Canada 150 Contest - Edmonton | Alexis de Portneuf

The best of Edmonton

In 2015, National Geographic magazine named Edmonton one of the world’s top 11 summer trips. Their reasoning? In addition to being Canada’s Festival City, Alberta’s capital is also a place that’s young at heart and surprises visitors with a dynamic vibe, creative soul and bold personality. It’s where art, history and nature come together to create the perfect mix. Are you ready to take a tour?

DID YOU KNOW?

Alberta’s capital is home to more than 30 festivals every year. The most well-known are the Fringe, Folk and Street Performers Festivals.
Actor Michael J. Fox, who starred in the iconic movie Back to the Future, is originally from Edmonton.

Before making it big in Hollywood, Michael J. Fox survived on macaroni and cheese. If this dish is one of your mainstays, try this mouthwatering version with brie cheese and Italian style sauce.

On the summer solstice, Edmonton gets exactly 17 hours and three minutes of daylight. The sun rises at 4:04 a.m. and sets at 9:07 p.m. Now that’s what we call light therapy!
According to a study published in August 2016, pets outnumber children in Edmonton, with their respective numbers coming in at 195,243 versus 189,598.
West Edmonton Mall is the largest shopping centre in North America. It occupies the equivalent of 48 city blocks and boasts 800 shops and services, as well as hotels, bars, amusement parks, a wave pool, casino and much more!

#SELFIESTOP—ESSENTIAL PHOTO OPS

See It From a Streetcar

For sweeping views of the city, hop on the historic streetcar that’s more than 100 years old. This light rail car will take you over the highest streetcar overpass in the world and give you a new perspective on Edmonton.
Photo credit: Explore Edmonton

Shop Till You Drop on Whyte Avenue

Calling all fashionistas! Whyte Avenue, which runs through the heart of the historic Old Strathcona District, is one of Canada’s top 5 shopping destinations. It’s lined with an eclectic mix of clothing stores (local designers), art galleries, music stores, bars, restaurants and coffee shops. There’s something for everyone!
Photo credit: Explore Edmonton

Cook County Saloon

Looking to party like a real Albertan cowboy or cowgirl? Then mosey on over to Cook County Saloon, where you can test your talent for line dancing or stomp your feet to some country music. And no evening is complete without braving the massive mechanical bull.

Elk Island National Park

Less than 45 minutes from Edmonton, this majestic park aims to save Prairie wildlife. Animal lovers can come see bison, elk and more than 250 bird species. Campers and picnickers are also welcome!
Photo credit: Explore Edmonton

Going camping? Ditch the usual ham sandwich for an amazing wrap featuring green apples, spinach, honey and brie coco cheese. Try it toasted over the campfire!

Fort Edmonton Park

This is Canada’s largest living history museum! Explore the 65-hectare site, visit the original buildings and relive different periods of Edmonton’s history as recounted by interpreters dressed in period costumes.
Photo credit: Explore Edmonton

EDMONTON ACCORDING TO…

Medi Tabtoub

Executive Chef at Edmonton's Vivo Ristorante

What should travelers eat and drink in Edmonton?

“Locally brewed Blindman beer offers incredibly delicate flavours (Saison is my personal favourite). As for restaurants, there’s Thai Loft Eatery, a culinary treasure that serves super-spicy pad thai for adventurous eaters, as well as Sage, whose menu is inspired by indigenous ingredients, and Vivo Ristorante, where fine Italian cuisine is served in a family atmosphere.”

What souvenirs do you recommend?

“An Oilers T-shirt! We’re very proud of our hockey team!”

What’s the house specialty at Vivo Ristorante?

“Our mouthwatering Caprese salad is made entirely with local ingredients (except the olive oil, which we import directly from Italy). It includes a wide variety of tomatoes—red, orange, yellow, cherry—as well as fresh pesto, a balsamic reduction and mozzarella.”

“There’s nothing like a rosemary cracker topped with a generous layer of brie de Portneuf double cream cheese and paired with a nice bottle of Italian wine!”

FOODIE TOUR

RGE RD

If you’re looking to treat your taste buds to new flavours, make your way to RGE RD. Under the direction of chef Blair Lebsack, this restaurant puts a new twist on classic dishes from rural Alberta. And naturally, the menu changes with the seasons, depending on what products are available. They take the expression “farm to fork” literally here!
Photo credit: RGE RD

Drift Food Truck

As Edmonton’s leading food truck for the past four years, Drift is one of the best spots in the city for a quick sandwich. Prepare for a flavour explosion! You won’t want to miss their incredible pork belly sandwich with marinated carrots, daikon, cilantro and chili mayo.
Photo credit: @drift_foodtruck

Café Linnea

Throngs of locals agree that Café Linnea is one of the best joints in town for brunch. The décor, which skilfully combines industrial and rustic styles, is just as appealing as the food. Speaking of which, the dishes are thoughtful, refined, fresh and oh-so-delicious.
Photo credit: Café Linnea

Bottega 104

Brand new and piping hot, this restaurant has just opened its doors on Edmonton’s popular 104th Street. The Bottega name refers to a meeting place, and the restaurant attracts hungry customers with authentic Italian fare. Even the chefs and equipment were imported from the old country.
Photo credit:@bottega104

The Needle Vinyl Tavern

This tavern features live music seven days a week. It’s the perfect place for getting together with friends, hearing emerging artists and savouring some of their outstanding signature cocktails (we love the Georgia on My Mind).
Photo credit: @theneedleyeg

Have a taste for Edmonton?

Whet your appetite in Winnipeg!