If
you can, arrive in Edmonton at night. As you ride in from
the airport, you'll see the glittering steel-and-glass skyline
rising on the far shore of the North Saskatchewan River.
It's a dramatic introduction to the way oil money transformed
this bit of the north. Founded by the Hudson's Bay Company
in 1795.
Today,
Edmonton is Canada's most northerly big city, a provincial
capital and an industrial center with an economy based on
petrochemicals, biotechnology, engineering, forestry and
agricultural goods.
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Fort Edmonton Park
Explore Edmonton's beginnings as a fur trading post at Canada's
largest living museum. Walk around recreations of life in
Edmonton as it was in 1846, 1885, 1905, and during the Depression.
Learn how a beaver hat is made, see the way children lived
on the homestead, get your picture taken in the historical
style, and visit an old-fashioned soda fountain. There are
also annual and special events like the children's Easter
candy hunt.
West Edmonton Mall
This mall is Alberta's number attraction and the largest
shopping center in the world today. Measuring 5.3 million
square feet, there is over 800 stores and services, over
100 eating establishments, 26 cinema theatres, a spa, and
Las Vegas style casino. There is also 7 theme park attractions
of varying admission prices: Galaxyland Amusement Park,
World Waterpark, Deep Sea Adventure Submarine Ride, Sea
Life Caverns, Professor Wem's Adventure Golf, Ice Palace
and the NEW Aquatics Entertainment Stage. Disabled access
varies. Rates and hours operation vary per attraction.
Muttart Conservatory
Like Fort Edmonton Park, the Muttart Conservatory is operated
by the city and is a top city attraction. Over 700 varieties
of plants from three very different climates are on display:
arid, temperate, and tropical species. Seasonal displays
are presented in the show pavilion, and school visits are
actively encouraged. Facilities can be rented for special
events, business conferences and weddings. Catered banquets
are also available.
World Waterpark
West Edmonton's Mall's waterpark covers over five acres
and incorporates 20 water activities. The waterslides are
miles long, there are kids pools and bungy jumps, and the
water is kept at a pleasant 30 degrees Celsius. Sharky,
the mall's mascot for this attraction, is available for
private functions.
Elk Island National Park
Elk Island National Park is 75 square miles of fenced-in
forest and prairie located about 32 kilometres east of Edmonton.
Established in 1906 to protect dwindling wildlife stocks,
it is now a prime attraction with a fine herd of bison as
well as elk, wapiti, deer, beaver, coyotes, and a few bears.
Although it is one of Canada's smallest national parks,
there are all the opportunities for camping, hiking, fishing,
and guided tours that you would expect.
Edmonton Art Gallery
Over 5,000 pieces of fine art can be found at the Edmonton
Art Gallery. Works from a variety of Canadian and international
artists in a variety of media are on display at this gallery.
About 150 works from the collection are displayed on the
main floor, and are rotated on a regular basis. Exhibitions
of contemporary painting, sculpture, and fine photography
are a constant feature. Join a tour or just browse around
on your own.
William Hawrelak Park
There is always something happening in William Hawrelak
Park; the Edmonton Heritage Festival and the Symphony Under
the Sky are held here. When there are no scheduled events
or festivals, take a paddleboat out on the man-made lake
or enjoy it as an outdoor skating rink in the winter. There
are heated changing facilities nearby. It is part of Edmonton's
group of river valley parks, which form the largest area
of urban parkland in North America today.
Symphony Under the Sky Festival
Unless the weather is really dire, you can expect a truly
classical outdoors musical experience at this festival.
An annual highlight is the "1812 Overture," complete
with real gunsbring your own bells. The festival starts
on the last Thursday in August, running through the weekend
to Monday evening's grand performance.
Edmonton International Street Performers Festival
This festival has been a regular event for 16 years now,
making it the oldest festival dedicated entirely to street
theatre performers. Held during the second and third weeks
in July, you can take your pick of 1,000 free shows including
dancers, mime artists, character actors, musicians, puppeteers,
magicians, and traditional street theatre. Past events have
included "Women in Comedy: 50 Ways to Love Your Laugh"
and "Noches Locos" (Crazy Nights).
Edmonton Heritage Festival
Now in its 26th year, the Heritage Festival is held over
the first weekend in August in William Hawrelak Park, which
is right in the heart of the river valley and just to the
west of the University of Alberta. You'll find sports, music,
and displays, as over 60 countries display their ethnic
roots and culture. During the festival, the Edmonton Transit
System operates a park and ride scheme to the festival site.
Where else can you experience the best of 60 countries in
just one day? Admission is free. |
