How to Visit The West Edmonton Mall of Edmonton

by Alberta Tourist | Sep 18, 2024 | Edmonton, Shopping & Malls

West Edmonton Mall is not just a shopping mall—it's a top travel destination in Edmonton, Alberta. As the largest mall in North America, it offers endless entertainment, shopping, and dining experiences all under one roof. From high-end fashion stores to the thrilling Galaxyland amusement park and World Waterpark, there's something for every visitor. Shopping for a car? There is a Toyota car dealership right inside the mall as well.

During my first visit, I was amazed by how much there was to do. You can spend an entire day exploring over 800 stores, grabbing a bite at unique restaurants, or catching a show at the cinema. For families, it’s perfect, with kid-friendly attractions like the Marine Life sea lion show and the Ice Palace skating rink.

This mall is so big that I have never explored every corner of it since I have been going there. I don’t think there is anyone who can explore the whole mall in one day because there are just so many things to see and do.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to explore all the best parts of West Edmonton Mall. We’ll dive into the top attractions, the best places to shop and eat, and tips on making the most of your visit. If you’re planning a trip to Edmonton, WEM is a must-see, and this guide will help you have an unforgettable experience! View WEM Map.

Facts About West Edmonton Mall

The West Edmonton Mall is owned and operated by the Triple Five Group, the same company behind other major retail centers in North America. As I said above, the mall has over 800 stores, attractions, and services. WEM is the largest shopping mall in North America by store count and the second largest by square footage, right behind the Mall of America.

WEM covers an incredible 5.3 million square feet of space, making it the 14th largest mall in the world, comparable in size to The Dubai Mall. What sets it apart is its variety of attractions. There are nine major attractions inside the mall, including Galaxyland, World Waterpark, an ice skating rink, and an indoor mini-golf course. It’s not just about shopping here—there’s always something to see or do.

The mall is also home to two hotels and over 100 places to eat, giving visitors plenty of options for dining and staying overnight. Parking is a breeze, too, with space for more than 20,000 vehicles. And let’s not forget the people—over 24,000 employees work at WEM, which brings in around 32 million visitors each year. On any given day, between 90,000 and 200,000 people pass through its doors, depending on the season and events.

In terms of shopping, the mall houses a mix of big-name brands and luxury stores like Balenciaga, Nike Factory Store, Guess Store, and Moncler, alongside Canadian favourites like Hudson’s Bay and L.L.Bean. It’s no wonder it’s the second most visited mall in Canada, right behind the Toronto Eaton Centre.

WEM first opened in 1981 and has expanded over the years through four phases of construction. Even though it’s no longer the largest mall in the world (a title it held until 2004), it remains a top destination for shopping and entertainment in North America.

Quick Overview: West Edmonton Mall at a Glance

Here is the short version before we get into the details:

How long you need: A full day minimum; two days if you want to do the major attractions properly.

What it is: The largest shopping and entertainment complex in North America, in west Edmonton, Alberta.

The big draws: Galaxyland indoor amusement park, World Waterpark, the Ice Palace skating rink, Marine Life, mini golf, bowling, and an IMAX cinema.

Stores and food: Over 800 stores and more than 100 places to eat.

Where to stay: The themed Fantasyland Hotel is connected right to the things to do at West Edmonton Mall, Galaxyland, World Waterpark, West Edmonton Mall attractions, Fantasyland Hotel, West Edmonton Mall parking, and what to do in Edmonton.

Parking: Free, with room for around 20,000 vehicles.

Best time to visit: Weekday mornings to beat the crowds; any time in winter to escape the cold.

How to Get to WEM

Getting to West Edmonton Mall is pretty simple, no matter how you're travelling. The mall is located on the West side of Edmonton, Alberta, and is super easy to find. It is right on 170 Street. The address is at 8882 170 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5T 4J2. If you’re driving, it’s right off Whitemud Drive, Anthony Henday Drive, and Yellowhead Trail which are three of the city’s main roads. Parking isn’t usually a problem. With over 20,000 parking spaces, you’ll almost always find a spot, even on weekends or busy shopping days.

If you’re taking public transit, Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) makes it a breeze. Several buses stop directly at the mall, like routes 1, 2, and 100, which is handy if you don’t want to deal with parking or traffic. The bus drops you off right at the doors, so you can start your day of shopping or exploring without any hassle.

Flying into Edmonton? The mall is about a 30- to 40-minute drive from the Edmonton International Airport. You can take a taxi, rideshare, or even grab an airport shuttle. If you plan on seeing more of the city, renting a car is another good option.

