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The Taste of Edmonton All You Need to Know about this Food Festival

The Taste of Edmonton: All You Need to Know about this Food Festival 

Clever Canadian Written By: April 2024

Imagine a place where the flavors of the world come together, a celebration of taste, community, and the joy of discovering new dishes. 

Introducing: The Taste of Edmonton, a vibrant mosaic of culinary experiences, uniting food lovers and local chefs in a feast of tastes, textures, and aromas. 

This event brings the city’s diverse food scene to the forefront, offering something for everyone—from the adventurous eater to those who cherish the comfort of traditional dishes. 

In this guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about the Taste of Edmonton, from its humble beginnings to the wide array of foods you can enjoy!

Time Zone

Canada Standard Time (GMT-5)

Things to Know

Currency: Canadian Dollar (CAD)

(Check the current exchange rate)

Language: English 

Calling Code: +1

Address: Sir Winston Churchill Square, Edmonton, AB, Canada

Website: https://tasteofedm.ca/

Cost: Advance tickets are priced at $59.50 for a sheet of 40 tickets, with this pre-sale price available from June 1, 2024, until July 17, 2024​

  • Additional note: Food costs inside the venue are exclusive. 

Time Span: July 18 to July 28, 2024

What is the story behind the Taste of Edmonton?

The Taste of Edmonton is an annual festival established in 1984, making it the largest food and entertainment festival in Western Canada. 

It attracts over 350,000 patrons each year who come to sample offerings from the best local restaurants, chefs, food trucks, and beverage producers, alongside enjoying an all-Canadian concert series. 

The festival was named Edmonton’s Favorite Festival in 2018 and was a finalist for the Tourism Event or Festival of the Year at the 2019 Alberta Tourism Awards, highlighting its significant impact on local tourism and culture.

How to Get There

To navigate to Sir Winston Churchill Square for the Taste of Edmonton, consider these options:

  • Public Transit: From the Edmonton Transit Centre, board any bus marked with “Downtown” as the destination. Alight at the closest stop to Churchill Square, typically along 100 Street.
  • Driving: Navigate to downtown Edmonton via Jasper Avenue, turning north onto 100 Street or 99 Street. Look for parking signs indicating lots or garages near Churchill Square.
  • Biking: Use the city’s bike lanes heading towards downtown. Secure your bike at one of the many racks surrounding Churchill Square.
  • Walking: If staying downtown, walk towards 102 Ave NW and 100 St NW, where Churchill Square is prominently located.

Best Time to Go 

Visit Taste of Edmonton early if you want to avoid crowds and enjoy food quietly. Evenings are best for live music and a fun atmosphere. 

Conversely, the evening brings a dynamic vibe with live music and performances, perfect if you’re looking to immerse in the festival’s full vibrancy. 

Tailor the visit to match personal interests, whether it’s culinary exploration, enjoying entertainment, or booth browsing, ensuring a memorable experience.

What to Expect and Do When Visiting 

Savor local delights

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Your adventure truly begins when you dive into the local cuisine at bustling markets and vibrant street corners filled with vendors. Each taste is a journey through the area’s culture and history, offering a mix of flavors as profound as the stories they originate from. 

You’re also bound to fall for the variety, from the zesty punch of ceviche along the coast to the soul-soothing goulash in hidden mountain gems. 

Don’t skip the charm of small, family-owned eateries, where the daily menu showcases the essence of local produce and generations-old culinary secrets. 

Here, you’ll stumble upon heartwarming dishes that locals cherish. Every region prides itself on a signature culinary masterpiece, a must-experience for any food lover.

Participate in Cooking Demonstrations

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Visualize yourself in a chef’s apron, right next to local culinary talents as they demonstrate the magic of turning everyday ingredients into extraordinary meals. 

Your engagement will be hands-on, chopping and blending under expert guidance, breathing life into age-old recipes. 

Leaving with a satisfied palate, you’ll also take home invaluable culinary skills, ready to recreate and share a piece of your journey with those back home, showcasing your enriched culinary flair.

Join culinary workshops

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Stepping into a culinary workshop immerses you in the destination’s gastronomic culture more deeply. From brief lessons focused on perfecting a single delicacy to extensive courses exploring a spectrum of local dishes, you’re in for a treat. 

