Experience the best of Edmonton

Edmonton sits on the North Saskatchewan River in central Alberta, where the prairie meets the northern forest. The river valley, a long ribbon of parkland and trails, runs through the middle of the city. The domed Alberta Legislature Building stands above it, and Fort Edmonton Park, a large living-history site, shows the fur trade and the city's growth with period buildings and costumed staff.

Old Strathcona, south of the river, has historic brick streets, independent shops, theatres and a Saturday farmers' market, and hosts the Edmonton International Fringe each August. West Edmonton Mall is a vast indoor complex with a waterpark, a skating rink and an amusement park. Elk Island National Park, east of the city, protects herds of bison, and the Rocky Mountains and Jasper lie farther west.

Alberta beef, bison burgers, perogies from the large Ukrainian community and saskatoon-berry pies are the local flavours, and craft breweries and coffee roasters fill Whyte Avenue and downtown. Summer days are long and warm, with festivals in the parks. Winters are cold and snowy, and the northern lights sometimes show above the city.