Icy weekend in Edmonton

Visiting a freezing cold city seems like something anyone spending a year in Canada should try. In early winter when BC is in a state of torrential rain, prices of travel and temperatures in Alberta's capital city are rock bottom. November is a decent time of year to visit for a weekend to explore some of the city's warmest welcomes.

If you can forego checked baggage Flair Airlines can get you there for as little as $150 return. The Strathcona area around 82nd Avenue NW is the best place to stay with many walkable dining options. You should rent a car (YouTube how to park/drive in ice before picking it up!) as the airport is a long way from the centre of town.

The beautiful Art Gallery of Alberta has rotating local exhibitions and free architectural tours, whilst you are there it is worthwhile roaming around the downtown core. For chai lovers Remedy Cafe has got you covered and if you like cinamon buns you need to check out the Sugar Bowl. For a carnivorous dinner Meat offers amazing communal bbq smokehouse dining... wear elasticated trousers as the portions are generous. For my other recommendations I've made a google maps list here.

For a day trip the Elk Island National Park is only fourty minutes drive and has bison, elk and more than two hundred and fifty species of birds. Bring your warmest clothes as some of the icy walks offer stunning views of the frozen landscapes.

The city has a population of over 1.3 million however due to freezing temperatures traditional 'high street' retail has given way to North America's largest shopping mall the WEM. Even if it is minus twenty degrees outside you can still hit the waterslides, go bowling or ride in the theme park.