Category: Throwback

West Edmonton Mall – Edmonton (Part 7)

The Former Largest Mall in the World – West Edmonton Mall

Fort Edmonton Park – Back To The Past Tour – Edmonton (Part 6)

Almost one year passed but my visit in Canada still memorable with me, maybe because I loved the places that I saw in this country. For the last weeks that I stayed in Edmonton, I considered visiting a famous park during spring and summer season. I remembered that I planned to go to Fort Edmonton Park last May 24 2008, Saturday but what happened that day was I took a bus going to the park and the bus stopped at the park bus stop but suddenly I changed my plan and I went home.
Fort Edmonton Photo mixed
The actual tour at Fort Edmonton Park did materialized last May 31 2008, Saturday. That time, I was firm in my decision to see the park or else I will not be able to visit it anymore. I went at the park in the afternoon. But before going to the park, there was incident that I waited for an hour for the bus going directly to the park. I was in Alberta University bus stop station that time because I got a pamphlet of bus saying that it goes to the park every weekend, but my mistake was that, the bus schedule was only Sunday and not Saturday. After waiting for an hour, I decided to take a bus going to West Edmonton Mall since it will stop either in Whitemud or Fox Drive bus stop which near in the park.
Almost near at the entrance gate? Not yet..c”,)
After arriving at the bus stop, I thought the entrance gate was near, but I walked for a while until I reached it. My curiosity to visit this historical park started when someone from the office mentioned to me that what I can see at the parkland are the old days of Edmonton, 18Th to early 19Th century period of the city. And another one told me that I will see people wherein they will reenact the old century time and for me that was amazing.

First thing that greets me after I bought my entrance ticket to the park was the old train and they call it steam train. Honestly, I only saw this kind of train from the classic movies that I watched and I was kind of thrilled after I saw it. And I told to myself, “I think I am going to enjoy this tour.”

The People and the Streetcar
Inside the Streetcar
Egge’s Barn and Bunkhouse at 1920 Street
Blatchford Field Air Hangar at 1920 Street
Hotel Selkirk at 1920 Street
Fire Hall & Town Hall & Police Station at 1905 Street
Ernest Brown Studio at 1905 Street
Fire Hall & Town Hall & Police Station at 1905 Street
Reeds Bazaar & Tea Shop with Ernest Brown Studio at 1905 Street
At 1905 Street
Next, I went to the streetcar station near the steam train station. And I waited for the approaching streetcar. I saw a lot of people inside it. And I knew they enjoyed the trip. I checked my park map and found the trail of the street car. I decided to take a ride because I knew I do not have enough time to stroll around the parkland. While riding with the streetcar, I saw 1920’s and 1905’s street together with the houses and building structures during those time. And I felt like I was living in the past for a moment. Since it was a short ride, I grabbed all my chance to take pictures. Based on the pamphlets that I was holding, 1905 is called as Municipal Era wherein I found few churches, post office, Bank of Montreal, Fire Hall and Police Station.
On my way to steam train station
Steam train
Steam train
Hotel Selkirk and Blachford Air Field Hangar
1920’s Midway and Exhibition
Inside the steam train
After the streetcar rides, I went back to the steam train station to experience the classic train. What do I expect in the steam train? One was the whistle sound of the train which the same of what I heard in the movies. Before I hopped in to the train, I approached one woman dressed in 18Th century and I requested if I can take picture with her and she agreed. There were lots of people inside the train. Mostly were families, parents and their kids. The last stop of the train was near at “The Fort” (Fur Trading Area), I walked for few minutes until I reached “The Fort” gate. “The Fort” was a place for fur trading and what I saw was a place in its earlier time from late 17Th to 18Th century. “The Fort” showcased what the community looks like during the old centuries. The place also shows the architectural design of home which made of woods and houses with small windows. Most of the houses has its brick fireplace and chimney. Not only the walls shows its era, but also the flooring, the tables, chairs and beds. While looking inside the houses I felt like I was living in the past again. While wandering the other part of “The Fort”, I am wondering the purpose of fur and I realized that Edmonton is located near North wherein the weather is winter more than a half year round. I can imagine that people living in this place needs fur for the winter season. And Canada has its native people which they call it “First Nation” which are Indians and their life used to hunt animals and the skin animals are being used as a fur. After “The Fort” area, I continued the exploration of this historical park. I found Native Camp wherein I saw an Indian lady (which represents first nation of Canada). I had my photo with her as my souvenir. I found an open store and I bought a boat display to remember Fort Edmonton Park.
Fort Blacksmith Shop
Fort Blacksmith Shop
Inside Clerk’s Quarter
Fort Indian Trade Store
Sundial at Fort Courtyard
Chess at Rowand House
One of the guest room at Rowand House
Kitchen at Rowand House
One of the guest room at Rowand House
Kitchen at Rowand House
Indian trade Store
Native Camp
Native Camp
Next destination was the 1885 street. The street called as Settlement Era. From this place I found school, carpentry shop, jewelry, Methodist church, drug store and bakery. I checked almost all building structure in this avenue. I was amazed for all the things that I saw. A truly 1885 street. The avenue, shows that during this time, the people lived that time showed that their lives improved compared with fur trading time.
1885 Street
Raymer’s Jewellery

