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Edmonton impresses with larger-than-life city attractions and pristine natural surroundings.

Although the city stands as the capital of Alberta, Edmonton only ranks as the province’s second-largest city. This might be due to the ice cold temperatures but this northern metropolis hasn’t let the weather slow it down. The gigantic West Edmonton Mall can keep anyone entertained for hours (or days) while hockey arenas fuel pure Canadian culture.

Though the city itself is rather flat (a clear sign you’re in one of Canada’s prairie provinces), a road trip directly east will bring you to the stunning mountains of Jasper National Park. Alternatively, you can take a short drive to the nearby Elk Island National Park, where you can track herds of grazing buffalo.

Nestled on the banks of the Saskatchewan River, Edmonton is the capital of the Canadian Province of Alberta. The vibe is bustling but easy and there is a whole host of things to see and do. Book your car with easyCar, the Things to do specialist, and make the most of your time in this charming Canadian metropolis.  

Things to do - The City

West Edmonton Mall, the largest in North America, is a shopper’s paradise whereas Old Strathcona is a hub of trendy bars, cafés and restaurants. Take a stroll around the grand beaux-arts style Alberta Legislature Building, known colloquially as “The Ledge”. It serves as the rendezvous for the Legislative Assembly and the Executive Council. Journey from a site of contemporary Canadian affairs to affairs of the past at the Royal Alberta Museum. The Art Gallery of Alberta houses both historical and contemporary works by Canadian and international artists alike.  

Edmonton isn’t short of outdoor pursuits either! Edmonton Valley Zoo houses 300 animals of 150 species, including lemurs, arctic wolves and meerkats. Grab the family and take them to Fort Edmonton Park, Canada’s largest living museum, featuring costumed actors, plus original and reconstructed buildings from the Fur Trade era 1795 to the Metropolitan era in 1929. Take to the slopes at Edmonton Ski Club, in the heart of downtown Edmonton, for a high octane adventure that very few city centres can offer.

Explore

With a rental car, you can explore the rest of Alberta outside of  the confines of public transport. Take a drive  just under an hour east to Elk  Island National Park, popular with hikers, picnickers, stargazers and kayakers. Marvel at the serenity of the area’s endemic wildlife in their natural habitat, including bison, now the target of significant conservation efforts which is explained in the Backstage Bison Tour. In winter, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing is also possible and is a great adventure. It really is the Canadian wilderness fantasy: aspen woodlands and temperate meadows.   

Sylvan Lake is situated just under two hour’s drive south, and is among Canada’s most visited cities, attracting around 1.5 million visitors each year, thanks to the area’s versatility and beauty. Attractions include water-based activities such as water-skiing, kitesurfing, swimming, boating and racing in the summer and ice-skating and ice-fishing in the winter.