Budget Travel

There is a lot to do in Alberta’s capital for visitors looking to stretch their travel funds.  A few hints on exploring Edmonton on a shoestring:

PLACES TO GO

Alberta Government House: This sandstone building, built in 1913, once served as the official residence for Alberta’s Lieutenant Governors. Adjacent to the Royal Alberta Museum, free guided tours are offered weekends and holidays starting the Family Day long weekend in February until mid-December.

Telephone: 780.427.2281 (Government House Foundation)
Website: www.alberta.ca/home/264.cfm

Alberta Legislature: There are a lot of free activities throughout the year at the Alberta Legislature… including Family Day activities, Seniors’ Week activities, Christmas concerts, and a free pancake breakfast and entertainment on Canada Day.  They also offer free tours of the Legislature Building year-round.

Telephone: 780.427.7362
Website: www.assembly.ab.ca 

Citadel Theatre: An outstanding theatrical performance easy on the wallet... Enjoy a visit to the Citadel Theatre on pay-what-you-can Sundays.

Telephone: 780.425.1820
Website: www.citadeltheatre.com

City of Edmonton – Free Admission Day & Family Fun Sampler Pass: The City of Edmonton invites you to enjoy a full day of fun with free admission to its attractions (including Fort Edmonton Park, Valley Zoo, and the Muttart Conservatory) and selected recreation centres every September. (All food services, rentals and ride tickets will be charged at the regular rate.)

On Free Admission Day, don’t forget to purchase a Family Fun Sampler Pass for yourself or as a gift, and enjoy a family single admission to Fort Edmonton Park, Valley Zoo, Muttart Conservatory, plus any one of the City of Edmonton's 13 sports and fitness facilities.

Website: www.edmonton.ca/free-admission-day.aspx; www.activedmonton.ca

Downtown Business Association: Tours of Downtown Edmonton are offered free throughout mid-May to August. Take a walk with the Downtown Business Association's Core Crew on a one-hour guided tour of Downtown Edmonton, focusing on the Arts District and River Valley vista.

Telephone: 780.424.4085
Website: www.edmontondowntown.com

Gallery Walk: The Gallery Walk, the first of its kind in Canada, was formed in 1981 to promote within our community both art and artists of merit. The member galleries on the walk are easily accessible within a 12 block walking distance. There are two advertised unguided events presented per year, in spring and fall (during which the galleries serve refreshments and snacks for the public).

Telephone: 780.488.4892
Website: www.gallery-walk.com

John Walter Museum: Visit the John Walter Museum, where there are no admission fees. The John Walter Museum displays the three original homes of John Walter, entrepreneur and one of Edmonton’s first millionaires.  Special events and programming available; check out their schedule of events online.

Telephone: 780.442.5311 (General information); 780.496.8771 (Media inquiries only)
Website:  www.edmonton.ca/johnwalter

MC College Group: Let the students at MC College pamper you!  Their services include hair care, esthetics and luxury spa treatments – all to fit a tight budget.  Check online for additional savings with their monthly specials.

Telephone: 780.424.4171
Website:  www.mccollege.ca

North Saskatchewan River Valley: One of Edmonton’s greatest attractions, the North Saskatchewan River Valley park system provides a natural corridor for all-season recreation and relaxation. The river valley is the longest expanse of urban parkland in North America at 7,400 hectares – 22 times the size of New York’s Central Park – with golf courses, 22 major parks and over 160 kilometres of maintained multi-use trails for walking, cross-country skiing, cycling, and more. A number of festivals take place in the parks along the North Saskatchewan River, including the Folk and Heritage Festivals; and several attractions are located along the river valley including Fort Edmonton Park, the Valley Zoo, and the Muttart Conservatory.

Website: www.edmonton.ca/attractions_recreation/parks-river-valley.aspx

Pools & Fountains: In the summer, take a dip and cool off in the pools and fountains at the Alberta Legislature and City Hall. Don’t forget your sunscreen!

