Moving to Edmonton

Attractively situated on the North Saskatchewan River, Edmonton offers safe, historic neighbourhoods and beautiful parkland, as well as proximity to some of the most stunning wilderness in Canada.

Edmonton is Alberta’s capital, and began as a fur trading fort for the Hudson’s Bay Company. Today, the city offers cultural, sporting, and tourist attractions. It is home to over 20 festivals, including the International Fringe Theatre Festival, and the International Street Performers’ Festival.

The city is home to the biggest shopping mall in North America, the West Edmonton Mall – conveniently located in a province which offers a 0% provincial sales tax.

Its popularity as a tourist destination is boosted by its proximity to Calgary, and the beauty of Jasper National Park, both about a three-hour drive from the city.

The Edmonton area is home to 930,000 people, making it the second-largest city in Alberta, and the fifth-most populated city in Canada.

It has more sunshine than any other city in Canada. In the summer, daylight spans 17 hours of the day and temperatures can soar to as high as 35°C, though 20-30°C is typical.

In the winter, temperatures by day hover around -10°C, and can fall as low as -30°C or even -40°C. New residents will quickly learn to adapt with proper winter clothing.

Anyone moving to Edmonton can be reassured with the resources we provide to you about the city. You can see our full range of articles here LINK, or go directly to these helpful guides:

• What’s it like living in Edmonton?
• Neighbourhoods in Edmonton
• Things to do in Edmonton

How to immigrate to Edmonton

There are various immigration options available for those moving to Edmonton.

For short-term moves, there are temporary work permits that will allow new residents to live and work in Edmonton for a limited period of time. Young citizens from over 30 participating International Experience Canada countries can avail of a Working Holiday Visa in Canada. Where local staff cannot be found to fill a vacancy, a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) may be obtained and a work permit issued.

See our full guide to Canadian work permits for more information.

Permanent Residency options are also available for those who wish to immigrate to Edmonton. Many popular federal economic immigration programs are aligned with the Express Entry Canada selection system.

There are also provincial immigration options, which are hosted as part of the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program. It allows a broad range of workers, graduates, and entrepreneurs to immigrate to Edmonton permanently.

If you’re moving to Edmonton from abroad, you will be in good company. Over 230,000 immigrants live in Edmonton – 20% of the city’s total population (National Household Survey 2011).

Moving to Edmonton: factflile

• Population (2016): 932,546
• Average July highs: 23°C
• Average January highs: -6°C
• Rainy days (0.2mm+) per year: 77
• Top industries: Public sector, energy, oil and gas,
• Average residential property price (February 2024): $407,458.
• Time zone: MST (UTC -7 hours)
• Official City of Edmonton website: edmonton.ca