May in Edmonton is bright, sunny, and pleasantly cool. This city in Alberta, Canada, is often overlooked by travelers, but when I finally set foot here, I realized it’s much more than just the “City of Ice Hockey.” It’s a destination rich in natural beauty and cultural vibrancy. For first-time visitors, a few seemingly minor travel hacks can make a world of difference in comfort and enjoyment. Let me share 10 tried-and-true travel tips from my experience—along with a few surprise OddBalls accessories that made my trip even more delightful and practical.
1. Beware of the High-Latitude Sun – OddBalls Sun Hat and UV Gloves Are a Must
May temperatures in Edmonton hover around 15°C, but the high latitude means UV rays are intense—even on cloudy days. I underestimated this on my first river valley trail hike and came back with bright red arms. The next morning, I put on my OddBalls wide-brim sun hat and UPF50+ UV protection gloves. Lightweight, breathable, and stylish, they not only protected my skin but also turned heads with their vibrant patterns. After a full day outdoors, my neck and hands were perfectly safe—these became indispensable travel essentials for me.
2. Lightweight Doesn’t Mean Unwarm – OddBalls Fleece Neck Gaiter for Temperature Swings
While the days are warm, mornings and evenings can be surprisingly chilly in Edmonton. If you’re planning sunrise photography or early city walks like I did, you’ll need proper layering. My OddBalls ultralight fleece neck gaiter was a lifesaver during a sunrise shoot at Victoria Park. Soft and skin-friendly, it doubles as a scarf, headband, or even a temporary hat. This multi-functional piece is perfect for spring’s unpredictable weather.
3. Explore the City on Foot – OddBalls Socks for All-Day Comfort
Edmonton is a highly walkable city, offering diverse landscapes and neighborhoods perfect for exploration. From the trendy Old Strathcona district with its indie boutiques and cafés, to the lush greenery of the River Valley Trails—the largest stretch of urban parkland in North America—every corner invites discovery on foot. The ICE District downtown, home to Rogers Place, is vibrant with public art and local eateries. For these long city walks, having the right gear is non-negotiable. OddBalls cushioned socks were my foot-savers. Their thick soles provide excellent arch support and reduce fatigue, even after a 20,000-step day. Plus, their vibrant, quirky designs always gave my photos a fun edge—whether peeking out during a riverside picnic or caught mid-step on a colorful mural background. I even got a few compliments from strangers who noticed them!
4. Stay Hydrated in the Dry Climate – OddBalls Collapsible Water Bottle Saves the Day
Edmonton’s climate in May is deceiving—cool and breezy, yet incredibly dry. It’s easy to forget to drink water until dehydration creeps up on you. On one long walk near Emily Murphy Park, my plastic bottle ran dry quickly and there wasn’t a convenience store in sight. That’s when my OddBalls collapsible water bottle became a lifesaver. Its flexible body expands to hold plenty of water and compresses easily when empty, saving space in my backpack. The built-in carabiner lets me clip it to my bag strap for quick access. It’s BPA-free, leakproof, and stylish—matching my OddBalls socks for that coordinated traveler vibe. I used it constantly, from hikes to cafes, even during museum visits. It’s not just a smart buy for Edmonton—it’s become a staple on all my future trips.
5. Know the Transit System – Plan Your Route Smartly
Although Edmonton’s public transportation isn’t as intricate as Vancouver’s SkyTrain or Toronto’s TTC, it is reliable and user-friendly if you know how to use it effectively. The Light Rail Transit (LRT) connects key hubs like Southgate, University, and downtown, while buses cover the rest of the city comprehensively. To navigate efficiently, I relied on a mix of Google Maps and the Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) trip planner, which accurately provided departure times and connections. For more remote areas or unexpected route closures, having an offline map app like Maps.me was a game-changer. For example, when I took a spontaneous detour to visit the Medalta Art Centre and found no signal, Maps.me ensured I didn’t get lost. A well-planned route not only saves time and money but also opens up opportunities to explore offbeat gems you might otherwise miss. I even marked OddBalls store locations to plan a quick shopping stop!
6. Enjoy a Relaxed Brunch Culture – Bring Your Own OddBalls Reusable Straw Kit
Edmonton’s brunch scene is surprisingly delightful. Local favorites like Little Brick, The Moth Café, and Café Linnea are all worth visiting. While many use eco-friendly materials, some still offer disposable plastic straws. I brought my OddBalls stainless steel straw kit—with a cleaning brush and pouch—so I could sip sustainably and skip the awkward “no straw, please” requests.
