WWW.EDMONTON.COM 1

Let Festival City Make Your Next Meeting, Convention or Event Unforgettable!

Destination

http://www.winspearcentre.com

WWW.EDMONTON.COM 3

Dept. DP2013, 3rd Floor, World Trade Centre Edmonton 9990 Jasper Ave., Edmonton, Alberta Canada T5J 1P7 E gateway@ edmonton.com W www.edmonton.com

VISITOR INFORMATION T 780-496-8400 (in Edmonton) or TF 1-800-463-4667 (Canada/USA)

Travel Trade or Convention/Destination Planning T 780-426-4715 F 780-425-5283

Distributor: Edmonton Tourism

Editorial assistance provided by Edmonton Tourism

Designed & Published by

#1, 9301-50 St., Edmonton, Alberta Canada T6B 2L5 T 780-465-3362 F 780-448-0424 E askus@ infoedmonton.com

Publisher: R.H. (Rob) Tanner Editor: Lindsay Shapka Art Director: Adam Still Graphic Designers: Zuzana Benesova, Tyson Dueck Traffic Coordinator: Cheryl Lindquist Listings & Web Coordinator: Breanna Mroczek Traffic Assistant: Kendra Mah Accounting: Fossina Crytes Production Manager: Marie Tanner Operations Manager: Dean Langille Advertising Sales: Gerry Leibel, Doug Stirrett, Meghann Tanner, Wendy Wharton Internet Manager: Mike Treloar

©2013 Tanner Young Publishing Group No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part without prior written authorization.

Discover Edmonton ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 6

Special Events ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 11

Visitor Information �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������14

Accommodations & Meeting Spaces ���������������������������������������������������� 17

Festivals & Events �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������20

Attractions ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 22

Dining �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 24

Greater Edmonton & Beyond �������������������������������������������������������������������� 27

Connect With Us ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������30

Edmonton at Your Fingertips!The Official 2013 Greater Edmonton Destination Planner is the most comprehensive and extensive resource tool dedicated exclusively to promoting Edmonton and area as a prime meeting, conventions or group tour destination. Inside you will find detailed information covering accommodation and meeting facilities, major trade show and special event venues, attractions, golf courses, transportation companies, sample tours, restaurants and suppliers.

Available online at www.edmonton.com/destinationplanner or free for iPad on the App Store.

Contents

4 DESTINATION EDMONTON 2013

EAP AD Add a U-Pick Pass to make your next

meeting, convention or event simply unforgettable!

Experience More with the

$2995 (Adult) $2250 (Ages 3-17)

Offers the passholder entry to their choice

of any four participating attractions in

and around Edmonton.

U-Pick

Visit EdmontonAttractions.comfor information on commissionable packages

WWW.EDMONTON.COM 5

Offering a diverse blend of urban sophistication and rustic nature in the heart

of the city, Edmonton delivers contemporary conference facilities mixed with

a stunning river valley, unique shopping, dining and entertainment� Meet in

Edmonton — there is no better way to get to know Alberta’s capital city�

Whether it is Western Canada’s largest exhibition space, the spectacular art gallery’s northern lights-inspired architecture or the breathtaking 270-degree view of North America’s largest urban parkland out your window, your attendees will enjoy world-class facilities and amenities. If you are looking for intimate or eclectic we have that too — from Canada’s largest living history museum to bo-tanical gardens set amid climate-controlled glass pyramids.

Want options? Edmonton offers over 13,000 hotel rooms ranging from major hotel brands, suite hotels and theme hotels to trendy boutique hotels. A cosmopolitan variety of restaurants and fine cuisine awaits you — representing more than 50 ethnic groups, many of which feature or-ganic and regionally inspired and sourced menus. Shoppers will delight in the varied array of boutique stores and unique shopping districts as well as over 800 shops and services offered by West Edmonton Mall. No matter when you hold your event in Edmonton, you will be surrounded by one of the 30 major festivals that celebrate the arts, film, music, sports, theatre and winter. Attending Canada’s largest folk music festival or North America’s largest and longest-running Fringe Theatre Festival first-hand will leave you with an experience like no other.

Edmonton Tourism is ready to help you incorporate Edmonton experiences into your event through pre and post-event programs featuring world-class attractions providing fun, his-torical, educational and natural insight into our region. Create a truly made-in-Edmonton experience by integrating social and environmental stewardship and vibrant festival ele-ments that will leave your delegates raving.

Our outstanding hospitality, down-to-earth attitude and genuine desire to exceed expecta-tions are waiting for you in Edmonton — Canada’s Festival City!

“Edmonton, Canada’s Festival City, pulled out all the stops to ensure that the Canadian Library Association experienced one of their best and most successful conferences ever!”

