We are planning a trip there in january ,2003.<BR>Would like any information on Edmonton or VIArail from toronto.<BR><BR> Thank-You

Edmonton is a great festival city with a vibrant theatre scene, good shopping, great resturants etc. January however, is probably the worst month to go! It will be cold. All the Christmas lights will be down (unless it is very early Jan. The best time to visit Edmonton is during the summer months.... If you are set on coming in January and are taking Via from Toronto, you could get off for a couple days, go to West Edmonton Mall, Whyte Avenue, maybe take in a play or a hockey game and then continue 3 hours down the track to Jasper where you can ski and enjoy the mountains...

Edmonton in January. Can you feel 20 below with a wind chill?

Edmonton at 20 below - you really mean 40 below don't you? When I lived there it got to 56 below without a wind chill factor. <BR>Why would anyone go to Edmonton? Whatever time of year it is. It would have to be the worlds more boring state/provence capital

Please . . . we all know how cold Edmonton is in the winter but get over it and let's recommend something for Lynne to do besides the "Mall".<BR><BR>Edmonton has a vibrant theatre scene, a symphony, an opera company, the Space Centre, Provincial Museum, Edmonton Art Gallery, and yes the Oilers. Can anyone else recommend something for her to do?

That's odd Jerry - I've been here for 36 years and can't ever recall it being 56 below even with a wind. 40 below YES!! Actually right now we're having the worst March weather that I can recall and it's really getting to people. It may even stay for the next ten days! But I can't recommend coming in January. This is a great summer city but winter can be nasty.

We only have january off from work,can not get any summer off.Would still let to go to edmonton canada,so I can say I been there,Can not go south too warm.<BR> Thank-you

Well, Lynn, I am flattered that you want to see our fair city even in January! Dont listen to that rot about the weather- Edmonoton is no colder than any other city in northern North America (including the Northern half of the U.S.). The only difference is that here winter lasts about a month longer. January can be cold, alright, but it RARELY gets as cold as -30. In fact this January, It was well above freezing most of the month and there was almost no snow.<BR>And BORING? Maybe 20 years ago, but Edmonton has undergone a boom in the last decade (population about doubled to around 800,000) and now there is plenty to do. Suggestions:<BR><BR>THE MALL- I hate it, but you have to at least see it. The indoor waterpark is pretty good, if you have kids.<BR>The Odyseum (formerly Edmonton Space and Science centre). Just underwent a massive expansion/renovation and now is truly world class. There is an Imax, the largest star theatre in Canada, and several first rate galleries of Hands on interactive displays about science, sports etc that all ages can enjoy.A great place to spend a January day.<BR>Edmonton Symphony Orchestra in the new Winspear Centre- One of Canada's finest orchestras in a brand new world class concert hall.<BR>The Citadel- Live theatre. <BR>Edmonton Oilers Hockey<BR>The Muttart Conservatory<BR>Skating at Hawrelak Park (if not too cold). A huge outdoor "figure of Eight" rink in a beatiful natural setting. I love doing this on a Sunday afternoon. They rent skates, play music, and you can warm yourself by an outdoor bonfire and have a hot chocolate.<BR>Take a drive to Elk Island National Park (about 20 miles) and see the wild Buffalo.<BR>The Provincial Museum of ALberta- First Rate native displays, natural history of Alberta displays, etc. A fine Museum.<BR>Tour the Provinicial Legislature (we are the captital of Alberta). <BR>Take a walk down one of the many scenic river valley trails-on a nice winter day this can be absolutely gorgeous.<BR>And of course there are MANY superb restaurants. Would be happy to recommend some.<BR>There is plenty to do even in January. One would hope you would like the place enough to come back and see it in the summer as well.. when there is even more.Enjoy yourself

-56, yeah right.<BR>lived here for 40 years. with all the climate changes, edmonton weather has gotten significantly warmer in the winters. we are having a bad couple of weeks right now but over the past 2 years, i'd say that we've had maybe 5 weeks of really cold weather. we have more sunny days in winter then most places in the north. not the month i'd recommend but come on over. the waterpark is a good place to spend a cold winter day. take time to go see jasper. it's nice.

Hi, Lynne-<BR> I'm with Jim - Welcome to our beautiful city. Jim has pretty well outlined the attractions here, but let me emphasize the river valley trails system - they're multi-use (we have joggers in any temperature), and really show off our skylines and the natural beauty of the river valley here. Old Strathcona/Whyte Avenue is a mecca of funky, eclectic little shops and restaurants. Did we mention our jazz and blues clubs? By all means, come and enjoy your visit here. <BR>ja

Jerry: It has NEVER been -56 in Edmonton; in fact this past week was the first time we've reached -30 in the past five years. <BR><BR>Lynne, although I would agree that the summer is a much more pleasant time to visit, there is still much to do, as the other posters have indicated. Rent some cross-country skis and go and enjoy the river valley (it is truly wonderful). Go to Jasper--spectacular!! Just dress properly and get out and enjoy it. The people that complain about the cold are the ones that go into hibernation the first day that it goes below zero degrees. Dress properly, get outside, and winter on the prairies can be a wonderful experience. Hope you have a wonderful time!

Edmonton is great. Often sunny in the winter and is no more cold than Toronto, or Chicago...beleive me. Yes, it could get to -30 cel. but it could also rain the whole time you are in Hawaii. Other ideas:<BR><BR>Fort Edmonton in the river valley.<BR><BR>The Provincial Museum of Alberta...they just had a great display on the 60's.<BR><BR>Definately do Whyte Ave. Check out the theatre scene.<BR><BR>Muttart Conservatory-- HUGE plant atrium<BR><BR>Have fun!<BR><BR>

one more thing...if it is the beginning of january, candy cane lane usually runs during the first week of january. this is a street that is well known for it's beautiful christmas decorations. you can park and walk or drive down the street. walking is better if it's not too cold.

I really liked the Ukranian Village (a bit east of the city). <BR><BR>The viillage is build as if time has not changed. Actors play as if the still live in that time (do not know the word &quot;computer&quot; for instance&quot;, which makes it funny also.)