The Edmonton region is where affordability, opportunity, and a vibrant culture intersect to create a great place to live. The Edmonton region is the Northernmost metropolitan hub in North America and the capital city of Alberta. The region includes a population of over 1.5 million residents, a GDP of $110 billion, and is one of the fastest-growing economies in Canada.
The Edmonton region is a major metropolitan centre you can actually afford to live in. In fact, Edmonton recently ranked the most affordable city in Canada and the fourth most affordable globally. And with 14 unique municipalities, the region includes a variety of communities to fit every lifestyle.
The region’s urban core lies within the heart of downtown Edmonton which hosts some of the hottest craft beer taprooms, hyper-local bistros, and indie bakeries in Canada. Downtown Edmonton is also home to the Ice District, Canada’s largest mixed-use sports and entertainment district and the 2nd largest in North America. Edmonton has garnered an impressive reputation as a premier host city for major events – from sporting events to major concerts, to gravity-defying snowboard competitions, there’s something for everyone.
Downtown also offers direct access to the region’s extensive river valley. As the largest urban park in Canada, with more than 160 kilometres of maintained pathways and 20 major parks, the river valley is a natural wonder that allows for outdoor activities in all four seasons. Elk Island National Park, Canada’s first wildlife refuge, offers abundant wildlife viewing opportunities within easy reach of Edmonton. We’re also one of the sunniest regions in North America.
Looking for a more relaxed suburban lifestyle? We definitely have that too. Whether it’s the youthful energy of Beaumont, the botanical charm of St. Albert, or the agricultural heartland of Strathcona county and Fort Saskatchewan, our region offers a range of lifestyles to suit every taste.
Our transportation systems go all through the region, with bus systems and a newly enhanced LRT system.
Employment opportunities are abundant and the region’s fastest growing sectors include:
· Food & Agriculture
· Artificial intelligence & Machine Learning
· Clean energy
· Construction
· Manufacturing
· Life Sciences
· Technology · Transportation & Logistics
For newcomers to Canada, the Edmonton region ranks among the most attractive jurisdictions in Canada and has impressive retention rates. After one year after immigrating, approximately 85% of new immigrants have stayed in Edmonton; and, after ten years approximately 82% are still in Edmonton — this is the highest rate among major Canadian cities. The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) is an economic immigration program that nominates people for permanent residence in Alberta. The program offers a path towards permanent residency.
In the Edmonton region, the people are as real as the opportunities. We’re fiercely progressive and passionately entrepreneurial; pro-business and pro-environment; laid back, and incredibly hardworking. We’re a region where different is embraced, bold is celebrated, and life is exceptional.