- Wendy Walton, Professional Development Officer Canadian Library Association

Welcome to Edmonton!PH

OTO:

EDM

ONTO

N TO

URIS

M

DISCOVER

Historic Provincial Capital — Having celebrated its centennial in 2012, fans of architecture will enjoy a visit to the Alberta Legislature, a Beaux Arts edifice that overlooks the North Saskatch-ewan River. A new Federal Building and Boulevard to mark the centennial are set for completion in 2013. Beneath its scenic grounds lies the Legislature Pedway, a government mall with a gift shop that offers a wide selection of arts and crafts created by Alberta artisans, as well as an interpretive centre, which highlights the history and traditions of the Legislature.

6 DESTINATION EDMONTON 2013

WWW.EDMONTON.COM 7

EDMONTONDiscover the friendliness of

Alberta’s capital where big-

city sophistication — like

the stunning swirl of glass,

steel and zinc that is the Art

Gallery of Alberta — excel-

lent value and warm hos-

pitality blend with a wide

range of shopping, dining

and entertainment des-

tinations� Experience our

unique personality in areas

steeped in history, world-

famous shopping districts

and our stunning river valley

situated in the heart of the

city� Edmonton truly has

something for everyone!

Beautiful City Hall — A steel and glass pyramid distinguishes Edmonton’s City Hall, set in the heart of the downtown Arts Dis-trict. An inviting destination, its outdoor plaza refreshes with a wading pool and fountain in the summer — ranked as one of the Top 40 in the world by Hospital-ity Management Schools — and converts to a skating rink in winter. Its plaza and adjacent Sir Winston Churchill Square pro-vide a friendly home for many of Edmonton’s internationally-acclaimed festivals.

Old Strathcona — Voted one of Canada’s five-best shopping districts, Whyte Avenue is a bohemian stroll just south of downtown in Old Strathcona. Designated a provincial historic area and arts district, this area plays host to the popular year-round Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market, eclectic shopping, eight theatre companies in four venues, early 1900s architecture and a thriving nightlife.

PHOT

OS: W

INTE

RFOR

CEM

EDIA

; EDM

ONTO

N TO

URIS

M

8 DESTINATION EDMONTON 2013

Visit where.ca/edmonton for complete listings

follow us on

@whereedmontonOR

WHERE Edmonton magazine is the premier guide for travellers looking for timely information on where to

eat, shop, go and stay in Edmonton. You can find the magazine in hotels, at attractions, and in shopping and

dining venues across the city!

WWW.EDMONTON.COM 9

DISCOVER EDMONTON

West Edmonton Mall — Needless to say, shopping, dining and entertainment are the name of the game at the world famous West Edmonton Mall — Alber-ta’s top tourist attraction with more than 30 million visitors a year. WEM features over 800 stores and services, upwards of 100 dining establishments as well as 10 world-class attractions that include the world’s largest indoor wave pool, an indoor amusement park, an 18-hole min-iature golf course and a casino. All this action resides under one roof that spans the equivalent of 48 city blocks.

124th Street & Area — West of down-town, the charming area of 124th Street is home to plenty of art galleries, specialty and antique stores, fashion boutiques and fabulous eateries. Twice a year, this district hosts the Gallery Walk, the first of its kind in Canada, which features eight galleries that showcase Canadian artists.

Nearby, the fascinating Royal Alberta Museum plays host to travelling exhibits as well as its permanent displays, includ-ing the Syncrude Gallery of Aboriginal Culture — one of North America’s most expansive exhibitions on Aboriginal peoples — and the captivating wildlife exhibit, Wild Alberta.

University of Alberta — If you’re a fan of sports, science, nature or history, then head south of the river to the University of Alberta. Established in 1908, this sprawling centre of advanced educa-tion has garnered international acclaim for its advances in the fields of science and medicine. It’s also home to the new Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute, the first of its kind in Canada, as well as the National Institute for Nanotechnology, Canada’s centre for cutting edge micro systems and nanotechnology research.

Accessible River Valley — Nature lovers can walk, jog or bike along the scenic North Saskatchewan River Valley — the largest stretch of urban parkland in North America — with its many golf courses and its extensive network of trails. Edmonton’s Valley Zoo, located in the valley’s west end, houses more than 100 exotic, endangered and native species and offers educational programs and family adventures. If your passion is plants and flowers, the Muttart Conser-vatory is a horticultural haven with some 700 species of temperate and tropical plants in four glass pyramids.

Celebrating Past and Future — Canada’s largest living history museum, Fort Edmonton Park, affords glimpses of early life in Edmonton during the fur trading and pioneer eras, while the TELUS World of Science fascinates with hands-on ex-hibits and live demonstrations of leading-edge science and technology.

Just a short drive outside the city, the multi-award winning Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village, with its authentic build-ings and costumed characters, is an im-mersive experience that takes you back to the time of the pioneers.

