View source for Edmonton

'''Edmonton''' is the capital city of the province of [[Alberta]] and the second-largest city in the province. Known for its expansive river valley, thriving arts scene, and role in Canada's energy economy, Edmonton is often called “Canada’s Festival City.”

== Quick Facts ==
* '''Province''': Alberta
* '''Population''': Over 1.1 million (metro area: 1.5 million)
* '''Official Language''': English
* '''Time Zone''': Mountain Time Zone (MT)
* '''Demonym''': Edmontonian

== History ==
The region was originally home to Indigenous peoples, including the Cree and Métis. Fort Edmonton was established in 1795 by the Hudson's Bay Company as a fur trading post.

Edmonton became Alberta’s capital in 1905 and grew rapidly with the 20th-century oil boom, solidifying its importance in Canada’s resource economy.

== Economy ==
Edmonton is a major hub for:
* Oil and gas services
* Public sector employment (government and education)
* Health care and life sciences
* Manufacturing and logistics
* Technology and artificial intelligence (growing sector)

== Major Attractions ==
* West Edmonton Mall – once the largest mall in the world
* Alberta Legislature Building
* Royal Alberta Museum
* Art Gallery of Alberta
* Fort Edmonton Park
* Muttart Conservatory
* Elk Island National Park (nearby)

== Festivals and Culture ==
Known as “Canada’s Festival City,” Edmonton hosts:
* Edmonton International Fringe Festival (2nd largest in the world)
* Edmonton Folk Music Festival
* K-Days
* Ice on Whyte
* Cariwest Caribbean Arts Festival

== Education ==
* University of Alberta (one of Canada’s top research universities)
* MacEwan University
* NAIT (Northern Alberta Institute of Technology)
* Concordia University of Edmonton

== Neighborhoods ==
* Downtown and Ice District
* Old Strathcona and Whyte Avenue
* Glenora
* Riverdale
* Westmount
* Mill Woods

== Transportation ==
Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) operates buses and LRT lines. Edmonton International Airport (YEG) connects the city to destinations across Canada and beyond.

== Did You Know? ==
* Edmonton’s river valley park system is the largest stretch of urban parkland in North America.
* The city is a gateway to northern Alberta and the oil sands region.
* It experiences long summer days and very cold winters — a true northern climate.

== External Links ==
* [https://www.edmonton.ca/ Official City of Edmonton website]

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[[Category:Cities in Canada]]
[[Category:Alberta]]