Priceless Fun, City of Edmonton: Pick up a copy of Priceless Fun, the City of Edmonton guide to low-cost and free activities around Edmonton. The guide is available at Edmonton Tourism Visitor Information Centres downtown and on Gateway Boulevard.

Telephone: 780.496.1144
Website: www.activedmonton.ca/prcL_fun

Royal Alberta Museum: Enjoy half price admission at one of Canada’s most popular museums, the Royal Alberta Museum. Half price admission is in effect every Saturday and Sunday between 9:00 am – 11:00 am. 

Telephone: 780.453.9100
Website: www.royalalbertamuseum.ca
 
Skating Rinks: In the winter, enjoy free skating at the Alberta Legislature, City Hall, Hawrelak Park, and the Victoria Park Skating Oval.

GOOD EATS

Ernest’s, Culinary Arts, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology: Critical acclaim and numerous accolades identify the haute cuisine prepared by second year Culinary Arts diploma student as “outstanding.” Local media restaurant reviewers have awarded Ernest’s 4½ stars out of 5. Seasoned Chef Instructors emphasize the importance of using high-quality local and regional food products. Mastery of traditional cookery combined with contemporary artistry has resulted in a truly electric cuisine.

Telephone: 780.471.8676
Website: www.nait.ca/schoolofhospitality/ernests.htm

Family Pancake Breakfast and Entertainment: Enjoy the Safeway Family Pancake Breakfast and Entertainment for over a week in July (concurrent with A Taste of Edmonton). For only a few dollars ($3 in 2008), your breakfast includes pancakes, bacon, sausages, coffee and juice. Seasonal, with various locations throughout the city; please check their schedule online.

Website:  www.eventsedmonton.ca
 
IKEA: Start off your morning at IKEA with breakfast for only $1 (scrambled eggs, sausages, and home fries). Breakfast is available daily 9:30 am – 11:00 am. IKEA is located in South Edmonton Common.  If you can’t make it for breakfast, their other dishes are reasonably priced too.

Telephone: 780.433.6000
Website: www.ikea.com/ca/en/store/edmonton

Italian Centre: The popular Italian Centre features an incredibly wide selection of Italian and other European products, and very yummy (and filling!) deli sandwiches. Two locations in Edmonton: Little Italy and south side.

Telephone: 780.424.4869 (Little Italy); 780.989.4869 (south side)
Website: www.italiancentre.ca

Sunterra Market: Sunterra Market is a European-style market offering fresh, delicious, healthy meals. Ample seating is available at the in-store bakery and deli. Sunterra Market has two locations in Edmonton: downtown in Commerce Place and south side at Lendrum Shopping Centre.

Telephone: 780.426.3791 (downtown); 780.434.2610 (south side)
Website: www.sunterramarket.com

GETTING AROUND TOWN

Edmonton Bicycle Commuters’ Society:  The Edmonton Bicycle Commuters’ Society (EBC) works to promote and facilitate cycling as everyday transportation in Edmonton by providing bicycle services and resources including free workshops, bike repairs, low-cost bikes, and more.

Throughout the year, EBC runs or supports a number of events to celebrate the amazing machine that is the bicycle!  The main event on the cycling calendar is Bike Month, which is held every year in June and features bike-themed movies, bike-to-work breakfasts, mocktails on the bridge and the hugely popular Bikeology festival.

Telephone: 780.433.2453 (EBC); 780.439.8725 (EBC Media Inquiries)
Website: www.edmontonbikes.ca; www.bikeology.ca

Edmonton Transit System: Using an Edmonton Transit System Day Pass, a family is able to travel on ETS buses and the LRT (Light Rail Train) all day for only $7.50.  (Free transit provided on Family Day and New Year’s Eve.)

