Thread: Nonrev Correspondent - Western Canada

Hi Aileen, welcome to the board!

First in visiting Edmonton, I would highly recommend visiting in July or August. There are a ton of festivals, concerts, etc. going on during that time, with the short summers they like to pack a lot in. Good Fringe Festival, Folk Music Festival etc.

My first choice to stay for you would be the Varscona Hotel on Whyte Avenue. <a href="http://www.varscona.com/index.htm" target="_blank">http://www.varscona.com/index.htm</A>
It is the best value in town IMO and it is right in the heart of Old Strathcona where all the action is or close to. It's a boutique hotel and they have weekend rates around $100/night CAD including breakfast. Their website also has a list of current events going on around Edmonton. Please note, there are other hotels in the area that are not so nice, so please take care not to book the wrong place!

If you enjoy walking, biking or rollerblading, Edmonton has an extensive system of riverside parks and pathways. Simply ask your concierge for directions. On the other side of the river from Old Strathcona you will find the legislature buildings, which is a place that people sometimes like to tour, they also have very nice grounds as well.

Of course any visit to Edmonton would not be complete without a visit to 'The Mall'. (insert Jaws music here). It's probably no longer the biggest mall you will ever see, but it's kind of interesting in that in addition to shops, restaurants, theatres, it also has a skating rink, amusement park, waterpark, aquarium, etc. It's a GREAT place to take the kids, lots to do. They also have the Fantasyland Hotel which have theme rooms such as Roman, Polynesian, etc. but the price would be higher than the Varscona and there is nothing in that area but the mall.

If you prefer outdoorsy, camping pursuits let me know and I can definitely help you there.

Have fun, let me know how it goes!

Dear Meg,

My wife and I are traveling to vancouver in Middle October. A friend told me of that there are two bed and breakfast that give discounts to airline employees but she couldn't remember what two can you help me out

thanks woody

I'm sorry, I don't really know any bed and breakfasts in Vancouver. The only hotels that I know offer airline discounts are the Barclay Hotel downtown and the Fairmont at the airport.