VISITORS RAVE ABOUT CITY, BUT MORE CAN BE DONE
One surefire way to suddenly feel better about life in Edmonton? Go to TripAdvisor and read the glowing reviews about this city’s top attractions.
It’s easy to forget the magic of these places, especially if you’ve been to them many times. After my umpteenth visit to Fort Edmonton and Hawrelak Park, I’ve certainly become jaded about their charms. But the TripAdvisor reviews capture the pleasure experienced by fresh-eyed visitors.
The reviews did a strong job of focusing on Edmonton’s obvious strengths, though I also note they highlighted just how much room we have to grow. Our biggest and most beautiful amenity, the North Saskatchewan River, was rarely mentioned. I’ll dig into that issue in a moment, but first, here’s how TripAdvisor users rated the Top 10 things to do in Edmonton, with a sample of outof-town commentary:
Winspear Centre. “Every show sounded great, the stage was never far away and there were no obstructions to the view,” — musicandart of Toronto.
Fort Edmonton Park. “A very well spent afternoon with my visitors from Texas, they were thoroughly entertained with all the historical facts that we learned ... Something for everyone here at the old fort,” — John G. from Red Deer.
Alberta legislature. “A classic Edmonton sight, the legislature is beautiful in all seasons and the park surrounding is great for relaxing,” — Danielle Milln of Vancouver.
High Level Bridge Streetcar.
“Great views of the city skyline and the river valley. Cheerful and knowledgeable volunteers run the cars,” — TalbotTravellers Leamington Spa, U.K.
Hawrelak Park. “This is the best park in Edmonton. Big, lots of space for kids to play. Lots of ducks and geese to feed. Lots of picnic tables and BBQ places. Paddle boat rentals. In winter the pond is great for skating,” — saraho_210 from Moncton.
Mill Creek Ravine. “We went hiking and trekking for like an hour in this place. I found the park very peaceful, quiet, clean and super green. I just know I was breathing clean air,” — Rey M from the Philippines.
Muttart Conservatory. “This
■
place is beautiful and unique. We have a botanical gardens in MTL but it is nothing like the Muttart Conservatory” — Catherine M of Montreal.
Royal Alberta Museum (No
■
comment as this rating was of old museum).
Elk Island National Park. “I
■
was planning to go to Banff and Jasper but it snowed and the roads weren’t very safe so I went to Elk Island instead. The lakes were iced but it was a beautiful and very peaceful place. I drove went around three times and got to see bison and elk,” — CManyoma of Houston.
Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market.
■ “The buzz and excitement of this farmers’ market made it an even better experience. The selection ranged from the usual staples to the unique. Sampling was the norm and the busy crowd reveals how popular it is,” — davidTAC of Calgary.
I felt uplifted reading review after review. I’d forgotten how wonderful many of these places are when you first discover them. It’s enough to make you want to spend summer holidays here.
But my leisure time isn’t often spent at these spots. Instead, almost every day, I’m in the river valley, either walking through it to work or visiting as a hiker.
The amount of exploration to be done in the ever-changing and gorgeous valley keeps such excursions invigorating, but it’s clear we’re missing an opportunity.
How can we get more tourists and Edmontonians into the valley? The new downtown funicular for young families and the disabled, with its adjoining pedestrian bridge for the masses, is a positive step that will grow rapidly in popularity, but more needs to happen in Rossdale. It’s the most likely spot for restaurant redevelopment along the river, but it’s largely untapped.
With private business often leading the way, and with city hall at last making this a priority, I expect TripAdvisor reviews in 20 years will rave about our river valley patios, restaurants and food trucks, our world-famous bike paths, the steam baths and outdoor hot pools at either Louise McKinney Park or the old Rossdale power plant, the many kilometres of paved walkways on the water’s edge and our beloved and preserved Accidental Beach.
We haven’t cracked the code of making this city as lovely as it can be, but we’re getting there.