Major city · Canada
Vermilion
Give Vermilion one night as a Highway 16 break, or half a day for the museum and river-valley park. Skip it as a base.
Vermilion is a town of about 4,000 in East Central Alberta, sitting where Highway 16 (Yellowhead) meets Highway 41 (Buffalo Trail), roughly 60 km west of Lloydminster and 192 km east of Edmonton. It is a working prairie town with a college, a small heritage museum and a river-valley provincial park. Almost everyone arrives by car or on a Rider Express coach between Edmonton and Regina, and almost everyone leaves the same day or after one night.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CAD
- Best months
- Jun–Sep
- avoid Dec–Feb (cold and dark), late Mar–Apr (mud season)
- Airports
- YEG · YLL
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 6Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Canada ↗Visa-exempt travellers flying to or through Canada usually need an eTA; check your passport on the official Government of Canada site (canada.ca) and apply only there.
- Canada ↗A Parks Canada pass is needed to stop in national parks such as Banff and Jasper; some spots (for example Moraine Lake) are reached only by shuttle or tour, so book ahead.
- Canada ↗Keep well away from bears, elk and moose; carry bear spray on Rockies trails and follow trail closures.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Vermilion911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Alberta Health Link (24 h nurse line)811
- RCMP Vermilion (non-emergency)780-853-4441
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Vermilion, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD, $).Canada-wide
- SIM or eSIMRogers, Bell and Telus plus cheaper brands (Fido, Koodo, Public Mobile); prepaid SIMs in malls and stores.Canada-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable; treat water from lakes and streams (giardia).Canada-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 15–20% of the pre-tax bill.Canada-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Canada-wide
- SafetyA quiet prairie town; the real risks are winter driving on Highway 16, wildlife on the back roads at dawn and dusk…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in malls, Tim Hortons, stations and park visitor centres.Canada-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · 811 Alberta Health Link (24 h nurse line) · 780-853-4441 RCMP Vermilion (non-emergency)
- Sundays & holidaysStatutory holidays close shops and offices, varying by province; many park facilities are seasonal (about mid-May to mid-October).Canada-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportYEG Edmonton International (About 2 h 15 min by car via Highway 16; the nearest full-service airport.).
- Getting aroundYou need a car.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeC$2–4 (≈ US$2–3)
- Sit-down mealSteak or Greek plate dinnerC$22–38 (≈ US$16–30)
- Street or quick mealDiner breakfastC$12–18 (≈ US$9–14)
- BeerDraught beer in a loungeC$7–9 (≈ US$6–7)
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum entryC$5–10 (≈ US$4–8) (check)
- Budget bedFamily room (up to 4), a night, per roomC$180 (≈ US$140)
- Mid-range bedMotel double room, a night, per roomC$140 (≈ US$110)
- High-end bedMotel double room, a night, per roomC$200 (≈ US$150)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget C$90 (≈ US$70) · Mid C$150 (≈ US$110) · High C$240 (≈ US$180)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- YEG Edmonton International (About 2 h 15 min by car via Highway 16; the nearest full-service airport.) · YLL Lloydminster (About 45 min east; limited scheduled service, check before relying on it.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C)
Feb
Avoid
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
Mar
Avoid*
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
Apr
Avoid
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
May
not flagged
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Jun
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Jul
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Aug
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Sep
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Oct
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Nov
not flagged
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
Dec
Avoid
−8°C (18°F)18°F (−8°C)
Best: Jun–Sep. Avoid: Dec–Apr. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)), coolest Jan (−19°C (−2°F)−2°F (−19°C) low), wettest Jun (11 rain days), driest Feb (6). Averages, not a forecast.
* only part of the month (early, mid or late).
