Best of Edmonton
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| Edmonton Skyline1 |
THE BEST SHOPPING CENTRE
Named by the Guiness Book of World Records as the world's largest indoor shopping centre until 2004, West Edmonton Mall (WEM) spans 48 city blocks. The massive complex contains nine world-class attractions, more than 800 stores and 100 places to eat. The Fantasyland Hotel, World Waterpark, and Galaxyland are just a few of its main attractions. After a busy day of shopping or an adventure-packed day of roller coasters, rides and water slides, visitors can sit back, grab a drink, and relax at one of Bourbon Street's fine restaurants. Follow that up with a leisurely evening soaking in a private Jacuzzi in one of Fantsyland's themed hotel rooms. No matter what visitors are interested in, WEM has something for everyone. Who knows, those who despise shopping may have the most fun of all.
THE BEST FESTIVAL
Taking place in Old Strathcona, the International Fringe Theatre Festival is held each year in mid August. Whyte Avenue, Edmonton's popular shopping and nightlife district, fills with avid playgoers eager to catch the invading street performers, actors, musicians and magicians. This eleven-day celebration of arts and entertainment was first modelled after the famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival and is now the largest in North America with over 1,200 performances. The festival attracts performers and festival attendees from across Canada and around the world.
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| Edmonton River Valleye2 |
THE BEST PARK AREA
Boasting 48 km (30 mi) of parkland, Edmonton's urban river valley is considered to be the longest in North America. The North Saskatchewan River splits the city of Edmonton diagonally from the southwest to northeast. Edmonton's downtown district lies to the river's north while Old Strathcona and the University of Alberta are located on the south side. Along its lush tree-lined shores there are 150 km (93 mi) of trails and 22 major parks. Hawrelak Park, the Kinsmen Centre, Fort Edmonton Park, and the Victoria Golf Course are just a few of the attractions found in the valley. Throughout the year, Edmontonians use the vast park area for various leisurely activities. In the winter months cross-country skiing and skating are popular. In the spring, summer and fall months, fishing, canoing, hiking, golfing and biking are some favourite activities.
THE BEST HISTORICAL ATTRACTION
Fort Edmonton Park is an open-air living history museum that is owned and operated by the city of Edmonton. Initially built in 1795, Fort Edmonton was a Hudson's Bay Company trading post. Although the fort was relocated a number of times due to firewood shortages, it is now situated in Edmonton's river valley, containing over 64 ha (158 acres) of land. The park provides visitors with a look into Edmonton's pioneer and fur trading days. The 1846 fort contains a number of buildings, including the main fort, Indian house and the bunkhouse. Visitors can learn how to trade furs for goods, play traditional games and see a demonstration of the fur press. After walking down the park's three main streets, each of which depicts a different time in history, visitors will become aware of the changes that the city of Edmonton went through during those days. Riding the Edmonton/Yukon Pacific Railway or the Railway Caboose Streetcar are popular activities. Wagon rides, buggy rides, and pony rides are also fun.
THE BEST POLITICAL BUILDING
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| Alberta Legislature Building3 |
Constructed between 1907 and 1913, the architecture of the Alberta Legislature Building reflects the Beaux-arts style. This beautiful building is located among 23 ha (58 acres) of manicured lawns and gardens, and serves as the seat for the Legislative Assembly of Alberta. Daily tours of the facility are available free of charge and there is an interpretive centre that can be explored. During the holiday season the legislature grounds are lit up with 150,000 lights, making it a true winter wonderland. In celebration of the festive season every evening until Christmas Eve, hot chocolate is served and a nightly performance is put on. Not only is the legislature easily accessed by car, but the attached underground walkway to the Grandin/City Centre LRT station provides easy access via public transportation.
THE BEST CULTURAL EVENT
Hawrelak Park plays host to the Edmonton Heritage Festival each year during the first few days of August. It started out as a small one-day event in recognition of Alberta's Heritage Day. Now, the Edmonton Heritage Festival consists of three fully packed days of cultural celebration, entertainment, activities, and traditional cuisine. Many cultural groups present themselves at the festival, from the Fijians to the English. Visitors can purchase food tickets to exchange for authentic foods, from buffalo bannock burgers to Dutch krokets. The festival's goal is to promote diversity and bring awareness to the many cultural groups that exist within the community of Edmonton.
THE BEST DISTRICT
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| Whyte Avenue4 |
With over 100 years of history, the former town of Old Strathcona provides locals and visitors with a look into Edmonton's past. Its main drag, Whyte Avenue exhibits much character and its charming old buildings offer a unique backdrop for the diverse groups of people who fill its sidewalks. Whyte Avenue is a trendy spot with tons of entertainment and nightlife. During the day there are many shops and boutiques to explore. On Saturday mornings visitors can experience the Old Strathcona Farmers' Market, where urban and rural lifestyle are brought together. Over 130 vendors sell their products in the bustling marketplace, attracting upwards of 10,000 customers on an average day. But, the night is when Whyte Avenue truly comes alive. There is a diverse assortment of restaurants, pubs, and nightclubs for visitors to check out. If only provided with one eveningt on Whyte Avenue, bar-hopping can be a fun way to explore Edmonton's most popular nightspot.
THE BEST SPORTING EVENT
If visiting Edmonton during the hockey season, attending an Edmonton Oiler's hockey game is a must. Rexall Place is their home arena. The Oilers made NHL history with legend Wayne Gretsky and their five Stanley Cup wins within seven years. Since the legendary seasons of the 80s, their fans have stuck together and supported the team fervently. The dedicated, strong fan base makes every Oilers' game thrilling and upbeat. Although, games become extra exciting when the Oilers play one of their rival teams, the Calgary Flames or the Vancouver Canucks. Noise levels have supposedly reached 114 decibels.
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| A Ride at the Fair5 |
THE BEST SUMMER CELEBRATION
Formerly known as Klondike Days, Capital EX is a ten-day outdoor summer celebration. A wide range of events make up the week-and-a-half of festivities, including midway rides and games. Visitors can take a leisurely ride on the ferris wheel or have a more stomach-wrenching experience on one of the intense thrill rides. For those not interested in rides there is plenty more to do. Capital EX presents Sip, an upscale wine and food tasting exhibit. Sampling tickets are sold and can be traded for exquisite dishes and fine drinks. The casino is also a popular activity and Capital EX's top lineup of shows and performances is a major lure. EdFest, which is free with gate admission, brings bands like Metric, Doc Walker, Hedley and The Sam Roberts Band to its outdoor stage. The TELUS Stage also offers a number of performances from hypnotists to ribute bands.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF:
- Cityscape; Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- River Valley; Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Legislative Assembly of Alberta; Alberta Legislature Building; Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Old Strathcona Business Association; Whyte Avenue; Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- A Fair Ride; Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
