What is life in Edmonton like?
And what do you need to know if you are thinking about moving to and living in Edmonton?
In this Ask an Expat series I interview people living all over the world but outside of their home country. I try to help paint an honest picture of the ups and downs of life abroad.
In the interview, the expat shares tips for moving to and living in the city, town or country the expat now calls home.
And although this interview discusses life in Edmonton from an expat perspective, most tips and information is equally useful for anyone who already calls Canada home.
Living in Edmonton, Canada
Name: Ben McLaughlan
Age: 32
Hometown: Newcastle, NSW, Australia
His Story:
“I grew up on Australia’s east coast and didn’t leave my home country until I was 23.
I had been wanting to get out and explore the world earlier, but I didn’t want to go at it alone.
But, eventually there was no one left that could or wanted to go to Europe with me. So finally I booked a one-way ticket to Ireland, and set off to the other side of the globe.
I traveled around Ireland for a few months, and then the rest of Western Europe and a few countries in the east.
I met my Canadian partner in Prague, Czech Republic, and by the end of 2013 I had moved to Canada and was getting adjusted to the sometimes brutal Canadian winter.
Since moving to Edmonton over 10 years ago (does NOT feel like it’s been that long!), I’ve traveled domestically and internationally with my partner many times.
We visited Europe as a couple again, traveled through Asia for a year and went on an 8-week road trip through Canada, into the Arctic Circle. And there’s plenty more I want to see!”
What Do You Like About Living in Edmonton?
“Compared to other cities in Canada, the cost of living in Edmonton is a fair bit lower.
A liter of gas/petrol fluctuates anywhere from $1.30 to $1.50 and there are plenty of meals in decent restaurants that cost $15 or less.
Being a Canadian city, the locals are, for the most part, friendly and easy to get along with. Just walking along the streets, you’ll most likely have a few friendly and polite interactions.
If you know anything about hockey, going to a bar to watch the local team, the Oilers, play is always a pretty lively atmosphere.
All up, I would say the quality of life in Edmonton, is comparable to many other countries, especially those in the Commonwealth.
Despite the chilly winter winds, Edmonton has a nice range of climates. Being Australian, the summer sun is a welcome sight.
Edmonton is also a great place to do day trips from. Or spend a few days road tripping to the mountains.
Jasper National Park is a stunning natural display of towering mountains and crystal blue lakes. Even though it is a 4-hour drive away, it’s well worth the effort of visiting.
And Banff National Park is also a must-visit.
Inside Edmonton itself there’s a huge amount of activities and sights, no matter the time of year. Following the banks of the North Saskatchewan River gives some golden and red views of trees losing their leaves for the winter or lush green pathways in summer.”
What Do You Dislike About Living in Edmonton?
“The winter. I’ve been living in Edmonton for over 10 years now, and the winter never gets easier.
While I can deal with minus 20-30 Celsius (-4 to -22°F) without complaining too much, as soon as that chilly wind picks up, I won’t stop whining.
Even though there are plenty of things to do in the winter, such as festivals or one of the many winter sports, I rarely am excited to leave the house in fear of that freezing wind! I still do, I just complain more than usual!”
Also Read: Things to Consider Before Moving to Another Country
Is Edmonton a Safe City to Live in?
“Yes, Edmonton is generally a safe city to live in. But like anywhere, your experience can depend on the neighbourhood and how you approach daily life.
Overall, I feel comfortable walking around most parts of the city, running errands, and meeting new people without worrying too much about safety.
That said, Edmonton does have some areas with higher crime rates, particularly around parts of the downtown core. For many expats and families, that simply means being a bit more aware of your surroundings and choosing your neighbourhood carefully when you decide where to live.
Suburbs like Terwillegar Towne, Windermere, Riverbend, and Summerside are generally seen as quieter, more family-oriented areas with lower crime and good amenities.
In day-to-day life, common-sense precautions go a long way. Lock your doors, avoid isolated areas at night, and stay in well-lit spaces when on foot. Compared to larger metropolitan cities, Edmonton’s overall feeling is fairly relaxed and liveable, but it’s always smart to check local crime maps and talk to residents when you’re considering specific areas.”
Is Edmonton an Expensive City to Live In?
“In a word: no. Edmonton isn’t generally an expensive city to live in, especially compared to many other major Canadian cities like Vancouver, Toronto, or even Calgary.
Housing costs are one of the biggest factors for most people, and here Edmonton tends to be quite affordable. Whether you’re renting a one-bedroom near downtown or a house in the suburbs, prices are significantly lower than in many big urban centres in Canada. That makes it easier for newcomers to find a comfortable space without spending an overwhelming portion of their income on rent or a mortgage.
Groceries, transportation, and general living costs are also fairly reasonable. Eating out, going to the movies, or checking out events doesn’t usually hit the wallet as hard as it might in pricier cities. Public transit is affordable, and driving (including gas and insurance) tends to be more budget-friendly than in larger metropolitan areas.
Of course, expensive is relative. If you compare Edmonton to smaller towns or less urban areas, it will feel more expensive.
And lifestyle matters: frequent fine dining, shopping at premium stores, or choosing luxury rentals will push costs up quickly anywhere. But for day-to-day living (utilities, food, rent or mortgage), Edmonton is one of the more cost-effective options among Canadian cities.”
