WATCH ABOVE: When you think about Edmonton, what comes to mind? The Oilers? West Edmonton Mall? A new video series is highlighting some lesser known gems. Emily Mertz has the details.
Four “You Think You Know Edmonton?” tourism vignettes have been released by Edmonton Tourism. They each feature an Edmontonian praising something they are passionate about: food, drinks and exploring the city. (Scroll down to see each video.)
Comfort food connoisseur Phil Wilson (better known to some by his blogging and twitter handle, @baconhound) takes viewers on a tour of his favourite independent coffee shop.
“Coffee shops here in Edmonton are very unique. They’re all run by people who are really passionate about coffee, brewing good coffee. And they want to share it with you,” he says in the video.
WATCH: You Think You Know Edmonton? Indie Coffee Shops
Summer is short in Edmonton, which is why many people in the city try to make the most it by enjoying a drink and dining outdoors. Kendall Barber, co-founder of custom shoe company Poppy Barley, praises the patio scene in the city’s popular Old Strathcona area.
“We know how to patio really well. You walk down Whyte Avenue and every block is jammed with patios to choose from.”
WATCH: You Think You Know Edmonton? Whyte Avenue Patios
Food trucks have taken off in Edmonton in a short amount of time and even inspired a mini festival, as explained by foodie Linda Hoang. She explains the history of What The Truck?!, which brings together food trucks several times a summer.
“It started with seven food trucks, and now there’s over 70 food trucks in Edmonton,” says Hoang, known on twitter as @lindork. “The beauty of What The Truck?! is that they all gather in one place. You hit it once, and then you can get your pick at so many different options.”
“Edmonton’s actually one of the top cities in the country for food trucks.”
WATCH: You Think You Know Edmonton? Food Trucks
For those who want to burn off all those lattes, patio beers and deep-fried food truck goodness, it doesn’t get much better than the city’s river valley system. It’s the largest urban parkland in North America.
“For me, the best thing in Edmonton is the river valley,” says travel freelancer Jeremy Derksen.
Derksen explains two of his favourite spots are the Mill Creek Ravine because of the vast trail system, and the Whitemud Creek preserve, which stretches from deep southwest Edmonton into the North Saskatchewan River.
“Every day I run through the trails and I see something new. Come around the bend and it’s constantly changing. There’s always new trails and new things to explore.”
WATCH: You Think You Know Edmonton? River Valley
The videos were done for the Edmonton Economic Development Corporation’s Edmonton Tourism division.
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