Edmonton

From Canada’s first, biggest, and wildest Fringe Theatre Festival to the world’s largest shopping mall spanning 48 city blocks, Edmontonians have always embraced a little unconventional spirit. Want to camp with bison? Done. Party under the aurora borealis? Absolutely. Surf on the prairies? No problem! As Canada’s youngest and fastest-growing capital city, Edmonton is a vibrant melting pot of cultural diversity, where new ideas and bold experiments thrive. 

With a wealth of award-winning chefs and innovative culinary talent, it’s no wonder Edmonton’s independent restaurant scene is flourishing. Prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable culinary adventure across some of Canada’s best craft beer taprooms, bistros with locally sourced ingredients, and indie bakeries. A pro-tip: bring your appetite and your thirst, because the flavors here go far beyond the Canadian border! When the summer sun is shining, enjoy over 17 hours of daylight by unwinding on one of the city’s legendary patios. As winter rolls in, throw on a parka and embrace the snowy fun like a true Edmontonian. 

Edmonton doesn’t just celebrate festivals – it lives them. In summer, enjoy open-air Shakespeare performances at the Freewill Shakespeare Festival, or pack a blanket and head to the Edmonton Folk Music Festival for a weekend of incredible tunes. When the snow begins to fall, the city comes alive with legendary winter festivals like Silver Skate and Flying Canoe. With over 50 festivals every year, you’ll never run out of exciting things to do in Edmonton. 

Of course, Edmonton’s outdoor adventure scene rivals its festivals, especially when you take in the North Saskatchewan River Valley, North America’s largest urban parkland. Whether you’re exploring on foot, bike, canoe, snowshoe, or even Segway, you’ll discover the beauty of Edmonton’s green spaces. For a truly unique experience, visit Elk Island National Park and get up close with free-roaming bison, moose, elk, and over 250 species of birds. Finish your day with a trip to the Beaver Hills Dark Sky Preserve, where the spectacular aurora borealis lights up the night sky. 

Edmonton’s bustling Ice District is another must-see, featuring Rogers Place – a state-of-the-art arena that hosts top-tier concerts and is home to the Edmonton Oilers and Oil Kings hockey teams. The Ice District is on track to become Canada’s largest mixed-use sports and entertainment hub, ensuring even more excitement is on the way. 

So, why is Edmonton so different? There are many theories. Perhaps it’s the bold entrepreneurs behind quirky ideas like deep freezer races, winter patios, and indoor surfing. Maybe it’s the stunning natural beauty that surrounds the city, inspiring an adventurous spirit. Or maybe it’s simply the unique way Edmontonians take the ordinary and make it extraordinary, welcoming visitors to join in their one-of-a-kind experience. Whatever the reason, Edmonton is a place where creativity, culture, and community come together to create something truly unforgettable.