Edmonton is the capital city of Alberta, Canada, located on the North Saskatchewan River and known as "Canada's Festival City.” As a major, fast-growing metropolis with over 1.6 million residents, it serves as a gateway to Northern Canada and the Rocky Mountains. Key features include the vast North Saskatchewan River Valley park system, the massive West Edmonton Mall, and a vibrant arts scene.

The driving distance between Edmonton and Calgary is approximately 295–300 km (183–186 miles) via the Queen Elizabeth II Highway (Highway 2). The trip typically takes around 3 hours, with Red Deer located roughly halfway between the two cities

"Downtown" by Cooper & O'Hara, a video of downtown & the River Valley

North Saskatchewan River by Blackhawk Aeronautical

**Edmonton, known as Canada’s Festival City, hosts hundreds of festivals throughout the year.**

Use this link to find a complete list during your stay

Some highlights from July 3 to July 12:

Edmonton International Street Performers Festival

Freewill Shakespeare Festival

The 6th Annual Grindstone Comedy Festival

Whyte Avenue Art Walk

Rockin' Thunder Music Festivals, featuring Creed & Three Days Grace

**Edmonton Ice Cream Run (Little Scoops Fun Run) Historic Festival and Doors Open, Edmonton & District Historical Society**

Chopin in the Park, July 4, 2026, in Dr. Wilbert McIntyre Park 2nd Annual Edmonton 2 Spirit Society Pow Wow, July 4 to 5, 2026, Borden Park

Edmonton International Street Performers Festival, photo by Cooper & O’Hara

Visit Canada's Alberta to plan your trip

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