Shopaholics from Canada’s west—or similarly afflicted international visitors to Alberta‘s capital city—could be forgiven for assuming that Edmonton’s consumer cornucopia is basically a really big mall.
It’s perfectly understandable under the circumstances. After all, West Edmonton Mall is massive. We’re talking 800 stores and services at over 492,000 sq m (5.3 million sq ft). A hotel, the world’s biggest indoor amusement park and an indoor water park are among the attractions. In short, this is the biggest mall in North America.
But that’s hardly the only shopping Edmonton offers (as if you needed any more). Consider Old Strathcona, with its 600 businesses—including 54 clothing stores and 20 gift shops—housed in a historic section of Edmonton in buildings that trace their roots to the glory days of the railroad, with an old-world ambiance and wealth of structures dating from the 19th century. The ‘hood even has its own music festival.
Also, try the 124th Street/High Street area, where Edwardian homes share the landscape with cobbled sidewalks and charming street lanterns, a wealth of art galleries and 125 shops—from high fashion to bakeries—along with 27 places to refuel before you shop some more. This area also boasts live theatre in the unlikely event you cure yourself of the shopping bug.
Best yet, you don’t even have to do all that work on your own. One local company, Sophies Rubies, can put it all together for you: chauffeured tours, selected designer boutiques, plus weekend shopping packages that include accommodation.
www.travelalberta.com
video:
Gallery Walk in Edmonton
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2qzY6pEi6A