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YEG Layover Ideas Edmonton Airport Layover Guide

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Top 5 Layover Ideas for Edmonton Airport

Long layovers can be a drag, but not when you're at Edmonton Airport (YEG). This bustling hub is located in a city teeming with attractions and activities that can turn your waiting time into an exciting mini-vacation. Here are the top 5 layover ideas to make the most of your time at YEG.

1. Explore the Royal Alberta Museum

Start your layover adventure by visiting the Royal Alberta Museum. It's the largest museum in western Canada, showcasing the natural and social history of the province. You'll find a range of exhibits, from indigenous cultures to paleontology. It's an educational and entertaining way to spend a few hours.

2. Visit the Muttart Conservatory

Experience a breath of fresh air at the Muttart Conservatory. This botanical garden is home to thousands of plant species from around the world, housed in four pyramid-shaped greenhouses. Each pyramid features a different biome, offering a unique experience and a chance to learn about diverse ecosystems.

3. Discover the Telus World of Science

For those with a penchant for science and technology, the Telus World of Science is a must-visit. It features interactive exhibits, a planetarium, an IMAX theatre, and live demonstrations that make science fun and accessible for all ages.

4. Experience the West Edmonton Mall

No layover in Edmonton would be complete without a trip to the West Edmonton Mall. It's the largest shopping center in the world, boasting over 800 stores and services, more than 100 eateries, an indoor water park, two miniature golf courses, an ice rink, and even a triple loop rollercoaster. It's a one-stop destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment.

5. Hop on the Eddie Bus

Make your layover hassle-free with the Eddie Bus, a hop-on, hop-off service that takes visitors to various city attractions during the summer season. It's a convenient way to explore Edmonton's highlights without worrying about navigation or parking.

Helpful Tips & Resources

Need help navigating your way through an unfamiliar airport? Look no further than iFly.com for expert tips and advice. Here are some helpful tips to help you travel stress-free through YEG Airport:

  • Don't let heavy bags slow you down! Make use of our airport's complimentary baggage carts, available for all travelers in the baggage claim area.
  • If you have some time before your departure, relax, grab a bite at one of YEG's restaurants, peruse the shops, or jump on the free internet and surf galore!
  • If you are flying in business or first class (or are a member), check out where the airline club lounges are located.
  • Once you have passed through security, you can use the airport map to find your gate, as well as the various restaurants and shops that are available on your route.
  • Surf to your heart's content. Jump on Edmonton airport's internet (free!)
  • For those (dreaded) early-morning flights, consider one of the airport hotels on or near YEG to spend the night prior to your flight. In many cases your parking for the trip's duration is free!
  • Have a flight arriving and want a fast way to get to your destination? Here are a few taxi and limo airport service providers that service the airport.

Nearby Attractions for an Extended Layover

If you find yourself with an extended layover of 12-48 hours at Edmonton Airport, seize the opportunity to explore more of what the city and its surroundings have to offer. Here are some activities and attractions within reasonable proximity to the airport.

1. Experience Elk Island National Park

Just about an hour away from Edmonton Airport, Elk Island National Park offers a great escape into nature. This conservation area is home to herds of free roaming plains bison, wood bison, moose, deer, and elk. It's also a fantastic spot for bird watching, with over 250 species recorded.

2. Step Back in Time at Fort Edmonton Park

Fort Edmonton Park, the largest living history museum in Canada, is a must-visit for history buffs. It takes you back in time with its historical recreations of life in the region from the fur trade era to the 1920s. You can explore the 1846 Hudson's Bay Fort, the 1885 Street, the 1905 Street, and the 1920 Street, each offering a unique glimpse into the past.

3. Visit the University of Alberta Botanic Garden

Around 15 minutes from the airport, the University of Alberta Botanic Garden is a haven for plant lovers. The garden features a variety of plant collections and areas, including a Japanese Garden, an Alpine Garden, and a Tropical Plant and Butterfly Greenhouse.

4. Explore the Art Gallery of Alberta

If you're interested in art, don't miss the Art Gallery of Alberta in downtown Edmonton. It houses a collection of over 6,000 pieces, showcasing both historical and contemporary works by Canadian and international artists.

5. Take a Day Trip to Jasper National Park

If your layover extends to 48 hours, consider a day trip to Jasper National Park. It's a bit of a drive (about 4 hours), but the breathtaking natural beauty of the park, with its stunning mountain landscapes, crystal-clear lakes, and abundant wildlife, is well worth the journey.

Updated on: November 22, 2023