The provincial capital has , inhabitants, the metropolitan area 1,, inhabitants as of Edmonton is the second largest city in the province of Alberta after Calgary and the fifth largest city in Canada. With a total area of square kilometres, Edmonton is one of the largest cities in North America, but also one of the least populated cities. Edmonton is located at meters above sea level between Prairie and boreal coniferous forest embedded in flat to undulating terrain, where deep river valleys such as the valley of the North Saskatchewan River can be found.

Red Deer is the center for agriculture and oil distribution in the country with an estimated population of 98, Lethbridge is the 4th most populous city in Alberta and located in Southern Alberta, southeast of Calgary with an estimated population of 90, Visible minority groups include: Chinese: 3.

Alberta Population Growth Alberta has grown fairly quickly over the last decade, in large part due to its growing economy. Alberta Facts Alberta is one of 3 Canadian provinces and territories bordered by a single U. Alberta is home to Canada's oldest mosque in Edmonton and the largest mosque in Calgary. Alberta is the second largest exporter of natural gas in the world and the world's 4th largest producer. Alberta is the leading beekeeping province in the country. Edmonton is home to the largest mall in North America.

The West Edmonton Wall spans 48 city blocks and it was the world's largest until Cities in Alberta. StatCan Population Estimates. Another open-air museum that should be included in your Edmonton travel itinerary, Fort Edmonton Park has old buildings faithfully reconstructed to reflect Edmonton's historical development. The buildings include a typical fort belonging to the Hudson's Bay Company, a street from a pioneer town of , the up-and-coming provincial capital in , as well as buildings from the s.

Among the different forms of old transport, visitors can ride a horse-drawn wagon or a steam train. At the John Janzen Nature Centre nearby, there are exhibits about local geology and ecology. Muttart Conservatory. On the south bank of the North Saskatchewan River, four pyramid-shaped hothouses are home to rare and far-traveled species of plants. Each pyramid features a distinct environment representing different biomes of the world, from the tropical climate of Myanmar Burma and Fiji to the temperate pavilion with its American redwoods and Australian eucalyptus.

With so many species of plants on display, the conservatory is the premier horticultural facility in Edmonton. From the high ground above the river, there is a beautiful view of the gleaming pyramids of the Muttart Conservatory against the skyline of Edmonton city center. Legislature Building. In the midst of a park-like garden, where the last Fort Edmonton once stood, is the Legislature Building. It's an imposing and attractive building, and from the terrace there are beautiful views across the North Saskatchewan River to the far bank.

Guided tours are the best way to learn about the history of what the locals refer to fondly as "the Ledge," including its architecture and secrets of the building.

A highlight of a visit is spending time wandering the park-like grounds surrounding the building. Be sure to also visit the nearby Legislative Assembly Visitor Centre, which includes important displays related to local art, culture, and history.

There's also a cool 4D immersive experience that provides an impressive visual history of the province and its people, as well as a great gift shop selling arts and crafts from across Alberta. The gallery features changing and traveling exhibitions and maintains an extensive collection of more than 6, pieces.

The site also features a gift shop, restaurant, and theater space. Private guided tours are available and can be tailored to suit your particular interests. The facility also offers a variety of educational programs for all ages, as well as lectures and workshops. One hour by car south of downtown Edmonton is the friendly little town of Wetaskiwin.

Here, the main attraction is the Reynolds-Alberta Museum, dedicated to everything to do with aircraft and vehicle construction. There are open-air displays of old agricultural machinery and tools, including some real old dinosaurs-steam tractors, threshing machines, caterpillar tractors, and trucks. There are also nearly historic aircraft housed here, as well as in the Canadian Aviation Hall of Fame , and numerous vintage motorcycles to admire.

The greatest event in Edmonton's calendar is the day festival known as K Days formerly called Capital Ex held every year at the end of July, when the wild days of the Klondike Gold Rush come to life once more. Street-parties, dancing, parades, live entertainment, gold panning, and a midway liven up the whole city. Visitors who plan to be in Edmonton during the festival should be sure to book accommodation well in advance. Edmonton Valley Zoo. Opened in , the Edmonton Valley Zoo has traditionally focused on research into threatened animal species.

However, its family-oriented grounds are also home to more than animals representing over species, both exotic and from the province of Alberta. The animals and their caregivers are regularly out and about meeting and engaging with guests. Popular species to visit include red pandas, lemurs, snow leopards, and arctic wolves, each located in specially themed areas to represent their natural habitat. Children's rides at the zoo include paddle boats, a miniature train, and a carousel.

The Alberta Aviation museum is a must-see for all aviation buffs. Located near the Edmonton city center airport, the museum is easy to find with its two fighter jets mounted in interesting positions, one nearly vertical. Along with its 40 aircraft on display, the museum is home to a rare form of aircraft hangar constructed as part of Canada's pilot training program in WWII.

Informative guided tours are available and last around 90 minutes. They include a look at the fascinating restoration facility where many of these vintage airplanes were rebuilt. The attraction's many interactive and hands-on science and technology exhibits cover topics like space, robots, forensics, and the environment.

One of the best free things to do in Edmonton is to visit the on-site observatory, which offers a variety of interesting star gazing opportunities. University of Alberta Botanic Garden.