Website: www.edmonton.ca

Edmonton Transit System and Fringing: During the Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival, show your Festival Program Guide, Fringe Benefits sticker or button (available by donation at the Fringe Gates) to an Edmonton Transit System operator and you and a friend can ride home free after 6:00 pm every day, to anywhere in the city! 

Telephone: 780.448.9000
Website: www.fringetheatreadventures.ca

A ROOF OVER YOUR HEAD – BUDGET ACCOMMODATIONS

Argyll Plaza Hotel: The Argyll Plaza Hotel is located on Edmonton’s south side, within close proximity to Whyte Avenue, University of Alberta, South Edmonton Common, Ikea, and only a 15 minute drive away from West Edmonton Mall.  The hotel features 48 oversized, comfortable rooms, kitchenette suites, wireless internet, express breakfasts, and is pet friendly.  The Argyll has a fitness facility, coin-operated laundry, and is connected to an official NHL sized skating arena.

Telephone: 780.438.5876
Website: www.argyllplazahotel.com

Comfort Inn & Suites: The Comfort Inn & Suites offers guests rooms with a wide variety of layouts and styles. Services include free continental breakfast, free parking, complimentary local calls, satellite TV, fitness room, pool, whirlpool, and sauna. The hotel is centrally located to all downtown amenities and the city’s LRT and bus lines.

Telephone: 780.423.5611
Website: www.comfortinnedmonton.com

Comfort Inn West Edmonton: The Comfort Inn West Edmonton is located 1 km from West Edmonton Mall. They provide comfortable and affordable accommodations and back it up with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Services include an on-site restaurant, free local calls, business services, free coffee and parking.

Telephone: 780.484.4415
Website:  www.choicehotels.ca/cn234 

GO Backpackers: Located in the heart of downtown Edmonton, GO Backpackers offers guests inviting, comfortable, and cost-saving accommodation. A few steps from this downtown hostel is the Downtown Arts District, the chic 104 Street area, the vibrant nightlife of Jasper Avenue, and Edmonton’s beautiful North Saskatchewan River Valley.

Telephone: 780.423.4146
Web: www.gohostels.ca

Hostelling International Edmonton: A great urban hostel for backpackers located right near the action in Edmonton’s historic Old Strathcona district. Travellers will enjoy the convenient location, just off Whyte Avenue, the coolest strip for checking out the nearby attractions, the popular Saturday Farmer’s Market, and every kind of pub and restaurant imaginable.  HI-Edmonton's amenities include a private outdoor courtyard, games room, meeting space, kitchen, private and shared rooms, free parking (first come, first served) and lots of programs and activities arranged by the hostel staff.

Telephone: 780.988.6836
Website: www.hihostels.ca/edmonton

Lister Centre, University of Alberta Conference Services: Located in the University of Alberta Conference Centre at Lister Centre, hotel style guestrooms are available for short-term stays. Rooms include queen or double beds, private washrooms, cable TV, phone service, high speed internet access, daily housekeeping service and more.

Plus, from May through August, single room accommodations are also available at the residence at Campus Saint-Jean in the heart of Edmonton’s French Quarter (area surrounding Rue Marie-Anne-Gaboury).

Telephone:  780.492.6056
Website:  www.uofaweb.ualberta.ca/conferenceservices/Accommodation.cfm

Quality Inn West Harvest: The Quality Inn West Harvest has 159 clean, quiet rooms and suites on three floors. Grainfields family restaurant pampers you with delicious homestyle cooking. The West Harvest Inn is only three minutes from the world famous West Edmonton Mall and 10 minutes from downtown Edmonton.

Telephone: 780.484.8000
Website: www.choicehotels.ca/CN889


FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Kelly Bertoncini
Travel Media Relations Manager, External Relations 
780.969.0481
kbertoncini@edmonton.com  

Bin Lau
Director of Communications, External Relations
780.969.0463
blau@edmonton.com

Jenifer Christenson
Executive Director, External Relations 
780.917.7890
jchristenson@edmonton.com