Edmonton is the capital of the Canadian province of Alberta, situated in the north central region of the province, an area with some of the most fertile farm land on the prairies. It is the second largest city in Alberta after Calgary.
Alberta's provincial capital, EDMONTON is among Canada's most northerly cities, and at times - notably in the teeth of its bitter winters - it can seem a little too far north for comfort. Situated above the waters of the North Saskatchewan River, whose park-filled valley winds below the high-rises of downtown, the city tries hard with its festivals, parks, restaurants and urban-renewal projects. With a downtown area that still has the somewhat unfinished feel of a frontier town, however, it's perhaps appropriate that the premier attraction for the vast majority of visitors is a shopping centre, the infamous West Edmonton Mall . This certainly has curiosity value, but not really enough to merit a special journey here. Downtown has a handful of modest sights, though most enjoyment in the city is to be had in Old Strathcona , a rejuvenated "historic" district south of the North Saskatchewan River filled with heritage buildings, modest museums and plenty of eating and drinking venues. Edmonton lacks the big set-piece museums of Calgary and Vancouver, but its Space and Science Centre is a sight within a whisker of the first rank.
Edmonton feels oddly dispersed, even in the six-block downtown area around Sir Winston Churchill Square and along the main east-west drag, Jasper Avenue (101st Ave). Bounded to the south by the North Saskatchewan River, this grid holds a few assorted points of interest, though much of the younger and more cosmopolitan Edmonton resides south of the river in Old Strathcona . For the West Edmonton Mall , the Space and Science Centre , and the Provincial Museum , you'll need to take transport west from downtown. To stretch your legs, wander up and down the big string of attractive parks that protects the river, or cross the Low Level Bridge to the Muttart Conservatory , another worthwhile sight consisting of four space-age glass pyramids filled with flora and natural-history displays.
Edmonton offers must see attractions such as the Royal Alberta Museum, the Muttart Conservatory, and the Telus World of Science Edmonton. The Valley Zoo is a charming zoo within the city, and Fort Edmonton Park is the largest living history museum in Canada. Within an hour of the city, Elk Island National Park has over 90 kilometres of trails and parkland where visitors can view bison, deer, elk and moose roaming together.
For the golfer, Greater Edmonton has over 70 courses designed to challenge all skill levels. Victoria Golf Course is the oldest municipal course in Canada, and newer, championship courses have carved out a niche in the recent years. Dozens more courses are within an hour of the city, with very reasonable green fees and excellent services.
Edmonton has a northern continental climate with extreme seasonal temperatures, although they are not quite as extreme as in Regina or Winnipeg. The city has better air drainage than most parts of the Prairie Provinces, and weather stations in the area record frost-free periods of 100–140 days. However, Edmonton still has one of the greatest temperature ranges in Canada. The average temperature ranges from -16 C (3 F) in January to 23 C (73 F) in July, although over the course of a year, temperatures as high as 35 C (95 F) and as low as -43 C (-45 F) may occur.
Nightlife and Entertainment
Hardly any area of entertainment goes uncelebrated by a festival at some time of the year in Edmonton, the self-proclaimed "Festival City". There's almost always something good on. One of the best events - and one of the few to merit a special pilgrimage here - is the Edmonton Folk Music Festival (tel 429-1899), rated the best in North America by Rolling Stone : it's held at Gallagher Park (near the Muttart Conservatory) at the end of the first week in August. Also well regarded are the International Street Performers Festival (tel 425-5162), which attracts over 1000 street performers in early July; the International Jazz City Festival (tel 432-7166) at the end of June; and the increasingly popular August Fringe Festival , or Fringe Theatre Event (tel 448-9000), a ten-day theatrical jamboree that's turned into one of the largest festivals of its kind in North America.
