Edmonton is the capital of the province of Alberta and the oil capital of Canada. The oil industry has introduced a great deal of money into Edmonton and has helped to create the thriving modern city it is today. Edmonton has something for everyone. Whether you want to wander through museums, let loose at festivals, cheer on the local NHL team, shop ‘til you drop, cross country ski, skate or hike, Edmonton has it all and more.

Edmonton has more than its fair share of indoor attractions. Although they are great anytime of year, they are especially inviting during Edmonton’s long, cold winters. Perhaps the most famous attraction of them all is the West Edmonton Mall which is the largest shopping and entertainment facility in North America. The complex is home to over 900 stores and services, an amusement park, two mini putt courses, a skating rink, two hotels, movie theatres, a shooting range and so much more. It is a must see for any first time visitor to Edmonton. For a change of pace, you absolutely should visit the Muttart Conservatory. The four exquisite pyramids of the conservatory add some pizzazz to the city skyline. Each of the pyramids showcases a distinct ecological zone including the Tropical Pyramid, the Arid Pyramid and the Temperate Pyramid. The displays in the fourth pyramid change every couple of months so every time you return will be a new experience. The conservatory is also full of information on the flora and fauna native to the unique ecosystems. Take a step back in time with a visit to Fort Edmonton Park, one of Alberta’s most popular tourist attractions and the country’s largest living historic park. The park houses more than 70 structures representing four distinct eras in the city’s history dating back to 1846 with costumed actors to help legitimize the experience. The Edmonton Art Gallery, the Reynolds-Alberta Museum and the Royal Alberta Museum are all great places to check out as well.

Edmonton has become well known for its many annual festivals, earning it the name Festival City of Canada. The city plays host to more than 30 festivals celebrating everything from music to theatre. The summer festivals are among the most exciting. Be sure to check out the Capital Ex in July, the Edmonton Fringe Festival-the largest one of its kind in North America, the Edmonton Labatts Blues Festival and Symphony Under the Sky all of which are held in August. If you are into sports or the outdoors, Edmonton will not disappoint there either. For hockey fans, the city is home to the Edmonton Oilers of the NHL and for football fans you won’t want to miss the chance to check out the Edmonton Eskimos of the CFL. For a little outdoor leisure activity, the city’s River Valley Parks are stunning and a great place for hiking, cycling, jogging or picnicking and during the winter months they are perfect for snowshoeing or cross country skiing. The Great Canadian Adventure Company offers all kinds of wilderness adventures in every season from whitewater rafting to dogsledding. A vacation to Edmonton will definitely be more than you ever expected. Edmonton’s climate is characterized by warm summers and cold winters. During the summer months of June, July and August the average daily temperature ranges between 21˚C and 25˚C. Temperatures of 30˚C and above are not uncommon but usually do not last more than a couple of days. The winter is a completely different story. The average daily temperature during the winter is approximately -11˚C. If you are planning on travelling during the winter, make sure you bundle up.