What to do on a vacation? And, more importantly, where to go? OY! The possibilities are endless. Really, freaking endless. The image, for me, that comes to mind is what the typical American would think. A nice beach, 80 degree weather, Children complaining being board out of their minds, a Pina-colada, sand in my crevices, a sunburn on my shoulders, a random woman on the beach pedaling knick-knack what nots at tourist trap prices, and seagulls trying to steal my food. Also, sun-shine so bright that I have to close one eye and squint out the other just to barely see anything. Not, that I would anyway because there’s an oily streak of sunblock on my glasses that no matter how much I scrub and rub my glasses – refuses to go away. And, just to top it off a very unattractive person who decides to settle down right in front of me, blocking my view of the tranquil, and surprisingly, very cold ocean in front of me.
Does the beach still sound like a nice place to vacation? There is a great deal of nostalgia for the beach, I will admit. Though, why not instead think about comfortable Canada, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada – specifically.
“Edmonton? What? Why would I go there?” you may be asking yourself/me, right now. Well for one thing, this is “One Cold Tourist” after all, so you probably already have some interest in Canada as a place to visit. And, since this is “One Cold Tourist” let me tell you why Edmonton is so cool. Cool-fun, not cool-cold. Although…. Never mind, let’s just get into what Edmonton has to offer.
Firstly, let’s look at the one thing, if one’s going to a mountainous area, to do. What’s that, you ask? Well, duh…, hiking – hiking of course. So what’s a good hiking trail near Edmonton?
(Now, let me warn you. I actually, have never been to Canada. This blog is meant as a place for me to present my research on Alberta Canada, and also, hopefully, help others in their research.)
For a hike, or just a nice walk outside, try – possibly – the “Mill Creek Ravine Trail”, it’s actually located right inside the city limits. This video, I found on Youtube, I’m sure would be able to describe the trail, and its accompanying park far better than I could. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMwxtScBEhE) Based on watching the video the park/trail has some dingy parts – like graffiti on a few walls, but generally – I think it would be a great place to take in some nature on you trip.
Another place, for hiking, that may be worth your while, if you wouldn’t mind taking a bit of a jaunt outside of the city is a hike in “ Elk Island National Park”. Now that sounds like a good time. The park is located only an hour outside of Edmonton. Wow! How cool would that be to have a national park only an hour away? You could sleep soundly in a great hotel in down town Edmonton. Then spend the day hiking on any one of the many trails in the park. And, be back to the city in time for a mighty fine dinner. Sounds better than sand in the crevices to me. Here’s another video that might show the park and its trails far better than I could. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEzmKL1xlIc)
Okay, Okay. So hiking, it’s possible may not really be so to your liking. Honestly, it’s really not mine either . I personally, do like hiking but sadly my feet don’t. I have some major feet issues. With that in mind, why not do some walking that you get something out of in the end. Yep, shopping. Everybody likes shopping. Well… maybe not husbands waiting with their wives’ purses. But still, Edmonton has some great shopping venues. The biggest, and arguably the best, is the “West Edmonton Mall”. According to the mall’s web site it is, “ home to more than 800 stores and services including 10 world-class attractions, two hotels, over 100 dining venues, the widest variety of one-of-a-kind retailers, and entertainment for all ages. Average yearly visitation is approximately 30.8 million, making West Edmonton Mall the province's number-one tourist attraction.” (http://www.wem.ca/about-wem/overview) And, if after you’ve taken a slice of the retail pie at the “ West Edmonton Mall”, and still are hungry for more, try walking down historic Whyte Avenue, in the Strathcona area. The area is known for being very local, meaning less leakage of you tourism dollars. Here’s a video about Whyte Avenue. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxEl4YObaB8) There’s even a shop shown at the end of the video called “High Way 420”, which I think speaks to the area’s rather liberal feeling. Who’da Thunk?
Want More? Well then read Part II.
Does the beach still sound like a nice place to vacation? There is a great deal of nostalgia for the beach, I will admit. Though, why not instead think about comfortable Canada, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada – specifically.
“Edmonton? What? Why would I go there?” you may be asking yourself/me, right now. Well for one thing, this is “One Cold Tourist” after all, so you probably already have some interest in Canada as a place to visit. And, since this is “One Cold Tourist” let me tell you why Edmonton is so cool. Cool-fun, not cool-cold. Although…. Never mind, let’s just get into what Edmonton has to offer.
Firstly, let’s look at the one thing, if one’s going to a mountainous area, to do. What’s that, you ask? Well, duh…, hiking – hiking of course. So what’s a good hiking trail near Edmonton?
(Now, let me warn you. I actually, have never been to Canada. This blog is meant as a place for me to present my research on Alberta Canada, and also, hopefully, help others in their research.)
For a hike, or just a nice walk outside, try – possibly – the “Mill Creek Ravine Trail”, it’s actually located right inside the city limits. This video, I found on Youtube, I’m sure would be able to describe the trail, and its accompanying park far better than I could. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMwxtScBEhE) Based on watching the video the park/trail has some dingy parts – like graffiti on a few walls, but generally – I think it would be a great place to take in some nature on you trip.
Another place, for hiking, that may be worth your while, if you wouldn’t mind taking a bit of a jaunt outside of the city is a hike in “ Elk Island National Park”. Now that sounds like a good time. The park is located only an hour outside of Edmonton. Wow! How cool would that be to have a national park only an hour away? You could sleep soundly in a great hotel in down town Edmonton. Then spend the day hiking on any one of the many trails in the park. And, be back to the city in time for a mighty fine dinner. Sounds better than sand in the crevices to me. Here’s another video that might show the park and its trails far better than I could. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEzmKL1xlIc)
Okay, Okay. So hiking, it’s possible may not really be so to your liking. Honestly, it’s really not mine either . I personally, do like hiking but sadly my feet don’t. I have some major feet issues. With that in mind, why not do some walking that you get something out of in the end. Yep, shopping. Everybody likes shopping. Well… maybe not husbands waiting with their wives’ purses. But still, Edmonton has some great shopping venues. The biggest, and arguably the best, is the “West Edmonton Mall”. According to the mall’s web site it is, “ home to more than 800 stores and services including 10 world-class attractions, two hotels, over 100 dining venues, the widest variety of one-of-a-kind retailers, and entertainment for all ages. Average yearly visitation is approximately 30.8 million, making West Edmonton Mall the province's number-one tourist attraction.” (http://www.wem.ca/about-wem/overview) And, if after you’ve taken a slice of the retail pie at the “ West Edmonton Mall”, and still are hungry for more, try walking down historic Whyte Avenue, in the Strathcona area. The area is known for being very local, meaning less leakage of you tourism dollars. Here’s a video about Whyte Avenue. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxEl4YObaB8) There’s even a shop shown at the end of the video called “High Way 420”, which I think speaks to the area’s rather liberal feeling. Who’da Thunk?
Want More? Well then read Part II.