The more contrived and commercial Klondike Days (tel 471-7210 or 423-2822) is less compelling, a blowout that claims to be the continent's largest "outdoor entertainment" but has rather too obviously been cobbled together to steal some of Calgary's Stampede thunder. Held for ten days during July, this popular outing revolves around a re-creation of the 1890s gold-rush era, with plenty for kids, and a panoply of events: one of the best is "A Taste of Edmonton", where 40-odd local retaurants set up stalls and let you taste tidbits from their menus. more
Edmonton is served by four airports:
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Edmonton International Airport (YEG) is conveniently situated adjacent to the major highway linking Edmonton and Calgary; near the Yellowhead TransCanada Highway which connects Winnipeg, Edmonton, and Vancouver; and near Via Rail's Transcontinental "Canadian" route.
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Edmonton City Centre Airport (formerly the Edmonton Municpal Aiport) is a smaller facility located just northwest of the city's downtown, and is home to small charters, private and corporate aircraft, training, military, industrial and medevac flights.
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Cooking Lake Airport is used primarily for privately owned float planes and small wheeled aircraft.
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Villeneuve Airport is home to a number of aircraft flight training and aircraft maintenance firms, and is the site of air cadet glider training.
Edmonton is also served by VIA Rail passenger trains. The station is located on the northern rail route near the City Centre Airport. Formerly the VIA trains arrived at the CN office tower downtown, but the downtown trackage has been abandoned to the LRT and new urban development. The High Level Rail Bridge, formerly CPR's route into the downtown, remains only for summer historical streetcar usage.
Edmonton, Canada Hotels Accommodation - Hotels in Edmonton, Canada
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 EDMONTON BEVERLY CREST TRAVELODGE, 3414 118TH AVE - Edmonton, AB, Canada
Much Awaits Visitors To Alberta's Capital, Edmonton, Alb. Guests At Travelodge Edmonton/Beverly Crest, Just Off Transcanada Highway No. 16, Can See The Storied Edmonton Oilers Play A Home Game At Northland Rexall Place. West Edmonton Mall, The World's Largest Indoor Shopping Center, Boasts 800 Stores, 110 Restaurants, 19 Movie Theaters, An 18- Hole Miniature Golf Course, An Ice-skating Rink, The World's Largest Indoor Amusement Park And Several Water Parks. Other Nearby Points Of Interest Include Downtown Edmonton, Rundle Park And Space And Science Centre. This 86-Room Motel Offers An On-site Coffee Shop And Dining Room, A Daily Buffet, Game Room And A Bar With Live Music. Nightly Bingo, A Barber Shop And A Full-service Liquor Store Are Also Available.
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 DAYS INN DOWNTOWN EDMONTON , 10041 106TH STREET - Edmonton, AB, Canada
The Days Inn Downtown Edmonton Is Located In The Heart Of Downtown Close To Government Centers, Legislature Grounds, Sites, Attractions And Shopping Centers. The West Edmonton Mall Is Only 15 Minutes Away. The Convenient Location And Many Amenities Offered Are Qualities That Make This Hotel The Ideal Lodging Choice When Visiting The Area. Business And Vacation Guests Traveling Through Edmonton Will Enjoy The Affordable Convenience And The Comfort Of Home At The Days Inn Downtown Edmonton.
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 TRAVELODGE EDMONTON WEST , 18320 STONY PLAIN ROAD - Edmonton, AB, Canada
The Travelodge Edmonton West Is A First-class Hotel Located 43 Kilometers From Edmonton International Airport. This Value Added Hotel Was Built In 1999 And It Features Numerous Amenities. The Hotel Is Situated On Over Four Access Of Land With Ample Complimentary Parking. The Travelodge Edmonton West Is Convenient To Many Area Attractions, Including The Valley Zoo, Fort Edmonton Park, Odyssium And West Edmonton Mall. Among The Hotel's Unique Amenities Is Its Own Indoor Waterpark With A Waterslide And And Receiving Pool, In Addition To A Regular Swimming Pool With A Whirlpool.