PHOT

OS: W

EST

EDM

ONTO

N M

ALL;

WIN

TERF

ORCE

MED

IA

So close, the experience practically comes to you.Everything your delegates care about are all within steps of each other when you host your conference in Edmonton’s vibrant downtown. Accommodations that cater to any budget. Inspiring facilities. And yes, even theatre.

edmontondowntownhotels.com

EV

EN

TS

SPECIAL

Body Worlds: The Cycle of LifeMaking its Canadian debut from May 18 – October 13 at the TELUS World of Science Edmonton, The Cycle of Life shows the skeleton, muscles, nerves and organs of the human body in real life poses like never seen before! The goal of this extraordinary show is to educate audiences about the “interior face” of the human body and to recognize the anatomical beauty inside all of us. telusworldofscience.com

Cirque du Soleil: AmalunaWith an almost all-female cast of 50 artists, hailing from 15 different countries, Amaluna is a tribute to the mesmerizing work and voice of women. From May 29 – June 16, audiences will gather under the 19 metre tall Le Grand Chapiteau (Big Top Tent) and be taken on a journey to a mysterious island. Let yourself be immersed in the dazzling fusion of music, dance, acrobatics and pure fantasy. cirquedusoleil.com

Diana: A CelebrationPrincess Diana’s charm, unas-suming beauty and effortless grace touched people worldwide during her short and complex life. In this stunning exhibit, on display in West Edmonton Mall from February 9 – June 9, visitors will explore nine gal-leries full of family heirlooms, paintings, 28 designer dresses — including the royal wedding gown, priceless jewels, personal photos and more. Follow her fairytale transition from school girl to royal bride, and devoted mother to charity advocate. wem.ca

WWW.EDMONTON.COM 11

PHOT

OS: T

ELUS

WOR

LD O

F SC

IENC

E; W

EST

EDM

ONTO

N M

ALL;

CIR

QUE

DU S

OLEI

L

2013 CN Canadian Women’s OpenJoin golf fans from August 19–25 at the Royal Mayfair Golf Club as the best players from the LPGA tour battle for the cup at the 2013 CN Canadian Women’s Open. With a $2 million purse on the line, you can bet that these talented women will bring intense focus and their best game to the links. This annual competition raises support for the care of sick children in the communities in which they are hosted. To date they have raised more than $8.25 million! cncanadianwomensopen.com

Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) AwardsThis is the event that every country music fan from the Pacific to the At-lantic has been waiting for — throw on a cowboy hat and get ready to celebrate all things country! Edmonton is the proud host of this year’s annual CCMA Awards on September 8 that will feature ap-pearances and performances from some of Canada’s biggest country superstars. Join the celebration, as the hottest local, domestic and international country talent is recognized at Country Music Week. ccma.org

Edmonton International Track ClassicOn June 29, witness some of the fastest, strongest and most impressive athletes in the world as Edmonton hosts the largest event on the National Track League’s tour circuit. Formally known as the Donovan Bailey Invitational, this exhilarating competition will showcase Canada’s best track and field athletes, and will be the last chance to check out the Canadian National Team before they head to the IAAF Moscow World Champi-onships in Athletics. athleticsfestival.com/edmonton-international-track-classic

12 DESTINATION EDMONTON 2013

SPECIAL EVENTS

PHOT

OS: E

ITC;

LPG

A; D

EAN

BROD

Y

WWW.EDMONTON.COM 13

14 DESTINATION EDMONTON 2013

Edmonton Tourism is pleased to supply a variety of information and promotional materials pertinent to tour planning. Edmonton Tourism can also provide assistance in contacting hotels and step-on tour guides for tour groups. Call 780-426-4715 (tour planners), 780-496-8400 (visitor information) or visit www.edmonton.com/tourism.

Be sure to pick up your complimentary copy of WHERE Edmonton Magazine, the premier guide on where to eat, shop, go and stay in the city! Visit where.ca/digitaleditions for the online version.

Handy FactsBANKS Typical banking hours are Monday to Friday, 9:30 am – 4 pm, with some branches open evenings and weekends.

CLIMATE Edmonton enjoys four distinct seasons lending to a host of indoor and outdoor activities all year round. Temperatures generally range from as low as –20ºC in winter to as high as +25ºC in summer.

CURRENCY Canadian currency should be used and can be exchanged at any bank, trust company, credit union or currency exchange centre. The major credit cards Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club/enRoute and American Express are accepted almost everywhere.

INSURANCE All charter services operating in Alberta must carry proof of insurance. Visiting motorists must be able to produce evidence of financial responsibility should they be involved in an accident.

LANGUAGE English and French are Canada’s two official languages. While English is predominant in Alberta, many services, shops and hotels have multilingual employees.

LIQUOR LAWS The legal age for the consumption of alcoholic beverages in Alberta is 18. It is unlawful to consume liquor in a public place, or any place other than a residence or licensed premises.

TAX Edmonton has no PST (Provincial Sales Tax) but there is a four per cent tourism tax on accommodations. GST (Goods and Services Tax) is five per cent.

TIME ZONE Edmonton is in the Mountain Time Zone — one hour ahead of Pacific Time and one hour behind Central Time.

