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Top ten things to see and do in Edmonton

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Doggiemomma

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— These top things pointedly do NOT include West Edmonton Mall!

1. Fort Edmonton Park

It's a really cool trek through history that will keep adults and kids alike entertained for hours. You travel back through four time periods between 1846 and 1929 and end up at the old Fort -- the earliest European settlement in the area and a key part of the fur trade. Ride or walk through the pioneer times and enjoy activities ranging from riding the steam train or a streetcar, going for a pony ride, trying out the shooting gallery, miniature golf or riding the midway. From fast food to an old-fashioned candy store to high tea at the Selkirk Hotel -- there's plenty of variety something for everyone. At $55.00 for a family admission, Fort Edmonton Park is a full day of fun and activity for the whole family.

2. Millennium Place

While not technically in Edmonton, this facility is a short drive East of the city in the bedroom community of Sherwood Park. This is a great place to go if you want to tire out your kids without spending too much coin. For the family admission price of $18.75 you have access to the wave pool with the indoor splash park, the indoor playground, skating rink and fitness centre with indoor track, among other amenities. There is also a large foyer with tables and several places to buy drinks and snacks, including a Second Cup coffee bar.

3. Whyte Avenue

Located on the South side of the river near the University of Alberta, Whyte Avenue is a fun and funky strip of shops, restaurants, cafes and bookstores. It's also the home to several theatre companies and the largest Farmer's Market in Edmonton which runs on Saturday mornings. The market is a veritable mish mash of organic meats, vegetables, honey, baking, handicrafts, wine and the list goes on. They also have a café if you want to stop for a snack during your shopping.

4. The Valley Zoo

Edmonton's zoo is undergoing a revitalization project. The old "Storyland" Valley Zoo is being modernized and shifting focus to become a centre for learning about animals and their habitat with an eye towards encouraging conservation. New state of the art facilities include an education centre, green roofs and passive solar heating. A family admission is $34.50.
More details at www.valleyzoo.ca/pages/ValleyZoo/default.aspx

5. The Telus World of Science

With several galleries to explore, this is a great place to take kids as there are lots of things to do and there are usually new traveling displays coming through. There are several permanent galleries -- environment, health, forensics, space, discovery land, and the robotics lab. They are all interactive and really fun for both kids and adults. At $63.50 for a family, the Science Centre is a little pricier, but it's worth it. More details at
www.edmontonscience.com/pages/home/default.aspx

6. The Muttart Conservatory -- or as Edmontonians call them -- The Pyramids

This may be a little less interactive, but kids and adults can both enjoy touring the flora of several of the world's different biospheres. There are four pavilions -- tropical, arid, temperate, and one with a rotating display that is changed several times a year. Café Culina offers a weekend brunch as well as daily specials and focuses on comfort food with a local flair by partnering with local producers. A slower paced relaxing day for the whole family will cost you $34.50 for admission to the Conservatory.

7. The Alberta Legislature

For a nice free event, take the family down to the Alberta Legislature. Guided tours of the inside of the building leave every hour, and there are 56 acres of grounds to explore when you're finished. In the summer the wading pools are open, so it's a great place to pack a picnic lunch and hang out in the sun while the kids splash around. For more info visit
www.assembly.ab.ca/visitor/index.html

8. The Royal Alberta Museum

Perched overlooking Edmonton's North Saskatchewan river, the Royal Alberta Museum houses one of the largest Aboriginal galleries in Canada. It is an interactive gallery that depicts Alberta's First Nations from the Ice Age until present day. The museum also contains two other major galleries -- the Habitat Gallery and the Natural History Gallery. The Habitat Gallery contains dioramas of wildlife in their natural settings. This was always a favorite of mine. I enjoy looking at the animals and marveling at the artistry of the backdrops. The gallery of Natural History displays fossils and other geological finds, a bird gallery, bug room and more. End your visit with a trip to the gift shop, lunch in the café, or a picnic on the lawn out front. $28.00 for a family, there is also half price admission for early-birds from 9-11 am on Saturday and Sunday.

9. Rutherford House

For a slightly slower pace, visit the historic home of Alberta's first premier. Located on the University of Alberta campus, this is a lovely place to stroll through before going for lunch in the Arbor Restaurant. High Tea is served between 11 and 3, with tea plates and desserts available until 4. Reservations are recommended for the restaurant which is open Tuesday through Sunday year round. Admission to the house is $12.00 for a family, High Tea for two is $40, and desserts about $6. It's a lovely way to while away an afternoon.

10. Elk Island Park

Open all year, Elk Island is one of Alberta's national parks. Located less than an hour drive east of the city, the park is the home to a number of wildlife, including the Buffalo paddocks where you can drive through and see the animals up close. There are many beautiful trails to hike, camp sites, a golf course and places to kayak and canoe. In the winter, try snow-shoeing or cross-country skiing, and then finish up with a wiener roast in one of the campgrounds and some hot chocolate! Entry into the park costs $19.60 for a family or group and fire permits are $8.80.

There are, of course, plenty of other activities in and around the Edmonton area. These are just a taste of the things that come immediately to my mind. Summertime is an especially good time to visit Edmonton because we turn into "Festival City". From the Street Performer's Festival, to the Fringe, to Heritage Days and the Folk Music Festival Edmonton in the summer is a happening place to be. And that doesn't include exploring our beautiful river valley and its parks and trails. That will have to be another article!!

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