TRAVEL

The home of the Oilers is slicker than ever

Edmonton might just be the coolest city in Canada right now. No, really.

THIS PAST SUMMER, the Art Gallery of Alberta launched an exhibition of Wayne Gretzky portraits by pop master Andy Warhol. Appealing to sports fans and art lovers alike, the display reflected a shift that’s in progress in the provincial capital. See, Edmonton — otherwise best known for its shopping mall — is leveraging a passion for Canada’s game to fuel its transformation into a more confident, more cosmopolitan metropolis.

At the root of its reinvention is Rogers Place, the sweeping hockey arena just built downtown. No matter how Connor Mcdavid plays this season, the facility is a win for visitors, having already ignited development in the surrounding area. The refurbished Mercer Warehouse building nearby, for instance, now holds an eclectic basement retail market. Across the street, the outdoor Neon Sign Museum transforms local retail history into a Vegas Strip–style attraction. Past, meet present. For more evidence of the city’s march forward, look to its food scene. Rising star Daniel Costa opened his first Italian restaurant, Corso 32, amidst the office towers of Jasper Avenue five years ago and has since launched two additional hit eateries. Craving craft beer pairings? Head south. Upscale brew pub Biera is the key draw at Ritchie Market, the brainchild of doctor turned video game developer turned brewer Greg Zeschuk.

A mural painted near City Hall pays tribute to these intrepid entrepreneurs. “Take a risk,” it reads. “It’s the most Edmonton thing you can do.” And while booking a winter trip to this capital of cold might feel daring, take that art as your reassurance that it’s well worth the shot.