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INTRODUCTION

Edmonton is the capital of the Canadian province of Alberta, situated in the north central region of the province, an area with some of the most fertile farm land on the prairies.

At 684 km2, Edmonton is also one of the largest cities by area in North America. It is Canada's second most populous provincial capital (after Toronto) and is known as a well-rounded cultural, government, and educational centre. It plays host to a year round slate of world-class festivals, giving due credit to its title of Festival City.

Among these there's Edmonton's Capital Ex (formerly the Klondike Days Exposition), The Fringe, North America's first and largest fringe event, Edmonton International Street Performer's Festival, Edmonton Folk Music Festival, Cariwest, Canadian Finals Rodeo and many more. It has also hosted many international events, including the 2001 IAAF World Track and Field Championships, the West Edmonton Mall Grand Prix, and the 2005 World Masters Games. It is home to North America's largest mall, West Edmonton Mall, Canada's largest historical park, Fort Edmonton Park, and North America's largest collection of authentic eighteenth century ships-of-the-line.

Climate

Edmonton has a northern continental climate with extreme seasonal temperatures with one of the greatest temperature ranges in Canada.

The average temperature ranges from -16 °C (3 °F) in January to 23 °C (73 °F) in July, although over the course of a year, temperatures as high as 35 °C (95 °F) and as low as -43 °C (-45 °F) may occur.

Edmonton plays host to a year round slate of world-class festivals, giving due credit to its title of Festival City.

Nightlife

There are several key concentrations of nightlife in the city of Edmonton. The most popular is the Whyte Avenue (82nd Avenue) strip which today has the highest concentration of heritage buildings in Edmonton. Its proximity to the University of Alberta has led to a high concentration of establishments ranging from restaurants and pubs to trendy clubs while hosting a wide variety of shops during the day. This area also contains two independent movie theatres: the Garneau and Princess theatres.

Downtown Edmonton has undergone a continual process of renewal and unprecedented growth since the mid 1990s. There have always been numerous pub-type establishments which cater primarily to the office crowd such as The Rose and Crown, Sherlock Holmes', and Elephant & Castle as well as many hotel lounges and restaurants. However, the past decade has seen a strong resurgence in more mainstream venues. Various clubs such as the New City Suburbs and Halo are also to be found along Edmonton's main street, Jasper Avenue. The Edmonton City Centre mall also houses an Empire Theatres movie theatre featuring 10 screens and the non-profit Metro Cinema shows a variety of underground or alternative films every week.

West Edmonton Mall holds several after hour establishments in addition to its many stores and attractions. Bourbon Street has numerous eating establishments and clubs and casinos can also be found within the complex. Silver City, at the west end of the mall, fe0atures 13 screens and an IMAX theatre.

Attractions

Edmonton's streets and parklands are also home to one of the largest remaining concentrations of healthy American Elm trees in the world, unaffected by Dutch Elm disease, which has wiped out vast numbers of such trees in eastern North America. White Spruce, Blue Spruce, White Birch, Aspen, Green Ash, Basswood, various Poplars and Willows, and Manitoba Maple are also abundant; Bur Oak is increasingly popular. Rare exotic trees in Edmonton include Norway Maple, Red Oak, Sugar Maple and Common Horse-chestnut.

Several golf courses, both public and private, are also located in the river valley. The long summer daylight hours of this northern city provide for extended play well into the evening. Golf courses and the park system become a winter recreation area during this season. Cross-country skiing and skating is popular during the long winter. Four downhill ski slopes are located in the river valley as well, two within the city and two immediately outside.

The City of Edmonton has named five parks in its River Valley Parks System in honour of each of the "Famous Five".

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