The 5 Best Tattoo Shops in Edmonton That Leave a Lasting Impression
Getting inked in Edmonton isn’t just about picking a cool design; it’s also about finding the right artist who won’t butcher your vision (and your epidermis). After a few tattoos (and one regret), I’ve learned where to go and where to nope out fast.
This city’s got serious inking talent, but not all shops are created equal. Here are the best tattoo shops in Edmonton I’d trust with my skin.
How much do tattoo shops charge in Edmonton?
You can expect to pay between $150 and $200 per hour, with a minimum fee of around $150 to $200 for small pieces. Most shops also include a supply fee of $20 to $30, and some may charge extra for custom designs.
Higher-end artists may charge more than $200, depending on their experience and style.
1. History Ink Tattoo
Address: 10443 124 St, Edmonton, AB T5N 1R7
Contact: +17807166001
Hours:
Tuesday, 11 AM–8 PM
Wednesday to Saturday, 8 AM–8 PM
Sunday, 8 AM–6 PM
History Ink Tattoo was where I finally found someone who listened to what I wanted without trying to “improve” my idea. The studio was spotless, the vibe was chill, and the moment I sat down with Marcy, I knew my skin was in good hands.
She’s incredible with Nordic and geometric work, with clean lines, solid colour, and no overworking. You can tell they care about the healing process, too, because my pieces settled beautifully without any patchiness.
I appreciated how upfront everything was. There were no weird hidden charges and no pushy upsells; just straight talk and solid work from artists who take pride in what they do.
If I had to nitpick, I’d say the wait time is the only pain involved. Bookings fill up fast, so don’t expect a walk-in miracle.
And while their cultural and blackwork styles are top-tier, they might not be the shop for you if you’re chasing hyperrealism or bold, cartoony flash.
Customer Reviews
Super happy with her work!
Got a sleeve done by Marcy. Super happy with her work! She was friendly and kind the whole session, and I think he work speaks for itself. The studio is really awesome, well-designed, and I can tell a lot of time and effort went into the interior design. The entire design was done by Marcy; I just asked for a tree and raven and let her do her thing. She discussed with me every step just to make sure I was good with it before doing anything. The sleeve attached was done over 3 sessions.
-Halrawk, Google Review
This was my first tattoo, and I felt so at ease at the studio
Amazing!! My friend and I were walk-ins, and it was only a couple of hours from close, but Marcy and her partner were so kind and accommodating and so chill about our last-minute vague ideas for tattoos. We were able to get in an hour later for a consult where Marcy drew up pretty much exactly what I wanted and adjusted the few things I needed, and then got right to it! This was my first tattoo, and I felt so at ease at the studio and with Marcy. The tattoo turned out perfect and was quick! They stayed way later than closing to finish both my and my friends’ tattoos and even gave us extra goodies after. Seriously, the most amazing experience, with a very skilled, long-time artist, highly recommend checking it out.
-Katelyn McEwen, Google Review
2. Tattoo Forest
Address: 6924 104 Street NW #200
Contact: +17806959235
Hours: Daily (except Wednesday), 11 AM–7 PM
Tattoo Forest felt like stepping into an art gallery with needles. The walls show off killer portfolios, and the vibe is mellow and professional.
When I sat down with Tattoo Forest’s team, they nailed my custom geometric forest piece with sharp lines and vibrant shading that healed beautifully.
Pricing was refreshingly upfront, too, with no hidden charges or sketch surcharges. I found the quotes fair for the quality I got.
Communication was also smooth, with friendly back-and-forth via email and IG ($1 online consultations!), so I always knew what to expect.
As for artistic range, it’s nothing short of impressive at this shop. Both senior and newer artists do everything from nature-inspired themes to bold ornamental work, with each piece feeling genuinely tailored.
The downside is that the shop can get busy fast, so appointment slots fill up quickly. Also, the strong point here is custom geometrical and illustrative forest/nature work, so you might want to look elsewhere if you want an anime sleeve or pop-culture inking.
Customer Reviews
I love the finished art on my skin
Super! The shop is clean and just a lovely, low-stress space. The staff was amazing for getting me and my walker up the stairs and really went above and beyond to ensure I was comfortable! Kaki, the tattooer, was sweet and diligent and worked away steadily, really concentrating on her gorgeous artwork. She was quick, too. I was expecting 5.5 hours, but it was only 3.5 hours! I love the finished art on my skin. It’s so gorgeous. Flowing, full of movement, I can’t recommend it highly enough! I will be back soon!
-Heather Hanninen Fairbairn, Google Review
Clean and funky, a great place for ink!
Tattoo Forest is wonderful. The staff is kind and welcoming, put me at ease the moment I walked through the door. Clean and funky, a great place for ink! J. Greyish will forever be my tattoo artist, so talented, and his attention to the fine detail is amazing. Thanks for the great experience. I’m already a repeat customer and will definitely be going back!
-Cyndi den Hartigh, Google Review
3. Bombshell Tattoo Galerie
Address: 3925 99 St NW Suite 200
Contact: +17807601950
Hours: Daily, 11 AM–6 PM
I tagged along when my bestie finally booked her dream piece at Bombshell Tattoo Galerie, and honestly, I was impressed from the moment we walked in. The space was clean and welcoming and had this calm, artsy vibe that instantly put her at ease.
