The Chateau Lacombe Hotel (10111 Bellamy Hill Rd NW) is an iconic feature of the city’s skyline with its signature 24-story cylindrical design granting guests 360-degree panoramic views of the North Saskatchewan River Valley and the downtown core. It is also home to La Ronde, Edmonton’s only revolving rooftop restaurant, offering a fine dining experience that gently turns to showcase the city lights below. An approximate 10 minute walk (700 m) to symposium venue.

The Courtyard by Marriott Edmonton Downtown (10155 100 St NW) is just steps away from the Edmonton Convention Centre. With an on-site bistro and immediate access to the downtown transit (LRT) system, it provides a highly efficient and scenic base for symposium attendees. An approximate 2 minute walk (150 m) to symposium venue.

The Fairmont Hotel Macdonald (10065 100 St NW), defined by its historical charm, has been the North Saskatchewan River Valley’s crown jewel since 1915. Its high-end amenities and manicured courtyard offer an elevated stay, while remaining within walking distance of the symposium. An approximate 5 minute walk (300 m) to symposium venue.

ARRIVING FROM EDMONTON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (YEG) TO THE EDMONTON CONVENTION CENTRE

Public Transit

If using Edmonton Public Transit, it is recommended to use the ETS Transit Trip Planner to view schedules and plan your route.

Taking public transit from YEG to the Edmonton Convention Centre involves a quick bus-to-train connection. The entire journey costs around $9-10 and takes roughly 60 to 75 minutes.

1. The Airport Express Bus (Route 747): Exit the airport terminal via Door 8. Board the Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) Route 747 Express Bus, which runs daily between 4:10 AM and 12:30 AM. This dedicated shuttle features specialized double-shelved luggage racks and travels entirely non-stop to the Century Park Transit Centre. A one-way ticket for the bus is $6.

2. The Light Rail Transit (LRT) Connection: Once you arrive at Century Park, transfer directly to the Capital Line LRT train heading Northbound. An LRT ticket is $3.75 cash or $3 if tapping with a contactless credit/debit card or ARC card.

3. Arriving at the Venue: Ride the LRT into the downtown core and disembark at Central Station. From Central Station, the Edmonton Convention Centre is a 3-to-5-minute walk east along Jasper Avenue.

Taxi or Rideshare

If you have heavy luggage or prefer a direct route, private transportation will take you right to the Edmonton Convention Centre’s front doors.

Taxi: Taxis are readily available directly outside the airport arrivals level. Edmonton airport taxis operate on a zoned flat rate of $62 to the downtown core. The drive takes approximately 35 minutes, depending on traffic. Options include:

• Airport Taxi Service (780-890-7070)

• Alberta Co-Op Taxi (780-425-8310)

• Metro Airport Taxi (780-850-4800)

Rideshare (Uber / Lyft): App-based rideshares operate freely out of YEG. You can request a ride through your app upon landing, and pricing typically fluctuates between $45 and $60 depending on peak demand.

Car Rentals

If you prefer to drive, all major car rental agencies (such as National, Enterprise, Budget, and Hertz) operate directly out of the airport. Rental kiosks are located on Level P1 of the airport parkade. From the airport, you will take Highway 2 North (Gateway Boulevard), which leads directly into the heart of Edmonton.

BIKE PARKING

If you’d like to park your bike at the Edmonton Convention Centre, use the bike racks located on the west side of the Jasper Avenue entrance (in front of Edmonton Welcome Centre) or next to the Convention Centre’s Assembly level entrance.

AUTO PARKING

Canada Place Underground Parkade (9700 Jasper Avenue; across the street from Edmonton Convention Centre)

• Underground parking & pedway access (P2 door)

• 500 stalls

• Wheelchair accessible; 6 handicap stalls

• Payments accepted: Credit Card payment through Hotspot

  • Monday to Friday Rates

    • $5/hour

    • Daytime (6am – 6pm): Maximum $15

    • Evening (6pm – 2am): Maximum $10

    • Overnight (2am – 6am): Maximum $5

    • 24-Hour Maximum (Midnight – Midnight): $30

  • Saturday and Sunday Rates

    • $2 per hour

    • Daytime (6am – 6pm): Maximum $10

    • Evening (6pm – 2am): Maximum $10

    • Overnight (2am – 6am): Maximum $5

Courtyard by Marriott Parking Lot (99 Street and Jasper Avenue)

• 91 stalls

• Surface lot west of Edmonton Convention Centre in front of the hotel

• Easy wheelchair access to conference centre; NO handicap stalls

• Payments accepted: Coins, notes, credit cards, pay-by-mobile

• Daily: $7.00/hour | All Day: $33 (out by 6 p.m.) | Evenings: $15.00 (in after 5 p.m. out by 11 p.m.) or $25.00 (in after 5 p.m. out by 9 a.m.)

