton runners if you (like us) like to watch folks get sweaty while you enjoy your lunch.
You can explore downtown for a bit and hop back on the street car back or just carry on with your day.
On Foot
Our neighbourhood and surrounding have spent the last few years improving their walkability with more local gems popping up and improvements to the trail systems.
We highly recommend exploring the central hoods on foot and taking the slow mozy to window shop, to pop into a local hot spot, or embrace the incredible ravine and river valley systems Edmonton is celebrated for.
We have over 160km of trails you can walk, jog, and adventure through. Check out some city trails maps or improve your Edmonton knowledge with a free walking tour through the “Commonwealth Walkway” with an interactive app that takes you on a journey of 5 storylines (Indigenous, History, Family, River & Winter).
The Funicular
We for sure think this was one of the worst decisions in Edmonton city planning history, but would you be in Edmonton if you didn’t at least attempt to use the funicular at least once?
If this puppy is up and running this “extra fun” elevator does give a beautiful view as you make your way down to the River Valley from 100 street by the landmark Hotel MacDonald (We also recommend the view from their "Confederation Lounge Patio”— cocktail in hand).
