FlyerTalk Forums - How is Edmonton these days?

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How is Edmonton these days?

I have a weekend booked in Edmonton as I found cheap flights and have never been. I am looking forward to staying at the JW as it seems to get good reviews. However, I keep seeing reports from the Edmonton subreddit that the situation in the city is horrid with many loiterers attacking innocents due to drug-induced psychosis. I am inclined to take Reddit posts with a grain of salt as highly exaggerated. Is Edmonton really a different beast compared to other Canadian cities?

I have a brother who lives in Edmonton who I visit somewhat frequently (most recently a couple of months ago) - apart from copious amounts of construction around the area where he lives (which, I'll note, is also fairly representative of most other Canadian cities I've visited), it's much the same as any other city I've visited.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ElevatorEnthusiast (Post 36495445)

...with many loiterers attacking innocents due to drug-induced psychosis.

How is that different from the rest of Canada?

Quote:

Originally Posted by ElevatorEnthusiast (Post 36495445)

It's not really any different compared to other Canadian cities. Hockey season in Edmonton is absolutely beautiful, and if an Oilers game is happening in Edmonton during the weekend you're here, you can feel the vibe. Personally, September-October and March-April are the best times to visit Edmonton because it's neither too cold nor does the entire city smell like wildfires. I'd highly recommend checking out River Valley, Muttart Conservatory, West Edmonton Mall, the Legislature Building, and if you're an avgeek like me, the Alberta Aviation Museum. They are all really beautiful spots. However, always maintain caution, the loiterers that you are worried about are mostly chill and won't react if you leave them alone. If they greet you, smile and greet them back. Avoid walking around downtown at midnight, though.

Edmonton is comparable to other Canadian cities of the same size and perhaps better than some. I've spent time there for business and pleasure and like anywhere else there are places you should avoid after dark. Otherwise I like the city a great deal and much prefer it to Calgary. Online complaints should be given a huge grain of salt. If I avoided all of the places that other people considered "unsafe" I'd never have gone anywhere.