Edmonton, the capital of the province of Alberta, is a bustling city full of attractions for the whole family. It boasts a vibrant arts and culture scene, and lives up to its title as the “Festival City” by playing host to over 30 events throughout the year. Enjoy the outdoor life along its river valley or indulge in some serious retail therapy at the largest shopping centre in North America.
Lovers of the arts will be spoilt for choice with over 60 galleries and exhibition spaces, and many theatre and music venues. The larger institutions are centred around Sir Winston Churchill Square, in the city’s Arts District. Marvel at the modern architecture of the Art Gallery of Alberta, home to an excellent permanent collection of Canadian art, or attend a concert at the Winspear Centre and enjoy world-class acoustic engineering.
Discover up-and-coming artists and designers, as well as some of the most innovative theatre, when you explore the historic district of Old Strathcona. As the venue for both West Canada Fashion Week and the internationally renowned Edmonton International Fringe Festival, this is the creative hub of the city.
A tour around the Alberta Legislature Building will introduce you to the province’s political history. It is also an iconic Beaux-Arts building set in expansive grounds, perfect for the whole family to explore.
Edmonton is home to three fascinating open-air museums. Learn about the city’s 19th-century origins at Fort Edmonton Park, or see the history of Canada’s Eastern European community brought to life at the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village. For a trip back through the millennia, try Jurassic Forest, where you can explore the old-growth forest inhabited by fearsome dinosaurs.
For family fun concentrated all under one roof, you cannot beat West Edmonton Mall. It boasts over 800 shops, a theme park, a water park and an aquarium, amongst many other attractions.
Make time to escape the bustle of the city and explore the beautiful Edmonton River Valley. As the largest stretch of urban parkland in North America, you’ll have hours of fun hiking or cycling the trails, or canoeing along the water.