Inside Jasper Hotel
Inside Jasper Hotel



Kenneth McDonald House
1885 Street


Peter Erasmus House

Lauder’s Bakeshop & Residence at 1885 Street
Inside the Methodist Church at 1885 Street
1885 Street
Jasper House Hotel
Daily Drug Store & Dr. Wilsons Office at 1885 Street
Kelly’s Sallon at 1885 Street
Henderson Round Barn

After 1885 street, I continue strolling up to 1905 street, I found a barn and farm house. Then, some of the stores which already closed because its past 6PM. It made me sad but I can not do anything about. There was no train anymore and because of that I have to walk from 1905 to the exit gate. I passed again the 1920 lane. And what I did was capture scenery as many as I can.

At the entrance / exit – Steam Train Station
Edmonton Park Entrance


Fort Edmonton Park

The trip was great and I titled it as “Back To The Past Tour”.

North Saskatchewan River – Edmonton (Part 5)

I booked an Edmonton Queen Riverboat cruise. My main reason for doing it was to experience North Saskatchewan river. From the time I arrived in Edmonton, I was fascinated already by this river.

I took a cab from Legislature Building to Edmonton Queen Riverboat center at 98Th avenue. I gave my reservation booking to one of the crew and they gave me my entrance and dinner ticket. But on my way to the rafters landing area where I am going to ride the boat, I lost my ticket somewhere. So, I have to go back and look for my ticket or else, I will not be admitted to the entrance and I will not have my dinner (this situation made me felt bad). I went back to the center where I get my ticket. On my way, to the center, other tourist that coming approached me and asked if I lost my ticket, and I told them that I was. After saying that, they showed my ticket and gave it to me. Then, I felt lucky and thanked them. Next, I went back to the boat and showed my ticket. I was relieved when I got myself inside the boat.I walked to the front deck of the boat and approached one of the table then grab a chair for me. Then, I saw a couple sitting to the table next to mine. Then, I stood up and approached the couple and asked them if they mind if I can join them in their table. I told them I was alone and I added that it was better to give my table to the other group of people. They agreed and I joined them in their table.

Shaw Conference Centre (with flags)
and Canada Place (pink building)
from Queen Riverboat at North Saskatchewan River
Fairmont Hotel MacDonald (Castle like building) and
TELUS (former highest building in Edmonton)
from Queen Riverboat at North Saskatchewan River
Downtown Skyline from Queen Riverboat at North Saskatchewan River

The couple started a conversation with me. They introduce their selves and I did the same thing. Right now, I cannot remember their name. I was informed that the reason why they were cruising and having dinner in Edmonton Queen Riverboat was to celebrate their 10Th anniversary. For me that was really wonderful. And the idea of dating or cruising in a river is kind of sweet thing. Then I told them where I came from, why I was in Edmonton and until when I am staying in the city. I had a great time with them. They were very friendly. And when the boat crew announced that we can go inside the boat for our dinner, we went down and shared the dinner table. I never felt alone in my cruise in Edmonton Queen Riverboat since I was accompanied by the couple I met.

After dinner, that was the only time the cruise started. I requested a permission to the couple to leave the table to enjoy the scenery outside. I told them that I have to take my chances to take pictures of the river. While cruising the river, I were able to view the downtown skyline. Even though I used to see downtown, what I saw from the river still amazed me. I loved what I saw. And I loved to feel the air in the river which was quite cold.


