Edmonton is a city located in the Canadian province of Alberta. Nestled on the banks of the Saskatchewan River, this vibrant city is just a three-hour drive from the Rocky Mountains. The city holds the honour of being the northernmost city in North America. And thanks to a thriving economy in recent years, the area's population has soared. Unfortunately, the city's transport systems haven't been able to keep up with growing demand, so people rely heavily on their cars to get around. As a result, the main entertainment hubs in the area are found in just a few hubs, such as West Edmonton Mall, Jasper Avenue and Whyte Avenue.
Edmonton is surrounded by swathes of untapped natural beauty. Tourism brings a lot of wealth to the area, but the region's natural resources also generate a lot of economic activity. The petroleum industry employs thousands of people. Most of the country's oil reserves are in this part of the country. It's widely believed that Canada is second only to Saudi Arabia in terms of its reserves.
Thanks to thriving petrochemical, agricultural and tourism sectors, migrants are drawn to Edmonton in large numbers. This area of Alberta is one of the most culturally diverse. You'll find culture, cuisine and customs from around the world in this relatively small city. There are so many international festivals in Edmonton, it has earned the nickname "The Festival City."
Edmonton is home to a dazzling array of shops, restaurants and cafes. Head to the West Edmonton Mall and you'll see many of them under one roof. The mall is the largest of its kind in North America. As well as a range of retail outlets, this huge development has its own theme park, water park and skating rink.
Edmonton is a vibrant, multicultural city that has been influenced by many cultures over the years. As a result, there's plenty to do and see in the city.
Head to Edmonton's Arts District for a day of culture and history. Located on Churchill Square, this historic part of the city is home to the Art Gallery of Alberta, the Francis Winspear Centre for Music and the City Hall. Once you've had your fill of culture, browse the various boutiques and art shops in the area. You can over the entire district on foot in just a few hours.
The city also has a fine selection of museums, all of which are located in or around the Downtown area. The Royal Alberta Museum is home to more than 10 million artifacts, many of which chart the history of the region's native tribes. An impressive collection of military aircraft can be explored at the Alberta Aviation Museum. And Fort Edmonton Park charts the history of Canada and its people.
This part of Canada boasts some of the most exciting and exclusive ski resorts in the world. There are several to choose from in the Rocky Mountains region. But if you'd prefer to stay closer to the city, Edmonton Ski, Sunridge Ski and Snow Valley are perfect slopes for beginners. If you're prepared to travel, Jasper is a five-hour drive away. This UNESCO heritage] site hosts some of the most spectacular skiing on the planet.
Edmonton is touched by civilizations and cultures from around the world. This is why there are so many wonderful festivals to choose from in the city - and here are three of the best.
The Edmonton Fringe Festival is the city's largest and most famous. A celebration of the arts, this prestigious event is the oldest of its kind in North America. Comedians, singers, musicians, magicians, poets, artists and many more perform live - at venues around the city. Most of the entertainment takes place in Old Strathcona, which is home to the Westbury Theatre and the Walterdale Playhouse.
Held every June at the Edmonton Expo Centre, the Edmonton Indigenous People's Festival is a celebration of native culture and tradition. Live performances, exhibits and art take centre stage. There's also an artisan marketplace selling unique and authentic indigenous goods. Most of the performances take place on a huge outdoor stage during the evening.
Cultures from around the world come together every August at the Edmonton Heritage Festival. Whether you want to sample the cuisine of India or explore the cultural traditions of Afghanistan, this is the place to do it. Learn about the many cultures that now call this cosmopolitan city home. There are over 70 pavilions at the festival, representing more than 90 countries and regions.
Despite being the northernmost city in Canada, Edmonton enjoys relatively mild summers. Temperatures during July and August vary between the mid-60s and mid-80s. But the winters here are harsh. Sub-zero temperatures and snowstorms are common during the winter. The wettest months of the year are June and July. The city observes Mountain Daylight Time, which is two hours behind Toronto and an hour ahead of Vancouver. The vast majority of people in the metropolitan area speak English as their first language. A small percentage speak French.
The city's heart is south of the North Saskatchewan River where a large university campus adds a spark to the nightlife. This is also a district of small theatres, museums and some fine dining. Visit in August and dip into some shows at the Edmonton Fringe Festival, a close rival to the Edinburgh Fringe.
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From Canada you have the options to fly from Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver to Edmonton.
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