TIPPING Diners should be advised that a 15 to 20 per cent tip is considered standard, though dining establishments may include gratuities in the cost of the meal for large groups.

Visitor Information

WWW.EDMONTON.COM 15

PLANE Offering non-stop flights to more than 50 destinations across Canada, the US and overseas, the Edmonton International Airport (EIA) is one of Canada’s fastest-growing airports, and served a record-breaking 6.5 million passengers in 2012. EIA is located 30 km from downtown and serves international, national and regional airlines. The bright, modern facility features a new US Departures Terminal, retail stores, food and beverage services, an observation deck, centralized pre-board screening, free Wi-Fi, currency exchange, translation services and more. Taxi-fare from EIA to the city centre is about $48, fares to other locations are charged by a zone (not metered) rate. Sky Shuttle Bus services are available for $18 to or from downtown, the west end, or the University of Alberta and must be booked in advance. Visit flyeia.com for a complete air-port guide or call 780-890-8382 for airport customer care.

TRAIN VIA Rail’s famous train, The Cana-dian® , operates six times per week (three trips each way) through Edmonton. Rail passengers can travel east to Saskatoon, Winnipeg and Toronto, or head west to Jas-per, Kamloops and Vancouver. VIA’s depot is located at 12360-121 Street. For reservations call 1-888-842-7245 or visit www.viarail.ca.

BUS Greyhound Bus Lines provides excellent service to Edmonton from anywhere in North America. Service to and from Calgary, Red Deer and Fort McMurray is also available from Red Arrow. Both lines offer express services between major centres.

TRANSIT Edmonton’s LRT serves the down-town core with a south-side line that crosses the North Saskatchewan River to the Uni-versity of Alberta and extends southward to Southgate and Century Park. The north-side LRT line services Commonwealth Stadium, Rexall Place and Northlands, making it ideal transportation for games and special events.

Buses all converge on 20 major transit cen-tres to facilitate easy transfers from one bus

route to another. Edmonton Transit also of-fers an express bus between West Edmonton Mall, the Shaw Conference Centre and many downtown hotels. Group charter services are also available.

Day passes, which provide unlimited access to LRT and Edmonton Transit routes, and Conference packages are also available to provide delegate access to Edmonton Transit services at a reasonable cost. Call 780-496-1600 for information.

TAXIS Taxis are usually on hand at hotels, shopping centres and major venues. In areas without taxi stands, it’s usually quicker to phone for service rather than hail a cab.

CAR Edmonton’s location on the Trans-Canada Yellowhead Highway offers smooth driving access to cities and communities across Western Canada. Situated near the geographic centre of Alberta, Edmonton is 514 km north of the Canada/U.S. border with Montana; 294 km east of Jasper, and 404 km northeast of Banff. For periods of up to 12 months, the entry of vehicles and trailers into Alberta for touring purposes is generally a routine matter without any duty or fee. Your U.S. or international driver’s license is valid while driving in Alberta.

Getting AroundPH

OTOS

: IST

OCKP

HOTO

.COM

; TRA

VEL

ALBE

RTA

Frequently Called NumbersPolice/Ambulance/Fire 911

Police Dispatch Line (non-emergency) 780-423-4567 or 377 (mobile phones only)

Directory Assistance 411

Environment Canada Weather Service 780-468-4940

ETS BusLink 780-496-1600

Road Reports 511

Special Assistance (for persons with disabilities) 780-496-5822

16 DESTINATION EDMONTON 2013

Offering over 100,000 square feet of conference space, Edmonton’s Southside Destination Hotels provide you with the amenities, convenience and comfort to ensure successful connections.

stayedmontonsouth.comexperience it now at

Offering over 100,000 square feet of conference space, Edmonton’s Southside Destination Hotels provide you with the amenities, convenience and comfort to ensure successful connections.

stayedmontonsouth.comexperience it now at

ALWAYSMEETINGEXPECTATIONS

ALWAYSMEETINGEXPECTATIONS

For more information on group tours,convention packages or meeting space,call 1-877-665-9931

ACCOMMODATING MOST

NEW Renaissance Hotel at EIA — Scheduled to open in the summer of 2013 at the Edmonton International Airport (EIA), this will be the first Renaissance Hotel in Alberta. Visitors can take advantage of the Live Life to Discover program that places emphasis on local music, art and entertainment, as well as encouraging travellers to take the time to explore hidden gems in the community. The 213 spacious rooms — including a presidential suite — will feature modular solid walls and triple-glazed glass that will completely eliminate any aircraft noise. Functional public space, 1,858 square metres of meeting and special event space and superior wired and wireless Internet will also be available. renaissance-hotels.marriott.com

TripAdvisor’s 7th Trendiest Hotel in Canada 2012: Matrix — This sleek, custom-designed boutique hotel is located in Edmonton’s downtown core, within walking distance of transit, the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, corporate office towers, boutiques, restaurants, entertainment and the iconic river valley. All guest rooms include exclusive amenities and over 790 square metres of meeting, business and special event space is available. www.matrixedmonton.com

Edmonton showcases

a remarkable collection

of hotels with more than

13,000 guest rooms that

offer deluxe amenities

and technology-friendly

conference facilities�

From the majestic Fair-

mont Hotel Macdonald

— one of the city’s best-

loved historical land-

marks — to a host of suite

hotels, motels and bed &

breakfasts, Greater Ed-

monton’s accommoda-

tions offer something for

every taste and budget�

WWW.EDMONTON.COM 17

“Excellent venue, first-rate hotels and working with Edmonton Tourism��� was especially beneficial!”

