Edmonton, Alberta, nestled along the North Saskatchewan River, combines urban vibrancy with a deep appreciation for nature and community. As Alberta's capital city, Edmonton boasts a diverse cultural scene anchored by institutions like the Art Gallery of Alberta and the Royal Alberta Museum, showcasing the province's rich history and artistic talents. The city's dynamic downtown core features a mix of modern architecture and historic landmarks, including the iconic High Level Bridge and the vibrant Whyte Avenue district, known for its eclectic shops and lively nightlife. Edmonton's commitment to green spaces is evident in the expansive river valley parks, offering residents and visitors endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, from hiking and cycling to picnicking and wildlife viewing. With a thriving culinary scene and a calendar filled with festivals such as the Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival, Edmonton warmly welcomes all to experience its unique blend of culture, nature, and community spirit.
If you're a local and looking to escape for a weekend, keep reading. With a vast array of short domestic destinations, there are also some international destinations within reach. Here are some weekend getaway ideas for locals in the Edmonton, Alberta, area within a non-stop 4-hour flight. More importantly, these trips are all possible without having to request PTO (for you M-F 9-5'ers), it just depends on what you want to do at your destination.
Vancouver, British Columbia (YVR) - 1 Hour 35 Minute Flight
Why go?
Vancouver boasts a stunning blend of urban sophistication and breathtaking natural beauty, offering visitors a unique experience of world-class dining, diverse cultures, and abundant outdoor activities all in one place.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Vancouver
When to go?
Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
Air Canada from YEG - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $70+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Las Vegas, Nevada (LAS) - 3 Hour Flight
Why go?
Gambling, Hoover Dam, Death Valley National Park, Valley of Fire State Park, Partying, more Gambling.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Las Vegas
When to go?
Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
Southwest from YEG - See flight deals
Spirit from YEG - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $100+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Los Angeles, California (LAX, BUR, SNA, LGB, SBA, ONT) - 3 Hour 30 Minute Flight
Why go?
Surfing, Hiking, Sports, City Life, Culture, Fame, Disneyland, Food.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Los Angeles
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
United from YEG - See flight deals
Delta from YEG - See flight deals
Alaska from YEG - See flight deals
SkyWest from YEG - See flight deals
Horizon from YEG - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $200+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Toronto, Ontario (YYZ, YTZ) - 3 Hour 45 Minute Flight
Why go?
Food, people, cleanliness, Hockey Hall of Fame.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Toronto
When to go?
Summer
Who can fly you there?
Air Canada from YEG - See flight deals
WestJet from YEG - See flight deals
Swoop from YEG - See flight deals
Flair Airlines from YEG - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $80+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Seattle, Washington (SEA) - 1 Hour 45 Minute Flight
Why go?
Whales, Olympic National Park, Mt. Rainier National Park, North Cascades National Park, gorgeous views, intelligent individuals, good breweries.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Seattle
When to go?
Summer (you can't really avoid the rain but you can pray)
Who can fly you there?
United from YEG - See flight deals
Delta from YEg - See flight deals
Frontier from YEG - See flight deals
Alaska from YEG - See flight deals
Southwest from YEG - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $150+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Pro Tip:
Visit the REI flagship store. Wow.
San Francisco, California (SFO, SJC, OAK) - 3 Hour Flight
Why go?
Tours, Food, Silicon Valley, Golden Gate Bridge, Surfing
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in San Francisco
When to go?
Summer
Who can fly you there?
United from YEG - See flight deals
Frontier from YEG - See flight deals
Southwest from YEG - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $200+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Denver, Colorado (DEN) - 3 Hour 20 Minute Flight
Why go?
Mountains, beer, National Parks, hiking, clean city, nice people.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Denver
When to go?
Year-round. Ski in the winter. Hike in the summer.
Who can fly you there?
United from YEG - See flight deals
Southwest from YEG - See flight deals
Frontier from YEG - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $100+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Ottawa, Ontario (YOW) - 3 Hour 45 Minute Flight
Why go?
Ottawa, Canada's capital, offers a rich tapestry of cultural institutions like museums and galleries, along with picturesque parks and the Rideau Canal, celebrated for both its summer boating and winter skating.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Ottawa
When to go?
Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
Air Canada from YEG - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $90+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Calgary, Alberta (YYC) - 1 Hour Flight
Why go?
Calgary is a vibrant city that serves as a gateway to the majestic Rocky Mountains, offering a dynamic mix of modern attractions, rich cultural festivals, and immediate access to outdoor adventures.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Calgary
When to go?
Summer
Who can fly you there?
Air Canada from YEG - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $150+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Victoria, British Columbia (YYJ) - 1 Hour 45 Minute Flight
Why go?
Victoria, BC, delights with its mild climate, stunning floral displays, and a relaxed island vibe, coupled with historic architecture and a vibrant arts scene, making it a perfect escape into nature and culture.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Victoria
When to go?
Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
Air Canada from YEG - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $80+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
