Why November is the Best Time to Visit Edmonton

As winter approaches, many family travelers head to warm, tropical locales to make the magic of summer last a bit longer, but cold-weather destinations like Edmonton have a magic of their own.

In November, temperatures have not yet reached the lows often associated with winter months like January and February, when the city welcomes the world to visit its snowy landscapes, long nights and attractions like the Edmonton Ice Castles. November means the air has cooled enough to avoid the warm days of summer when the sun stays out longer and heat waves make enjoying the outdoors a bit of a challenge.

Because November falls in the tourism shoulder season, you often find less crowds, making it easier to enjoy the city’s many attractions and thriving culinary and festival scenes. Affectionately known as the City of Festivals, Edmonton hosts film, music and art festivals throughout the year, including the All is Bright Festival on Nov. 19, in which locals and visitors alike welcome winter along the city’s festively decorated 124^th Street, and Luminaria Festival beginning on Nov. 23. This celebration lets visitors experience the city’s Kurimoto Japanese Garden by exploring beautiful candle-lit pathways at night.

The cool, crisp weather of November is the perfect time to visit places like one of the city’s River Valley Parks, which makes up the largest urban park system in Canada. You can view wildlife, take in the beautiful colors of fall and visit attractions like Edmonton Valley Zoo.

When you need a break from the cool temperatures of November, head indoors to experience West Edmonton Mall. As North America’s largest mall, you and the family can get lost among the more than 800 stores, welcome winter at the indoor skating rink, play at the indoor amusement park, go bowling, and even relive the warm days of summer at North America’s largest indoor water park.