Edmonton , the capital city of Alberta, is alive with energy and opportunity. It is a clean, modern, environmentally-committed community that is in love with the great outdoors. Edmonton's river valley and parks system is a "ribbon of green" filled with parks and trails that wind their way along the North Saskatchewan River and throughout the heart of the city. The river valley is the largest urban park in North America. It is 22 times larger than New York's Central Park, with more than 150km of trails providing endless opportunities to explore all Edmonton has to offer, on foot, bike or cross country skis.
Edmonton is a global player, and Canada's leader, in the festival scene. Over 30 festivals take place throughout the year. Summer is primetime for festivals as organizers can take full advantage of up to 17 hours of daylight to promote fun in the city's numerous outdoor settings. Highlights include the Edmonton International Fringe Festival (theatre), The Heritage Festival (Canada's longest-established multicultural celebration which celebrates the flavours, performances and crafts of more than 60 cultures), The Street Performers' Festival (the first of its kind in the world) and the internationally-acclaimed (folk) Music Festival, as well as jazz, blues and orchestral concerts. Edmonton is a year-round centre for the performing arts and cinema. It is home to over 20 theatre companies and there is a popular symphony orchestra and operatic society. Other city attractions include Old Strathcona and the Arts districts, several modern museums and galleries and Canada's largest living history museum; Fort Edmonton Park. Sports teams include the Edmonton Oilers and The Edmonton Oil Kings (Ice Hockey) and the Edmonton Eskimos (Canadian Football). Summer also features a grand prix car racing event and dragon boat races on the North Saskatchewan River. There are approximately 300 restaurants in Edmonton featuring a broad variety of ethnic and original cuisines. Transportation within the city is facilitated by an ever-expanding light rail transit (LRT) network. Edmonton International Airport boasts direct connections to Europe, the USA and other Canadian centres.
Edmonton is an easy four hour drive from the Rocky Mountains which provide opportunities for hiking, sightseeing and skiing. The countryside surrounding Edmonton includes extensive networks of lakes, parks and waterways for summer recreation. Last but not least, the cost of living in Edmonton ranks far below other large Canadian centres.
Additional information can be found on the City of Edmonton webpage, as well as Edmontons' visitors information site.