- Sarah Pettenuzzo Canadian Public Health Association

PHOT

OS: M

ATRI

X HO

TEL;

MAR

RIOT

T

18 DESTINATION EDMONTON 2013

PIZZAZZEdmonton Expo Centre — The Edmonton Exposition and Conference Centre offers space of over 48,310 square metres and is unquestionably the premier venue in Western Canada and the largest west of Toronto. The Expo Centre integrates high-tech features with flexible, adaptable indoor space to make room for the biggest and best in trade and consumer shows, conferences and special events. It boasts four exhibit halls, a grand ballroom and world-class conference and catering services. The gallery spaces connect the halls and provide the most state-of-the-art technology and business services to ensure the best trade show experience and business environment. www.edmontonexpocentre.com

The Art Gallery of Alberta — The Art Gallery of Alberta (AGA) is a centre of excellence for the visual arts in Western Canada, connecting people, art and ideas. The AGA is focused on the de-velopment and presentation of original, contemporary and historical art from Alberta, Canada and around the world. The AGA also offers a full-range of art education and public programs. With 7,897 square metres, this state-of-the-art facility can cater to a variety of intimate events, including corporate functions, lectures, theatre productions and weddings. www.youraga.ca

Oasis Edmonton Conference Centre — Located in west Edmonton, this conference/educational facility has a magnificent marble interior and private grounds that bring stunning elegance and sophistication to your conference, presentation or event. It offers three-tiered and balcony seat-ing for up to 855 people. www.oasiscentre.com

Shaw Conference Centre — The Shaw Conference Centre is dedicated to providing green solu-tions for you and your delegates. This eco-friendly, award-winning venue has 18,580 square metres of modern and versatile meeting and exhibit space. A total of 3,000 hotel guest rooms are located within walking distance of the centre, many connected by an indoor pedestrian walkway system. www.shawconferencecentre.com

Keep it

Give Your Meeting Some

Created in partnership with Edmonton Tourism and leading local hospitality organizations, FRESH addresses the changing needs in con-ference planning and assists those who want to add environmental and cultural components to their events.

According to the United States’ Environmental Protection Agency, the average conference delegate produces the equivalent of two large garbage bags of trash over a three-day event. In Edmonton, this is no longer the case.

Our Eco Report Card allows organizers to ac-curately measure and compare the environ-mental impact of their events, and our Green Meeting Guide is full of eco-friendly itineraries.

Another key compo-nent to our FRESH way of thinking is to weave Edmon-ton’s rich and diverse range of cultural and en-tertainment options into your plans. Put nature on the program in our river valley, consider holding a session in the spectacular Art Gallery of Alberta or work with Edmonton Festival City in a Box planners to invite performers from one of the city’s marquee festivals to entertain your guests.

In one

year alone, the

Shaw reduced its

garbage output by

40 per cent!

PHOT

OS: E

DMON

TON

EXPO

CEN

TRE;

OAS

IS C

ENTR

E; E

DMON

TON

TOUR

ISM

West Edmonton MallThe home of The Santa Maria

All member hotels minutes from West Edmonton Mall

shop

play

meet

stay

www.destinationwestedmonton.com

EXPERIENCE THE DISTINCTIVE

DESTINATIONS OF EDMONTON’S

WEST END!

FESTIVALCITY

20 DESTINATION EDMONTON 2013PH

OTOS

: TRA

VEL

ALBE

RTA;

EDM

ONTO

N TO

URIS

M; I

STOC

KPHO

TO.C

OM

WWW.EDMONTON.COM 21

10th ANNUAL ICE ON WHYTEJan 25-Feb 3

For the last 10 years, three semi loads of ice have been unloaded in Old Strathcona for this exciting, creative competition. Enjoy stunning sculptures, live music, delicious food and even a giant ice slide! iceonwhyte.ca

25th FREEWILL SHAKESPEARE FESTIVALJun 25-Jul 21

The Freewill Players bring the comedy, romance and tragedy of Shakespeare’s iconic plays to life under the stars in the beautiful Haw-relak Park. freewillshakespeare.com

EDMONTON INTERNATIONAL STREET PERFORMERS FESTIVALJul 5-14

You never know who you’ll run into when roving artists take to the streets for a variety of shows, featuring magic, comedy, puppets, juggling, storytelling, music, fire and more! edmontonstreetfest.com

