The City
Edmonton • ᐊᒥᐢᑿᒌᐚᐢᑲᐦᐃᑲᐣ • Amiskwacîwâskahikan
Edmonton, also known as Amiskwacîwâskahikan (Beaver Hills House), is located on Treaty No. 6 Territory and the homeland of Metis Region #4. It is a vibrant city situated on the North Saskatchewan River in the heart of the wilderness. It is the largest northernmost metropolis in North America, the capital of Alberta, Canada, and is home to many educational institutions including NorQuest College (our hosts), the University of Alberta, MacEwan University, the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, and others.
The region boasts the second-largest Indigenous population in Canada. It is home to many nations including the Cree, Blackfoot, Métis, Nakota Sioux, Dene, Saulteaux, Anishinaabe, and Inuit.
Also known as the “Gateway to the North”, Edmonton is a staging point for large-scale oil sand projects occurring in northern Alberta and large-scale diamond mining operations in the Northwest Territories.
Explore Edmonton – what to see, what to do, where to eat – with this handy guide.
WinterE229 (WinterforceMedia), CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.
WinterE229 WinterforceMedia, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.
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WinterE229 WinterforceMedia, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.
Conference Venue
Edmonton Convention Centre
Recognized as one of North America’s five top-performing venues, the Edmonton Convention Centre is built in downtown Edmonton’s river valley.
As a venue, it is committed to creating connection – to the community, to the land, to local culture, and to others – through its sustainable business practices and dedication to locally-sourced and inspired cuisine.
Accessibility
The Convention Centre is designed to accommodate patrons of all mobility levels, with elevator access to every floor and wheelchair-accessible bathrooms conveniently located on every floor as well. See the full range of accessibility considerations (both inside and outside the Centre) here.
Health and Safety
Edmonton Convention Centre is dedicated to the health and safety of its visitors. Explore the Health and Safety information here.
Sustainability
The Convention Center has a Carbon Neutral Incentive Program as well as a Responsible Events Program that aims to help you have a climate-friendly, carbon-neutral conference.
Venue Address
Edmonton Convention Centre
9797 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
T5J 1N9
Website: edmontonconventioncentre.com
What weather to expect
Average autumn temperature: 11°C to 17°C
The weather is highly variable and difficult to predict. We advise that you check the local forecast before you arrive.
What clothes to pack
Temperatures tend to be crisper at this time of year. You’ll need good walking boots and some warm layers – scarves are always encouraged.
Entering Canada
As an international destination, it is pretty easy to visit Canada. But before you book your tickets, make sure all your visa applications are accepted and confirmed. For all the information you need, consult the official Canadian Government website.
Keep up to date with COVID-related Travel Restrictions here.
Getting here:
Edmonton International Airport, AB (YEG-Edmonton International) connects with non-stop flights to over 50 major cities in Canada, the U.S., and internationally. From outside North America, flights to Edmonton usually require a layover somewhere in Europe or North America. There are few direct flights to Edmonton outside of Canada.
Explore more information about the airport here: flyeia.com
Once you are here:
From the airport:
- Find information on shuttles and ground transportation from the airport here.
- There are also public transportation options available. Access the 747 Bus schedule.
- Private taxi services and Ubers can also be booked to get to the hotel or venue.
- The airport is a 30-40 min drive – a taxi should cost ∓$65 CAD.
Explore more transport options in and around Edmonton here.
Letter of Invitation for Visa Applications
To request a visa invitation letter, please email RAIAdmin@norquest.ca and provide all the following information:
- Complete name of conference attendee (as it appears in passport)
- Date of birth, if known
- Conference attendee’s company and position
- Conference attendee’s address and telephone number (both work and home)
- the date the Conference attendee intends to arrive and leave Canada, if known.
This information is outlined as required on the Canadian Immigration website.
For those not requiring a visa invitation letter, information on the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) can also be found in the link above.