With a meandering river, huge expanses of green space and a position on the cusp of some of Canada’s most spectacular scenery, nature is widely celebrated in Alberta’s capital, where tradition and contemporary attractions sit side by side. Edmonton combines rich heritage and modern delights in a way that is truly enticing, and well worth exploring.
Shop in the biggest mall in North America
Protruding from the residential skyline in the west of the city you’ll find the West Edmonton Mall, the largest shopping mall in North America. Spanning 500,000 square metres, there are more than 800 stores, independent boutiques and high-end designer brands from around the world to be found here, including Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co.
It’s not all about retail, however, as it also has plenty of restaurants to enjoy, as well as an unbelievable array of leisure activities. Skate with the family in the Ice Palace, go bowling or play a round of crazy golf, visit the Sea Life Caverns, let loose in the water park – or head to the exciting indoor amusement park, Galaxyland, with more than 27 rides to enjoy.
Alternatively, if you’d like a shopping experience that’s a little more traditional, visit the charming Old Strathcona Farmers Market. Feel a real sense of community at this weekly Saturday extravaganza, where seasonal produce, handmade goods and homemade art can be purchased from local businesses. The market is just off the main cultural strip, Whyte Avenue.
Enjoy culture in Downtown Edmonton
Speaking of culture, with many theatres, live music venues, museums and galleries to choose from, Downtown Edmonton is where you can experience the entertainment and creative flair of the city. There’s a lot to discover north of the river, including regular events taking place on Sir Churchill Square and at the eye-catching granite City Hall.
Pay a visit to the exquisite Art Gallery of Alberta which exhibits more than 6,000 works of Canadian art – with some collections dating back to the 19th century. With its futuristic stainless-steel and glass construction, the building itself is impressive.
Just across the river is the iconic Muttart Conservatory. Inside its four glass pyramids are three biomes that are home to more than 700 different species of tropical plant life. With regular events, this botanical paradise is a must see, no matter what time of year you visit.
Discover the city’s heritage in the Strathcona district
Strathcona has an Edwardian charm with its narrow brick buildings and preserved early 20th century monuments, including the Strathcona Canadian Pacific Railway Station built in 1908. Take a ride on the High Level Bridge Streetcar which follows the original path of the Canadian Pacific Railway across the famous commuter bridge into Downtown. Learn more about Edmonton’s fascinating past here, reflecting on a time where Old Strathcona was its own city until 1912.
If you would like to discover more of Alberta’s past, you can also visit the popular Fort Edmonton Park. Here you can fully immerse yourself in the history of the area through interactive exhibits, re-enactments and performances. Start your journey in the 1840s and travel through time in this epic one-of-a-kind amusement park. With scenic national landscapes to the west, and other stunning places to visit across Alberta, drive further afield to uncover further historic and natural wonders.
With car rental in Edmonton you’ll be able to explore all that this remarkable city and the wider region has to offer – and ensure you don’t miss a thing.
