Your Route: From Centre To West
Waking up in the heart of Edmonton’s downtown core provides an incredible vantage point for your daily explorations. For guests beginning their morning at The Matrix Hotel, Fairmont Hotel Macdonald or Ice District transitioning from the sophisticated urban centre to the sprawling, dynamic attractions of the West End is designed to be a beautifully curated and highly scenic experience.
Combining your digital Discover Edmonton pass with an Edmonton Explorer ticket entirely transforms how you navigate the city. Rather than worrying about downtown traffic or complex parking logistics, you can rely on our 1920s-style trolleys to connect you effortlessly to your chosen destinations. Browse the thoughtfully paced, 24-hour itineraries below, establish The Matrix Hotel as your morning launch point, and allow our hosts to elevate your sightseeing journey today.
These day itineraries work perfectly for both 24 hrs and 72 hrs tickets. Pick one or do all three!
Option 1: Urban Retail & Bistro Escape
A unique, relaxed itinerary for those looking to experience local flavors and world-class attractions.
Coffee on 124th Street
Start your morning effortlessly. Step aboard the 1920s-inspired trolley right outside the Matrix Hotel at 11:16 AM. Enjoy a scenic, 25-minute guided ride to the 124th Street hub, alighting at 11:41 AM. You have a wonderful one-hour window here to grab an artisanal coffee and an early lunch at a local bistro.
The Mega Mall Experience
Rejoin the Western Loop from 124th Street at 12:40 PM. Sit back and enjoy an 83-minute ride out to the West End, allowing our guides to share captivating stories of the city's modern energy. Alight at West Edmonton Mall (Door 50) at 2:03 PM. Spend two hours shopping, grabbing a snack, or marveling at the indoor amusement parks.
Exploring the Ice District
Catch the final trolley of the day from Door 50 at 4:03 PM, riding back to the Ice District and alighting at 4:50 PM. Enjoy an exciting dinner out in the plaza, then cap off your evening with a leisurely 10-minute stroll through the illuminated downtown streets back to the Matrix Hotel.
Option 2: Living History & Culture Cruise
A deeply engaging route connecting you to Edmonton's foundational history and the vibrant arts scene of Old Strathcona.
Connecting to the Southside
Board the Central Loop at the Matrix Hotel at 9:46 AM. Enjoy a comfortable 37-minute ride across the North Saskatchewan River Valley, alighting at the Whyte Avenue hub at 10:23 AM. Spend a relaxing hour exploring the district with a fresh pastry in hand.
Journey into Living History
Seamlessly switch to the Western Loop directly from Whyte Ave at 11:22 AM. Take a quick 15-minute ride to Fort Edmonton Park, alighting at 11:37 AM. Spend four incredible hours exploring the immersive historical eras and enjoying lunch on-site.
Return to the Core
Board the 1920s-style trolley at Fort Edmonton Park at 3:37 PM for your return journey, alighting at the Ice District at 4:50 PM. Dine at one of the trendy downtown restaurants before enjoying an atmospheric evening walk back to the Matrix Hotel.
Option 3: Wild Discovery & Aviation Route
An action-packed, highly visual day designed for playful curiosity and animal lovers.
Discovering the Aviation Museum
Board the Central Loop from the Matrix Hotel at 9:46 AM for a quick 11-minute ride north, alighting at the Alberta Aviation Museum at 9:57 AM. Spend a comfortable 1.5 hours exploring the fascinating vintage aircraft.
Lunch in Old Strathcona
Hop back on the Central Loop at 11:27 AM to head across the river, alighting at the Whyte Ave hub at 11:53 AM. Enjoy a generous 1.5-hour window to explore the independent boutiques and treat yourself to a fantastic local lunch.
Afternoon with the Animals
Board the Western Loop from Whyte Ave at 1:22 PM. Take a 26-minute ride to the Edmonton Valley Zoo, alighting at 1:48 PM. Spend a full two hours enjoying the incredible animals and accessible pathways.
Evening in the Ice District
Board the final Western Loop trolley of the day directly from the Zoo gates at 3:48 PM. Ride back to the Ice District (arriving at 4:50 PM), and conclude your highly engaging getaway with a relaxing stroll through the downtown core back to your room.
