When picking a destination for a girls’ getaway, it may be hard to choose because you want it all: shopping districts, outdoor adventures, and culinary hot spots – in Edmonton, Alberta, you won’t have to choose, because this city does have it all. Here’s your girls’ getaway guide to Edmonton, Alberta.
Centrally located in Edmonton, Alberta, book your stay at the Best Western Plus City Centre Inn. The newly renovated rooms are sophisticated and modern, offering ample opportunity for rest, and an ideal homebase for all the adventures Edmonton has to offer. With restaurant, Runway 29 Restaurant Bar Pub, on-site to grab a brew, and Tim Hortons next door to grab a coffee, you can refuel conveniently and quickly to get amped up for your urban explorations.
Simply walk across the street from your stay at the Best Western Plus City Centre Inn, to Edmonton’s second largest indoor mall, Kingsway Mall. With over 200 shops and boutiques, you’ll find familiar stores like Lululemon Athletica and Sephora, to shop at.
Of course, a trip to Edmonton is not complete without going to the West Edmonton Mall, North America’s Largest Shopping Mall. The mall has nearly 1000 stores, spans the equivalent of nearly 50 city blocks, and has its own water park (World Waterpark), an indoor amusement park, and ice-skating rink (The Mayfield Toyota Ice Palace).
Shop ‘til you drop with your gal pals at either shopping districts – or both – for much needed retail therapy.
What has a black and white photo gallery wall plus truffle popcorn on the menu? The Common in Downtown Edmonton is a cozy gastro-lounge serving surprising dishes that leave you wanting more. Stuart Whyte, Head Chef at the Common, studied classic French cuisine, worked in a Thai kitchen, and is influenced by Mexican flavors; he uses his experiences to bring twists on classic dishes. For instance, the Surf & Turf includes both a Petite Tenderloin and Chili Garlic Prawn Skewers on the same plate, and the combination is phenomenal.
Dine for dinner or dine for brunch– The Common hosts hip hop brunches (two of the owners are DJs), so Sunday mornings are truly a breakfast party. In addition, the gastro-lounge cultivates a craft beer and Street Car experience to showcase local brews, so you can enjoy a beer overlooking the sunset on top of the High Level Bridge. Whether it is hip hop or beer hops, The Common’s got you covered.
Swing open what looks to be a vintage 7UP vending machine and enter the vibrantly lit (in red), old–school, hip hop playing, trendy Fu’s Repair Shop. With red lanterns swinging from the ceiling, and beer served in tea pots, this unique restaurant is truly a new kind of Edmonton dining experience. Winnie Chen, Head Chef at Fu’s Repair Shop says the inspiration for Fu’s menu came from her training and also her childhood, “I came from a fine dining background, and I wanted to take the food I grew up eating and fuse it with everything I learned.” Dim sum dishes like Truffle Siu Mai and Chan Buns do just that – play on nostalgia but in an elevated way. The impact Fu’s has on Edmonton’s culinary scene is to put Edmonton on the map – it’s not Toronto, it’s its own thing, and that’s a good thing.
For post-dinner cocktails head over Dolly’s Cocktail Bar. Newly opened Dolly’s emanates pink vibes, “Everyday we wear pink,” is their motto, so dress to impress with your girls in your favorite pink outfits. The cocktails are overflowing here, so grab a few Pomeranians, which combine aperol & orange slush with prosecco, or a Love Hangover, whose tagline is, “I don’t want a cure for this.”
When most people picture National Parks, they are in remote, isolated places. However, in Edmonton, Elk Island National Park is only a mere 30 minutes away. Grab your girls and go for a quick escape to Elk Island National Park, the first wildlife refuge in Canada. See the grand bison and elk roaming around the surrounding areas or stroll the Living Waters Boardwalk along the shore. Rent a canoe or kayak the tranquil waters of Astonin Lake.
For nightlife, head to Whyte Avenue to discover an array of dining options and entertainment. Boasting unique eclectic dining, try out local favorites: go to Julio’s Barrio Mexican Restaurant, to order the margaritas, or DaDeO, a retro ‘50s, Southern style diner, and top it off with Made by Marcus, worldly ice cream that’s engineered to taste amazing.
From wildlife to city life, there’s plenty of room to roam in Canada. Find more Canadian travel inspiration at Travel Zone | Adventure Across Canada. Explore past the coastline to the turquoise waters of national parks and discover rich, urban centres when you stay with Best Western® Resorts & Hotels Canada.