Itineraries

Take advantage of Edmonton's central location ­ its close proximity to both the northern and the southern parts of the province ­ to find out what makes Alberta's capital an exciting and enjoyable hub for your provincial travels. Be sure to check out the impressive sights and attractions that have transformed the greater Edmonton area into one of Canada's most unique tourism destinations.

Whether you are planning on adding several days to your itinerary to explore the province or simply in search of a few hours of local sightseeing, Edmonton tour and transportation companies have the expertise and enthusiasm to ensure all your requirements are met.

Transportation and tour operators in the city offer personalized group tours, soft adventures, tour planning and local sightseeing as well as customized charters, companion tours and convention servicing.

Essential Edmonton - A Capital Idea, Scenic Circle Drive and City Tour

Allow a minimum of 1.5 hours drive with no stops or a full day for stops at individual attractions. This scenic route takes you by the Alberta Legislature, the Provincial Museum of Alberta, Fort Edmonton Park, Old Strathcona historic area, Muttart Conservatory; through downtown and Chinatown, the University of Alberta campus, prominent residential areas, the North Saskatchewan River valley park system and the arts district .

City Centre
Edmonton's cosmopolitan downtown is the location of the Citadel Theatre, Chinatown Gate, Shaw Conference Centre, the City Hall, and extensive shopping and business areas. A 1,900-seat concert hall, the Francis Winspear Centre for Music, opened in September, 1997.

City Hall
Opened in August 1992, this architecturally distinctive building has been designed as a focal point for community events. Under the eye-catching pyramid roof and clock tower, the reflective pool is transformed into one of the city's most popular outdoor skating rinks in winter.

City Centre Shopping and Pedway System
Edmonton's convenient indoor pedway system enables you to move extensively through the downtown area in total comfort. The city centre is a shopperšs delight, including Edmonton Centre, Commerce Place and Manulife Place.

The Citadel Theatre
Five theatres are housed in the Citadel Theatre complex, which includes a tropical indoor garden/ amphitheatre.

Edmonton Art Gallery
The Gallery exhibits some of the best contemporary and historical art from Canada and around the world.

Hotel Macdonald
Situated in the heart of downtown Edmonton, the sparkling heritage property features 198 deluxe rooms and suites, the Library Lounge and the award-winning Harvest Room dining room.

Alberta Legislature Building
Built from 1907 to 1912, the province's foremost historic structure is set amidst beautiful gardens and water displays.

River Valley Parks Drive
Edmonton's North Saskatchewan River valley includes the longest stretch of urban parkland in Canada. Several of the more than 70 golf courses within an hour's drive of Edmonton are located in the river valley.

Gallery Walk/124 Street Area
Encompassing an area of 10 blocks, the 124 Street district includes eight art galleries, quaint gift shops, fashion boutiques, casual and fine dining, and a day spa. The surrounding neighbourhood of Old Glenora features tree-lined streets with elegant turn-of-the-century homes.

Provincial Museum of Alberta
Step back in time at the museum with its wealth of displays depicting the natural and human history of the province. The internationally-acclaimed Habitat Gallery displays Alberta's four great regions: prairie, aspen parkland, mountain and boreal forest in life-size dioramas.

Fort Edmonton Park
Fort Edmonton Park is Canada's largest historic park and a wonderful setting for fun, food, and festive entertainment Klondike style! Discover Edmonton's past as a fur trading post in 1846, as a bustling frontier town on 1885 Street, as Albertašs new capital on 1905 Street, and on its way to becoming a modern city on 1920 Street.

John Janzen Nature Centre
Nestled in a wooded hillside near Fort Edmonton Park, the John Janzen Nature Centre was established in 1976 to serve as a focus for natural history events and programs in the North Saskatchewan River valley. An exhibit room features touchable interactive displays and a variety of live animals and reptiles.

University of Alberta
Founded in 1908, the University of Alberta is Canada's second-largest English speaking university with close to 30,000 students. Art galleries, museum collections, libraries, theatres, athletic facilities, and the Timms Centre for the Arts are open to the public.

Old Strathcona Historic Area
Steeped in history, the area dates back to 1891 when the Calgary and Edmonton Railway arrived. Walking tours provide an opportunity to visit shops, the famous Farmeršs Market, and the Telephone Historical Centre.

Muttart Conservatory
Set in Edmonton's scenic North Saskatchewan River valley, four spectacular glass pyramids are filled with more than 700 species of plants from arid, temperate and tropical climates.

Shaw Conference Centre
Opened in 1983, this award-winning centre is terraced down the banks of the North Saskatchewan River valley. Four levels of the building feature 13,935 metres (150,000 square feet) of functional space. Enjoy scenic views of the surrounding parkland and the Edmonton Queen riverboat dock from the outdoor terraces.

Š 2001 Copyright Tanner Young Marketing Ltd. This article can not be reproduced in whole or in part without the expressed written permission.