What is Your Favorite Thing to Do in Edmonton?
“Attend Festivals.
Edmonton has earned the nickname the “city of festivals”, as throughout the year there are so many fun, interesting and memorable ones to attend.
If you can dream it, Edmonton probably has a festival for it!
My favorite festival in Edmonton has to be Heritage Festival. Over 90 countries come together to showcase their cultures, cuisine, and different forms of art, from dancing to painting.
This melting pot of cultures is the world’s largest taking place outdoors. Every year I leave after eating way too much, but it’s always so worth it!”
What is Your Favorite Place to Hang Out in Edmonton?
“One of my favorite bars is on Whyte Avenue (82nd Avenue), called The Buckingham.
This is a pub with a great atmosphere, especially if there’s a band playing. The Buckingham serves a menu of pub-style food that is 100% vegan.
I’ve lived close to The Buckingham for a few years now. And even though there are closer bars and pubs, I consider it my local and always start off a night out there.”
What is the Expat / International Community Like in Edmonton?
“Edmonton has a unique expat community.
There are pockets of every nationality and culture you can imagine. This amazing blend makes meeting new people in Edmonton always a little different and interesting.
Whenever I meet a fellow Australian it is a great conversation learning about where they came from and why they live in Edmonton.”
Any Tips for Moving to and Living in Edmonton?
“Edmonton doesn’t have a great public transport system (although it has improved since I moved here).
There is a limited Light Rail Transit (LRT) service and a bus service, but unless you’re visiting a popular place, it can be difficult to get around, especially to the outskirts of the city.
Before I was able to drive, I relied on the bus network to get to and from my various jobs. It was not fun waking up just to spend an hour on a bus.
My tip is to be able to drive as soon as possible. It makes the city of Edmonton much more accessible.
Finding friends and like-minded people to hang out with can be difficult in Edmonton, like in many new cities.
The best way I’ve found is through sports, mainly soccer. Even though I’m not that great, I’ve met some great friends through this sport, and staying active is a good thing too!
Meetup.com is used a lot in Edmonton for sports and events and is a great way to meet people.”
Any Resources You Found Useful During the Process of Moving to and Building a New Life in Edmonton?
“I was lucky that when I first moved to Edmonton my partner’s family helped me settle in much easier than if I was moving here by myself.
But, while getting your life set up in Edmonton there are a fair few resources to make it easier.
Libraries are a great place to visit. I’ve hired video games and books, but access to a printer and scanner for next to nothing was a lifesaver.
If you’re traveling a short distance around downtown or Whyte Avenue, and would rather not deal with the bus/LRT systems, there is an app called Communauto.
Communauto is kind of a car-sharing app. You sign up, pay a small fee, then have access to cars that are parked around the allowed areas. You pay per minute, hour or day, depending on whether you need it for a shorter or longer trip.
I find Communauto really useful for short trips when you just don’t want to walk or use public transport.
Kijiji.ca is one of my favorite apps to use not only in Edmonton but around the country. You can find a place to live, find work, and buy almost any second-hand item you can think of. It’s super handy!
Meetup.com, as I mentioned before, is a great way to meet friends. Whatever activity you’re into, whether it be sports, art, or just hanging out and having a drink, you’ll find something on MeetUp that makes it easy to meet new friends.
Indeed.ca is the best place to search for a job. It is by far the most popular website that companies advertise vacant positions on. Applying to jobs is super easy as you can upload a resume and apply instantly to most jobs.”
Is There Something You Just Have to See or Do When You Are in Edmonton?
“West Edmonton Mall is pretty cool! It was the largest mall (shopping center) in the world when it was built, it’s currently the 6th largest.
But what makes this place so interesting is the features inside.
There’s obviously plenty of shopping opportunities, but under its large roof is a water theme park with slides and a wave pool, an amusement park with a rollercoaster, an ice skating rink, and a pirate ship.
It’s a pretty cool place to see, if you can handle the number of people!”
About Ben
Ben is an Australian living in Edmonton.
On his Instagram he wants to show you that travel doesn’t have to be expensive to be fulfilling. And that apprehensions of a horizon unknown should not stop you from traveling.
He has visited over 50 countries and hopes to inspire you through his experiences, to travel and to create your own experiences.
About Edmonton, Canada
Edmonton is the capital city of Alberta, Canada. It has a population of just over 1 million people and around 1.5 million in the metropolitan area.
The city is famous for its beautiful river valley park system, the North Saskatchewan River Valley. This park system offers over 100 kilometers (62 miles) of recreational trails and it includes Fort Edmonton Park, Canada’s largest historical park.
If the great outdoors is not your target, Edmonton also offers West Edmonton Mall, one of the largest shopping malls in the Western Hemisphere.
On top of that, the city has a vibrant theater community, numerous annual festivals, national sports teams that are active year-round, and wonderful winter recreational opportunities.
Also Read:
- 15 Things to Know Before Traveling to Canada
- Interview About Living in Toronto
- Interview About Life in Halifax, Nova Scotia
- Interview About Life in Ottawa
- Why Moving Abroad is Such a Valuable Experience
- The Best Places to Visit in Banff National Park
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