Banks: 09.30 or 10.00 to 16.00, Monday to Friday
Post Offices: 08.00 to 19.00, Monday to Friday; 08.00 to 12.00, Saturday
Government Offices: 08.00 to 17.00, Monday to Friday
Business Centres: 10.00 to 18.00, Monday to Friday
Shops: 10.00 to 21.00, Monday to Friday; 09.30 to 19.00, Saturday; 12.00 to 18.00, Sunday

Unfortunately, Edmonton is not the safest city in Canada, having the highest per capita murder rate in the country. However, as a tourist in busy city areas you will be fine. Keep clear of the inner city (east downtown) after dark and try to steer clear of 82nd Whyte Avenue when the bars close. Driving in Edmonton can be tough going.

110V, 60Hz – twin flat-pin sockets

Canada has an excellent healthcare system and Alberta is one of the richest provinces in the country. Hospitals are of very high quality in Edmonton although you should ensure you have good travel insurance in case you become sick or have an accident. Beware the freezing temperatures if you plan on visiting during winter.

Emergency services: 911
Alexandra Hospital: +1 780 477 4111

Edmonton resides in Alberta where English is the primary and official language although you may hear some French and First Nation dialect.

The Canadian dollar (CAN, C$) is the national currency featuring dollars and cents.

The import of duty-free goods into Canada is restricted to the following amounts: 200 cigarettes, or 20 cigars per person; 1.5 litres of wine, or one litre of spirits; and gifts to the value of C$60 per item.

Canadians are polite and friendly as well as being patriotic and proud of their roots. Tipping is generally around 10 or 15 per cent but it is not as important to tip here as it is in the US. Smoking is banned from public places and buildings in Edmonton, including on buses and in restaurants.

Citizens of Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan do no need visas to enter Canada for stays of less than six months. Passports must be valid for that time and beyond your intended date of exit. You will need a visa for stays of longer than six months or if you come from a country not already mentioned.

The Edmonton Tourism office is in the Shaw Conference Centre on Jasper Avenue Northwest and is open daily. Phone: +1 780 426 4715. For provincial information on Alberta visit www.travelalberta.com