A TASTE OF EDMONTONJul 18-27

Dozens of Edmonton’s finest chefs create special menus for this white-tented, 10-day affair held downtown in Sir Winston Churchill Square. Sample a variety

of delicious food, wine and beer while enjoying live music and street performers. eventsedmonton.ca/taste

K-DAYSJul 19-28

This action-packed extravaganza of carnival activities kicks off with a parade and follows with a non-stop week of live entertainment, midway games, thrilling rides, unique food, chuckwagon races and extravagant nightly fireworks. k-days.com

SERVUS HERITAGE FESTIVALAug 3-5

Outdoor pavilions house ethnic music and dancing, arts and crafts displays, cultural demonstrations, traditional costumes and the exotic cuisines of over 75 cultures! heritage-festival.com

EDMONTON FOLK MUSIC FESTIVALAug 8-11

Global stars of folk, blues, bluegrass and gospel genres from around the world come together for four blissful days at this open-air festival where the Gallagher Park hillside serves as a natural amphitheatre. edmontonfolkfest.org

EDMONTON INTERNATIONAL FRINGE THEATRE FESTIVALAug 15-25

This phenomenal alternative theatre fest is the largest and oldest of its kind in North America with over 1,200 shows and performances from over 200 theatre companies. Venues are located in the Old Strathcona area with roving street performers only adding to the festive spirit! fringetheatreadventures.ca

SYMPHONY UNDER THE SKYAug 30-Sep 2

The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra is in top form during this five-day al fresco summer extravaganza of classical music, pop-culture favourites and famous film scores. edmontonsymphony.com

LITFEST: EDMONTON’S NON-FICTION FESTIVALOct 17-27

Canada’s only festival of non-fiction literature combines lively readings and discussions, by talented local, national and international writers, with music, gourmet food and select wines. litfestalberta.org

CANADIAN FINALS RODEO (CFR)Nov 6-10

The most hardcore cowboys, cowgirls and animals of professional rodeo ride into Edmonton for five days of non-stop, heart-pounding competition! cfr.ca

FESTIVALCITYAs a practiced and pol-

ished host to the world,

each year Edmonton

welcomes hundreds of

thousands of internation-

al guests to conferences

and athletic events� The

city has proudly hosted

Universiade, World Figure

Skating Championships,

four Canadian Football

League Grey Cups and

much more� Edmonton is

Canada’s festival city —

where festivals are live all

year with more than 30

major festivals through-

out the year, celebrating

music, visual arts, dance,

performing arts, sports,

film and more�

Here’s a taste of what’s happening in 2013�

Visit edmonton�com/festivalcity to find out more!

Ride a Segway — Edmonton’s river valley is North America’s largest urban parkland, criss-crossed with scenic trails, greenery, water and wildlife. What better way to experience its 160 km of trails than by gliding along on a Segway? Put your city visit on a roll with Segway Edmonton and their one-of-a-kind tours. www.segwayedmonton.com

West Edmonton Mall — This mega-mall boasts over 800 retail stores, 100 eating establishments and 10 world-class theme park attractions. Covering 48 city blocks — that’s equivalent to 115 football fields — West Edmonton Mall thrills the millions of visitors who explore its shopping, dining and entertaining delights annually! www.wem.ca

Art Gallery of Alberta — This visually-alive swirl of glass, steel and zinc highlights the culture and class of the downtown Arts District. Thought-provoking exhibitions showcase Albertan, Canadian and international artists, and the venue hosts speakers and films regularly. www.youraga.ca

Fort Edmonton Park — Take a journey back in time to Edmonton’s living history museum that boasts a replica of the 1846 fort, a beautiful re-creation of the original Capitol Theatre, a working steam locomotive and re-created historical streets of 1885, 1905 and 1920. www.fortedmontonpark.ca

Edmonton’s world-class attractions let you feel the pulse of the city� From museums

to theatres, gardens to galleries and roller coasters to waterslides

— not to mention all-day shopping excursions and big-league

sporting events — the heart of the city keeps a lively beat�

TREASURESExplore Edmonton’s

Edmonton Attractions PassWith one convenient pass, you’ll gain admission to Edmonton’s must-see attractions that offer a fun variety of history, culture, nature, science, art and events. Choose the Ultimate Pass, which is good for one entry to each of the 16 participating attractions in a calendar year, or the U-Pick Pass that offers entry into any four participating attractions over a seven-day period. www.EdmontonAttractions.com

22 DESTINATION EDMONTON 2013PH

OTOS

: GOV

ERNM

ENT

OF A

LBER

TA; E

DMON

TON

TOUR

ISM

; CIT

Y OF

EDM

ONTO

N

WWW.EDMONTON.COM 23

FABULOUS FIFTIESTHEReynolds-Alberta Museum presents

Reynolds-Alberta Museum6426-40 Ave.2 km west of Wetaskiwin on Hwy 13. Phone: 1.780.361.1351Toll free: 1.800.661.4726

www.ReynoldsAlbertaMuseum.com

May 18, 2013 - Oct 14, 2014

crUISE THrOUgH THE FABULOUS FIFTIES wITH USSee how post-war optimism took shapeon four wheels:

