Looking at Edmonton from a tourist's point of view is pretty interesting. I can see some of the attractions that Edmonton has to offer, which I will mention in just a second, but first I have to say that Edmonton is not a city I would ever want to be a tourist in. Where are the BEACHES? :)
I always wonder why so many tourists come to Edmonton. When I'm deciding where I want to travel, I base it on hot weather, beaches, palm trees, ocean.... definitely not things I associate with Etown. Yet this city draws quite a few tourists every year, so obviously not everybody has the same tourism criteria as I do! I also know a lot of people have family in Edmonton that they visit, come here for work, etc. So, what do I think they should check out? Well there are actually some pretty cool things in this city!! Besides visiting West Edmonton Mall, which is a pretty famous attraction, I would definitely suggest our summer festivals to any tourists in town. This also ties into the other part of the prompt, which mentions kids. Some of our summer festivals, such as Taste of Edmonton, are perfect for tourists, or Edmonton families.
My first time experiencing Taste of Edmonton was only two summers ago, but I know I would have LOVED it as a child (if it was even around back then!). Taste of Edmonton might actually be my favourite part of Edmonton in the summer. It's cultural, and fun for the entire family, not to mention delicious. You can try food from cultures around the world, or try crazy dishes like deep-fried Mars bars (they're to die for). I don't know if other cities do anything like this, but I think it's a great event. It gives Edmonton a cozier, home-style type feeling, as people walk around the Taste of Edmonton streets eating and laughing. As someone who doesn't especially love Edmonton, this cozy feeling and good family-fun makes me feel just a little bit more attached to this city. I definitely would want tourists to see this side of Edmonton.
I totally agree! The Taste of Edmotnon is one of the few places where I feel like I am part of a "unifed edmonton group". It is definitely one of my favorite Edmonton festivals that successfully brings Edmontonians out of their houses and into the park together. I would have to say my personal favorite is the pyrogies!
ReplyDeleteThe taste of edmonton is a great place for tourists and families! It's a great way to introduce people to independently owned restuarants, as edmonton's food scene is largely prodominated by chains. Last summer, i have to admit i was a little crestfallen by how many chains had edged their way into the taste of edmonton festival. Besides that aspect, i also think that this particular festival is a great format to educate edmontonians, and tourists, of our culturally diverse population, which also helps to set edmonton apart from other cities.
ReplyDeleteI love Edmonton as a festival city, and I agree with the idea that our festivals are a really great way to bring people in. I only started really going to them actively -- instead of just passing through -- a couple of summers ago, and I love the way they bring our community together, too. I think the Fringe is probably my favourite in terms of all the kid things there are to do, though -- everywhere you look there's a clown, or a face-painter, or a children's play, and the whole atmosphere. Street Performers, too -- that was definitely my favourite as a child. Honestly, I think we need to start pushing Edmonton harder as the festival city we are rather than the champion city we clearly aren't.
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