"Home of the Oilers" Edmonton by DSwede

Having worked in Edmonton on countless occasions, many times for months each, at times I considered Edmonton my second home. When ever I could, I would venture into the mountains of nearby Jasper NP, Jasper town and Banff.

As you drive in from the south, you will pass by an old oil extraction pump in the middle of the highway. You have just now entered the land of the Oilers.

Historically, the river was a central place for trade and transportation of traders, adventurers, explorers, trappers, and indigenous people. Now it is a thriving heart land of industry and business.

It is a gateway to the oil fields to the north and one of the busiest refining areas in North America, hence the name and mascot The Oilers.

One thing that I love about Edmonton is its young and jovial flavor (oh sorry, Canadians spell that flavour). There is a fairly active night life, both down town, Whyte Ave and dotted elsewhere. But there are also wonderful parks and outdoor areas for the people to enjoy. And enjoy, they do. Edmonton is a wonderfully physically active city, with a large amount of sports and recreation.

Basically people here enjoy the outdoors to the maximum during the summer since the winters are not as hospitable. Nearly every bar and restaurant has outdoor beer garden or chairs (if yours does not, you chose poorly).

What can be better than playing a round of golf after work and still getting the last whole in at 9pm before watching the sun set from the club house? [Granted the flip side in the winter is not as kind when the sun sets at 3pm]

I won't bother taking up any more people's time here... go out and play!!

East of Edmonton, on way to Jasper

Feel free to visit my Alberta page for more thoughts on the province.

(for more pictures, feel free to visit my Canada Gallery. If you enjoy the pictures, please leave a comment.)

• Pros:The river valley and parks are the best of any flat land city.
• Cons:Winters are long, cold and dark
• In a nutshell:With the river at its heart, this young and enthusiastic city enjoys its summer days with continuous festivals.