Edmonton is welcoming the world this summer. The Festival City is hosting a series of international events, including the FIFA Women's World Cup Canada 2015 (June 6-July 4) and the Edmonton Folk Music Festival
(August 6-9). Multicultural artworks, crafts, performances, and foods
representing more than 85 nations will be featured at the Edmonton
Heritage Festival (August 1-3).
"I love the
summer mainly because of all the festivals—Heritage Days, Taste of
Edmonton, Fringe Festival, and the Street Performers Festival are a few
of my favorites,"
says Chris Szydlowski, owner of River Valley Adventure Co., which offers mountain bike rentals and guided Segway tours of the Edmonton River Valley. "This is going to be an amazing year to be in Edmonton [during the] summer, and to feel the vibe and energy of our city."
How to Get Around:
The Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) Route 747 bus provides express
service from Edmonton International Airport to Century Park station.
From here, transfer to the LRT (Light Rail Transit) Capital Line to
reach downtown hotels and festival sites. For travel throughout the
city, use the ETS Trip Planner to chart a route via bus or LRT.
Where to Stay: The 98-room Metterra Hotel on Whyte is located in the historic Old Strathcona neighborhood, home to an eclectic collection of restaurants, bars, and boutiques, and site of the Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival
(August 13-23). The hotel's design incorporates natural elements
(earth, water, fire, and air) and promotes sustainability. In 2015,
Metterra became the largest hotel in Canada to be fully powered by
clean, pollution-free electricity. Rates include breakfast and wine
tasting (daily except Sundays).
What to Eat or Drink: At local-focused North 53,
if an ingredient isn't made in Canada, it doesn't make it onto the
menu. The offerings change regularly to reflect what's available fresh.
Snacks, desserts, and small and large plates—such as a whole roasted
chicken, pork cabbage rolls, or short ribs glazed in beer—are designed
to be shared. A separate late-night menu (Fridays and Saturdays, 11
p.m.-2 a.m.) includes deliciously decadent options ranging from fried
chicken with sour cream and onion dip to cognac ice cream. Reservations
required for tables. Bar seating is first come, first served. Closed
Mondays.
What to Buy: The TIX on the Square shop, operated by the Edmonton Arts Council, stocks local Alberta products such as Bro Bricks,
handmade soaps for men. Scents range from the nostalgic and bestselling
"Barbershop" to more potent blends, including "Beer & Wasabi" and
"Rum & Coke." Saturdays, shop for artisanal gifts and baked goods
at Old Strathcona Farmers Market and City Market.
What to Watch Before You Go: The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, starring Brad Pitt and Casey Affleck, includes scenes filmed at historic Fort Edmonton Park and on the park's working 1919 Baldwin steam train.
Practical Tip: The Edmonton Folk Music Festival sells out quickly. To increase your chances of scoring an entry wristband, register for the festival's free e-newsletter, and check the online ticket swap board.
Fun Fact: Year-round, Edmonton is one of Canada's
sunniest cities, with about 2,300 total hours of sunshine annually. The
lightest and brightest days typically are in June when the sun rises at
5:30 a.m. and doesn't set until around 10 p.m.