Edmonton is the capital of Alberta

The metropolis of Edmonton is the capital of the Canadian province of Alberta.

Edmonton's prosperity is largely thanks to the discovery of oil and it has not forsaken its roots as a frontier town. The Capital EX festival (formerly the Klondike Days), held every July over 10 days, serves as an annual reminder of Edmonton's origins as a trading post and jump-off point for gold prospectors seeking their fortune in the Yukon Territory.

The most famous attraction in Edmonton is the West Edmonton Mall - the largest shopping complex in the world. Beyond the 800 or so shops and more than a hundred eateries, the facility has a water park, skating rink, amusement park, lake and more than 20 movie theatres.

Edmonton's nightlife centres around the Whyte Avenue district where you will find restaurants, boutiques and a year-round farmers' market. If you're after something less wallet-sapping, then spend some time at one of the many museums, such as the C&E Railway Museum, the Telephone Historical Centre or the Alberta Aviation Museum.

For outdoor enthusiast, Edmonton serves as a jumping off point for multiple adventure sports. Hiking, camping and boating are popular up and down the river valley, along with skiing, snowmobiling and snowboarding in the winter months.

Edmonton has a drier climate than other parts of Canada, with stinking hot mosquito-ridden summers and bitterly cold snow-covered winters.

Multiple airlines serve Edmonton International Airport and several shuttle services provide transportation into the city centre. Once in the city, many attractions are within easy walking distance or a short taxi ride from the major hotels.