Your Ticket: Family Adventure
Designing a multi-day urban getaway that delights both energetic children and relaxed parents requires a delicate balance of engaging attractions and effortless logistics. For families utilizing West Edmonton Mall, Sandman Hotel West Edmonton or DoubleTree by Hilton as their starting anchor, transitioning from the retail capital into the lush river valley and downtown arts districts is a beautifully scenic experience in its own right.
By utilizing your Edmonton Explorer ticket alongside a digital Discover Edmonton pass, you can leave the car behind and entirely eliminate the stress of navigating traffic, managing car seats, or finding downtown parking. Over the course of your stay, our 1920s-inspired trolleys will act as your rolling living room, connecting you to the city’s most celebrated, kid-friendly destinations. Simply review the beautifully paced itineraries below, gather the family each morning at the mall, and let our hosts seamlessly guide your daily explorations.
These day itineraries work perfectly for both 24 hrs and 72 hrs tickets. Pick one or do all three!
Option 1: Botanical Oasis & Downtown Discoveries
A highly visual, engaging day featuring neighborhood bistros, climate-controlled glass pyramids, and a beautiful downtown stroll.
Lunch in the Culinary Enclave
Begin your adventure by stepping aboard the trolley directly from West Edmonton Mall (Door 50) at 10:03 AM. Enjoy a relaxing, 37-minute morning ride into the city, alighting at the 124 St & 109A Ave hub at 10:40 AM. This neighborhood is highly walkable and incredibly family-friendly. Take a generous one-hour window to enjoy brunch at a local bistro or bakery.
Discovering the Pyramids
Your journey continues as you board your next 1920s-style vehicle at 11:41 AM. Settle in for a highly scenic ride down into the lush river valley, alighting at the Muttart Conservatory at 12:12 PM. You have a wonderful 1.5-hour window to explore the kid-friendly glass botanical pyramids, discovering everything from arid deserts to tropical rainforest environments.
A Sweet Downtown Pause
Hop back aboard the trolley outside the Muttart at 1:42 PM for a quick ride back into the downtown core, alighting gracefully at the historic Fairmont Hotel Macdonald grounds at 1:58 PM. Use this peaceful, one-hour window to enjoy a downtown walk along the river ridge, capture family photos, or grab a sweet treat.
The Scenic Ride Home
Conclude your first day by catching the final westbound trolley at 3:00 PM. Sit back and enjoy a continuous, hour-long scenic cruise through the city, arriving safely back at West Edmonton Mall (Door 50) at 4:03 PM with plenty of time for dinner.
Option 2: Vibrant Streets & Living History
An action-packed day balancing vibrant public squares, dynamic retail avenues, and immersive heritage experiences.
Connecting to the Southside
Step into the comfort of your trolley at West Edmonton Mall (Door 50) at 10:03 AM for a smooth ride to the energetic Ice District, arriving at 10:50 AM. Enjoy a quick, leisurely 14-minute pause to stretch your legs in the plaza before stepping aboard your southbound vehicle at 11:04 AM.
Lunch in Old Strathcona
Relax as your guide navigates across the magnificent river valley, alighting at the Whyte Ave - 107 St hub at 11:53 AM. Your family has a fantastic 1.5-hour window to grab a relaxed lunch and explore the vibrant brick avenues and eclectic shops of Old Strathcona.
Journey into the Past
Rejoin the trolley directly from Whyte Avenue at 1:22 PM. Take a scenic 15-minute ride down to Fort Edmonton Park, alighting at 1:37 PM. Spend two incredible hours wandering through Canada's largest living history museum, riding the vintage streetcars, and discovering interactive historical eras.
The Quick Ride Home
Board the vehicle directly from the Fort Edmonton Park gates at 3:37 PM. Enjoy a brisk, 26-minute journey back to your morning launch point, alighting at West Edmonton Mall (Door 50) at 4:03 PM to cap off an incredible day of exploration.
Option 3: Museums & Animal Encounters
Designed specifically for playful curiosity, pairing world-class museum galleries with accessible outdoor animal exhibits.
Bugs and Natural Wonders
Start your final morning by boarding at West Edmonton Mall (Door 50) at 10:03 AM. Enjoy a comfortable 47-minute ride into the downtown core, alighting at the Ice District at 10:50 AM. From here, take a short walk to the nearby Royal Alberta Museum. You have a generous two-hour window to enjoy the interactive children's gallery and marvel at the world-class bug room.
Afternoon at the Zoo
Board your next trolley from the Ice District at 12:50 PM. Enjoy a brief ride to the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald stop, arriving at 12:55 PM for a seamless five-minute transition. Step aboard your 1:00 PM vehicle and enjoy a highly scenic ride down into the valley, alighting at the Edmonton Valley Zoo at 1:48 PM. Spend an engaging two hours visiting the adorable red pandas and walking the wide, stroller-friendly botanical pathways.
Concluding Your Adventure
Catch the final trolley of the day directly from the zoo gates at 3:48 PM. Sit back and relax for a quick 15-minute ride, arriving at West Edmonton Mall (Door 50) at 4:03 PM to beautifully conclude your urban expedition.
