Edmonton, Alberta

Make sure you start the day early and take in some mouth-watering goods at one of the local breakfast joints. The charming Blue Plate Diner in the downtown historic warehouse district cooks their dishes with locally produced ingredients and welcomes vegetarians and vegans with open arms. If you find yourself in the University area, The Sugarbowl serves up the most pillowy-soft cinnamon buns in the city (and possibly the world!).

Edmonton’s expanse of urban parkland is the largest in North America with over 150 km to explore, and not to brag or anything, but it’s 22 times the size of Central Park in New York City.

Hop on a Segway for an exhilarating ride; not only can you zip around town on these stand-up electric cruisers in spring, summer, and fall, but they’re fully equipped with heavy snow-biting winter tires during the colder months.

The Art Gallery of Alberta, home to an impressive collection of over 6,000 objects and offering original contemporary and historical exhibitions from around the world. With a swirling exterior of zinc, glass, and steel inspired by Edmonton’s unique northern environment, the building itself is a beautiful masterpiece.

Visit the Royal Alberta Museum and explore the wonders of our natural world. Find yourself surrounded by remarkable dinosaur fossils, completely mesmerized by the exquisite gems and minerals whose shape and colour almost defy belief, or making friends with some of the most exotic and unique bugs on the planet. The Aboriginal Gallery is one of the largest explorations of First Peoples’ history on the continent and offers stories and artifacts spanning 11,000 years.

Fort Edmonton Park

Providing the best in living history, Fort Edmonton Park allows you to experience four distinct eras of Edmonton’s past in one visit: the days of the fur trade, and the pioneer years of 1885, 1905, and 1920. Visit a reconstruction of the 1846 Hudson Bay Company’s Edmonton House, the most important post west of the Red River Settlement, and watch a demonstration of the fur press. Fast forward 40 years and take a stroll along 1885 Street. Become part of history as you learn the skills of a blacksmith and wheelwright, or put your muscles to the test and pump your own water to make tea at the Kenneth Mcdonald house. Jump ahead a few years and play around at the Penny Arcade on 1905 Street or get your picture taken in period costume. Experience the excitement of a real 1920s-style Midway: soar to great heights on the Ferris wheel, test your shooting skill and accuracy and the Shooting Gallery, and ride majestic hand-carved horses on the carousel. You won’t be able to wipe the smile off your face, so be sure to take a selfie.