Weather and climate
Vermilion: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C)
−19°C (−2°F)−2°F (−19°C)
7 rd
Feb
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
−17°C (1°F)1°F (−17°C)
6 rd
Mar
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
−10°C (14°F)14°F (−10°C)
7 rd
Apr
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
7 rd
May
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
9 rd
Jun
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
11 rd
Jul
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
11 rd
Aug
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
10 rd
Sep
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
8 rd
Oct
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
6 rd
Nov
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
−10°C (14°F)14°F (−10°C)
7 rd
Dec
−8°C (18°F)18°F (−8°C)
−17°C (1°F)1°F (−17°C)
7 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
You need a car. The town is small enough to walk between the museum, the main street and the motels, but the provincial park is 2 km west of downtown and there is no useful local bus. Taxis are limited; ask your motel to call one.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 40 min
Highway 16 west by car, about 50 km (31 mi)Highway 16 west by car, about 31 mi (50 km)
Giant pysanka and a Ukrainian heritage museum; easy half-day.
Door to door: About 1 h
Highway 41 south by car, about 90 km (56 mi)Highway 41 south by car, about 56 mi (90 km)
Buffalo-viewing country and a military museum.
Tofield
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h 30 min
Highway 16 west then Highway 14, about 130 km (81 mi)Highway 16 west then Highway 14, about 81 mi (130 km)
Birding at Beaverhill Lake; best in May and September.
Door to door: About 45 min
Highway 16 east by car, about 60 km (37 mi)Highway 16 east by car, about 37 mi (60 km)
Border town with fuel, food and a bigger motel choice.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Highway 16 strip (47–51 Ave)
Chain motels and the Super 8 cluster; easiest for one night with a car.
Downtown 50 Avenue
Days Inn and the museum within a short walk; quiet after dark.
Lakeland College campus
Alumni House guest rooms; book ahead and only in term-time gaps.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- C$90–140 (≈ US$70–110) excl. bed
- Mid
- C$140–220 (≈ US$110–160) excl. bed
- High
- C$220 (≈ US$160)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel double room1 × 1 night × C$140 | C$140 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × C$150 | C$300 |
| Fuel, Edmonton return (about 400 km)1 × C$60 · check | C$60 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × C$20 | C$40 |
| Provincial park day-use parking1 × C$0 · check | C$0 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | C$54 |
| Trip total≈ C$297 per person per day, bed included | C$594≈ US$450 |
2026 estimate in Canadian dollars; fuel and long-distance coach fares excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | C$2–4 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Diner breakfast | C$12–18 (≈ US$9–14) |
| Steak or Greek plate dinner | C$22–38 (≈ US$16–30) |
| Draught beer in a lounge | C$7–9 (≈ US$6–7) |
| Museum entry | C$5–10 (≈ US$4–8) (check) |
| Fuel, per litre | C$1.40–1.70 (≈ US$2) (check) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Winter driving on Highway 16: black ice and whiteouts close the road without warning.
- Fuel up in Vegreville or Lloydminster; stations in town are few and can close early.
- Summer mosquitoes along the river valley are heavy at dusk.
- Cell coverage is fine in town, patchy on the back roads.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- Alberta Health Link (24 h nurse line)
- 811
- RCMP Vermilion (non-emergency)
- 780-853-4441
Pocket card
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VermilionVermilion
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Health Link Alberta811
- RCMP Vermilion (non-emergency)780-853-4441
Embassy
No embassies in town; the US consulate-general is in Calgary and most others are in Ottawa or Calgary.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Rider Express, Edmonton → Vermilion: about C$40–60 (≈ US$30–45), about 2 h 30 min (check)
- Taxi in town: C$8–15 (≈ US$6–11)
- Fuel, Edmonton return: about C$60 (≈ US$45) (check)
Say or show
- Thank you — Thank you (—)
- Where is the highway? — Where is the highway? (—)
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card? (—)
English is the working language; French is official but rarely spoken here.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Vermilion. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Sep · avoid Dec–Feb (cold and dark), late Mar–Apr (mud season) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for YEG: last practical departure time, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking cluster: museum, 50 Avenue, motels, river valley.
- Place pages with verified hours (Heritage Museum, Provincial Park, Lakeland College) and eat pages with last orders.
- Winter and hostile-weather fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialTown of Vermilion
- officialVermilion Provincial Park — Alberta Parks
- officialLakeland College
- officialRider Express
- secondaryWikivoyage: Vermilion (Alberta), revision 5266299 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Ask about Vermilion
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