A festive atmosphere
There’s always something going on in Alberta’s capital city.
Dwayne Brandley is an avid RVer who enjoys recounting the tales of his many adventures across North America. So talking about Edmonton—the very familiar city that lies just north for his hometown of Leduc—was decidedly less exciting for this intrepid traveller—until, that is, he got warmed up to the subject and realized how much there actually is to do for someone who has never seen the city’s attractions before.
“There’s always some sort of public festival going on,” he said. “That’s a great attraction that people coming into the city for the first time don’t generally realize.”
Edmonton has in fact branded itself as the Festival Capital of Canada, in recognition of the roughly 30 festivals that take place throughout the year. That name doesn’t really mean much, however, until you experience the Festival City for yourself. No matter what time of the year you visit Edmonton, there is likely something going on; from food festivals to art shows to rodeos.
Brandley often takes his family to Capital EX—known in its former life as Edmonton Klondike Days—which is the largest festival the city has to offer over the summer months. Every year, the carnival rides and games draw fun-seekers from across Alberta. The annual Capital EX parade is, however, by far the biggest feature of the event and a spectacle not to be missed if you find yourself in the city in late July.
“There are literally hundreds of thousands of people watching the parade,” said Brandley.
Of course, you can’t talk about Edmonton without mentioning West Edmonton Mall, the gargantuan shopping centre with 800 stores and services, an ice skating rink and a water park.
Brandley quite enjoyed the reaction of his out-of-town family when he took them to this commercial giant.
“They thoroughly enjoyed it,” he said. “They were just in awe, first of all with size of the mall itself and then with all the mall attractions, like the arcades and all the rides.”
But Edmonton isn’t all bustle and excitement; the city also has a quiet side. One of its hidden jewels is an extensive walkway that meanders alongside the North Saskatchewan River.
“Edmonton’s trail system runs through the river valley and that is just a gorgeous sight,” said Brandly.
The city’s best feature, however, is not something you are likely find in a travel brochure. The city’s festivals, parades, shopping centre and scenic views all pale in comparison to what really makes Edmonton a great place to visit: its residents.
“I appreciate the people in Edmonton,” said Brandley. “I say that because the people in Edmonton are extremely friendly. If you need directions or information, you can stop anyone and ask them.”ultrices.
