Canada’s Festival City along the North Saskatchewan River is famous for its huge entertainment mall, spacious parklands and thriving arts scene.
Edmonton in Alberta has a diverse range of activities and attractions to suit visitors looking for entertainment and outdoor adventure. The North American city hosts more than 30 festivals throughout the year, including the renowned 10-day International Fringe Theater Festival in the historic district of Old Strathcona.Family-friendly Edmonton is a provincial center for culture, government and education. Visit the Alberta Legislature Building to see one of Edmonton’s most iconic buildings and enjoy its well-kept public parklands with flowerbeds and reflecting pools.Driving is the easiest way to get around, but buses and the Light Rail Transit (LRT) are good options too. Most major attractions are in or close to downtown, north of the North Saskatchewan River. From here you can hike, cycle or drive to the Edmonton River Valley, the largest stretch of urban parklands in North America.Edmonton has hot and often humid summers and very cold, snowy winters. Depending on the time of year you visit, you can ski and ice skate, walk, mountain bike, have a picnic, play golf and canoe along its winding river.The city is known for its arts culture, with more than 20 theater companies and over 60 visual art galleries and exhibitions. Visit the Winspear Centre or the Art Gallery of Alberta to see some of the best displays and performances.Experience what it was like to be a pioneer more than 100 years ago by paying a visit to Fort Edmonton Park and the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village. Step even further back in time in the Jurassic Forest, with a nature walk past mock-ups of huge dinosaurs.Don’t miss the chance to visit North America’s largest shopping center, the West Edmonton Mall. It has over 800 shops and encompasses a theme park and water park. For a more traditional shopping scene, head to Old Strathcona to browse quirky shops selling one-of-a-kind clothes and crafts.
