Edmonton sits on the North Saskatchewan River, and the river valley is the thread that ties the city together. The downtown core and the historic districts on both banks are where most visitors spend their time, while the shopping and suburban areas spread outward from there.
For a visitor, the practical split is between downtown on the north bank, the Old Strathcona–University area south of the river, the West End around West Edmonton Mall, and the more spread-out south, east and north ends. This guide covers which of those areas to base yourself in, and what each is like for different kinds of trips.
Best areas to stay in Edmonton
1. Downtown Edmonton
Downtown has the widest choice of high-end accommodation in the city, including hotels with river valley views and hotels with city views, plus boutique properties. It also has hostels located downtown, by Jekyll & Hyde's Pub, which makes it workable for budget travellers as well as those booking luxury suites.
This is the most convenient base for first-time visitors who want easy access to the benefits of downtown and, for those on the river side, views over the valley. Mid-range options closer to the core are also available here.
2. Old Strathcona–University
South of the river, this area combines the historic Whyte Avenue strip with the university. There are hostels just off Whyte Avenue, mid-range hotels a few blocks off the avenue, and further options along Gateway Boulevard. The Commercial Hotel on 82nd (Whyte) Avenue is an intriguing piece of history from 1911, with a blues bar and pool room at ground level.
It suits visitors who want to be near the university, near Whyte Avenue's bars and shops, or in a walkable historic district rather than the downtown core. It is also a practical base for those arriving by road along Gateway Boulevard.
3. West Edmonton
The West End is defined by its closeness to West Edmonton Mall, and there are a great many hotels to choose from, most of them on 100 Ave. The area is full of higher-class hotels because of the mall's proximity, including one inside the mall itself and others further out.
This is the area to pick if shopping is the point of your trip, or if you are travelling with family and want everything within a short distance. It is further from the river valley and downtown sights than the central areas.
4. South Edmonton
Most of the city's budget hotels are concentrated in and around the south end, and there are also many mid-range hotels along Gateway Boulevard. Staying near the airport, south of the city, can often be less expensive than staying in the city itself.
It suits budget travellers and those driving in or out via the south, though you should expect to travel to reach the central sights.
5. East central Edmonton
Budget hotels are also found in the deep east central area. In the east there is also a hotel with easy access to the city.
This is a practical choice if you are prioritising a low room rate and have a car, rather than if you want to walk to the main visitor areas.
6. North end
The north end has modern, simple, good-priced hotels, which makes it an option for travellers heading further north or arriving from that direction.
It is less central than downtown or Old Strathcona, so it works best if you are driving and do not mind commuting to the sights.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: concentrated in and around the south end of the city and in the deep east central area; hostels are located downtown and just off Whyte Avenue; staying near the airport can often be less expensive than staying in the city.
- Mid-range: options closer to the core downtown, in the north end, in the West End near West Edmonton Mall (mostly on 100 Ave), and south of the river in Old Strathcona–University and along Gateway Boulevard.
- Splurge: the most high-end hotels are downtown, with river valley or city views, boutique properties, and a classic chateau-style hotel overlooking the river valley; West Edmonton also has higher-class hotels because of the mall's proximity.
Best area for a first visit
Downtown Edmonton is the best base for a first visit. It has the most high-end hotels in the city and good access to downtown, and it puts you within reach of the river valley, with some rooms looking out over it. It also has hostels if you are travelling cheaply, so it works across budgets rather than only at the top end.
Frequently asked questions
Where are the budget hotels in Edmonton?
Most budget hotels are concentrated in and around the south end of the city or in the deep east central area. There are also hostels located downtown, by Jekyll & Hyde's Pub, and just off Whyte Avenue.
Is it cheaper to stay near the airport?
Staying near the airport can often be less expensive than staying in the city. The airport is south of Edmonton, next to Leduc.
Which area is best if I want to be near West Edmonton Mall?
The West End, where most of the hotels are on 100 Ave. The area is full of higher-class hotels because of the mall's proximity, and one hotel is right in the mall.
Where can I stay south of the river?
Old Strathcona–University. There are mid-range hotels a few blocks off Whyte Avenue, options along Gateway Boulevard, and accommodation near the university.
Compare live prices for these areas with the booking tools on this page before you decide.