Suggested Itineraries

Not as walkable as Calgary (though very much so in spots), Edmonton's easy enough to conquer in a day with some driving in between.

1. West Edmonton Mall

You could easily spend a day here, but a couple hours in the morning will do. Take your pick between the water park, complete with wave pool, submarine rides, roller coaster, skating rink, or the hundreds upon hundreds of retail options to be found here.

2. High Street/124th Street Area

A short drive takes you from crass commercialism to refined culture. The High Street area boasts more mature art galleries, cafes, and the very good Royal Alberta Museum, which features extensive natural and Aboriginal history displays, as well as large traveling expeditions and plenty to explore for kids.

3. Downtown

Just a short jog away is downtown Edmonton, where you'll find shopping and a cluster of cultural institutions. The Art Gallery of Alberta, in temporary digs until its massive new home is finished in late 2009, offers some of the most interesting Canadian contemporary art to be found, with emphasis given to contemporary Aboriginal expression.

4. Fort Edmonton Park

Across the North Saskatchewan River off Fox Drive is Fort Edmonton Park, a pioneer village that preserves the way of life on which the city was founded. An ancient trolley car takes you around the dusty streets, where you can see re-enactments of pioneer "urban" life.

5. Whyte Avenue

Just a few blocks away from Fort Edmonton Park is Whyte Avenue, a lively stretch of Old Strathcona in Edmonton where the majority of the social activity takes place. Tons of restaurants, bars, clubs, boutiques, and theaters cluster along here. Many of the restaurants have sidewalk patios, the better for people watching. Dinner here at one of the many dining options serves as a good prelude for an evening of live theater at one of the many venues to be found within a few blocks' radius of this vibrant district.