· Designer Influences: the People behind the Designs· Car Tunes · Drive-Ins · Only in Canada· Foreign Invasion · Chrome Dreams: Colour and Style· Aviation Influence - From Wings to Tail Fins

Historic Sites and Museums, Alberta Culture

780-424-2628 9734 - 98 AveEdmonton, AB www.edmontonqueen.com

An experience unlike any other...

family fun • dinner cruises • special events

TREASURES

In a region with 3,500 dining establishments to

choose from, Edmonton restaurateurs draw upon a

world of variety to cook up anything you desire�

The diversity of dishes reaches far beyond Alberta’s bor-ders from chefs who happily accommodate large groups, and can add a personal touch with custom menus that

reflect special dietary needs such as vegan, gluten-free and organic. Many also offer

private banquet facilities, entertainment and off-premise catering to turn your meeting or special event into a crowd-pleaser.

Delicious PossibilitiesFrom quiet and business-like to energetic

and casual, Edmonton restaurants offer a wide range of dining experiences with attentive, professional service. If live entertainment tops your agenda, many city restaurants also fea-ture performers on select evenings. With such a delicious selection of possibilities,

finding restaurants to accommodate you and your group will be easy. Narrow-

ing the selection down to one will be the challenge.

Bon appétit!

Corso 32, offering a modern take on rustic Italian flavour, and Tres Carnales (below), featuring delicious authentic Mexican food, are both on the list of Top 50 Best Places to Eat in Canada!

PHOT

OS: S

IMON

SM

OTKO

WIC

Z; C

URTI

S RO

LF; S

TEFA

NE B

ERUB

E

A World of Variety

WWW.EDMONTON.COM 25

Consider giving your gathering a tasty, distinctive flavour with entrées prepared from locally grown, farm-fresh favourites. Two-thirds of Alberta ranches raise cattle that have won a global following for their rich, flavourful, grain-fed meat. Central Alberta has grown into a hub for cheese makers and dairy farmers; market gardens harvest produce such as squash and potatoes; and rich fields to the south of Edmonton yield canola, wheat, corn and berries. All of the above come to-gether as creative, satisfying entrées at restaurants proud to serve regional cuisine.

Get it fresh! Support local farmers and artisans at one

of Edmonton’s popular farmers’ markets!

Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market — This bustling year-round covered market offers an impressive array of local fresh produce, meats, baked goods, crafts and more! osfm.ca

City Market — In the summer months, vendors, food trucks and street performers take over the 4th Street Promenade

creating the feel of a weekly festival in the heart of the city. In the winter, you can find this market every Saturday in City Hall. city-market.ca

124 Grand Market — Edmonton’s newest market combines everything that we love about summer — trendy food trucks, live entertainment, artists, crafts, shopping, fresh and local foods every Thursday night from May to September in the ‘grand’ outdoors! 124grandmarket.com

Home-Grown Flavour

PHOT

OS: G

OVER

NMEN

T OF

ALB

ERTA

; CIT

Y OF

EDM

ONTO

N; 1

24 G

RAND

MAR

KET

26 DESTINATION EDMONTON 2013

Come visit this outdoor living history museum telling the story of Ukrainian settlement in Alberta (1892-1930)History brought to life with authentic food and pioneer experiences at the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village.

Historybrought Lifeto

780.662.3640 | 25 minutes east of Edmonton on Hwy. 16

ukrainianvillage.caHistoric Sites and Museums, Alberta Culture Government

Parc national Elk Island National Park

1.780.922.5790

Come outdoors & play!

Venez jouer dehors avec nous! 45 minutes east of Edmonton

45 minutes à l’est d’Edmonton

Nurture your green thumb at the Devonian Botanic Garden (left), hit the links at a Jack Nicklaus designed golf course or take your pick of fresh produce, meats and goods at the St. Albert Farmers’ Market. Nearby communities also boast major performance facilities, such as Festival Place in Sherwood Park, The Arden Theatre in St. Albert, the Horizon Stage in Spruce Grove and the Shell Theatre in the Sherritt Cultural Pavilion in the Dow Centennial Centre in Fort Saskatchewan.

GREATER EDMONTON

Heritage Lives OnThe rich Alberta farmland east of Edmonton was largely homesteaded by Ukrainian immigrant families whose toil and traditions transformed east central Alberta from 1892 to 1930. With costumed players and historic buildings, the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village is an outdoor living museum that tells their compelling story of life in a new land. www.history.alberta.ca/ukrainianvillage

Elk Island National ParkLocated east of Edmonton on Hwy 16, Elk Island National Park is Canada’s first federal wildlife preserve and one of the nation’s smallest national parks at 194 square kilometres. Renowned for its wildlife and bird-watching opportunities, Elk Island is home to more than 250 species of birds and 40 species of mammals — including more than 1,000 plains and wood bison, elk, moose, deer, beaver and coyote. Elk Island is the sole remaining place in Alberta where all the grazing species of Canada’s aspen parkland ecosystem co-exist. Open year-round, Elk Island features more than 100 km of nature trails for hiking or cross-country skiing, picnic spots, camping and canoeing. If time permits, play a round of golf on the park’s challenging nine-hole course.

