Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Edmonton is the capital city of the province of Alberta, known for its vibrant arts scene and rich history. |
| 👥 Population | About 1 million residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 100 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 CAD = 0.75 USD; major banks include TD Canada Trust, RBC, and Scotiabank. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and safe to consume. |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Telus, Bell, and Rogers. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International banks like HSBC and online banks like TransferWise are user-friendly. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local rentals through Kijiji and Realtor.ca. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, credit/debit cards widely accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available through Airbnb, Vrbo, and local listings. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | HI Edmonton Backpackers Hostel offers budget-friendly lodging. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Downtown Edmonton is recommended for visitors. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Whyte Avenue and the Old Strathcona district for a vibrant atmosphere. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Workspace at 10027 is a popular coworking location. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | With Bread + Butter Café and Bakery is highly rated for remote work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetup.com hosts various networking events in Edmonton. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Edmonton Expat Meetup Group on Facebook is a good starting point. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber and Lyft are widely available. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | e-scooters and bike sharing is available through Lime. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Wabamun Lake, about 50 mins away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | WestJet operates regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air Canada serves international routes. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to major highways like Queen Elizabeth II and Anthony Henday Drive. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Edmonton’s main transit station is Century Park. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Monthly pass costs CAD 100. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Bus services such as Greyhound connect to nearby cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | University of Alberta Hospital is the leading healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | YEG Yoga Studio offers a variety of classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness World has multiple locations across the city. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry Basket and Sudsational Laundromat are reliable options. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | SkipTheDishes and DoorDash are popular delivery services. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the Alberta beef steak, a local delicacy. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Bothy and Padmanadi offer great vegetarian meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The Bakeshop serves delicious pastries and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Old Strathcona Farmers' Market is known for great deals. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon.ca and local shops like Best Buy cater to online shoppers. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Instacart and Amazon Fresh offer grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Whyte Avenue is the place to be for nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Local brewery, Alley Kat Brewing Company, offers tours. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Cougar's Campus Wine Bar is a popular spot. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Edmonton's Downtown Farmers Market has great street food. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Tasty Thai and Noodleworld are great options for Thai cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Alberta Legislature and West Edmonton Mall are iconic. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Art Gallery of Alberta showcases local and international artists. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Fort Edmonton Park is a reconstructed historical site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Joseph's Basilica is a historic church worth visiting. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Edmonton Folk Music Festival is a must-attend in summer. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Old Strathcona for arts and culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Citadel Theatre hosts a range of performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Edmonton City Market downtown is vibrant with local produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | The Starlite Room hosts a variety of musical acts. |
| 🎨 Street Art | The alleyways downtown feature vibrant murals. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Blush Lane Organic Farm is popular for cooking classes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Works Art & Design Festival displays contemporary art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Alberta Legislature is an example of stunning architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Indigenous culture and history is celebrated across the city. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Elk Island National Park is a short drive away. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Banff National Park is approximately 3 hours away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The River Valley trails are extensive and popular for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Queen Elizabeth Park offers excellent city views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The wetland areas in Whitemud Park are great for bird watching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Several parks like Terwillegar Park have designated fire pits. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Canada Post and FedEx provide reliable delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | iRepair Edmonton offers gadget repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | The Edmonton Table Tennis Club welcomes casual players. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | The Alliance Française offers French language classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Edmonton Public Library has numerous locations ideal for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Mill Woods Senior and Community Centre is very active. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | The Nerd Store is popular for gaming. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The River Cree Resort and Casino offers gaming and entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CAD 3,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = CAD 120,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CAD 2,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = CAD 100,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CAD 3,100 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = CAD 186,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CAD 2,400 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = CAD 144,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CAD 2,900 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = CAD 232,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CAD 2,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = CAD 176,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 23% in Alberta. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Non-residents face a 15% withholding tax. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax system; provincial tax applies. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Effective rate can be as high as 48%. |
| 🧾 VAT | No value-added tax, but 5% GST applies. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable for Canadian residents. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual tax based on assessed property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | No provincial property transfer tax applies. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Tax treaties can minimize double taxation on foreign income. |