Edmonton is Alberta's Gateway to the North

If you get too distracted by all of the attractions at the West Alberta Mall to get your shopping done, head to Old Strathcona. This neighbourhood was once the commercial center of the city of Strathcona, it joined Edmonton in 1912. Old Strathcona went into a period of economic decline, before taking on Bohemian/alternative vibe. The area has undergone revitalization in the past several decades and is now a destination for shopping, dining, and live entertainment (including music and theatre.) Take a stroll down the street any time, any day and you're likely to stumble on something, be it an outdoor vintage market, bar trivia, a concert, or a workshop. Plus, the vintage architecture here just adds to the vibe!

With its four glass pyramids, the Muttart Conservatory is one of the best-known landmarks in Edmonton. Three of the climate-regulated pyramids (the Arid Pyramid, the Temperate Pyramid and the steamy Tropical Pyramid) features more than 700 species of plants from different biomes, while the fourth offers seasonal, rotating displays. The conservatory also includes greenhouses and public gardens. One can't-miss attraction? Putrella the Corpse Flower. Corpse flowers are nature's tallest flowering plants. They don't bloom often, the short-lived flowers appear once every 2-10 years, but when they do, their flowers can reach heights of ten feet. It's also the world's grossest-smelling flower, emitting a downright putrid odour to attract pollinators such as carrion beetles.

The Edmonton Radial Railway Society operates historic streetcars on the High-Level Bridge, which crosses the North Saskatchewan River and connects Edmonton and Strathcona. The streetcar route goes between the Strathcona Streetcar Barn & Museum and Jasper Plaza downtown, with three stops in between. The bridge itself is also covered in LED lights, which are used on special occasions (like games for the local football team, the Edmonton Eskimos).

Snow Valley is a not-for-profit ski area in Edmonton that’s focused on promoting wellness through year-round recreational activities. If you aren’t quite ready for the black diamond slopes, don’t worry. Most of Snow Valley is designed for skiing and snowboarding novices, and you can buy lessons to go with your lift ticket. The complex also includes a campground called Rainbow Valley, a swanky lodge and aerial park ropes park to adventure on during the summer.

Visitors can crash for the night or keep the party going at the Crash Hotel in downtown Edmonton. Rooms, which were created by local artists, ranging from large private suites to private bunk beds. When you check in, you get tokens that can be used for drinks at the vintage cocktail and martini bar in the lobby. If you want to play mixologist yourself, the hotel also has a full-service liquor store. If this sounds like a recipe for a hangover the next day, the rooms stock “hangover-curing” pills. Nice touch!