Different photos with North Saskatchewan River

Another angle for Downtown skyline

Downtown skyline





Mixed photos of Downtown
from Queen Riverboat at North Saskatchewan River

The sail started from the Rafter’s landing area then cruised before the high level bridge. Then, the boat turned around and sailed up to area before Dawson Bridge. The cruise was enjoyable and I had a great night.



Wonderful North Saskatchewan River

Before leaving the boat, I approached the couple and thanked them again for letting me joined them to celebrate their anniversary. Next, the couple asked me how I will be able to get home and I told them that I am going to take a cab since I am not sure which bus will take me to downtown and if there were still bus around that time. To my surprise, the couple offered me that they will drive me home. And I cannot reject their offer that was why I accepted it. Before they dropped me home, they drove me around downtown and nearby places so that I can see more about Edmonton. We even stopped at Starbucks and they bought me an iced coffee that was really thoughtful of both of them. I really enjoyed their company, they were so kind to me to think they just met me.

Edmonton Queen River Boat

I really enjoyed my Sunday.

High Level Bridge – Edmonton (Part 4)

What interests me in riding a High Level street car? First, it will be a first time experience and second my curiosity started on the things that I may be able to see while riding a High Level street car.

Riding a High Level Bridge street car was the first thing I did that day. Before I went to Jasper Terminal which located in Jasper Avenue, I called their customer service and I did inquire how I will be able to buy a ticket. Similar to my other adventure tour in Edmonton City, I brought my map and figured out how to go the High Level street car station. The station in Jasper is located between 109Th and 110Th street in Jasper Avenue. I decided to walked from 104Th street to 109Th street. While on my way, I realized how many establishments exists in Jasper Avenue and I understood why the avenue is famous in Edmonton. Then I continue walking, I thought that I will be having a short walk since I thought that it was just few meters away but I made mistake on estimation, it was quite too far.

When I arrived at the station I did not see a street car and because of that, I thought that the street car left already. But I checked my watched and the time was still early. I tried to find a small building that will serve as ticketing station, but the station that I saw are open place with few waiting chairs and the High Level street car trail. I wondered that time, “Where I will buy my ticket?”. That question in my mind had been answered when the High Level street car arrived. Some of the tourist went out the street car Then, the tourist guide went out too. The tourist guide was also the one who will collect our payment for the ride. Well that explains why there was no ticketing station because there is no need for it.

Next thing I was aware was I was inside the high level street car and the tour started. First, we passed the Legislature building. Then, we passed North Saskatchewan river, three tunnels, the Fort Hill, C&E Station Museum until we ended at Strathcona Terminal. What I like best on this rides, was the time when we were at the top of the bridge and below is the North Saskatchewan River. The view was wonderful. I see Edmonton in different angle. And the bottom of street car trail was a bridge passing by a real cars and other vehicles. The feeling was different and a little bit exciting while on top of the bridge.

High Level Street car

Inside the street car
Edmonton View from High Level Street Car

North Saskatchewan River

Another Angle for Downtown View
Kinsmen Park
North Saskatchewan River from high level bridge
River Valley Road beside North Saskatchewan River
Legislature Building from high level bridge

The street car will be on its way to Jasper Terminal. And because of that I decided to get out myself of the street car at the station near in Legislature Building for my next tour.

That ended my experience in High Level street car with a quick tour.

Downtown / City Center – Edmonton (Part 2)

Downtown was the place that excites me when I was on my way to my hotel from the first day I arrived in Edmonton. I planned to go out that night after I checked-in to my hotel at Crown Plaza which located in downtown and rested for a few hours.
Edmonton Downtown (mixed photos)

