Travel Canada’s capital cities: Edmonton, Alta.

Whether you’re planning a family road trip or a weekend staycation, check out our list of things to do in Canada’s capital cities.

Favourite indoor activity: At the Telus World of
Science, explore the interactive exhibits, take the kids
to the IMAX theatre, see a show at the planetarium or
participate in a science demonstration.
edmontonscience.com

Favourite outdoor activity: The North Saskatchewan
River Valley (yes, it’s in Edmonton) represents a large
expanse of urban parkland (it’s actually 22 times
bigger than New York’s Central Park) with golf courses,
22 major parks and more than 160 kilometres of trails for
walking and cycling. edmontonrivervalley.org
Best kept secret: This summer, tours of the
Legislative Assembly of Alberta are free. assembly.ab.ca

Places to eat: For the authentic Mexican taco, try Los
Tres Carnales or go to Elm Café for an award-winning
sandwich. trescarnales.com; elmcafe.ca

Best place to stay: Stay in a heritage home at Rare
Gem Bed, Breakfast and Private Events in Stony Plain
just outside of the city. Or enjoy the quiet of the Devon
Riverside Bed and Breakfast a mere 20 kilometres from
the Edmonton International Airport.
bbcanada.com/raregem; devonriverside.com/home.html

Worth the drive: Elk Island National Park hosts star
gazing and theatre programs for the kids, and tons of
wildlife – from bull bisons to elk, white-tailed deer and
moose. Alberta camping promises beautiful
sunsets, northern lights and great scenery.
remembertobreathe.com

Diana Ballon is a Toronto-based freelance writer who loves
to travel with her husband and two kid

Originally published in ParentsCanada, July 2012