Top Attractions and fun things to do

These are the headline experiences that make West Edmonton Mall famous. If you only have time for a couple, start here.

Galaxyland – North America's Largest Indoor Amusement Park

Galaxyland, powered by Hasbro, is one of the best attractions in Edmonton, and it is the largest indoor amusement park in North America, with more than 27 rides and attractions for every age and thrill level. It is also a park in the middle of an exciting transformation.

For decades, the undisputed star here was the Mindbender, a towering triple-loop roller coaster that held the title of the world's tallest indoor roller coaster and was a true Edmonton icon. After 37 years of service, the Mindbender was retired and has since been removed to make way for the park's future.

Here is the exciting part for 2026: crews are actively building a brand-new Vekoma multi-launch family and thrill coaster to anchor the park and replace the beloved Mindbender. It is a custom-designed ride squeezed into the park's unique indoor space, and it is shaping up to be a worthy successor that the whole family can enjoy. At the time of writing, it is still under construction and not yet open, so check the official Galaxyland page for the latest opening news before your visit.

In the meantime, Galaxyland remains fully open during the construction, with plenty to ride. There is the Space Shot, a stomach-dropping tower ride, several family roller coasters, a new Monopoly-themed carousel, classic midway rides, and a whole play area for little ones at Galaxy Kids Playpark.

Because everything is indoors, it runs year-round, no matter the weather — a huge plus in Edmonton. The park has been steadily adding new Hasbro-themed attractions too, bringing classic characters and games to life.

My tip: Buy your all-day ride pass rather than individual ride tickets if you plan to do more than a few rides. Hit the most popular rides first thing when the park opens, before the lines build. Weekdays are dramatically quieter than weekends. And if you are a coaster fan, keep an eye on the new Vekoma coaster's opening date — it is set to be the park's headline attraction.

World Waterpark – The World's Largest Indoor Wave Pool

World Waterpark is a tropical paradise in the middle of the prairies. It is home to the world's largest indoor wave pool, a giant indoor beach, and 17 waterslides ranging from gentle kid-friendly slides to steep, stomach-in-your-throat drops. You can try indoor surfing, ride a zipline over the park, or just relax on the sand while the kids splash around. It is kept warm and tropical all year, so you can swim in your swimsuit while it snows outside.

My tip: The park is fully cashless — you load money onto your wristband with their "Splash Cash" system to pay for food and rentals, so you do not have to carry a wet wallet. Visiting in the last few hours before closing often comes with cheaper admission. Bring your own towel to save on rental fees, and arrive early on busy days to grab a good spot.

Marine Life – Sea Lions, Penguins, and an Underground Aquarium

Tucked into the heart of the mall is Marine Life, a certified zoo and underground aquarium that is a hit with kids and adults alike. You can watch the playful sea lions at Sea Lions' Rock, say hello to penguins, and explore the Sea Life Caverns to see all kinds of marine creatures. Sea lion shows and feedings are a highlight, so check the daily schedule when you arrive.

My tip: Catch a sea lion presentation if the timing works — it is genuinely entertaining and educational. This is a great mid-day break from the busier attractions.

Ice Palace – Skating in the Middle of the Mall

Right in the centre of the mall sits the Ice Palace, a full NHL-regulation skating rink. You can lace up rental skates and glide around, watch the local figure skaters and hockey players who train here, and enjoy the surreal experience of ice skating while shoppers stroll by above. It is a classic West Ed experience. The hours and schedules are available on their website.

My tip: Public skating times vary, so check the schedule before you go. It is a fun, affordable activity and a nice change of pace from the high-energy attractions.

Mini Golf, Bowling, and More

The fun does not stop there. You can play a round at Professor WEM's Adventure Golf or the pirate-themed Dragon's Tale mini golf, bowl a few frames at Ed's Bowling, test your aim, get lost in the Crystal Labyrinth Mirror Maze, race at the go-kart track, or catch the latest blockbuster at the big IMAX and Scotiabank Theatre cinema complex. There is also a casino for the grown-ups.

My tip: These smaller attractions are perfect for filling gaps between the big-ticket activities, and they are great rainy-day or cold-day options. Many can be bundled into combo passes for savings.

The Pirate Ship and Sea Lions' Lake

One of the most photographed spots in the whole mall is Deep Sea Adventure Lake, a large indoor lake complete with a full-size replica ship, a recreation of Christopher Columbus's Santa María. You can stroll the decks, take in the views, and watch the sea lions that call the lake's rocky shore home. It is a wonderfully odd and delightful thing to stumble upon inside a shopping mall, and a great photo opportunity.

