Edmonton's Recreation Activites Offer Fun for All
From ample parkland in its fertile river valley to professional sporting facilities, Edmonton is a gold mine for recreational fun.
Parks
With 11 lakes and 22 parks, Edmonton boasts more urban parkland than any city in North America. The city's main "Ribbon of Green" is spread throughout the North Saskatchewan River Valley and includes biking trails, skiing slopes, and a rich variety of animals and forests.
For an outdoor retreat, Whitemud Park in the River Valley has access to biking trails and picnic sites.
The 160 kilometers of North Saskatchewan River Valley trails are designed for many modes of recreational travel, from inline skating to hiking.
Attractions
With more than 300 animals and a multitude of events, Edmonton's Valley Zoo provides entertaining information about wildlife conservation.
The Muttart Conservatory is a botanical garden consisting of four pyramids that each represent a distinct ecosystem. Visitors can also discover up-and-coming artists displayed on the conservatory's Art Wall.
The John Janzen Nature Centre teaches both children and adults about the unique biological complexity of Edmonton's urban river valley. The facility is a hands-on learning environment, complete with live animals and a functioning beehive.
Golf
From simple courses to obstacle-heavy greens, Edmonton has no shortage of golfing opportunities.
Victoria Golf Course, Canada's oldest golf park, includes a driving range with an impressive view of urban Edmonton. The manageable fairway is perfect for beginners.
Rundle Park Golf Course is a multifunctional green, serving amateur players who are just learning the game or experts wanting to sharpen their skills.
The Riverside Golf Course is a challenging 18-hole course nestled along the North Saskatchewan River.
Sporting Facilities
With seating for 60,000, Commonwealth Stadium has played host to the Edmonton Eskimos football team for 30 years. The stadium has also been used for international soccer matches and other sporting events.
Clarke Field served as the site for Eskimos football games before the Commonwealth Stadium was built in 1978. Clark Field, which includes all the amenities for any sporting event, is now available for public use.
Rexall Place is home to the National Hockey League's Edmonton Oilers, the National Lacrosse League's Edmonton Rush, and Edmonton Oil Kings of the Western Hockey League.
The Castrol Raceway features a regulation-size drag strip and multiple tracks. Racing events such as the Rocky Mountain Nationals and the Oil City Cup are held at Castrol Raceway annually.
The city's professional baseball team, the Edmonton Capitals, play at TELUS Field, a 10,000-seat stadium. TELUS Field opened in 1995 and features an artifical turf infield and natural grass outfield. Luxury suites are located on the ground level, near the action.
The Honda Indy Edmonton race has been held in the city since 2005. Last year the course wrapped around a section of City Centre Airport, and drew thousands of fans who were treated to a dramatic finish.