• No “in and out” privileges

Citadel Theatre Parkade (99 Street & 101A Ave): Situated just two blocks west, this heated underground parkade is excellent for daytime or evening event parking and is tied closely to the downtown arts district.

Rice Howard Way Area Parkades: There are several parkades and surface lots operated by private companies (like Impark or Precise ParkLink) located just a short block north of Jasper Avenue between 100 Street and 97 Street.

Street Parking: There is plenty of curbside parallel parking available on Jasper Avenue, 99 Street, and 100 Street.

Edmonton utilizes the digital EPARK system. You can pay via the street machines (using your license plate) or through the HotSpot/EPARK mobile app.

To search specific parking rates, hours, and locations, consult the City of Edmonton Parking Services search tool.

Important Note: Check street signs carefully. Street parking along Jasper Avenue often has strict tow-away zones during morning and afternoon rush hours (typically 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM and 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM) to allow for transit and traffic flow.

There are many options for food and drink within walking distance of the symposium venue. Below are just a few suggested favourites.

Rosewood Foods: Located just a couple of blocks west of the convention centre, this bright space is known for its house-made crullers, specialty coffee, and breakfast sandwiches. It's a fast-casual spot for a morning pick-me-up or a quick lunch. (~5-minute walk to Edmonton Convention Centre)

L'Espresso Organic Cafe: Located right off Sir Winston Churchill Square, this coffee spot offers fair-trade beverages, soup-and-sandwich combos, and homestyle paninis, quiches, and wraps. (~6-minute walk to Edmonton Convention Centre)

Caffè Sole: Located downtown, this café boasts an iconic espresso bar. They are known for their unique signature drinks like their Horchata Latte, Spiced Americano, and lattes infused with artisanal, stone-ground Mexican chocolate, as well as their in-house churros. (~8-minute walk to Edmonton Convention Centre)

Confederation Lounge (Fairmont Hotel Macdonald): This historic lounge offers high-end cocktails and upscale pub fare, as well as a stunning outdoor patio overlooking the river valley. (~4-minute walk to Edmonton Convention Centre)

Bistro Praha: An upscale institution serving Central European specialties like Wiener schnitzel and smažený sýr. (~6-minute walk to Edmonton Convention Centre)

For general information about wheelchair and mobility aid-friendly venues and activity options in Edmonton, please consult Wheelchair Accessibility in Edmonton.

SYMPOSIUM VENUE PHYSICAL ACCESSIBILITY

Main Entrances: The Convention Centre's primary entrance is located at street level on Jasper Avenue, offering barrier-free access. For alternative access, a designated ramp is located on the Assembly Level. Additionally, an entrance is situated outside Salon 12, though drop-offs must be coordinated directly with the venue in advance to unlock the doors.

Navigating the Levels: Because the Convention Centre is built into a cascading river valley hillside, it features a funicular elevator alongside standard elevators to ensure access to every floor.

Wheelchair-Accessible Washrooms: Accessible washrooms are located on every level with clearly-marked signage.

Important Caveat: There is no wheelchair access into the building from the lower Grierson Hill parking lot into the Salon Level entrance; all guests utilizing mobility aids should be dropped off at the upper Jasper Avenue or parkade entrances.

ACCESSIBLE PARKING & ARRIVAL

The Canada Place Parkade, located right across the street from the Convention Centre, offers excellent wheelchair access and connects directly to the Convention Centre via a fully enclosed, climate-controlled underground pedway.

There is an accessible, above-ground surface lot located right next to the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel (at 99 Street and Jasper Avenue), just a short distance from the Convention Centre's front doors.

MOBILITY-FRIENDLY PUBLIC TRANSIT

LRT Pedway System: The Convention Centre is directly linked to Edmonton’s underground downtown Pedway system. A full map of the Pedway system is available here.

