Hostels in Edmonton, Canada

Edmonton is the largest city in northern Alberta. While it has a reputation among most of the local people as being a boring place, the vibes in Edmonton are quite alternative. The main stretch where you will find most of the local bars and restaurants on is Whyte Avenue. There are also quite a few really cool alternative clothing shops along here to explore as well. Majority of the hostels in Edmonton will be in this northwest area of the city, but they can be scattered in different areas.

The biggest attraction for most is the West Edmonton Mall, known on and off as the largest mall in North America. The mall is so big in fact that it has a roller coaster and a waterpark inside. The Fort Edmonton Park is also worth a visit. It is a large living museum giving the history of the local area. There is also the Mutt Conservatory, whose glass pyramids are quite cool looking and there are some interesting species in their gardens. As far as museums go, there is the Telus Science Museum and the Royal Alberta Museum. They have the Art Gallery of Alberta and Edmonton Valley Zoo as well if you have the time to spend here.

Edmonton in the winter somewhat shuts down as there is so much snow and it is so cold that there isn't too much to do. In the summer however, it is abuzz with a stack of different festivals -- one of the biggest is the four-day Folk Music Festival. Check out the local guide for music and festivals going on in the area.

There are an abundance of parks around Edmonton as well to explore and hang out on a sunny day, or if you have transport and a car you can take a day trip to some of the stunning hiking around the area and of course Jasper National Park is only a couple of hours of driving to the west.