When I heard the word downtown, the impression to me was that this is a place where most of the people go. This means that this is a busy place. I went outside the hotel to walk around the downtown at past 9PM. That night I saw City Centre Mall, Bell Tower and other shopping store. But to my surprise, most of the establishments were closed and I did not expect it. I was surprised because downtown looks dull to me that night and I saw few people around. I cannot stop myself to compare this place to cities we have in Philippines. Weekend made the cities busy too. There are lots of people outside, malls are open until 11 PM. When I was in downtown, I was a little bit shocked. Since mall were closed that time, I had difficulty to find a restaurant that I can have my dinner. I stopped at the front of Bell Tower and decided to take a cab and asked the driver to drive me to the nearest open restaurant. The cab driver brought me to a Chinese restaurant. I was glad because I can eat rice. The driver waited for me and he drove me back to the hotel. First night, was not that pretty much excited but I have a lot of time to enjoy Edmonton.For almost two months of staying in Edmonton, one thing that I can say about downtown is, it is a busy place during weekdays but dull or I can say ghost town during weekend. Weekdays because most of the offices are located here and lots of people are working here.When I met my colleague at work, I had a chance to dine in different restaurants in downtown. The following restaurants are Co co di,Haweli, Sherlock’s Homes and Kids In The Hall Bistro. I had a chance to eat at Courthouse Cafeteria too. There was another place where my colleague used to eat. I can’t remember the name now. It is located in the food court. All I can remember is the name of the owner. They call her Amy. I just like to mention it here because, there is something especial in this eatery. Since it was located in a food court, there are other diner near in Amy’s eatery but to my surprise, most people or I can say all people are falling in line with Amy’s eatery while none will be seen in other diner. Sometimes I pity the other eatery because competition to dining business does not really exist. It is like monopolizing the dining business in that place.Few days passed, some of my colleagues walked me around the Citadel, Canada Place, Sir Winston Churchill Square and City Hall. One thing that I noticed in places in downtown. There are connected ped ways to each building structure. And I learned that its purpose is not to go outside especially during winter season.

Canada Place
Shaw Conference Centre

Magnificent Fountain at the front of City Hall

City Hall

100 St

I was lucky when we visit City Hall, the reason was I met one of the councilor of Edmonton City. But unfortunately I did not bring my camera to have a picture with him.

I admired the city hall because it has a great and distinct structure of the building. It has a pyramid glass ceiling and impressive fountain at the front of the building. I remembered that one time, when I planned to stroll again at the downtown, I witnessed a high school graduation event in city hall.

Most of the prestigious hotel in Edmonton can also be found in downtown like Fairmont Hotel MacDonald, The Westin Edmonton, The Sutton Place Hotel, Crown Plaza Chateau Lacombe (where I stayed during my first five nights in this city), Courtyard by Marriott and a lot more.

Fairmont Hotel MacDonald

The condo unit where I stayed is along 104Th street. One Saturday morning, I was surprised when I went outside, there is a market along 104Th street. And people are coming by. Then, I realized after I checked some of the features of Edmonton downtown guide, that 104Th street is what they call city market. I did look around and found a lot of stuff being offered, plants for gardening, foods and souvenir stuff

Bell Tower at Downtown Edmonton

104 St

Grant MacEwan College

102 Avenue

102 Avenue from The Bay Mall

102 Ave corner 102 st

During my last day tour in Edmonton which happened last June 7, 2008 – Saturday, with my buddy at work. I had a chance to see what is inside the Shaw Conference Centre. During the time we went there, there is ongoing convention and to my surprise Shaw Conference Centre is vast and huge place. And like to add also that I cannot forget that my buddy and I tried to ride the slant elevator just for the experience. Well the ride was cool.

When I was strolling around downtown, I met few Filipinos at the front of City Hall. Unlike me, they are in Edmonton for contract working. They were also new in the city that was why they were also touring the place. Because of them, I had a chance to have some pictures of places in downtown with myself. I was really thankful because I met them.

TELUS Plaza, what can I say in this place? Of course, TELUS Tower is great and I like the open plaza, where you can just sit there and enjoy the beauty of the place. But there is one place that I really like, I don’t know what they call on that part of the plaza, most people do smoke in this place but I like the view, because I can see North Saskatchewan river and the panoramic view of south part of Edmonton. It was a really nice view.

Telus Plaza South (2nd Highest Building in Edmonton)

I also had a chance to see the Little Italy. A place where buildings and houses looks like of course in Italy during my unplanned tour in Edmonton together with some friends I met at the church.

Another experience I had in downtown is watching ball games. How can I forget my first ever ball game that I watched in my entire life. I am not really a sports person but when I found out that David Beckham will be visiting Edmonton and will play football game, I bought a ticket and watched his game. I went to Commonwealth Stadium after the office and I had this experience where the LRT station are full of commuters, this was the first time that I saw a lot of people inside the LRT station, because my previous experience most of the time especially during weekend, not so much people riding the train. These people will watched Beckham games. Based on what I heard while inside the stadium, the people dropped by to watched the game was reaching 35000 and for me that was significant number. During the entire game, people are yelling of Beckham games, especially women. They loved David Beckham.

I can say that I have a lot of things that enjoyed in downtown, lots of places that I had been, and a lot of people who I met. And I think this ends my story at Edmonton Downtown.

