Planning Your Time

You could zip through Edmonton [1]’s highlights in a single day, but that somewhat defeats the purpose of a break from an otherwise outdoorsy destination. Instead, plan to spend at least one night in Edmonton, spoiling yourself at an upscale accommodation (the Union Bank Inn [2] if a central location is important, The Varscona [3] for a boutique splurge, or the Fantasyland Hotel [4] if you have kids) and dining at one of the city’s many fine restaurants [5].

Regardless of your interests, West Edmonton Mall [6] is the one attraction you won’t want to miss. Even if shopping malls are not your idea of a vacation, the sheer excess of it all is an unforgettable eye-opener. In order of importance, plan on also visiting the Royal Alberta Museum [7], Fort Edmonton Park [8], and Muttart Conservatory [9].

The vast region north of Edmonton is a destination that can be included on an itinerary that continues north to the Northwest Territories [10] or as a stand-alone vacation with the focus on outdoor activities such as canoeing, fishing, camping, or bird-watching. Specific highlights are often separated by a full day’s drive. The exception to this is Elk Island National Park [11], close enough to Edmonton to make it part of a trip to that city.

On a three-day loop from the capital, you could include this park, plus cultural highlights such as Métis Crossing [12] and any one of a dozen provincial parks (with great canoeing and abundant wildlife, William A. Switzer Provincial Park [13] is a personal favorite).

Fort McMurray [14] is the center of world attention for its oil sands, and although it’s a long drive (or a short flight), a visit could be compared to spending time in a boomtown of a century ago, like Dawson City [15]. But don’t trek north without reservations for accommodation and a Syncrude or Suncor plant tour [16].