Central Station Access: The closest train hub is Central LRT Station. The station features a designated accessible entrance at 100A Street and Jasper Avenue (Northside) equipped with automatic door openers and elevator access down to the platform.

Train Boarding: All Capital Line and Metro Line LRT train cars feature bright yellow, button-activated accessible ramps at the middle doorways to bridge the gap between the platform and the train floor. Platforms also feature highly visible, blue-tiled "Priority Waiting Areas" so operators can easily spot passengers utilizing wheelchairs, scooters, or walkers.

WIDER NEIGHBOURHOOD & SIDEWALK CONDITIONS

The downtown core surrounding the Convention Centre features wide, well-paved sidewalks with curb cuts at all major intersections along Jasper Avenue and 99 Street.

Because the Convention Centre sits on a ridge overlooking the river valley, outdoor terrain sloping down toward the river can be quite steep. However, the indoor Pedway network seamlessly connects the convention centre to over 40 surrounding buildings, major hotels, and shopping centres.

CLOSER

Between symposium sessions, attendees are encouraged to explore the sights within walking distance of the Edmonton Convention Centre.

The River Valley Funicular: Located next door to the Convention Centre, this glass elevator and mechanized railway system offers a smooth, fully accessible ride down the cliff into the North Saskatchewan River Valley, North America’s largest urban parkland. The boardwalk at the top offers a panoramic view of the river and the city skyline. (~2-minute walk)

Louise McKinney Riverfront Park: Accessible via the funicular or the paved paths winding down from the Convention Centre, this park sits right on the riverbank and features scenic walking trails, manicured Chinese gardens, the Cloverdale Footbridge, and a public dock. (~5-minute walk down the hill)

The Art Gallery of Alberta (AGA): Within this architectural masterpiece wrapped in a massive, swirling stainless steel wave inspired by the Northern Lights, you’ll find three floors of rotating exhibitions featuring historical and contemporary art from Alberta, Canada, and across the globe. (~7-minute walk)

The Citadel Theatre: One of North America’s largest non-profit theatrical complexes. If your conference wraps up for the evening and you are looking for entertainment, check their schedule for world-class live theater, musicals, and contemporary plays. (~5-minute walk)

Sir Winston Churchill Square: The lively civic square right in front of Edmonton City Hall that is host to food trucks, local markets, live music, and some of Edmonton's world-renowned street festivals. (~6-minute walk)

FURTHER AFIELD

All distances listed are measured as from the Edmonton Convention Centre to the destination.

The Alberta Legislature Grounds: The historic provincial parliament building set inside a massive park. It features manicured gardens, active walking paths, and striking light displays.

• Walking: 25 to 30 minutes, heading west down Jasper Avenue and south on 108 Street

• Driving: 5 to 7 minutes

• Public Transit: 8 minutes, taking the Capital or Metro Line LRT Southbound from Central Station directly to Government Centre Station

Royal Alberta Museum (RAM): The largest museum in Western Canada, chronicling millions of years of Alberta's natural and human history with interactive galleries.

• Walking: 12 to 15 minutes (1 km northwest)

• Driving: 4 minutes

• Public Transit: 5 minutes via the Capital/Metro Line LRT from Central Station to Churchill Station, followed by a 2-minute walk

Old Strathcona & Whyte Avenue: Edmonton’s trendy district located south of the river, packed with local boutiques, indie coffee shops, a variety of dining options, and a year-round indoor farmers' market.

• Walking: 45 to 50 minutes across the High Level Bridge

• Driving: 10 minutes

• Public Transit: 15 to 20 minutes via the Capital Line LRT Southbound from Central Station to University Station, then a 5-minute transfer on the Route 4 or 8 bus heading east down Whyte Avenue

Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village: An open-air museum using costumed, first-person historical interpreters to recreate the life of early Ukrainian pioneers who settled in east-central Alberta between 1892 and 1930. It features more than 30 historic buildings, including sod houses, churches, and a grain elevator, that were moved to the site from rural communities.

• Walking: Not possible (Located 50 km east of Edmonton)

• Driving: 35 to 40 minutes. Head directly east out of downtown Edmonton along the Yellowhead Highway (Highway 16), just past Elk Island National Park

• Public Transit: Highly limited. There are no regular commuter transit routes servicing the highway; however, taxi and Uber services can be booked from downtown