Weekend Wanderer: San Jose, California To Edmonton, Alberta
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Based out of San Jose, California, Wayne Nguyen is a travel and landscape photographer who has an eye for capturing extraordinary moments through his lens. He just returned from an Instagram takeover in Edmonton, Alberta as part of Alaska Airlines’ Weekend Wanderer series. For more Weekend Wanderer posts, make sure you’re following Alaska Airlines on Instagram.
I’ve always wanted to visit Alberta, so imagine my surprise when I received an email from Alaska Airlines inviting me to spend a weekend there as part of the airline’s Weekend Wanderer series. Several weeks later, my friend Emerick and I were on our way from San Jose, California to Edmonton, Alberta.
We arrived late in the evening and couldn’t wait to explore downtown Edmonton. We asked around for a point of interest and many people suggested walking the High Level Bridge for a good view of the river and the skyline. We saw a spectacular sunset to end our first day.
The next morning we wanted to check out the glass pyramids at Muttart Conservatory. The botanical garden was amazing to visit and explore.
At lunch, we planned our camping trip into Jasper National Park. After arriving late and setting up camp, we woke up early for a hike and to explore the town. We drove down the Icefields Parkway and were awe-inspired by the landscape.
The beautiful blue lakes were surrounded by gigantic mountains.
Everything in Jasper was amazing, and time flew as we explored. Before we knew it, our weekend was over and it was time to head home. I suggest everyone fly into Edmonton to enjoy the city and take the road to the national park – it was a fulfilling way to get to a new destination. Thanks again, Alaska Airlines – you made a trip that I won’t forget!
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The Museum isn’t open at the moment. They are completing a new building nearby the Art Gallery/City Hall and it is slated to open some time next year (to celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary). But the new Art Gallery and Fort Edmonton are worth a visit in the meantime, aside from the attractions mentioned in Wayne’s report. Best time to visit is late July through August when the city’s festivals are in full swing. There’s food in City Hall square in late July, a heritage multicultural gathering of food and performances over the August holiday weekend, the Folk Music Festival in early August and Fringe Theatre Festival the final two weeks of that month. Edmonton is known as Festival City, kicking off with a Street Performers Fest in early July.
Had the pleasure of visiting Edmonton last year. Need to go back to spend a whole day at the Royal Alberta Museum. Edmonton reminded me of Anchorage as far as the landscape goes. Hope you have a clear day when you are flying up there 🙂
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