Close collaboration with chefs steeped in the region’s culinary heritage enlightens you not only on the how-to but also on the significance behind each recipe. 

These hands-on workshops invite you to delve into local produce, unlocking the secrets to their flavors and how they harmonize to conjure up region-specific cuisines. Armed with new recipes, you’re all set to relive and share the gastronomic tales of your travels.

Explore the craft beer market

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The local craft beer scene unfolds a tapestry of unique flavors, mirroring the inventiveness and zest of its brewers. By visiting breweries and taprooms, you engage in tastings and tours that enlighten you on the brewing artistry and the narratives fueling each brew. 

From timeless lagers and velvety stouts to avant-garde ales enriched with regional produce—fruits, herbs, spices—each sip is an exploration. 

Events and casual meet-ups at these venues provide a fantastic platform to connect with locals and like-minded travelers. Always be on the lookout for those exclusive brews or seasonal specials that are ephemeral treasures of the locale.

Indulge in wine tastings

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The wine regions invite you on a sensory voyage that transcends the mere act of tasting. Wandering through vineyards and wineries opens up a world where you learn about viticulture amidst stunning sceneries. 

Each tasting session is a lesson in terroir’s subtle dance with varietals, enriching your understanding of wine’s complex world. Conversations with vintners and wine experts offer deep dives into the craft, blending education with the pleasure of discovery. 

Doesn’t matter if it’s a robust red enjoyed in the shadow of the vines or a light, breezy white against a backdrop of rolling hills, wine tasting marries enlightenment with indulgence. 

Make it your goal when you’re at the Taste of Edmonton’s festival to unearth the signature wines that define each region, adding layers to your travel experiences.

Meet local producers

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Connecting with the individuals behind your meals adds unparalleled depth to your travels. Tours of farms, dairies, and artisanal workshops peel back the curtain on food production, from ground to table. 

Producers are eager to share their stories and practices, offering insights into their daily toils and triumphs. These encounters not only champion local industry but also kindle a greater appreciation for the craft and sustainability behind food production. 

They also offer unique mementos—think artisan jams or specialty cheeses—that let you bring a slice of your journey home.

Where to Eat Nearby

You might be wondering, “With all the food options at the festival, why look elsewhere?” The answer is simple, especially if you have a touch of Canadian spirit: the quest for great food never ends! 

Why not explore some of the coolest restaurants and cafes in the vicinity? Well, we have just the list right here: 

De Dutch

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Address: 10030 Jasper Ave, Edmonton, AB T5J 1R2, Canada

Website: https://dedutch.com/locations/edmonton/

Contact Details: +15875208841

Opening Hours: Daily 7 AM–2 PM

Cost: $$

If you find yourself wandering in search of a hearty breakfast or brunch, De Dutch is your go-to spot. 

This restaurant is renowned for its Dutch cuisine, especially the pannekoek, a large, flavorful Dutch pancake that comes with a variety of toppings from savory to sweet. The ambiance is cozy and welcoming, making it a perfect place to start your day with a fulfilling meal.

JOEY Bell Tower

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Address: 10310 101 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 4X1, Canada

Website: https://joeyrestaurants.com/location/joey-bell-tower

Contact Details: +17809905639

Opening Hours: Daily 11 AM–1 AM

Cost: $$

Located near the iconic Bell Tower, JOEY Bell Tower offers a vibrant dining experience with a diverse menu that caters to all tastes. 

Whether you’re in the mood for a juicy burger, fresh sushi, or creative plant-based dishes, JOEY has something to delight your palate. The atmosphere is lively and chic, ideal for those looking to dine in a modern, upbeat environment.

Bistro Praha

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Address: 10117 101 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 0T4, Canada

Website: https://bistropraha.com/

Contact Details: +17804244218

Opening Hours: Daily 11 AM–12 AM

Cost: $$

For a taste of Central Europe, head over to Bistro Praha where you’ll find authentic Eastern European dishes in the heart of the city. 

Famous for its schnitzel, goulash, and marinated cheese, this bistro offers a quaint escape with its traditional decor and intimate setting. It’s a great spot to enjoy a quiet dinner after a busy day of exploring.