Her artist, Chanti, was incredibly focused and gentle. Every line looked intentional, and the details of the work were insane. I could tell these artists weren’t just doing tattoos but were crafting proper artwork.
The studio also felt and looked inclusive, which made an impression on us. They use eco-friendly supplies and have also raised thousands for charity, so my best friend was proud to have gotten her first inking at Bombshell.
If there’s any downside, it’s that the studio’s top artists book out fast. My friend had to wait weeks before getting an appointment with Chanti.
Customer Reviews
The tattoo is holding up so good one year in
I received a fine line chest piece here. The artist was so professional and made me feel comfortable. I brought a picture of what I was hoping for, and the artist took the time to discuss the sizing, shape, and colours to match my skin tone. He made recommendations to modify one of the pieces to a different flower to better shape it in the location. The shop was clean and welcoming. Tattoo is holding up so good one year in. Can’t wait to come back.
-Amelia Neil, Google Review
The shop had a very chill and welcoming vibe
My friend and I came to Bombshell to see Sandra for a navel and industrial piercing. Most amazing experience, the shop had a very chill and welcoming vibe. Sandra was just amazing. She took time to make sure the piercings were done perfectly, but also spent time making sure we felt welcome in her studio. I would recommend Sandra to anyone looking for a new piercing. She is professional, personable and obviously takes pride in her art. Not to mention her jewelry selection is out of this world!
-Ryley Payne, Google Review
4. The Fountainhead Tattoo
Address: 3815 99 St NW
Contact: +17808600900
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 11.30 AM–6 PM
The Fountainhead Tattoo studio’s cool, open-space layout and spotless setup immediately put me at ease. The moment I sat with Shan, I felt like I was in capable hands (and I was right; my tattoo turned out sharp and full of personality).
I like its clear and fair pricing, too: $195/hour with a $150 minimum plus a $20 materials fee. There were no surprise surcharges to upset my budget. And yes, walk-ins are welcome!
The artist lineup is pretty impressive; Shan, Raph, Andi, Dan, and everyone else’s work is consistent, professional, and friendly. They’re skilled in everything from custom small pieces to cover-ups and even print merch, so the experience feels full circle.
The only con I see is that the hourly rate here is on the higher side compared to promos elsewhere, so budget-conscious clients might flinch. However, those looking for high-quality inking can look past this issue.
Customer Reviews
Raph did a phenomenal job on my piece
Raph did a phenomenal job on my piece. I had thrown together a quick sketch of what I wanted done, and he refined it into a museum-worthy masterpiece. He was fantastic to work with, very responsive to texts and made the tattooing experience as pleasant and least agonizing as possible. He is WELL worth his hourly rate, and in my unprofessional opinion, he could probably increase his pricing a bit as his work is absolutely incredible. Even my mother, who is completely against tattoos and can find something negative to say about any tattoos my sister and I have, had absolutely nothing negative to say about this piece and said it is stunning. Thank you, Raph, I look forward to seeing you in the future for more artwork.
-Megan Abbott, Google Review
We will 100% be coming back for more tattoos
The shop is a whole vibe. Alex was the artist we chose to go with because of his incredible talent in black and Grey realism. The piece speaks for itself. We will 100% be coming back for more tattoos.
-Amber Monroe, Google Review
5. Bad Habit Tattoo Co.
Address: 2023 99 St NW
Contact: +17807578869
Hours: Daily, 11 AM–7 PM
When my brother walked into Bad Habit Tattoo Co., the sleek, private-room setup immediately calmed his pre-ink jitters. The artist, Rae, sketched a meaningful black and grey piece for him that translated into a crisp piece on his bicep, and healed beautifully.
He found the pricing flexible and transparent; deposits start at $100, with fair quotes given at a free consultation. Walk-ins for smaller tattoos are also welcome if the artist is available, which should suit impulsive inking fanatics.
I like that the shop also offers quality piercings using implant-grade titanium and even 14K gold, which adds a nice one-stop-shop convenience. The customer service is friendly, too.
As a note of caution, deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable. Also, lateness means you forfeit your spot, so you really need to be punctual or risk losing your booking.
Customer Reviews
They all seem to know what they’re doing!
Everyone was very friendly and had such a great energy. All seemed very sweet, I loved their energy when I walked in, well, I was there, and when I walked out. Very beautiful place as well. If you’re looking to get a tattoo or piercing done by them, I would say go for it! They all seem to know what they’re doing!
-Luca, Google Review
Extremely talented, and her vibe is wonderful
Where to start…I live 2.5 hours away, and I found the artist who met all of my wants and needs on Google. My first visit impression was wow..what a beautiful shop. Then I met the coolest lady ever, the wonderful Kate! Not only is she extremely talented, but her vibe is wonderful. It was such a wonderful experience! She’s very aware of making sure everything is properly sanitized and followed. Then, to watch her create exactly what you need, truly amazing. I highly recommend that you look her up on Instagram and see her works of art! You won’t be disappointed.
-Colleen Olson, Google Review