Every year, Lonely Planet comes out with the prestigious Best in Travel List showcasing 30 must-visit destinations around the world—and Edmonton, Alberta made the list!

Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel starts with nominations from their community of staff, publishing partners, and contributors from around the world.

Edmonton’s spot on the list means our city is rubbing shoulders with destinations like Toulouse, France, and Chiang Mai, Thailand!

“We are incredibly excited to see Edmonton recognized as a Top City in Lonely Planet’s 2025 Best in Travel,” said Paul Hawes, Vice President of Destination Development & Marketing at Explore Edmonton.

“This acknowledgment shines a spotlight on our vibrant city and the diverse experiences it offers. Being included in such a prestigious list is not only a point of pride but also a testament to the hard work and collaboration between our tourism partners, Indigenous communities, and local entrepreneurs.”

Lonely Planet highlighted Edmonton’s revitalized downtown and focus on Indigenous culture with cultural experiences at Fort Edmonton and Métis Crossing.

“While mindful of our responsibilities and impact as travellers, we’re proud of the destinations, journeys, and experiences featured here, and are excited to share the local expertise and insight at the heart of these recommendations,” said Nitya Chambers, Lonely Planet’s SVP, Content and Executive Editor.

Edmonton has been steadily growing as a tourist destination, and this inclusion is sure to kick things up a notch!

“We look forward to welcoming more visitors and continuing to showcase what makes our city so special,” finished Paul Hawes, Vice President, Destination Development & Marketing at Explore Edmonton.

If you were curious, here is the full list of Lonely Planet’s top 30 must-visit destinations:

Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2025

Cities

Toulouse, France
Pondicherry, India
Bansko, Bulgaria
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Genoa, Italy
Pittsburgh, USA
Osaka, Japan
Curitiba, Brazil
Palma de Mallorca, Spain
Edmonton, Canada

Countries

Cameroon
Lithuania
Fiji
Laos
Kazakhstan
Paraguay
Trinidad & Tobago
Vanuatu
Slovakia
Armenia

Regions

Low Country and Coastal Georgia
The Terai, Nepal
Chiriqui, Panama
Launceston and the Tamar Valley, Australia
Valais, Switzerland
Giresun and Ordu, Turkiye
Bavaria, Germany
East Anglia, England
Jordan Trail
Mount Hood and the Columbia River Gorge region, Oregon

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Alicia Lyons

Alicia Lyons

Staff Writer

Alicia is a storyteller who chased the sun all the way to Calgary and decided to stay. When she’s not writing, she can be found stumbling along nature trails, curling up under a fuzzy blanket with a good book, or finding any excuse to eat.

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