A Tourist’s Guide to Edmonton is not a simple thing to imagine. I say this because all day I have had a difficult time thinking up something so uniquely edmonton, that a tourist could simply not miss it while visiting our city. The reason I find it hard to compile a collection of unique places is that it seems Edmonton has been formed through the amalgamation of unique groups of people. Tourists who travel to Edmonton probably could find a community or area that has strong connections back to their homeland, and could feel welcome or even at home. Maybe this is why people get sucked back to Edmonton? Dianne Chisholm suggested that Edmontonians desire to emigrate from this place, only to return later—always pulled back home.
Currently the only stop I would put on a Tourist’s Guide to Edmonton would be Fort Ed (regardless of dramatized as it has become). Fort Ed is one of the few places I can remember learning about the city as a child. Maybe I just have a hankering for the rock-candy stick things right now.
I’m sure there are many places people find interesting in our city, but I cannot pin down a place I would miss if I was in a different city. There are certain geographical features or natural facets to the area that make Edmonton unique—of course our dear river valley—and, god forbid: the never forgettable winters.
The majority of the things I enjoy about the city are things that come here temporarily, only to leave as quickly as they came. The Fringe, K-days, The Folk Fest (any musical acts really...) all fall under this heading. Moreover, the places that are here year round change their showcases, be it science exhibits at the Space and Science center, art at the AGA, or any performances at the numerous venues across town.
I would find it hard to recommend places for a tourist to go in Edmonton, as the best part about it is how it changes constantly (my brain is paralleling weather with this point) with great things happening in the city all of the time, but not necessarily being uniquely Edmonton—it is the sum of all the parts that make our perseverance worthwhile.
I think this constant emigration concept that we got from Diane Chisholm is reflected in the fact that many of our tourist attractions are transient. Edmonton is known for great turnout to concerts and sporting events, perhaps symptomatic of the idea that nothing is ever here for long.
ReplyDeleteI never realized just how transient the city's attractions are until now. Most other large cities have permanent structures attached to some history of the city, but besides Fort Ed and the sprawling river valley (as you mentioned) Edmonton really doesn't seem to have anything. And I think that only adds to the confusion of the city's identity. We are always looking to build something else to ground the city to instead of embracing the temporality that makes Edmonton worthwhile.
ReplyDeleteAs far as Edmonton goes, the tourist factor is low. There is the mall, but it's literally so far removed from every thing else in the city that if I were a tourist, I could not see myself going out there. I know I'm biased because I work there, but the Citadel is a really great place to go if your from out of town (Rita, I can hear you laughing at me...). So is the new AGA. There are a few farmer's markets, good restaurants and....that's about it. You definitely got it right when you said that most touristy events are seasonal, especially the Fringe and Folk Fests.
ReplyDelete@Bevin: I just have to say, having worked in that mall in the summertime? Tourists, all. People come just to see that mall, which is one of the saddest things I've ever heard.
ReplyDeleteI'm another one who really appreciates how everything changes here -- even if it's only for the fact that I feel like everything else is so stagnant. The transience is necessary so we don't go totally fucking mad.
As a Edmontontonian I dislike the mall as well. However, it never fails, after days of showing my friends from out of town Whyte Avenue, the downtown market and the river valley; we end up at the mall.
ReplyDeleteUsually we go to shop (as Edmonton is privy to stores exempt from their cities) but sometimes we go to see the waterpark, rollercoaster or flaming dragon. Most cities have malls. Most cities have regular sized malls. Edmonton has a big mall. Novelty? Yes. Still interesting to tourists? I'd have to say yes.
Even though i appreciate good cuisine, nature and local secret spots when I travel, I have a really hard time thinking I wouldn't be somewhat intrigued by a gigantic mall. In fact I know I would want to experience it...atleast once.
I also enjoy the movement of festivals throughout the summer months. These changes keep Edmonton fresh and exciting. I do look forward to more attempts at winter festivals in Edmonton!