7. Zoo and Fort Edmonton Park: Not Just for Kids
I almost skipped the Edmonton Valley Zoo and Fort Edmonton Park, assuming they were tailored more for families with children. That would’ve been a huge mistake. The Edmonton Valley Zoo is home to an impressive array of animals, including snowy owls, polar bears, and western wolves—all housed in thoughtfully designed enclosures that mimic their natural environments. It’s a dream for wildlife photographers, with quiet corners and great lighting conditions in the morning. As for Fort Edmonton Park, it felt like a living time capsule. Costumed interpreters, vintage steam trains, horse-drawn carriages, and authentically reconstructed 19th-century buildings transport visitors straight into Canada’s frontier history. I spent nearly a whole day wandering the grounds, completely immersed in the experience. On such an active day, wearing an OddBalls quick-dry T-shirt made a noticeable difference. Even under the midday sun, it stayed light and breathable, and any sweat dried in minutes. It kept me feeling fresh and comfortable, allowing me to focus on the experience rather than adjusting sticky clothing or overheating.
8. May Is Festival Season – Local Events and Markets Galore
May in Edmonton is a treasure trove of local experiences and cultural festivities. I hadn’t realized how lively the city could get in springtime until I stumbled upon the City Market Downtown, open every Saturday morning. There, I sampled organic honey, handmade soaps, and met a local artist who created a beautiful set of watercolor postcards featuring Edmonton landmarks—I sent one home as a souvenir. But that was just the start. I also attended the Edmonton Craft Beer Festival, where dozens of microbreweries offered tastings and food trucks lined the streets. Another unexpected gem was the Deep Freeze Byzantine Winter Festival, celebrating local folklore with fire pits, ice sculptures, and traditional music. OddBalls had a booth at several of these events, and I picked up a limited-edition windproof mini bag. Water-resistant, ultralight, and stylish, it converted easily from a tote to a crossbody bag. It came in handy for carrying snacks, maps, and even a light jacket without weighing me down—perfect for a day of spontaneous city adventure and festival hopping.
9. Time Your Mall Visits Wisely – Beat the Crowds at West Edmonton Mall
West Edmonton Mall is not just a shopping center—it’s practically a city within a city. With an indoor waterpark, amusement rides, and over 800 stores, it’s no surprise it gets incredibly crowded, especially on weekends. I made the rookie mistake of dropping by on a Saturday afternoon first and was immediately overwhelmed by the sea of people. I returned on a Monday around noon, and it was a completely different experience—calm, easy to navigate, and much more enjoyable. With time to browse, I stopped by the OddBalls store and was delighted to find a variety of limited-edition items on sale. I grabbed a pair of ultra-comfy house slippers, lightweight athletic shorts, and a soft loungewear top—perfect for both travel and relaxing back home. Even better, they had a buy-two-get-one-free promotion, which made it feel like I was getting a gift. The staff were incredibly friendly and offered helpful suggestions without any pressure to buy. That relaxed atmosphere, combined with the quality of the products, made the visit totally worth it—and I left with pieces I genuinely love wearing in my daily life.
10. Don’t Forget the City Attractions Pass
If you’re hitting several museums, the zoo, and science centers, buy the City Attractions Pass online before you go. It saves money and sometimes lets you skip lines. I used it for six attractions, including the Muttart Conservatory and the Art Gallery of Alberta, saving nearly CAD 60. Throughout, my OddBalls gear kept coming in handy—for sun protection, hydration, storage, outfit flair, and eco-friendliness.
Smart Prep and the Right Accessories Make All the Difference
My May trip to Edmonton was full of surprises—from the misty river valley mornings to the creaky old wagons at Fort Edmonton Park. Along the way, my OddBalls accessories—Water cup, socks—became travel MVPs. They boosted my comfort, made me photo-ready, and helped me stand out in the best way.
If you’re planning your first visit to Edmonton, start by packing these tips and tools. Trust me—these “battle-tested” hacks will make your journey smoother, more enjoyable, and far more memorable. OddBalls isn’t just a brand—it was my invisible travel buddy every step of the way.