Edmonton in winter is a city dressed in snow. In this northern city in Alberta, Canada, the temperature often drops to minus 30 degrees Celsius, the air is crisp, and the streets are covered in snow. Although the cold brings challenges, it also makes the beauty of the north extreme. Ice sculptures, ski resorts and festive lights constitute a unique dream picture in winter, attracting travelers from all over the world.
In such weather, the most desirable thing is to stay in a cozy hotel with a wood-burning fireplace. The sound of crackling firewood came from the fireplace, the air was filled with the aroma of burning wood, the world of snow outside the window, and the warm and peaceful time inside the window. A cup of hot cocoa in hand, wrapped in a thick blanket, let the cold and the hustle and bustle be isolated outside the door, this is the real winter romance of Edmonton.
1. Metterra Hotel on Whyte: Coexistence of historical sense and modern comfort
Hotel history and overview
Metterra Hotel on Whyte is located on Whyte Avenue and is a boutique hotel full of design. The name of the hotel “Metterra” comes from Latin, meaning “son of the earth”, which symbolizes its respect for natural elements. Although the hotel has not been open for a long time, with only more than ten years of history, it has quickly become a popular choice for local high-end travelers.
Metterra’s decoration combines modern and natural materials, with a lot of wood and stone, which is especially warm in winter. The most commendable thing is that some suites are equipped with wood-burning or electric fireplaces. At night, you can light the fireplace in the room and open the curtains to see the lights of Whyte Street.
Location and transportation conditions
The hotel is located in the bustling Whyte Avenue neighborhood, one of the most cultural areas in Edmonton. Many independent bookstores, cafes and galleries are within walking distance from the hotel. It is about a 10-minute drive from the city center, and there are public transportation stops at the door of the hotel, including bus routes 4, 7, and 52, which is convenient for tourists to travel.
Self-driving travelers can use the underground parking lot provided by the hotel for free. The closed garage in winter is particularly important to prevent vehicles from being covered by snow.
Costs
Depending on the booking season and room type, the price of a standard room ranges from about 160 to 220 Canadian dollars per night, and the price of a superior suite with a fireplace ranges from 280 to 360 Canadian dollars. The hotel provides free breakfast, wireless Internet and daily cleaning services, and the price-performance ratio is above average in the high-end market.
Nearby attractions
Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market: 5 minutes walk away, winter mulled wine and handicraft stalls are a local feature.
Gallagher Park & Muttart Conservatory: About 10 minutes by car, especially suitable for couples to take a walk in winter.
High Level Bridge Streetcar: Although it is suspended in winter, its historical track allows tourists to enjoy the snow scenery.
Hotel booking platform
Metterra Hotel on Whyte can be booked through the following platforms:
Expedia (owned by Airbnb): provides suite upgrades and free cancellation options
Booking.com: supports Chinese interface and often has winter discounts
Hotels.com: 10 nights stay and 1 night free service is especially suitable for long-term travelers
Agoda: more used by Asian travelers, supports Alipay and WeChat payment
Suitable people
This hotel is very suitable for couples, art lovers and mid-to-high budget independent travelers. Especially recommended for tourists who want to find a warm winter experience in the city but don’t want to be away from the cultural life circle.
2. Union Bank Inn: Warm luxury from an old bank
Hotel history and overview
Union Bank Inn is a boutique hotel converted from a historic building in downtown Edmonton. It was originally a bank building built in 1911 and is now listed as a historical heritage protection list. The hotel has only 40 rooms, many of which are equipped with independent fireplaces, especially suitable for winter stays.
Its rooms are divided into two series: “Heritage” and “Contemporary”. The Heritage series continues the classical British style, with velvet soft chairs and wooden furniture; the Contemporary series is mainly modern and simple, mostly using light gray, white and cream colors. The Heritage room is especially recommended in winter, with a fireplace and thick wool carpet, which is very suitable for taking pictures or writing.
Location and transportation conditions
Located on Jasper Avenue, Union Bank Inn is located in the heart of the city center and has a superior geographical location. It is only a 3-minute walk from the Edmonton Convention Center and the LRT subway station. Whether going to the ICE District in the north or the old town in the south, transportation is extremely convenient.
