Attractions in Edmonton

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.

Shaw Conference Centre
9797 Jasper Ave
780/421-9797
This unique structure has been built into the banks of the North Saskatchewan River. Its terraced levels are reached by glass-enclosed escalators, which afford great views of the River Valley.

Muttart Conservatory
9626 96A St.,
780/496-8755
The four glass pyramid greenhouses that rise up from Edmonton's river valley are home to one of North America's most important botanical facilities. Three pyramids contain flora of different climates (arid, tropical, and temperate), and a show pyramid has seasonal floral displays. gift shop, an art gallery, and café.

City Hall
1 Sir Winston Churchill Sq.,
780/496-8200
City Hall is an architectural showcase which contains a grand stairway, an exhibition space, and a 200-ft tower with a 23-bell carillon.

Old Strathcona Historic Area
780/433-5866
The area surrounding 104th Street and Whyte (82nd) Avenue on the south side of the river is a district of restored houses and shops built in the 1890s, prior to the merger of Strathcona Town with Edmonton in 1912. Old Strathcona is an attractive shopping district with antiques shops, boutiques, music and book stores, theaters, museums, and over seventy restaurants and coffeehouses. The Old Strathcona Farmer's Market has fresh produce and crafts.

Rutherford House Provincial Historic Site
11153 Saskatchewan Dr.
780/427-3995
Built in Jacobean Revival-style, the 1911 home of Alberta's first premier, Alexander Cameron Rutherford, has been restored. Costumed interpreters reenact life in 1915. The gift shop sells reproductions of Edwardian gifts, cards, linens, and jewelry. Lunch and afternoon tea are served at the Arbour Restaurant.

Stanley Milner Library
7 Sir Winston Churchill Sq., Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
780/423-2331
The Edmonton Public Library features fine books and art exhibits, along with many activities in the Children's Department.

Edmonton Art Gallery
2 Sir Winston Churchill Sq., Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
780/422-6223
The collection includes more than 4,000 paintings, sculptures, prints, and photographs by national and international artists. The museum also has a children's gallery.