Everything you need to know about living, working and studying in Edmonton

Edmonton is not known for its incredible nightlife and culture, nor for its architectural beauty. Edmonton is a city that is primarily chosen by people wanting to settle down, work and study. The city has three major universities located in the city, and job opportunities in several sectors.

It is a young city (only 150 years old), experiencing ongoing development and expansion. In addition, Alberta is the province with the lowest taxes in the country.

Ski lovers will be relatively close to the slopes of Jasper and Marmot Basin. The climate is continental, with beautiful blue skies for a good part of the year. It is one of the sunniest cities in Canada.

The weather

In winter

Winters are cold. They average -8°C to -11°C, but that’s just an average! It can get much colder; down to -30°C or even -40°C in rare cases. If you are dressed appropriately, however, you won’t really suffer from the cold, even at -30°C. Below that, you will have to cover your face for protection. At least once a winter, there is a drop in temperatures below -20°C. You also have to take into account the wind factor.

The snow is fine, light and easy to shovel; it won’t be any good for playing in or making snowmen. The roads dry quickly, which is good, because it limits the formation of black ice. In Edmonton, locals remain active, even in the cold temperatures. There aren’t usually transport delays and the airport is able to stay open, whatever the weather.

In summer

Summers are warm. They average 16°C to 22°C. It is possible to observe peaks at over 30°C. The air in Edmonton is very dry, so any temperature above 25°C usually feels really hot.

It rarely rains, but thunderstorms can be expected between May and September. The local saying is that if it rains, you only have to wait five minutes for it to pass before you can go out again. There are also a lot of hailstorms, with large hailstones that can be dangerous.

You may see announcements warning of a tornado hazard. In 1987, an F4 tornado hit Edmonton, causing extensive damage and killing about 30 people. As a result, some people still panic when it starts to get hot and humid.

More recently, Alberta has been systematically affected by large-scale fires, most notably with the recent burning of Jasper National Park. Each year, the fire season starts earlier and earlier, affecting larger and larger areas. Entire cities and communities in rural Alberta often have to leave their homes to take refuge in Edmonton.

If you move to Edmonton in the summer, don’t be surprised to find a smoky city with a strong odour that catches your nostrils and irritates your throat. It is common to have dangerous air quality forcing you to stay indoors.