Spending a day in Edmonton is something many folks who live in one of the surrounding towns -- Camrose,
Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, to name a few -- like to do on a weekend or day off of work. It's not a very long
drive to the city, and there is certainly more than enough to pack into one day of playing a tourist!
Truth be told, most people who visit the city, whether for a day or longer, head straight to West Edmonton Mall.
It is the city's number one attraction and has everything
to make for a day of shopping and fun. You can shop, play games, eat, go skating and even enjoy a bungee jump -- and never leave
the building. In order to fully appreciate all the Mall has to offer, especially for those who don't make it there very often,
I recommend devoting an entire day there. I have heard of people "doing the Mall" in only a couple of hours (it doesn't take that long to walk from one end to the other), but
on a very superficial level.
The same goes for Whyte Avenue, the stretch of 82nd Avenue near the University of Alberta.
That entire area has interesting shops and eateries that extend to the avenues in front and behind of it.
Since you will be walking around mostly outside, picking a day with acceptable weather is a must.
Another note, especially for those of you bringing children -- you'll need to plan ahead with regards to accessing washroom facilities. Many of the shops
do not have public washrooms, and the coffee shops and restaurants only allow patrons to use the facilities. Always make sure you
have some spending money with you. That way, you can go into a cafe and buy a pastry or a small cup of coffee, which makes you a patron of the establishment!
You can boldly ask for the keys to the washroom. Or, while you are purchasing your goodies, have your spouse take the kids to the
bathroom. "Honey, you take care of the kids and I'll get us some treats," you can exclaim as you approach the till.
The third most common reason for full-day Edmonton trips is to attend one of the city's numerous
festivals. There are usually plenty of food and washroom facilities set up
in and around the area of the event, so weather-permitting, there is really no need to go anywhere else.
Of course, after a long day you might feel too tired to go home. Fortunately, there are many hotels
in the city that sometimes can take a reservation at the last minute!
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