Edmonton – Silent Capital City of Alberta

Two things I will never forget in this city. First, the people I met and second, the places that I was able to visit for a short period of time.

When I informed by my boss in Manila that I will be sending in Edmonton for training there was a part of me that was unhappy. Why? Because I never heard the name of this city. I never knew that this city was existed. I wish I had been assigned to Vancouver or Toronto, because these two cities are well-known to the whole world. But, it was not my wish that should be followed. It was work that was why I was sent in this city.

I arrived in Edmonton City International Airport at past 6PM or almost 7PM last April 26, 2008 and it was Saturday. I never got a chance to walk around the airport. Once I was out of the plane I looked for my luggage and find a cab that will drive me to Crown Plaza hotel where I stayed for my first five nights.

When I got myself out of the airport, I was excited because I was curious what Edmonton looks like. Along the way, I saw some snow at the side of the road which indicates that winter season just recently over. I saw some oil company buildings and structures and I learned from the cab driver that Edmonton has a lot of it. I also noticed that Edmonton is somewhat a flat place, no mountain or even hills. I also thought that the airport is just near in the city center but it’s not. My excitement decreased when I see nothing for a while aside from a flat land. Few minutes passed again, I saw houses and small buildings which was a sign of community. I was more thrilled when I saw buildings and towers which was a sign of being a city.

I knew to myself that one day was not enough to experience this whole city. I took all my time to go around the whole Edmonton which became an interesting place to discover.

Here are the highlights of Edmonton City that I found while staying here for almost two months.

Capilano Suspension Bridge and Park

I just like to create a simple blog about Capilano Suspension Bridge and Park which located in North Vancouver, at the province of British Columbia in Canada. Why I admired this park? I admired this park because I like the look and feel of a forest with a sense of tourist friendly. Why? Basic reasons: abundant tall trees, different kind of plants and of course the cold green color of the forest. And why I said it is tourist friendly? Because it has a friendly trails to trek which I knew built for the tourist.
Capilano Suspension Bridge and Park Collage

Entrance

Friendly Trail

While inside the park I found Totems and the area is called as “Spirit Stage”. Based on Canada history, Totems are important to the First Nation people in Canada.

 
Totems at Spirit Stage

Next to Spirit Stage is the popular suspension bridge (although this is not the original suspension bridge built before). It was renovated for the safety of the travelers like me. My favorite part , jumping while crossing the suspension bridge, the feelings were mixed like jittery, breathless yet exciting. Before I forget to mention, the river under the bridge is the Capilano River.

Capilano Suspension Bridge
 
Capilano River

During my visit I discovered that there are plenty of small and narrow suspension bridges inside the forest, these bridges are connected to one another using trees, they called it “Treetops Adventure”. I enjoyed walking in the Cliffhanger Boardwalk and I liked looking at the flowing river – the view was extraordinary. I also found some small swamps inside the park, these swamps made me remember that I am inside the forest. Not to mention also, I did not miss the Canyon Lookout to glanced the Capilano River in a different angle. Visiting this place was really worth for me since I love forest.

Treetops Adventure

Cliffhanger Boardwalk
Capilano River from Cliffhanger Boardwalk
swamp inside the forest

I like buying souvenir stuff that was why I enjoyed the shopping stores located inside the park and I bought post cards. There are also coffee shops and restaurants inside the park, they kept myself glutted.

I highly recommend to visit the park to anyone who loves nature.

Notes:

1. Plan to visit Capilano Suspension Bridge Park ? Check more details here.

Address :
3735 Capilano Road
North Vancouver, BC
Canada V7R 4J1

Tours : There are lots of tours available that offers the visit in the park and it can be combination with other tourist spot too.

Not on tours? : The park offers free shuttle bus coming from Vancouver Downtown. For more details, please check here.

2. Directions

Using Bus

From Downtown, take bus #246 and get off at Stop#54391 – NORTHBOUND (NB) CAPILANO RD AT WOODS DR.  Then take, bus#236 and get off at Stop#54304 – NORTHBOUND (NB) CAPILANO RD AT 3600 BLOCK.

Using Seabus

Take the Seabus from Waterfront Station, to Lonsdale Quay Station. Then take, bus#236 and get off at Stop#54304 – NORTHBOUND (NB) CAPILANO RD AT 3600 BLOCK.

For more details visit, Translink.