Edmonton Transit (tel. 780/442-5311; www.takeets.com) operates the buses and the LRT (Light Rail Transit). This electric rail service connects downtown with Northlands Park to the north and the University of Alberta to the south. The LRT and buses have the same fares: C$2.75 adults and children over 5; a day pass goes for C$8.25.

In addition to the following downtown locations, National (10133 100A St. NW; tel. 800/CAR-RENT or 780/890-7700), Budget (10016 106th St NW; tel. 800/268-8900 or 780-448-2001), and Hertz (10815 Jasper Ave.; tel. 780/423-3431), each have a car-rental bureau at the airport.

Call Co-Op Taxi (tel. 780/425-2525) for a ride in a driver/owner-operated cab. 24-7 Taxi is another option (tel. 780/442-4444), as is Edmonton Taxi (tel. 780/462-3456).

City Layout 

The winding North Saskatchewan River flows right through the heart of the city, dividing it into roughly equal halves. Most of this steep-banked valley has been turned into public parklands.

Like Calgary, Edmonton runs on a grid system, with streets going north-south and avenues east-west. The middle of the city is downtown at 100 Avenue and 100 Street, with corresponding numbers growing to the north and west, and declining to the south and east. Edmonton's main street is Jasper Avenue (actually 101st Ave.), running east-west on the north side of the river. To cross the North Saskatchewan River, you'd take the pedestrian- and car-friendly High Level Bridge south or the Low Level Bridge in either direction. Beneath the downtown core stretches a network of climate-controlled pedestrian walkways -- called Pedways -- connecting hotels, restaurants, and malls with the library, City Hall, and Citadel Theatre.

At the northern approach to the High Level Bridge stand the buildings of the Alberta Legislature. Across the bridge, to the west, stretches the vast campus of the University of Alberta. East of the U of A is Old Strathcona, a bustling neighborhood of cafes, galleries, and shops that is a haven for the hip crowd. The main arterial through Old Strathcona is Whyte Avenue, or 82nd Avenue. Running south from here is 104th Street, which becomes the Calgary Trail and leads to the airport.

West of downtown, Jasper Avenue eventually becomes Stony Plain Road, which passes near the West Edmonton Mall, the world's largest shopping and entertainment center, before merging with Highway 16 on its way to Jasper National Park.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.