Costs
The hotel is relatively expensive, with standard rooms costing between 200 and 270 Canadian dollars per night and Heritage suites with fireplaces costing between 320 and 400 Canadian dollars per night. However, it includes breakfast for two and a welcome wine and cheese platter, which is very attractive to high-end travelers.
Nearby attractions
Edmonton City Centre Mall: the first choice for indoor shopping in winter, within walking distance
Rogers Place: NHL ice hockey arena, 15 minutes walk
Art Gallery of Alberta: 10 minutes walk, a local cultural landmark
Hotel booking platform
Union Bank Inn’s partner platforms include:
Luxury Escapes: provides short-term limited-time discounts, suitable for high-end travelers
Expedia: has extra points accumulation and member discounts
Booking.com: detailed room information, rich user reviews
American Express Travel: cardholders can enjoy upgrades and late check-out benefits
Suitable people
Union Bank Inn is designed for travelers who pursue classic temperament and luxurious atmosphere, especially for mid-to-high-end customers who go to Edmonton to attend weddings, business meetings or art events.
3. Chateau Lacombe Hotel: Dome view under the city skyline
Hotel history and overview
Chateau Lacombe was built in 1966 and is one of Edmonton’s landmark buildings. The hotel is most famous for its revolving restaurant “LA Ronde” on the top, which offers a 360-degree view of the North Saskatchewan River. Some deluxe rooms are equipped with fireplaces and are located on higher floors. On winter nights, you can enjoy the city lights while keeping warm.
The hotel was fully renovated in 2014, introducing modern facilities and environmental protection systems while retaining its original arc architectural style.
Location and transportation conditions
The hotel is close to the river valley in the city center and has convenient transportation. It is a 5-minute walk to Churchill Square and the subway station. It takes 15 minutes to drive to the International Airport Bus Terminal (Sky Shuttle Bus Terminal).
Costs
The room rate is more affordable than other high-star hotels. The standard room is about 130 to 180 Canadian dollars per night, and the luxury suite with a fireplace is 220 to 270 Canadian dollars. In the winter off-season, it can sometimes be as low as 200 Canadian dollars. Breakfast and city tax are included.
Nearby attractions
Edmonton River Valley Trails: The city’s longest greenway system, suitable for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter
Royal Alberta Museum: Learn about local history and Aboriginal culture
Legislative Grounds: Parliament Building and Christmas light decorations are full of festive atmosphere
Hotel booking platform
Chateau Lacombe Hotel can be booked through the following platforms:
Booking.com: Supports free cancellation, suitable for travelers with uncertain plans
Expedia: Often has consecutive stay discounts
HotelsCombined: Suitable for price comparison on multiple platforms
Air Canada Vacations: Often bundles air tickets and accommodation, suitable for Air Canada frequent travelers
Suitable people
Chateau Lacombe Hotel is particularly suitable for travelers who are budget-conscious but want to have a view and a comfortable experience. It is also recommended for couples who want to arrange a romantic night view dinner in the city.
If you plan to visit Edmonton in winter, you might as well make “rooms with fireplaces” one of your priorities. Compared with ordinary hotels, the warmth and atmosphere brought by the little fireplace can often become the warmest memory of the entire journey.
Metterra Hotel on Whyte: Cultural atmosphere, suitable for literary couples
Union Bank Inn: Luxurious history, suitable for anniversaries or business visitors
Chateau Lacombe Hotel: Skyline night view, suitable for families or couples who want to control the budget
Whichever you choose, you can find transparent prices and real reviews on Booking.com, Expedia or Hotels.com. It is recommended to book winter rooms two months in advance, especially during Christmas and New Year, when fireplace suites are usually booked out first.
May you harvest the warmest travel memories by the fireplace on a snowy night. The orange light of the fire not only dispels the chill, but also lights up the tender moments of the journey.
Although winter in Edmonton is cold, a carefully selected accommodation experience can set a warm tone for the entire trip. A true winter trip is not just a quick tour, but also a deep dialogue with yourself, space, and temperature.
