The capital of Alberta, located at the centre of the province, was originally established as a remote trading post by the Hudson Bay Company in 1795. In 1795, Edmonton House was established as a Hudson Bay Trading Post. This created the foundation of which the city of Edmonton was built around. The beautiful river valley "band of green" parklands, which follows the North Saskatchewan River through the city, gives Edmonton many miles of hiking and biking trails which double as cross country ski trails in the winter. Edmonton has more parkland per capita then any other Canadian city!

With the Klondike Gold Rush in 1897, the population grew as thousands came to seek their fortunes as they continued their final leg of their journey to the Yukon. Many of those who were seeking gold settled in Edmonton and by 1904, Edmonton was incorporated into a city.

In 1947 with the major oil discovery in Leduc Alberta, just southwest of Edmonton, they were branded "The oil capital of Alberta". Edmonton established the area as a hub for the petrochemical industry. They were also the "Gateway to the North", shipping much needed medical supplies, food, and other necessities to remote northern communities. The spacious well-planned city is also famed for its huge parks, which sit on the banks of the North Saskatchewan River.Industries continue to boom, and Edmonton remains a very popular spot for visitors and tourists from all over the world.

Edmonton hosts a variety of attractions for visitors and residents and is known as Canada's Festival City. It has multi-cultural events each summer that include 9 festivals such as the Visual Arts Celebration, the International Jazz Festival, the Fringe Theatre Event, and Heritage Days Festival.

Visitors will enjoy visiting Edmonton's "claim to fame", the West Edmonton Mall! This mall is the largest in the world with over 800 stores and services and attractions such as theatres, restaurants, nightclubs, aviaries, aquaria and museums; Galaxy, World Water Park, Deep Sea Adventure, Europa Golf and the Ice Palace. Shopping has never been more convenient, or fun! While at the mall, stay in one of the many theme rooms offered by The Fantasyland Hotel located right in the mall!

Today, Edmonton has grown to a population of over 660,000 people and it's land mass covers over 680 square kilometers.