Day one: City living
Morning: With so much to see in such a short space of time, a Segway tour is the perfect way to explore leafy Edmonton, home to North America’s largest urban parkland. The two-wheeled tour will guide you through buzzy cityscapes and the scenic River Valley, which offers over 150km of trails attracting cyclists, walkers and Segway riders alike. Training is included if you are a beginner.
Afternoon: Once you’ve found your bearings, it’s time to delve into Edmonton’s history at the Royal Alberta Museum, western Canada’s largest museum. With a collection of 2.4 million artefacts, visitors can learn about Edmonton’s archaeological and cultural background, from its changing landscapes to its indigenous people. And if you’re travelling with children, the interactive bug room and the digital sandbox are sure to be a hit.
For a quirky glimpse into Edmonton’s past, the outdoors Neon Sign Museum is free and open 24/7. Forward to the present with a visit to the ICE District, home to the striking Rogers Place multi-use indoor arena and Edmonton’s newest entertainment neighbourhood. If you are visiting in the summer, make sure you take in one of the many free events that are being held as part of the Summer SolstICE series.
Evening: There is nothing like watching professional hockey live in Canada. The Edmonton Oilers are among the most revered teams in the National Hockey League and one of the best ways to experience Alberta’s capital city is by catching them in action – you will be blown away by the atmosphere! For pre- or post-game libations nearby, head to Alchemy for an expertly crafted cocktail or enjoy an Asian-inspired drink at Baijiu, located at the historical Mercer building.
Day two: The wild & whacky
Morning: Leave the bright lights of the city behind and go in search of some of nature’s most iconic creatures – the bison. Less than an hour from Edmonton city, Elk Island National Park is home to the bison conservation facility where visitors can take part in the Bison Backstage Tour and learn about these shaggy giants with demonstrations, hands-on activities and a tour of the reserve. Whilst in the national park there’s plenty of opportunity to explore by foot or by water with a kayak or paddleboard.
Afternoon: Spend an afternoon immersing yourself in the West Edmonton Mall, complete with the world’s largest indoor zipline and now home to the only Hasbro theme park in Canada! Shop until you drop as Alberta’s sales tax is the lowest in Canada! With over 800 shops, a waterpark and countless restaurants, it’s easy to while away the hours.
Evening: Spend an evening at Prairie Gardens and Adventure Farm. At a Fire Roasters Long Table Dinner diners share a gourmet five-course meal made with organic produce from this 35-acre farm, cooked over an open fire. Listen to Farmer Tam’s stories gathered from over 60 years of farming and promoting sustainable agriculture and responsible tourism.
