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EDMONTON
EDMONTON IS ALBERTA’S thriving capital city and home to more than one million residents. Edmonton is known as festival
city, boasting over 50 unique festivals each year. Coupled with large event facilities like Commonwealth Stadium— home to the Edmonton Elks football club with seating capacity for 56,400 fans — and the 18,500 seat Rogers Place — home to the Edmonton Oilers, among others —concerts and multi-day events celebrate the culture of the city. And with over 18 hours of daylight in the summer, there’s plenty of time to celebrate.
The provincial capital of Edmonton is a leader when it comes to the most traditional Canadian cuisine of all — Indigenous cookery. Scott Jonathan Iserhoff, a Mushkego Cree chef, presides over Pei Pei Chei Ow. He’s earned an international reputation, travelling to New York City to cook for the editorial team at
Bon Appetit magazine. His eatery is anything
but pretentious — it’s a community hub that celebrates Indigenous culture.
Blair Lebsack brings traditional cooking techniques, and a philosophy of respecting the need to use the whole animal to RGE RD. Celebrating the work of local farmers, his menu reflects the best in Alberta produce, served alongside some of the finest craft beers and spirits the region has to offer.
The capital is home to a vibrant Mexican restaurant scene, with several restaurants being worthy of attention. At Luna Cocina Mexican, try the outstanding beef-tongue tacos, plus a variety of dishes inspired by the street vendors of Mexico. Maria has maybe the best margaritas in the city and specializes in cuisine from Northern Mexico.
Fu’s Repair Shop is a whimsical spot filled with Chinese snacks from chef Winnie Chen, and the cocktails and vibe of a Shanghai speakeasy, circa 1930.
Caitlin Fulton & Blair Lebsack with RGE RD
EDMONTON AT A GLANCE
Population
1,087,803
Median Family Income
$112,000
Unemployment Rate
Residential Vacancy Rate
4.1%
Life Stress
19.6%
Sense of Belonging
62.2%
13%
GRANDE PRAIRIE
NESTLED ALONG BEAR River near the British Colombia border, “Grande Prairie” is how 19th-cen- tury fur traders described the city’s surrounding plains. Established as a trading post between
the original Dane-zaa people and Hudson’s Bay Company in 1881, the Northern Alberta Railway’s 1916 arrival led to large-scale homesteading in
the area and helped modernize Grande Prairie’s economy into one based on agriculture, and oil and natural gas, augmented by tourism. Today, the city of more than 67,000 people is a business and transportation hub that centres the Peace River region, all surrounded by lush forest and alluring lakes. And the city itself is rich in natural space, including the festival-friendly Muskoseepi Park (Muskoseepi means “bear creek” in Cree), which
is part of a green space that extends through the centre of town.
With sleek, bright decor and a menu that balances pub favourites with sophisticated entrees, The Office has become a must-try spot. Sure, the Alberta steaks are staples of the menu, but why not start out with a uniquely Canadian take on the quesadilla, with melted brie, bacon and tart Granny Smith apples? For the ocean lover, the seafood kettle has shrimps, clams, scallops and mussels combined in a Pinot Grigio cream sauce.
The 92 Beverage Co. puts the focus on a craft cocktail menu, featuring both alcoholic and sober drinks. There’s a huge movement in Alberta when it comes to non-alcoholic cock- tails, and this is embraced here. Of course, great cocktails need to be accompanied by sophisti- cated snacks, like flatbreads, charcuterie plates and momos — steamed Indian dumplings.
GRANDE PRAIRIE
AT A GLANCE
Population
67,669
Median Family Income
$120,000
Unemployment Rate
12%
Residential Vacancy Rate
15.1%
Life Stress
23.3%
Sense of Belonging
65.8%
Statistics source: Government of Alberta
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