Permit me to place Edmonton and Calgary on the map. They’re the 2 largest cities within the Canadian province of Alberta and I had the pleasure of visiting each of them on my latest journey with Journey Alberta. Calgary and Edmonton had been the beginning and ending factors of my journey by way of Alberta’s Rocky Mountains, however they’re a lot extra than simply transit cities. In my Rocky Mountain street journey itinerary put up, I shared my route from Edmonton to Calgary through Jasper, Lake Louise and Banff. Edmonton was my place to begin, however you may simply as simply do the route in reverse and begin in Calgary. So whether or not you’re planning to discover each cities as a part of a wider journey otherwise you’re solely thinking about one, I’ve rounded up all of their highlights into one weblog put up. Right here is my twin metropolis information to Edmonton and Calgary
Metropolis Highlights in 24 Hours
There’s sufficient to see and do in each cities to final 3-4 days, however should you solely have a day to spare, listed below are the must-see highlights in 24 hours
24 Hours in Edmonton
Edmonton’s River Valley has 150 kilometres of trails scattered by way of town. Begin your day by strolling, biking, jogging or Segway-ing alongside the River Valley, by way of the beautiful neighbourhood of Rossdale and alongside the North Saskatchewan River. In case you’re visiting in winter, make sure to go to the Edmonton Ice Castles. A stroll spherical spherical the stylish neighbourhood of Previous Strathcona is nice at any time of yr and while you’re there, make sure to go to to El Cortez for improbable Mexican meals.
24 Hours in Calgary
Start your morning with a visit up Calgary Tower for a 360 diploma perspective on town. Subsequent, head to the up and coming space of East Village and discover its public artwork, boutique retailers and eateries. Additionally throughout the East Village is Studio Bell, house of the Nationwide Music Centre which is a vacation spot in itself. Lastly, head to the cool neighbourhood of 17th Ave to go to Ollia’s macaroon store and relaxation drained toes at one of many many artisan espresso retailers.
A Twin Metropolis Information to Edmonton and Calgary
The place to Brunch
Each Edmontonians and Calgarians actually know easy methods to brunch, and also you’ll by no means be too removed from a cracking Eggs Benny. However to save lots of you the leg work, listed below are my two prime brunch spots from each cities.
Edmonton – Café Linnea
119 Road Northwest #10932, Edmonton, AB T5H 3P5
We visited Café Linnea on our very first morning in Alberta and had been extremely impressed. As we left, Scott claimed it was the ‘finest brunch of his life’, which was fairly a giant assertion for him. From the surface it appears like nothing particular, however the Scandi interiors are flooded with pure mild and the employees are extremely pleasant. Be sure you attempt the Ouefs-En-Cocotte (Scott’s favorite) or the Full Galette crepe (my alternative). Each had been indulgent and scrumptious. Café Linnea ranked at No.6 in Air Canada’s Prime 10 New Eating places in Canada.
Calgary – Yellow Door Bistro
119 12 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2R 0G8, Canada
Positioned inside Lodge Arts, the modern Yellow Door Bistro serves meals all day from breakfast to dinner. The brunch possibility is specific in style with dishes akin to Chef’s Seasonally Impressed Function Pancakes and the Pork Stomach Hash. A alternative of enjoyable brunch cocktails are additionally on the menu should you’re within the temper.
A Twin Metropolis Information to Edmonton and Calgary
The place to Wine and Dine
I indulged in two unbelievable foodie experiences in each cities and while they had been completely totally different in fashion, these two institutions are excellent in order for you someplace memorable to wine and dine.
Edmonton – Bar Clementine
11957 Jasper Ave, Edmonton, AB T5K 0P1, Canada
This intimate, dimly-lit institution seems like a secret society and is strictly for these in-the-know. Bar Clementine ranked at No.5 in Air Canada’s Prime 10 New Eating places in Canada, and for good motive. Assume improbable craft cocktails, inventive small plates and a lovingly curated wine record. With solely 36 seats, reserving (effectively) upfront is important.
Calgary – Teatro
200 8 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0K7, Canada
As one of many few remaining white-table fabric eating places in Calgary, Teatro has an incredible historical past and an excellent higher repute. This fine-dining Italian restaurant is housed inside an previous financial institution and its meals is as fabulous because the constructing itself. We had been handled to an unbelievable Italian feast at Teatro on our final evening in Alberta and it was a number of the finest Italian meals I’ve tasted outdoors of Italy.
