Edmonton Vacation Guide

Introduction

Edmonton, Alberta's capital, has the largest metropolitan population in the province, currently around 850,000. Located on the banks of the North Saskatchewan River, it's a sophisticated city noted for its easygoing friendliness. Busy downtown area of the city is just a picturesque drive from Alberta's Rocky Mountains.

Edmonton was once a frontier outpost, built as a Hudson Bay trading post dealing in fur and later became known as the Oil Capital of Canada. A busy but amiable city, Edmonton's latest claim to fame is that it is home to the world's largest shopping mall, the West Edmonton Mall. Edmonton also has more theatre groups for its size than any other city in the country and is the venue for many popular cultural events and arts festivals.

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Attractions and sightseeing in Canada

Edmonton is served by most major airlines, including Air Canada, which also operates more than a dozen shuttles per day to Calgary. The Edmonton International Airport (tel. 800/268-7134) lies 18 miles (29km) south of the city on Highway 2, about 45 minutes away.

Edmonton is accessible from other Canadian cities by the countries excellent railway network. Arriving in Edmonton by road from elsewhere in Canada as well as from certain areas of the United States is also a straightforward option.

Once inside the city getting about is fairly easy thanks to the Edmonton Transit System with its fleet of over 700 buses covering more than 120 routes, including a Light Rail Transit (LRT) system with 10 stations. Renting a car is another way of getting around Edmonton.

The Fort Edmonton Park : Canada's largest historical park is home to an authentic re-creation of several periods in Edmonton history.

The Devonian Botanic Garden : The Garden includes an authentic Japanese Garden, attractive floral gardens, collections of native and alpine plants, and ecological reserves.

The Old Strathcona : A lively district of restored shops and houses built mainly when Strathcona Town amalgamated with Edmonton in 1912.

The Provincial Museum of Alberta : Alberta's colorful heritage is depicted in a number of large indoor and outdoor galleries.

There is also Edmonton Art Gallery which hosts over 30 exhibitions of classical and contemporary art every year and West Edmonton Mall, largest shopping mall in the world!

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