Population: 666,104 (Greater Edmonton area: 900,000)

Elevation: 2,198 feet

Time Zone: Mountain Time Zone (GMT-7)

When to Go
The Rockies "rain shadow" moderates Edmonton's weather summer and winter producing a sunny, dry climate. A typical winter sees only light snow cover and they dry air makes the air feel warmer than it is. In summer, there are almost 17 hours of daylight infrequent rain and the arid air makes even the occasional 30 degree Celsius day comfortable.

Note that the dry air altitude and proximity to the Rockies results in a rapid cooling at dusk on even the hottest summer days. If you plan to attend an outdoor event in the evening, you may wish to bring a light jacket with you as the temperature can drop dramatically by sunset. Most Edmontonians do not bother with air conditioning as they know whatever the daytime temperature, nightfall will bring cool, night air.

Business Hours
Banks & Offices
Most banks in Canada are open Monday through Thursday 10-3 and Friday 10-5 or 6. Some banks are open longer hours and also on Saturday morning. All banks are closed on national holidays.
Shops
Stores, shops, and supermarkets are usually open Monday through Saturday 9-6, although in major cities supermarkets are often open 7:30 AM-9 PM. Retail stores often stay open Thursday and Friday evenings, most shopping malls until 9 PM. Drugstores in major cities are often open until 11 PM, and convenience stores usually are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Emergencies: Ambulance, fire, poison center, police ( 911).

Guided Tours
Out an' About Tours ( 780-909-8687) and Magic Times Tour & Convention Services ( 780/940-7479) offer half- and full-day tours of the city and surrounding sights.

Klondike Jet Boats ( 780-486-0896) can be chartered for tours of the North Saskatchewan River May through October.

The Edmonton Queen ( 780-424-2628) paddle wheeler cruises the North Saskatchewan River from May through September. Some excursions include lunch or dinner and dancing.

Language
English is the predominant language in Alberta.

Money
The $1 and $2 bill are no longer used; they have been replaced by $1 and $2 coins (known as a "loonie," because of the loon that appears on the coin, and a "toonie," respectively).

Exchanging Money
ATM rates are excellent because they are based on wholesale rates offered only by major banks. You won't do as well at exchange booths.

Taxes for Travellers
A goods and services tax (GST) of 7% applies on transactions in Canada except for the purchase of basic groceries. Alberta has no provincial sales tax (PST) however there is a provincial room tax of 5% on hotel accommodation in addition to the national GST.

TIP: Non-Canadian residents are entitled to claim a rebate of all GST paid on accommodations and certain categories of goods purchases (see Canadian Travel Information on this site).
Always save the original receipts from stores and hotels (not just credit-card receipts), and be sure the name and address of the establishment is shown on the receipt. Original receipts are not returned.

Telephones
The country code for Canada is 1. The area code for Edmonton is 780. You do not need to dial the three-digit area code when making a call from within the same code.

Arriving & Departing
By Air
All flights use Edmonton International Airport (YEG) (Hwy. 2)
780- 890-8900, 12 miles South of downtown.
An airport-improvement fee is assessed on all flight departures within Alberta, and for departures outside Alberta; Fees are paid at the airport.
Transfers Between the Airport and Town
The Sky Shuttle ( 780-465-8515) provides frequent service between the airport and major downtown hotels.

By Bus
Greyhound Bus Lines ( 800/661-8747) provides service to Edmonton.

By Car
Edmonton is on the Yellowhead Highway (Highway 16), which runs from Winnipeg, Manitoba, through the central parts of Saskatchewan and Alberta. This highway is four lanes and divided through most of Alberta; it intersects with the four-lane divided Highway 2, which runs south to Calgary.

Getting Around
By Bus and LRT
Edmonton Transit
780-496-1611 operates a comprehensive system of buses throughout the area and a light rail transit (LRT) line from downtown to the northeast side of the city. Fares are low, and transfers are free. Buses operate 5:30 AM to 2 AM. The LRT is free in the downtown area (between Churchill and Grandin stations) weekdays 9 to 3 and Saturday 9 to 6.

The Edmonton Transit Information Centre (102A Ave. and 99 St.) at Churchill Station provides information weekdays 9:30 to 5.

Rail Service
The VIA rail station is at 12360 121^st Street. Telephone: 780- 448-2575 for baggage information. 1-800-835-3037 for arrival and departure information. Or 1-800-561-8630 for reservations.

Bus Service
Greyhound Canada?s downtown depot is at 10324 103^rd Street. Telephone: 780-413-8747.

By Taxi
Cabs may be hailed on the street, but phoning is recommended.