My tip: This is a free area to walk through and a lovely place to take a breather. It connects nicely to the Marine Life attractions, so combine them.

For a deeper dive into these attractions, check out my other article on the best attractions in West Edmonton Mall. It covers everything you need to know to make the most of your visit!

West Edmonton Mall Images

Where to Stay

If you're planning to spend a lot of time at West Edmonton Mall, staying nearby is a great idea. The best option is the Fantasyland Hotel, which is actually inside the mall. It’s a unique place to stay because it has themed rooms like space, safari, and even a princess room. It’s perfect for families or anyone who wants a fun experience right in the heart of the action.

If you’re looking for more options, there are plenty of hotels close to WEM. Holiday Inn and Courtyard by Marriott are just a few minutes away, offering comfortable rooms and good prices. Staying near the mall makes it easy to explore all the attractions without having to worry about long drives or parking.

For more details on the best places to stay near WEM, check out my guide to hotels near West Edmonton Mall.

Best Time to Visit WEM

If you're planning a trip to West Edmonton Mall, timing can make a big difference in your experience. Personally, I’ve found that weekdays are the best time to visit if you want to avoid the crowds. The mall tends to be quieter from Monday to Thursday, so it’s easier to shop and explore without the hustle and bustle. Plus, attractions like Galaxyland and World Waterpark have shorter lines, which means more time for fun!

If you’re coming with family or friends, weekends can still be a good time to visit. Just keep in mind that the mall gets much busier on Saturdays and Sundays, especially around the holiday season or during big sales events. It’s great if you love the energy of a busy place, but I always recommend arriving early in the day to get a head start before it fills up.

For those who like to make the most of special events, West Edmonton Mall hosts many events year-round, like Mascot Meet and Greet, animal art exhibition, Fright Night at Galaxyland, and many more. In addition, winter is perfect if you want to visit the Ice Palace skating rink or enjoy holiday activities. In the summer, the waterpark is a huge hit, and it’s a great way to cool off while exploring everything the mall has to offer.

How to Plan Your Visit (A Local's Strategy)

The number one mistake first-timers make is trying to do everything and wandering without a plan. Here is how I would approach it:

For a one-day visit, pick one major attraction to anchor your day — either Galaxyland or World Waterpark, since each can easily fill several hours. Do it first thing in the morning when it opens, and the lines are short. Then spend the afternoon on smaller attractions (Marine Life, the Ice Palace, mini golf) and some shopping, with a proper sit-down lunch in the middle to recharge.

For a two-day visit, do Galaxyland one day and World Waterpark the other, with shopping, dining, and the smaller attractions woven around them. Staying at the Fantasyland Hotel makes this seamless.

For families with young kids, start early before the little ones get tired and cranky, build in rest and food breaks, and consider the play areas at Galaxy Kids Playpark and the gentler attractions.

My tip: Buy attraction passes and combo deals online in advance. They are often cheaper than at the gate and save you time in line. Look for family pass deals, which can be a great value, especially on weekday "value days."

Practical Tips for Visiting

A few more things I always tell first-time visitors:

Wear comfortable shoes. You will walk a lot — this place is enormous. Treat it like a day of sightseeing, not a quick shopping trip.

Note your parking spot. I am saying it again because it matters. Photograph the entrance number and lot.

Download or grab a map. Use the mall directory or app to navigate efficiently and find the entrances nearest your priorities.

Budget realistically. The attractions are a lot of fun but can add up, especially for a family. Combo passes, hotel package deals, and weekday pricing all help stretch your dollar.

Pack for the waterpark. Bring your own swimsuit and towel to save on rentals if you plan to swim.

Stay hydrated and take breaks. It is easy to overdo it. Build in downtime so the day stays fun for everyone.

Keep kids close. With these crowds, agree on a meeting spot and a plan in case anyone gets separated.

Conclusion: Guide to West Edmonton Mall

West Edmonton Mall is an incredible place to visit, offering so much more than just shopping. From the thrilling rides at Galaxyland to the relaxing waves at the World Waterpark, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss out on skating at the Ice Palace, checking out the marine life at the Sea Life Caverns, or exploring the hundreds of stores and dining options.

To make the most of your visit, I recommend going on weekdays if you want to avoid crowds and be sure to look for deals to save some money. Staying at the Fantasyland Hotel or a nearby hotel will also help you make the most of your time.

With so many attractions, West Edmonton Mall is a place you won’t forget. I hope this guide helps you plan an amazing trip

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