Perfect Edmonton Summer Experience
User Story
Edmonton is a wonderful place in summer. But don't take our word for it. Read what the people we asked about their perfect Edmonton summer experience said and take theirs instead!
Krishna Montgomery – Edmonton, AB:
Colourful Collage
Bang! A flash in the air and colours are flying all over the place. I was standing watching it all happen. Fireworks exploding in the air with many different shapes, sizes, and colours. I am able to feel the crisp night but I’m not disturbed by it. It is peaceful watching this delightful display. I am able to faintly smell the gunpowder wisp through the air. People behind me watch in amazement as all the colours explode everywhere. Looking at a person filming, getting ready to show friends and family the amazing night of brilliant colours. Where I am standing I am able to see them perfectly up on the hills. I smell the nature of things all around me. Thinking about it now it seems like one of the best things Edmonton has to offer. Nobody should ever miss this display of beauty.
Jason Rudy – Ardrossan, AB:
Growing up in Edmonton I recall hundreds of fun-filled days, but now that I am a new father my exciting childhood memories pale in comparison to the joy I have found watching my daughter enjoying her summer in and around Edmonton. She turned 3 in May and this is going to be her first real summer of appreciating and understanding everything she is seeing and doing. It has already been a busy one with many outings in June 2010. Trips to the zoo, museum, nature center, fishing in the river, walks through the valley, parks, and yesterday’s pet day at Laurier have made this our family’s best summer ever, and it’s just started.
Irene Leung – Port Dover, ON:
My most memorable and happiest Edmonton experience was when I visited Edmonton in the summer of 2001 and experienced A Taste of Edmonton. It was a food festival from local Edmonton restaurants with lots of yummy samples to taste, and there was a grandstand where local acts would play favourite tunes. It was a really fun and memorable day for me and my husband. I even bought the Taste of Edmonton cookbook, which showcases the recipes from the restaurants in the event.
Keith Mcclelland – Calgary, AB:
I recently travelled to Edmonton with my family. We have a boy, 6, and a girl, 4. The bonus about Edmonton is there is so much to do, whether inside or outside. The Edmonton Zoo and pathways are great (next time I want to try a Segway). Also, Galaxyland in the West Edmonton Mall worked out great for the kids on a day when the weather was rainy outside. The streets are laid out well and the city is easy to get around in. I hope to be back soon…
Kikan Birgeneau – Edmonton, AB:
My most perfect moment in Edmonton was Canada Day last year. I went with all of my closest friends to Mill Woods Park to watch the fireworks. As I walked through the hundreds of people taking part in the festivities I had this overwhelming feeling of joy. The feeling of unity in my city. Everyone was happy and having a great time watching live bands and performers. Then the most amazing fireworks show. Everyone just watches as the night sky lights up with every colour of the rainbow. The feeling that you get when everyone around you is just speechless from the most spectacular light show ever, it just takes your breath away.
Dylan Schiewe – Edmonton, AB:
Born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta, this is truly my home. Working out-of-town for most of my career, I come to Edmonton on days off from work. My most perfect Edmonton summer experience was when my close friends picked me up from the airport and literally drove me straight to Hawrelak Park. We spent the day tossing a football around and having a BBQ. Nothing says "Perfect Summer Experience" more than being with those close to you in the place that you call home. To me, Edmonton is the most beautiful home there is. River valley, parks, ravines and pools – we are in an urban paradise.
Dolores Brown – Edmonton, AB:
My perfect Edmonton experience (always) is when I have my grandchildren all summer long and we take in all the events: Street Performers Festival, A Taste of Edmonton, Capital Ex, horse races, fireworks, West Edmonton Mall attractions, Cariwest parade, Fringe Theatre Festival, etc.
There is so much to entertain one during the summer months and my grandchildren love to come and stay and do it all with me. The summer goes by way too fast – as do the funds! But JOY JOY JOY!!
Candace McKibbon – Salmon Arm, BC:
I was born in Calgary, which made Edmonton trips possible on a monthly basis. My family would go and visit friends and distant relatives who lived in Edmonton. However, these trips stopped when I was ten as we moved a good 9-hour drive away. I had not been back until last spring. One night, my roommate and I spontaneously got in her car and drove through the snow and fog all night until we finally reached our destination.
The first and only thing we did was visit the very popular West Edmonton Mall. It was nothing like I remembered. We rushed inside like it was Christmas morning.
I kept experiencing great moments. I went on my first upside-down roller coaster, saw figure skating, had a burger at Jungle Jim's, talked with other tourists, and the list goes on. However, the perfect moment was when an elderly local woman began to have a conversation with me about Christ. It's easy to get caught up in things, especially when you are in a new exciting place, but the fact that Edmonton has probably thousands of locals willing to reach out to the tourists, that was amazing.
Kevin Knaus – Edmonton, AB:
My perfect Edmonton summer experience would be enjoying the stifling heat of a July day with an ocean blue sky and wisps of cloud lazily floating by overhead. The sound of either: the rustle of leaves in the breeze, or the high-octane roar of Indy fits in the scene below. On such a day, all is perfect in the city I love!!