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COMFORT INN EDMONTON , 17610 100 AVE - Edmonton, AB, Canada
The Comfort Inn Edmonton Is A First Class Hotel Located 40 Kilometers From The Edmonton International Airport. Just Across The Street From The Edmonton Transit Bus Station, This Hotel Is Conveniently Located For Both The Business And Leisure Traveler. Located One Kilometer From The Edmonton Mall, The Hotel Puts You Within A Comfortable Distance From Many Of Edmonton's Tourist Attractions And Entertainment Centers. The Comfort Inn Is 12 Kilometers From Downtown Edmonton. Experience A Great Location, Superb Service And Fine Accommodations At The Comfort Inn Edmonton.
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RAMADA HOTEL EDMONTON , 11830 KINGSWAY AVE - Edmonton, AB, Canada
The Ramada Hotel And Conference Center Is Located Adjacent To The City Centre Airport And 45 Kilometers From Edmonton International Airport. The Hotel Enjoys A Central Location Just Minutes North Of Downtown Edmonton In A Business District. The Hotel Is Proud To Offer A Downtown Location Without Downtown Prices. Both The Royal Alexandra And The Glenrose Hospitals Are Within 1 Kilometer Of The Hotel. The Air Museum And The Edmonton Odysseum Are Also Nearby. The Ramada Also Offers A Variety Of Onsite Food And Beverage Outlets, Offering Something For Everyone.
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TRAVELODGE EDMONTON SOUTH , 10320 45TH AVENUE - Edmonton, AB, Canada
Pet friendly The Travelodge Edmonton South Is Located 15 Kilometers From Edmonton International Airport In Alberta, Canada, And Within Minutes Of Many Of Edmonton's Attractions. Sports Fans Are 15 Kilometers From Commonwealth Stadium, Which Features Edmonton Eskimos' Soccer Matches, And Skyreach Centre, Home Of Edmonton Oilers Hockey.
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RAMADA LIMITED EDMONTON EAST , 30 BROADWAY BLVD - Sherwood Park, AB, Canada
The Ramada Limited Is Located In Sherwood Park, Alberta, Near Millennium Place, And The Festival Place Theater And Conference Center. Guests Can Relax In The Hot Tub Or Workout At The Onsite Fitness Center. The Ramada Limited Serves Complimentary Continental Breakfasts Daily. Each Guestroom Includes Wireless High-speed Internet Access, Voicemail And Coffeemakers.
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Holiday Inn Edmonton-Convention Center
 , 4520 - 76TH AVENUE , EDMONTON , T6B 0A5
Edmonton`s Award Winning Holiday Inn. We feature 93 large and spacious guest rooms including 2 presidential jacuzzi suites. Our in room amenties include 2 telephones, 25" T.V.`s, In room coffee and tea, Iron and ironing board, hair dryer, in room movies, alarm clocks, full length mirrors, free parking, individual temp controls, complimentary airport shuttle (8a.m. to 10 pm daily - 24 hour notice is required) and free local calls.
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Holiday Inn Edmonton-The Palace
, 4235 CALGARY TRAIL NORTH , EDMONTON , T6J5H2
The Palace features spacious guest rooms, executive and jacuzzi suites. Full service hotel at the gateway to Edmonton`s business, recreation and arts facilities. We offer free shuttle service (pre-booking requested) to the Airport & West Edmonton Mall.
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Holiday Inn Express Edmonton Downtown
, 10010 - 104TH STREET , EDMONTON , T5J 0Z1
The Holiday Inn Express Edmonton-Downtown Hotel offers 140 guest rooms and features an indoor swimming pool, fitness centre. Great downtown location situated 3 blocks away from government buildings, easy access to LRT station. West Edmonton Mall located within a 15-minute drive.
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Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Edmonton-At The Mall
 , 10017 179A STREET , EDMONTON , T5S 2L4
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites offers 67 luxurious rooms and 34 beautifully appointed suites. All of our rooms include complimentary local calls and in-room modem hookups. For your convenience, there is a coffee maker, as well as an iron and ironing board in each room. Our complimentary deluxe continental breakfast is served daily in the Great Room, which is located off the main lobby area. We look forward to having you as our Guest!
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