Admiring the rich, famous and political comes to a forefront at the Alberta Government House. The former residence of the lieutenant governor radiates in its opulence. The well-preserved mansion oozes history throughout its walls. Much of the Alberta Government House contains work by Alberta artists. The city’s other political home rests in the Alberta Legislature. Housing the city’s politicians and squabbles, the grand old building carries bouts of history. The site sits where Fort Edmonton once stood. Today it is a widely recognized landmark in the city for its iconic dome and marble interiors.
Wedging into the northeast edge of the city, the Alberta Railway Museum delights those that love a good locomotive. The Museum contains a 50-railcar collection of steam and diesel locomotives. The Alberta Railway Museum also holds collections of old train stations and railway equipment. Other museums and art galleries make up a large part of Edmonton. An extensive art collection fills throughout its Edmonton Art Gallery.
Just south of the river off of the James MacDonald Bridge, visitors to the city can find a bit of inspiration for that green thumb. The Muttart Conservatory contains differing climate regions. The pyramid shaped structure has become of interest to gardeners while in the Edmonton area for its rich green life lurking within.
Most may come to Edmonton for the museums and landmarks, but if you are a hockey fan, Edmonton means only one thing or person rather. Rexall Place functions as the home of the Edmonton Oilers, part of the NHL. Most of the team’s games are played here, gliding through the skate-steps of the big cheese of hockey, Wayne Gretzky. Rexall Place once served as the venue for the hockey great.
Passing the puck on over to shopping, Edmonton is plays out a different sport, shopping. The West Edmonton Mall has become the most famous Canadian shopping mall. With amusement parks, ice-skating, and a concert hall, the Mall may be a little bit more than just a shopper’s dream. However, the 800 stores suggest otherwise. The focus here is without question spending a few or window-shopping for days on end.
As adults entertain themselves with museums, hockey and shopping, kids can still have a good time in Edmonton as well. The Valley Zoo offers more than 100 exotic, endangered and native animals to get to know while in the city. The Edmonton Space and Science Center may even be a better spot for kids. The interactive displays catapult visitors to space through its exhibits. The Space and Science Center presents opportunities to see how living on a space craft might be or even the chance to buy a star, the brighter the star, the higher the price.
Other cities in the area tend to be sore losers when it comes to competing with Edmonton. With its overwhelming yet popular shopping center, hockey greats, and highbrow museums and galleries, the Alberta city wins on all accounts. If you try and contest the win, then you haven’t been to Edmonton.
