Edmonton vs Calgary

Canada
August 15, 2009 9:00am CST
Well we are planning to to somewhere in Canada for about a 3 day vacation and I was wondering which place was better to go to Edmonton or Calgary? The kinds of things we're looking for is a little bit of shopping, maybe to try a good restaurant in town, a little sightseeing and some main tourist attractions for ex. Calgary zoo, the Aerospace Museum or west edmonton mall. I did some research of my own and found that Calgary has more to offer in terms of those kinds of things and that Edmonton has very few. I am just asking for people's opinions and if anyone can suggest a different place in Canada either than these 2 that would be great, but mostly i think we will stick to these 2 places. Also, i understand anyone who lives in this area might call it boring but we are just taking a "short break". Also, just wondering if you have to drive to the Royal Tyrell Mussum in Drumheller which is 1 and half hours away from Calgary because we don't know if you just followone highway all the way or you have to keep switching (we might get lost?)
2 responses
@greenline (14838)
• Canada
20 Aug 09
I have been to Edmonton and also to Calgary. Both cities have places of interests for visitors. If you are planning for July, then Calgary would be good. That's the month it has the biggest show on earth - Stampede !! If at some other time, it is a pretty quiet place. Edmonton has this "West Edmonton Mall", probably the biggest shopping mall in the world. Both cities are close to the Canadian Rickies, Banff National Park, a beautiful scenic place.
@CJscott (4187)
• Portage La Prairie, Manitoba
15 Aug 09
Okay - Edmonton would be my choice. But, just for the mall, it is massive, it has most of what you want. Sightseeing, relaxation, shopping. All in one place. Calgary has the culture though, and the Zoo, apparently it is a really great zoo, sadly I have never went. Downtown is awesome though. There are clear signs indicating the way to the Royal Tyrell Museum. I believe there is one turnoff once you get on the right highway. I could be slightly mistaken it has been a long time since I went there. But I do know their are clearly marked signs all the way from Calgary. On a 3 day vacation. It would almost be interesting to do all three places. In my mind, depending on how you feel about getting up early. I would stay one day in Calgary, then drive to the museum the next morning, check that out, then head up to Edmonton for the last day. If I were in your position that is. Cheers.