Sights & Attractions in Edmonton

Edmonton's downtown core lies just north of the river valley, along Jasper (101) Avenue, between 97 and 109 streets. Above ground are shop- and restaurant-lined streets, as well as large malls including Edmonton City Centre, Commerce Place, and ManuLife Place. Beneath the downtown core are a series of Pedways (climate-controlled walkways), which link major hotels, restaurants, and shopping malls with the central Arts District, a four-block area surrounding Sir Winston Churchill Square. At the southern end of the downtown area, near the High Level Bridge on 109 Street and 97 Avenue, stands the Alberta Legislature, seat of the provincial government.

Outside downtown Edmonton are historic sites, museums, and one of the world's largest shopping and entertainment complexes. Jasper Avenue west runs near the Royal Alberta Museum and the Original West End before turning into Stony Plain Road. Farther along it passes near West Edmonton Mall before joining with Highway 16, which leads out of the city toward Jasper National Park.

The University of Alberta has more than 90 buildings on a 217-acre campus, including the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, the home stage of the Alberta Ballet and the Edmonton Opera Company; the University Hospitals; and Rutherford House, the restored home of Alberta's first premier. Old Strathcona, a favorite haunt of the university crowd, is a historic area of Edmonton that centers on Whyte (82) Avenue, between 99 and 109 streets. Although it was once a separate city across the river from Edmonton, it's grown into a lively area with dozens of bars, restaurants, and chic clubs in historic buildings. This 10-block area also has trendy boutiques, theaters, and the Old Strathcona Farmers' Market. The south-side neighborhood has a number of restaurants, shops, and hotels: South Edmonton Common is the fastest-growing retail area and is located at Gateway Boulevard (Highway 2) and 23 Avenue, and major chain stores like Superstore, Home Depot, Wal-Mart, Ikea, and Cineplex Odeon Cinemas are found in this part of the city.

Within easy driving distance of Edmonton are beautiful natural areas, national and provincial parks, low-key prairie towns, and historic sites. Several sights near Edmonton relate to Alberta's Ukrainian heritage, and festivals throughout summer celebrate this rich cultural history. If you travel south, you can ride an authentic steam train or visit a museum that celebrates the history of innovation in Alberta.

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