Your Ticket: First Time In The City
Experiencing Edmonton for the first time is a revelation of deep river valleys, historic brick avenues, and dynamic modern architecture. For guests waking up in the heart of the downtown core near the World Trade Centre, the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald or Ice District, the city’s most celebrated cultural institutions and breathtaking landscapes are waiting just outside your door.
By combining your Edmonton Explorer ticket with a digital Discover Edmonton pass, you bypass the complexities of navigating a new city. There is no need to decipher parking zones or manage downtown traffic; instead, our 1920s-inspired trolleys serve as your seamless connection between destinations. Review this comprehensive, beautifully paced itinerary designed for the refined traveler, utilize your downtown hotel as your morning launch point, and allow our hosts to introduce you to the very best of the city.
These day itineraries work perfectly for both 24 hrs and 72 hrs tickets. Pick one or do all three!
Option 1: Living History & Botanical Glasshouses
A beautifully balanced introduction to the region's foundational heritage and lush river valley landscapes.
Discovering the Past
Begin your Edmonton introduction by stepping aboard our 1920s-style trolley directly from the downtown core at 9:00 AM. Settle in for a highly scenic morning ride, alighting at Fort Edmonton Park at 9:37 AM. Spend a fascinating two hours exploring Canada’s largest living history museum, taking in the immersive eras and vintage streetcars.
Lunch in the Culinary Arts District
Rejoin your host aboard the trolley at 11:37 AM as you travel back toward the city center. Step off at the 124 St & 109A Ave hub at 12:40 PM. You have a generous two-hour window to enjoy a spectacular lunch in one of Edmonton’s most celebrated dining districts, surrounded by artisanal cafes and boutiques.
The Botanical Oasis
Continue your scenic journey by boarding your next vehicle at 2:41 PM, gliding effortlessly down into the river valley. Alight at the Muttart Conservatory at 3:12 PM. Spend a peaceful 90 minutes exploring the stunning glass botanical pyramids, taking in the brilliant floral displays and climate-controlled environments.
A Relaxing Evening Return
Catch the final trolley of the afternoon from the conservatory at 4:42 PM. Enjoy a brisk, beautiful ride back across the river, arriving gracefully at your downtown starting anchor at 4:58 PM, leaving you perfectly positioned for an evening dinner.
Option 2: Heritage Grounds & The Mega-Mall
A day of striking contrasts, pairing peaceful historic architecture with North America's largest entertainment complex.
Morning at the Legislature
Start your second day by stepping aboard the trolley at 9:30 AM for a quick, elegant ride to the political heart of the province. Alight at the Alberta Legislature Building at 9:42 AM. Enjoy a relaxed morning exploring the historic grounds, walking the manicured pathways, and viewing the peaceful wading pools.
The West End Excursion
Board your westbound 1920s-inspired vehicle directly from the Legislature at 11:06 AM. Relax as your guide handles the drive across the city, alighting at West Edmonton Mall (Door 50) at 12:03 PM. You have a massive four-hour window to dive into world-class shopping, enjoy international dining options, and marvel at the incredible indoor amusement parks.
The Scenic Ride Home
Conclude your energetic afternoon by boarding the trolley outside Door 50 at 4:03 PM. Sit back, relax, and let your host provide a comfortable, continuous journey all the way back to your downtown hotel, arriving safely at 4:55 PM.
Option 3: Aviation, Arts & The River Valley
A deeply engaging final day focused on historic exploration, independent art galleries, and sweeping waterfront views.
Aviation History Morning
Embark on your final day of exploration by boarding the trolley from your downtown launch point at 9:30 AM. Enjoy a highly scenic 27-minute ride north to Blatchford Field, alighting at the Alberta Aviation Museum at 9:57 AM. Spend a captivating morning exploring the richly preserved vintage aircraft and the region's daring aviation history.
Afternoon in the Gallery District
Step back aboard the trolley at 11:27 AM for a quick, 14-minute ride to 124th Street, alighting at 11:41 AM. You have a luxurious three-hour window to browse the independent local art galleries and enjoy a lingering lunch at a highly acclaimed neighborhood bistro.
Riverboat Vistas
Continue your afternoon by boarding your next vehicle at 2:41 PM, enjoying a picturesque descent into the river valley. Alight at the Edmonton Riverboat stop at 3:18 PM. Spend a deeply peaceful 90 minutes taking in the sprawling waterfront views or enjoying a relaxing cruise on the water.
The Final Ascent
Catch the last trolley of the day directly from the river valley at 4:48 PM. Enjoy a quick 10-minute climb back up the hill, arriving gracefully at your downtown hotel at 4:58 PM to beautifully wrap up a memorable stay in the city.
