Getting Here & Getting Around
Edmonton offers an unmatched ease of access while maintaining the
convenience of major freeways and light rail transit found in larger world
centres.
By Air
Edmonton is served by the Edmonton International Airport, Canada's fifth
busiest airport, located in the heart of Alberta.
Located 29 km (18 mi) from downtown Edmonton, the airport is unrestricted 24
hours a day and offers non-stop service to cities in Canada, Europe and five
major U.S. hub airports (Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, Minneapolis/St. Paul
and Seattle). There is scheduled service to London and also a convenient air
link between Edmonton and Jasper. Charter service is also provided to
destinations in Canada, the U.S., Mexico, Cuba and Europe. Scheduled
carriers serving the Edmonton International Airport include the Air Canada
family, First Air, Horizon Air/Alaska Airlines, Peace Air, Northwest
Airlines and WestJet. Charter service is offered by Air Transit, Canada
3000, LOT Polish Airlines, Martinair, Royal Airlines and SkyService.
In December, 2000, the new south terminal opened at the Edmonton
International Airport, doubling the terminal space for passengers. The
additional terminal provides enhanced customer service to visitors,
including significantly expanded U.S. Customs and Immigration and Canada
Customs.
Taxi fare from the International Airport to the city centre is approximately
$35. Sky Shuttle Bus services are available for $11 one-way or $18 return to
downtown, west end (West Edmonton Mall) or the University of Alberta.
By Train
Edmonton is on VIA Rail's Canadian route with service three times per
week to Saskatoon, Winnipeg and Toronto to the east and Jasper and Vancouver
to the west. VIA Rail Canada recently opened a $2-million Edmonton terminal
near the City Centre Airport at 12360121 Street.
By Automobile
Edmonton is on the Trans-Canada Yellowhead Highway which provides easy
automobile access across Western Canada, from Winnipeg through Edmonton to
British Columbia. Located near the geographic centre of Alberta, Edmonton is
514 km (320 miles) north of the Montana, U.S.A./Canada border; 294 km (184
miles) north of Calgary; 362 km (226 miles) east of Jasper; 404 km (252
miles) northeast of Banff. The entry of vehicles and trailers into Alberta
for touring purposes is generally a routine matter for periods up to 12
months without any duty or fee. Your driveršs license is valid while
travelling in Alberta.
By Bus
Greyhound Bus Lines provides excellent service to Edmonton from anywhere in
North America. Service to and from Calgary, Red Deer, and Fort McMurray is
also available from Red Arrow. Both offer express service between major
centres.
Getting Around Edmonton
The majority of streets and avenues in Edmonton are designated by number
rather than name, making it easy to locate addresses. Numbered streets run
north and south; odd numbered buildings are on the east side of the street
and on the south side of the avenue.
To accommodate the growth of the city to the east and south, a quadrant
system has been adopted which places most of the existing city into the
northwest (NW) quadrant. Quadrant Avenue and Meridian Street are the
quadrant divisions.
Transit
Edmonton has one of the most accommodating transit systems in North America.
In 1978, Edmonton became the first city on the continent with a population
base of less than one million to have a Light Rail Transit (LRT) System.
Today, the LRT serves the downtown core with a south extension crossing the
North Saskatchewan River to the University of Alberta. The north LRT
extension serves Commonwealth Stadium, Skyreach Centre and Northlands Park,
making it ideal transportation for sporting and special events.
Day passes are available which provide unlimited access to LRT and Edmonton
Transit routes. Conference packages are available which provide delegate
access to Edmonton Transit services at a reasonable cost. Call (780)
496-5782 for information.
Buses from neighbourhood routes meet at 20 major transit centres
facilitating transfers from one bus route to another. Edmonton Transit
also offers charter services in and around Edmonton for groups. Call (780)
496-5758. For information on transit service for the disabled, contact DATS
at (780) 496-4570.
Taxis
Taxis are usually on hand at hotels, shopping centres and major venues. In
areas where there is no taxi stand, it is usually quicker to telephone for
service rather than hailing a taxi. From the Edmonton International Airport
located 29 kilometres (18 miles) from city centre, one-way cab fare to
Edmonton city centre is a flat rate of $35 Cdn.
Rules of the Road
The minimum age for drivers is 16. Seatbelt use is mandatory in Alberta for
drivers and passengers. Motorcycle riders and passengers must wear helmets
and drive with their headlights on.
The city speed limit is 50 kilometres per hour (30 mph), or as posted. Right
turns on red lights are permitted after stopping; u-turns are not. Lanes
marked "Bus & Taxi Lane Only" are reserved for these vehicles only.
Edmontonšs streets include several traffic circles. When approaching a
traffic circle, use the right lane if you plan to exit at the first exit,
and the left lane to use the second or third exit. The vehicle on the
outside of the circle must yield to the vehicles on the inside, and you must
exit the circle in the same lane in which you are travelling.
When driving in Alberta, you must have valid accident insurance with a
minimum coverage of $200,000 public liability and property damage.
Š 2001 Copyright Tanner Young Marketing Ltd. This article can not be reproduced in whole or in part without the expressed written permission.
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