The 5 Best Private Investigators in Edmonton Who Get Every Job Done Right
Life can throw some seriously confusing curveballs. Sometimes you just need concrete answers to regain your peace of mind.
Whether you face corporate fraud, a messy family dispute, or a tricky legal case, finding the right professional help is key. We spent time digging into local agencies to narrow down the absolute top options in the city.
Here’s our completely honest, unfiltered guide to finding the best private investigator in Edmonton. This guide will help you uncover the facts legally and discreetly.
How much does a private investigator cost in Edmonton?
The cost of hiring a private detective in the area typically involves an hourly rate between $80 and $150, depending heavily on the complexity of your situation.
| Service Type | Estimated Rates (CAD) |
| Hourly Surveillance Rate | $100 – $120 per hour |
| Standard Hourly Range | $80 – $150+ per hour |
| Total Case Cost (Infidelity, Custody, Backgrounds) | $1,000 – $3,500+ total |
1. Total Investigations
Website: https://totalpi.ca/
Address: Suite 458, 11007 Jasper Avenue NW
Contact: (780)-499-7940 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday – Sunday: Open 24 hours
The Total Investigation team leans heavily on military and intelligence roots to solve cases. This fact stood out a lot to me, making them good for complex situations.
The chief investigator brings over two decades of Canadian Armed Forces experience to the table. His unique expertise gives them a massive edge over standard local operations.
Based on what I’ve heard from past clients, they navigate sensitive personal matters like relationship tracking with extreme care.
However, their boutique structure means everything relies heavily on the singular lead investigator. Because of that setup, you’ll run into scheduling limits if you need a massive team running multi-location sweeps simultaneously.
Also, you can’t just drop by their office for a quick consultation. They operate strictly by appointment to keep client details perfectly private.
Customer Reviews
Found them quickly
Used their services to locate a family member we needed to contact, and they were able to find them quickly with minimal information to go on. Very professional, detailed, and thorough. Highly recommended.
- Elyss Antonucci | Google Review
2. KatEye Investigations
Website: https://www.kateyeinvestigations.ca/
Address: Suite 536, 9768-170st
Contact: (780)-818-1316
Hours: Monday – Sunday: Open 24 hours
KatEye Investigations offers a rare mix of field investigators who are also trained counsellors. Because of this professional blend, they truly understand the deep psychological aspects of sensitive cases.
I appreciate that they use a specialized six cardinal points framework to uncover missing details safely. Their field certifications even include operating licensed drones for secure surveillance.
Plus, they collaborate directly with you to build personalized safety plans.
But keep in mind that their post-case emotional support sessions are strictly virtual. Because of this, you won’t get an in-person debrief after the job is done.
They also lack specific technical niches like financial digital forensics. You’ll need to look elsewhere if your problem involves complex accounting fraud.
Customer Reviews
Pleasant and professional interaction
I’ve had nothing but excellent experiences working with Kateye! A pleasant and professional interaction. I got everything that was promised in a timely manner and I would definitely recommend their team to anyone looking for PI services.
- Emily Google Review
Stress off my shoulders
I needed help solving a serious problem I was having and Kateye Investigations helped me which I am forever grateful for. They are licensed, very professional and efficient. It is so wonderful to have that stress off my shoulders.
- Uncle Jemima Google Review
3. The Smith Investigation Agency Inc. – Edmonton Private Investigator
Website: https://smithinvestigationagency.com/
Address: 10004 104 Ave NW #1100
Contact: (403)-256-3225 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday – Sunday: Open 24 hours
The Smith Investigation Agency caught my attention, not just because they’re a female-owned firm, but also because they’re recognized nationally.
They have a massive cross-provincial network that gives them access to extensive database resources. Smaller boutique operations simply can’t match this level of deep background searching.
They also offer highly transparent flat-rate pricing for tracking missing persons. This straightforward billing makes setting a budget incredibly simple.
However, you’ll find that their physical field surveillance and infidelity tracking are billed on a variable hourly basis. Those costs can scale up quickly during long stakeouts, making the final bill much harder to predict.
They also don’t provide physical security guards for your property. You’ll need to remember that they focus purely on intelligence gathering.
Customer Reviews
Detailed background checks
The detailed background checks they provided were the best. They cover everything necessary, and their reports are easy to understand. They’ve become my go-to for all employment screening needs and the company we only recommend across Canada.
- Jems Willow Google Review
Delivered exceptional service
I needed a comprehensive background check for a potential hire and they delivered exceptional service. Their detailed report was insightful and well-organized, helping me make an informed decision. Their team is both knowledgeable and courteous. Thank you again!
- Wahiduzzaman Sohan Google Review
4. Covert Investigations Inc
Website: http://www.covertinvestigations.ca/
Address: 1599, 5328 Calgary Trail, N.W.
Contact: (780)-448-9758 | (780)-907-5069
Hours: Monday – Sunday: Open 24 hours
If your situation requires advanced technical gear, Covert Investigations Inc is highly respected for its cutting-edge tools. They use proprietary pinhole surveillance technology alongside a global network of licensed operators.
I loved that they actually run an international spy equipment sales division on the side. This means they’re always armed with the most modern tracking tools available on the market.
And to maintain strict operational security for sensitive files, they keep their physical office completely closed to the general public.
After giving them a call regarding a corporate breach, I appreciated that a real human answered the phone immediately.
On the downside, they enforce a strict three-hour minimum charge for local fieldwork. If they have to travel outside the city, you’ll face an eight-hour minimum block.
They also bill for travel time right from their office doors. Because of this policy, you’ll find short tasks quite expensive.
Customer Reviews
Professional grounded support
Very detailed orientated organization, I spoke with Mark. He gave me very clear, concise information. He provided very professional grounded support. I can vouch him just from that small conversation I had with him that this is a reputable company and that they seem to be focused on results not on financial gains. So thank you for your time and I’m giving these guys a five-star ratings based on my experience.
- Andrew Altimas Google Review
Dedicated to my case
Mark, was very diligent in answering my questions when I was hesitant to hire an investigator to check to see if my husband was cheating on me. Although, I talked forever, he was patient and understanding when I was embarrassed about calling. I retained his agency, for my delicate matter. The video quality was excellent, and I was able to give it to my lawyer for court. I won my case. Thank you Mark for your dedication to my case.
- Suzanne Jacobson Google Review
5. Black Shield Special Investigations
Website: https://www.blackshieldsi.ca/
Address: Edmonton and nearby areas
Contact: (780)-453-8337 | (403)-407-5831 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday – Sunday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
The advanced technical capabilities provided by Black Shield Special Investigation stood out to me immediately, specifically their Open-Source Intelligence.
They perform physical bug sweeping to locate hidden video threats, which makes them ideal clients to deal with digital transactions.
They emphasize highly transparent communication, making sure you never feel left in the dark during a stressful, ongoing investigation.
But since they cover a huge territory spanning three provinces, their management focus is somewhat split. You won’t get a team that is purely centered on the local Edmonton grid.
Also, corporate records show the company itself launched quite recently. They don’t have a long-standing history despite the extensive field experience of their staff.
Customer Reviews
Very satisfied with professionalism
Very satisfied with the professionalism shown by this company.
- David Edwards | Google Reviews