Edmonton, Canada’s Festival City
The capital of Alberta, Edmonton being well known for its culture and diversity rests amongst the largest expanse of urban parkland in North America, a 48-kilometre long city stretch of the North Saskatchewan River Valley where tourists and city-goers of all ages enjoy a vast range of year round festivals and other unique events.
Edmonton is home to several attractions that feature and exhibit the natural beauty that surrounds the city. You can get wild at Edmonton’s Valley Zoo where more than 350 exotic and native animals of over 100 different species call home and the dedicated staff focus on conservation. The John Janzen Nature Centre promotes knowledge and admiration of nature. The Muttart Conservatory is home to thousands of species of domestic and exotic plants. The Great Divide Waterfall can be seen from the High Level Bridge which features a man-made waterfall and is 7 metres higher than Niagra Falls. The Edmonton River Valley Park offers natural trails and amenities featuring wildlife and several events and activities to its spectators including, the Dragon Boat Festival, Folk Music Festival, Shakespeare Festival, Symphony Under the Sky.
A city well known for its countless festivals, Edmonton includes the well-known Fringe Theatre festival, one of the largest theatre events in North America, and the Edmonton Folk Music Festival. Many of the city’s 40 festivals take place in Edmonton’s urban core. The Downtown Arts District includes the Citadel Theatre, the Winspear Centre, where the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra entertains their audience, the Art Gallery of Alberta, and the beautiful City Hall with several art pieces on display. There is the Edmonton Opera, the Alberta Ballet, countless art galleries, dance halls and theatres. Edmonton truly is the Festival City!
If history is your interest, there are several museums and historical sites where you and your family can learn about the cities vibrant past including the largest living history museum where you can step back in time at Fort Edmonton Park and the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village. Learn about Edmonton’s history at the Royal Alberta Museum, the Alberta Aviation Museum, the Alberta Railway Museum, the Prince of Wales Armouries, the Rutherford House Provincial Historical Site and several others or walk through time on a guided tour through three of Edmonton’s oldest cemeteries.
A shopper’s heaven, the city offers an amazing selection of products and services for everyone’s taste and budget. From the trendy Whyte Avenue district to the excitement for the whole family of the world’s largest entertainment and shopping centre, the West Edmonton Mall, where you can shop till you drop in over 800 stores. More than just a shopping centre, the West Edmonton Mall houses a lake with submersed submarines, bumper boats, under cavern sea life and daily Sea Lion shows, a colossal water park with waterslides and water features for all ages, Galaxyland amusement park featuring over 25 rides and attractions, skating rink, mini-golf and the Fantasyland Hotel featuring themed rooms that your whole family will enjoy.
Still not entertained? Consider an NHL hockey game with the Edmonton Oilers, a CFL football game with the Edmonton Eskimos, a NLL lacrosse game with the Edmonton Rush or celebrate July at Edmonton’s Capital X, an exciting festival offering fair-goers plentiful amusement rides, musical and theatrical entertainment for the whole family.
With over 1600 restaurants offering cuisine from all cultures, luxury suites to campgrounds, you’ll be able to find ideal accommodations and food to satisfy ever member of your family, no matter their ages.
Written by © Stacey Martin
The copyright of the article Edmonton, Canada’s Festival City is owned by Stacey Martin. Permission to republish Edmonton, Canada’s Festival City in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
