Edmonton Romance
Edmonton is a conventional oil boomtown that has not succumbed to the pressures of uncontrolled development and turned into a concrete jungle - even the air seems freer in Edmonton. Its biggest resource is the greenery with the parks and recreational facilities. Do not be fooled by its homeliness, the city has a penchant for sophistication as well, with many nice fine dining restaurants. Edmonton's most striking feature is the green valley of the North Saskatchewan River, which cuts through the city from the northeast to the southwest.
To experience a variety of emotions, start the day by going to the vast West Edmonton Mall, which offers many options. Bring out the child in you by visiting the roller coaster at the world's largest indoor amusement park located within the mall. Get wet at the World Waterpark, the world's largest indoor wave pool. You might fancy catching a game at the recreation room, which features 25 billiard tables, a 25-lane bowling center, and an arcade with the latest interactive games. There is a National Hockey League-size ice-skating rink, the world's largest indoor artificial lake, a dolphin show, and a 64,000-square-foot Las Vegas-style casino. Try a new golfing experience at an 18-hole miniature-golf course. If walking is too much trouble, try one of the electric scooters.
Jasper Avenue
Old Strathcona, used to be separate from the main city of Edmonton, but is now the favorite place of University students to hang out, thus making the atmosphere very young and perfect for romance. It is also home to the best of bars, chic clubs, and restaurants. This is the place you can come if you want to catch a play or pick up knick-knacks at the trendy boutiques.
Jasper Avenue
It is impossible to get your fill of main town Edmonton, but if you feel like exploring a little bit outside the city, then within easy driving distance of Edmonton are beautiful natural areas, national and provincial parks, low-key prairie towns, and historic sites. Along the riverbank winds Waskasoo Park, which is filled with pedestrian and bike paths and cross-country ski trails. You can go fishing at Bower Ponds, make merry by taking a hayride at Heritage Ranch, and consider cooling off when the heat gets a bit much at Discovery Canyon Water Park. Edmonton is quite the unexplored and unexploited hidden treasure in the heart of Canada.