Pazzo Pazzo Italian Cuisine

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Address: 10016 103 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 0G7, Canada

Website: http://www.pazzopazzo.ca/

Contact Details: +17804257711

Opening Hours: Daily 5–10 PM

Cost: $$

Pazzo Pazzo Italian Cuisine is a must-visit for lovers of Italian fare. Known for its classic dishes such as pasta, risotto, and ossobuco, this restaurant prides itself on its authentic flavors and homestyle cooking. 

The warm, inviting atmosphere complements the food perfectly, providing a rustic Italian dining experience right in the city center.

Rosewood Foods

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Address: 10150 100 St NW #101, Edmonton, AB T5J 0P6, Canada

Website: http://www.rosewoodfoods.com/

Contact Details: +17807578030

Opening Hours: Daily 8 AM–3 PM

Cost: $$

Rosewood Foods is a casual eatery that specializes in both comfort food and unique, contemporary dishes. 

From gourmet sandwiches and salads to inventive entrées, the menu is designed to satisfy both traditional and adventurous foodies. The relaxed, friendly environment makes it a great spot for a laid-back lunch or a casual dinner with friends.

Where to Stay Near Food Festival Edmonton

Fairmont Hotel Macdonald

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Address: 10065 100 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 0N6, Canada

Website: https://www.fairmont.com/macdonald-edmonton

Contact Details: +17804245181

Cost: $$$

As you explore the charm of Edmonton, Fairmont Hotel Macdonald offers a serene escape right in the heart of the city. This iconic property, known affectionately as “The Mac,” boasts stunning views of the North Saskatchewan River Valley. 

You’ll appreciate the carefully preserved historic elegance that is complemented by modern amenities. The hotel’s gardens are meticulously maintained, providing a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or a quiet moment away from the city buzz.

The Westin Edmonton

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Address: 10135 100 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 0N7, Canada

Website: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/yegwi-the-westin-edmonton/overview

Contact Details: +17804263636

Cost: $$

Nestled in the vibrant core of downtown, The Westin Edmonton stands as a beacon of rest and rejuvenation. 

Here, you are just steps away from the Arts District, shopping centers, and the city’s bustling business sector. 

The hotel focuses on wellness, with a comprehensive fitness center and an inviting indoor pool that lets you unwind or start your day with energy. Each room is designed to maximize your comfort, featuring the brand’s signature Heavenly Bed.

Delta Hotels by Marriott Edmonton Centre Suites

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Address: 10222 102 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 4C5, Canada

Website: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/yegec-delta-hotels-edmonton-centre-suites/overview

Contact Details: +17804293900

Cost: $$$

For those looking to immerse themselves in Edmonton’s shopping and entertainment scene, Delta Hotels by Marriott Edmonton Centre Suites offers direct access to an impressive array of retail stores and cinemas. 

Located within the City Centre Mall, this hotel puts you in the middle of it all. The spacious suites are particularly well-suited for families and groups, providing ample space and conveniences that cater to both short and extended stays.

And better news for fur-parents and babies out there: This hotel is absolutely pet-friendly! So if you’re thinking of bringing them along, you absolutely can! 

Courtyard by Marriott Edmonton Downtown

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Address: One Thornton Court 99 Street And, Jasper Ave, Edmonton, AB T5J 2E7, Canada

Website: +17804239999

Contact Details: +17804239999

Cost: $$

Courtyard by Marriott Edmonton Downtown makes for a practical and pleasant stay with its prime location overlooking the scenic River Valley. 

It’s a stone’s throw away from the Shaw Conference Centre, making it ideal for attendees of conferences and events. 

The rooms provide comfortable bedding and free Wi-Fi to help you stay connected and rested. Don’t miss the on-site restaurant, which offers a range of tasty and health-conscious options.

Union Bank Inn

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Address: One Thornton Court 99 Street And, Jasper Ave, Edmonton, AB T5J 2E7, Canada

Website: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/yegcy-courtyard-edmonton-downtown/overview

Contact Details: +17804239999

Cost: $

Union Bank Inn stands out with its unique heritage as a former bank. This boutique hotel combines the elegance of old-world architecture with the comforts of modern amenities. 

You can enjoy the added pleasure of complimentary evening wine and cheese in a cozy, inviting atmosphere. It’s also a perfect spot for travelers looking for a blend of history and luxury in their accommodations.

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