A Twin Metropolis Information to Edmonton and Calgary
The place to Discover the Locals
In case you’re seeking to keep away from the standard vacationer trails of Edmonton and Calgary, do because the locals do and discover refuge of their coolest neighbourhoods
Edmonton – Whyte Avenue
Whyte Ave is an extended street that stretches by way of the world of Previous Strathcona. Locals flock right here for the boutique retailers, vibrant eating places and the various festivals that go on all year long (the Edmonton Worldwide Fringe Pageant in Summer season and Ice on Whyte in Winter). There’s additionally Previous Strathcona Farmer’s Market which fits on all yr spherical.
Calgary – Kensington
It’s solely on the opposite aspect of the Bow River, however the neighbourhood of Kensington feels a world away from the high-rise streets of central Calgary. Just like London, this Kensington has a well-to-do really feel about it and is filled with distinctive institutions akin to the favored Regal Cat Café.
A Twin Metropolis Information to Edmonton and Calgary
The place to Drink Nice Espresso
Canadians appear to carry their espresso in excessive regards, however the greatest distinction I discovered is that they solely serve their filter espresso with cream as a substitute of milk. Past their beloved filter espresso, they actually know their flat whites from their cappuccino froth. For the espresso connoisseurs, listed below are my prime picks from every metropolis.
Edmonton – Block 1912
10361 82 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6E 1Z9, Canada
It’s no shock that this effortlessly cool espresso store is situated on Edmonton’s Whyte Ave. Block 1912 has each espresso underneath the solar, serving all the things from Vietnamese espresso to ganache mocha and pistachio chai. It additionally serves desserts, gelato, soups and sandwiches.
Calgary – Analog Espresso
740 17 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2S 0B7, Canada
Within the espresso district of 17th Ave you’ll discover Analog Espresso, a family-run enterprise with actual spirit and a unprecedented ardour for good espresso. Behind their espresso is an excellent higher story which you can’t assist purchase into the minute you stroll by way of the door.
A Twin Metropolis Information to Edmonton and Calgary
The place to Drink the Greatest Native Brews
The craft beer scene has kicked off in each cities in a serious manner, and is a pattern that appears to be sweeping the entire of Alberta. I’ve by no means seen so many ‘micro-breweries’ wherever else on the earth, so competitors is excessive for these institutions. While I’m not a beer drinker, the native consultants at Journey Alberta suggest the next spots.
Edmonton – Scenario Brewing
10308 81 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6E 1X2, Canada
This place gives the total expertise. Begin with a tour of the microbrewery or signal as much as a brewing workshop, then benefit from the final style check and pattern all of their house brews. Scenario Beer is a very in style place in Edmonton.
Calgary – Chilly Backyard
1100 11 St SE, Calgary, AB T2G 4T3, Canada
Chilly Backyard’s brews may be discovered on faucet at over 15 of Calgary eating places (together with Yellow Door Bistro), however to actually expertise their creations head to their microbrewery tasting room in Inglewood, open day by day excluding Mondays.
A Twin Metropolis Information to Edmonton and Calgary
The place to Keep
For a pleasant, boutique and central place to remain in each Edmonton and Calgary, I might positively suggest each of the accommodations I stayed at throughout my journey.
Edmonton – Union Financial institution Inn
10053 Jasper Ave, Edmonton, AB T5J 1S5, Canada
While the foyer is in want of a makeover, the newly renovated rooms on the Union Financial institution Inn are superbly designed, luxurious and really spacious. The lodge does a improbable breakfast in Maddison’s Grill, which regarded equally as in style within the night. Positioned on Jasper Avenue, you’ll be staying proper within the coronary heart of town. Learn Evaluations and E-book.
Calgary – Kensington Riverside Inn
1126 Memorial Dr NW, Calgary, AB T2N 3E3, Canada
I fell in love with the boutique design of Kensington Riverside Inn. With solely 19 rooms, it’s acquired a very private and intimate really feel. It’s situated within the modern neighbourhood of Kensington, so that you’ll have bars, eating places and town proper in your doorstep. I didn’t actually charge the Eggs Benedict however the rooms are very spacious and have nice views of town skyline. Learn Evaluations and E-book.
For extra details about Edmonton go to ExploreEdmonton.com and for extra details about Calgary go to VisitCalgary.com.
Examine extra issues to do in Edmonton.
What did you consider my twin information to Edmonton and Calgary? Do you will have any further suggestions you may add to this put up, or are you planning a visit to certainly one of these cities? In case you loved this put up or discovered it helpful, please go away me a remark within the field under. Jess x
This weblog put up has been written as a part of a sponsored collaboration with Journey Alberta. All views and phrases are my very own.
