Edmonton, the capital of Alberta, is the centre for culture, with excellent theatres, museums, world class galleries and an active musical scene.
The city offers residents and visitors many unique festivals and special events throughout the year. The city hosts sports events, music and film festivals, celebrations of food and culture from around the world.
West Edmonton Mall, the 2nd largest mall in North America and Fort Edmonton Park, Canada’s largest living history museum are located in Edmonton.
Unique features:
Edmonton has the longest expanse of urban parkland in North America with over 460 parks – 22 of which are major parks along its 48 km long river valley.
The city is divided by the North Saskatchewan River.
The North Saskatchewan is a majestic and beautiful river winding northeast through Edmonton. It originates 1,800 metres above sea level in the massive 325km2 Columbia Icefield. It flows across Alberta and Saskatchewan to Lake Winnipeg, into the Nelson River and eventually into the Hudson Bay.
The river and river valley are used year round for recreation: canoeing, kayaking, jet skiing, jet boating, fishing, gold panning and more. The North Saskatchewan River also supplies Edmontonians and surrounding communities with drinking water.
If you ask residents where they live, they will say, I live on the north side or the south side. So, when you visit, check to see if the event is on the north side (of the river) or the south side (of the river).
30 Top Attractions in Edmonton:
1. West Edmonton Park (local landmark)
2. Fort Edmonton Park
3. Winspear Centre
4. Elk Island National Park
5. Muttart Conservatory
6. Alberta Legislature Building
7. World Waterpark
8. High Level Bridge Streetcar
9. Telus World of Science – Edmonton
10. Royal Alberta Museum
11. Whyte Avenue
12. William Hawrelak Park
13. Alberta Aviation Museum
14. Mill Creek Ravine Park
15. Old Strathcona Farmer’s Market
16. Citadel Theatre
17. Galaxy Land
18. Old Strathcona
19. Rogers Place
20. Art Gallery of Alberta
21. Alberta Railway Museum
22. Edmonton Symphony
23. Rutherford House Provincial Historic Site (house of the first premier of Alberta)
24. University of Alberta (ranked in the top 5 universities in Canada. Some faculties ranked higher worldwide).
25. Commonwealth Stadium
26. Terwillegar Park (off leash park within the city)
27. Rundle Park (popular, scenic family park)
28. Valley Zoo
29. Escape Hour Edmonton
30. John Janzen Nature Centre