We’re probably not telling you anything you don’t already know when we tell you that “going to the airport” isn’t exactly on everyone’s bucket list. But just like every destination is different, so is every airport. And just as navigating a new city is challenging in and of itself, so is navigating a new airport. How do I get from one terminal to the next? What are the best airport restaurants? Is there anything to do if I have a long layover?
If you’re anything like us, then these are probably the types of questions you have that perhaps you don’t get push notifications for. But never fear, because we have answers to your airport questions with our series of guides to the world’s top airports. Today we bring you the TripIt airport guide to Edmonton International Airport (YEG).
About EIA
Edmonton International Airport (also known as EIA), Canada’s largest airport by land mass, is located 18 miles (30 km) south of downtown Edmonton. Edmonton Skyshuttle runs between the airport and numerous hotels throughout Edmonton. If the route doesn't service your accommodations, there are a number of other shuttle and bus services. Edmonton's Route 747 bus is an express bus service that runs every half hour between Edmonton Airport and the Century Park bus and LRT station. Otherwise it's a $55 flat rate by taxi, or TappCar and Uber are available, as well.
Edmonton International Airport is one of Canada's busiest airports, and while it isn't an airline hub, it is a focus city for WestJet. EIA has one main terminal, which sees approximately 8 million annual passengers and has non-stop flights to more than 50 destinations.
Eat
Many of Edmonton International Airport’s dining options are franchise restaurants that travelers are probably familiar with, such as Chili’s, Tim Hortons, Starbucks, and Quiznos. Some notable sit-down restaurants include the Belgian Beer Café, which is a franchise of cafes specializing in beer and drinks, and Gretzky's Wine & Whisky, named for the hockey great Wayne Gretzky. Other restaurants include Delux Burger Bar, Jasper Bar and Grill, Brioche Dorée, and Wok Box, which is a chain of Asian restaurants that started in Edmonton. Located in the lobby area of the Renaissance Edmonton Airport Hotel, attached to the airport, is HALO Bar and Bistro. For something on the healthier side, there's Booster Juice, dubbed as "Canada's original juice and smoothie bar."
Drink
Many of the restaurants above double as good airport bars. For something uniquely Canadian, visit Gretzky's Wine & Whisky, which serves Wayne Gretzky's estate wines and his new Canadian whisky. Beer lovers can enjoy Belgian beer and other specialty beers at Belgian Beer Café. Other standard airport bars include Edmonton Eskimos Sports Bar, Heineken Lounge, and Jasper Bar & Grill, all of which have a full bar. HALO Bar and Bistro (mentioned above) has a number of specials, including happy hour, beer and burger specials, and discounted Caesars (a popular Canadian cocktail).
Do
While Edmonton International Airport has a small selection of shops, brand new to Edmonton is the Premium Outlet Collection, located just beyond the main terminal. Complimentary shuttle services transport guests between the 100-store outlet mall and the airport. Like many international airports, Edmonton International Airport has a collection of permanent art and rotating exhibits, which you can learn more about on the airport's website. EIA was one of the first Canadian airports to launch a permanent music program, featuring live music from local musicians. If you're traveling with kids, there are children play areas located by gates 66 and 80. Finally, attached to the airport is the Renaissance Edmonton Airport Hotel, a four-diamond hotel.
Airport Lounges
Edmonton International Airport is one of a number of airports that have a Plaza Premium Lounge, which is available to all passengers (for a fee), regardless of airline or status. A booking can be made on Plaza Premium Lounge’s website. EIA’s only airline lounge is Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge, which is available for eligible Star Alliance members.
Navigate
Use TripIt's interactive airport maps in the app to discover shop, restaurant, and bar locations. You’ll also have everything you need to navigate your way with estimated walk times and step-by-step directions.
Written By:
SPENCER SPELLMAN
Spencer is a seasoned food, drink, and travel writer who has written for publications from Outside Magazine to Travel + Leisure and Los Angeles Times. When he's not traveling, he's perfecting his favorite cocktails in his home bar. He chronicles his adventures (and cocktails) on his travel site, Whiskey Tango Globetrot.