WWW.EDMONTON.COM 27

Offers Options for Everyone

PHOT

OS: P

AUL

SWAN

SON;

TRA

VEL

ALBE

RTA

Jasper National Park Situated in the majestic Rocky Mountains, Jasper National Park lies four hours west of Edmonton. This all-season playground is a part of the Canadian Rocky Mountains UNESCO World Heritage Site. The United Nations protects World Heritage Sites, considered to be of outstanding universal value, for future generations.

BEYOND EDMONTON

Edmonton is only the

starting point. From here,

you’re minutes away

from nearby cities and

towns, and only hours

away from destinations

that offer unique host site

possibilities.

28 DESTINATION EDMONTON 2013

— Minutes Away From So Much More

Alberta’s North Nowhere does the legend of Alberta’s endless blue skies live up to its reputa-tion better than in the north. Experience the energy of Fort McMurray with a tour of Alberta’s famous oil sands, a night sky viewing of the Aurora Borealis (northern lights), Aboriginal culture, dog-sledding and boreal wilderness adventures. With only five per cent of Alberta’s population, the magnificent north offers unpopulated expanses of parkland, forests and lakes — dotted with towns and dynamic young cities — all easily accessible by safe highways.

PHOT

OS: T

RAVE

L AL

BERT

A

WWW.EDMONTON.COM 29

LEDUC #1 ENERGY DISCOVERY CENTRE

To Know Alberta is to Know the Oil Industry

Featuring award-winning

films, 200+ exhibits, drilling

rigs in action and stories

from the patch

leducnumber1.com / 780-987-4323Located 2 km south of Devon on Hwy 60

Devonian Botanic GarDen aWaKen your SenSeS!190 acres to delight the senses, just minutes west of Edmonton

Open daily May to Thanksgiving

devonian.ualberta.ca | 780.987.3054Located in Parkland county, 5 kms north of Devon on Hwy 60

30 DESTINATION EDMONTON 2013

We’re Here To Help!Edmonton Tourism (a division of Edmonton Economic Development Corporation) is a destination marketing organization

(DMO) responsible for promoting travel to the Greater Edmonton Region� Edmonton Tourism’s team of experts is here to

provide assistance, supplier contacts and collateral material on Edmonton and area for the development of group and

independent tour programs, conferences, meetings and conventions�

Conference Services — Edmonton Tourism works in partnership with numerous venues, accommodations, attractions and local partners to optimize your success when planning a conference in Edmonton. Our expertise and connections within the city allows us to provide customized ideas for you and your delegates delivering support that is beyond the “cookie cutter” experience. Our Conference Services team looks forward to creating tailor-made solutions for your group.

Meetings and Conventions — Edmonton offers diverse venues to meet all needs. Whether it is Western Canada’s largest exhibition space, a spectacular art gallery’s northern lights-inspired architecture, or the breathtaking 270-degree view of North America’s largest urban parkland out your window, your attendees will enjoy world-class facilities and amenities. We understand that every event is a big event and we want to partner with you to make your program the success you envision. Our creativity and local expertise is second-to-none. Let us help you make your next event an experience!

Travel Trade — Edmonton, Canada's festival city welcomes visitors year-round with thriving arts and festivals including the internationally renowned folk, fringe and street performers’ festivals; natural beauty; eclectic neighbourhoods; and icon attractions. Want to know more? Let Edmonton Tourism assist by providing you with information about Edmonton, collateral materials and images, itinerary, familiarization tour and site visit assistance, as well as connect you with our 500 industry partners.

Connect With Us!

3rd Floor, 9990 Jasper Avenue Edmonton, AB T5J 1P7 780-426-4715 Toll-free: 1-877-917-7626

“I can’t thank you enough for all you have done, this type of service is hard to find anymore! I will be sure to recommend you to others�”- Bea Dennis

Metalex Metal Buildings

PHOT

O: D

ESIG

NPIC

S

EDMONTON CALGARY REGINA SASKATOON WINNIPEG

Your Comfort Zone

Call for a consultation

Relax and deliver a Winning Presentation.

Event Staging Meetings & Conferences Webcasting & Videoconferencing Simultaneous Interpretation ... and more

1.800.587.4004 www.inlandAV.ca

EDMONTON TOURISM

3rd Floor, 9990 Jasper Avenue, World Trade Centre Edmonton, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5J 1P7

1-800-463-4667 (Canada/USA) | 780-426-4715 (In Edmonton)

www.edmonton.com