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How to Spend 24 Hours in West Edmonton Mall

Where can you buy a new pair of shoes, eat a delicious meal, ride a roller coaster, go ice skating, shoot a few rounds at the gun range, see a movie, hit the gym, watch a comedy show, get a massage, AND play a game of BINGO all in one day? Once the largest shopping mall in the world (holding the record until 2004), and still the largest shopping mall in North America, the West Edmonton Mall offers all these attractions and so much more! Spread over an area equivalent to 48 city blocks, the mall attracts between 90,000 to 200,000 shoppers per day, making it the third largest city in Alberta! There are over 800 stores and services including nine attractions, two hotels, and over 100 dining venues.

With all these entertainment and dining options, it’s easy to spend a day (or a week!) at the West Edmonton Mall without getting bored. Here’s how to do it!

Wake up early (or sleep late) in your beautiful suite in the Fantasyland Hotel. One of the world’s most unique hotels, located right inside the mall, it features 355 superior and executive suites, as well as a wide range of themed rooms. Have you ever wanted to sleep in an igloo, drift off to sleep in a space shuttle, or wake up in a Polynesian grotto? This place has you covered! And if you prefer a more traditional hotel suite, they have that too.

Time for breakfast! With over 100 dining options to choose from, it’s hard to pick just one. You don’t have to go too far, as breakfast is served daily in the L2 Grill in the Fantasyland Hotel. The menu includes traditional breakfast favourites like eggs benedict and Alberta prime top sirloin steak and eggs or enjoy their impressive breakfast buffet with made-to-order omelettes and waffles. If you want more options, you can enjoy a traditional breakfast at Cora or Denny’s, or get your caffeine fix at Starbucks or Tim Hortons, all just an elevator ride away!

Now that you’re fueled up, you can shop ‘til you drop at any of the over 800 brand-name, boutique, and one-of-a-kind retailers. Treat yourself to a new pair of shoes at Stuart Wiseman, buy something shiny for the special person in your life at Tiffany & Co, pick up Christmas gifts for the grandkids at the Disney Store, and stock up on the latest trends at H&M and Aritzia. And don’t forget you’re in Alberta, so it’s all tax free!

With your Christmas list complete you can move on to more important things, like lunch. Choose from one of the myriad of take-out options at two huge food courts offering everything from burgers and fries at A&W to creative fresh poke bowls and Japanese mochi at Splash Poke.

If you’re already tired of shopping, spend the afternoon enjoying one of the mall’s many attractions. Thrill seekers can visit Galaxyland, the world’s largest indoor amusement park featuring more than 27 spectacular rides, attractions and play areas for all ages. Water babies can take a dip at the World Waterpark, the largest indoor water park in the Americas featuring water slides, hot tubs, children’s areas and tropical temperatures. If neither of these options appeal to you, you can play a few cards at Caesar’s Bingo, practice target shooting at the Wild West Shooting Centre, take a fitness class at Crunch Fitness, or just relax and unwind with some pampering at over a dozen spas and salons.

The dining choices don’t get any easier at dinner as you’ll be forced to choose from a wide variety of options ranging from pub food to filet mignon. You’ll recognize many popular restaurant chains including Cactus Club, Earls, Tony Romas, Famosa Neapolitan Pizzeria, and many others. Or you could try something completely different at Jubilations Dinner Theatre, where you’ll enjoy a gourmet meal and then sit back and enjoy a live on-stage performance.

If you’re looking for some evening entertainment after dinner, the options are varied. Take in a live comedy show at The Comic Strip. Enjoy some bowling, billiards, and retro arcade games at Ed’s Bowling. Watch the latest blockbuster in IMAX 3D at the Scotiabank Theatre. Or, dance the night away at Envy Nightclub, Edmonton’s biggest Top 40 nightclub.

After that epic day, you’ll be glad to return for the short elevator ride back to your suite at the Fantasyland Hotel!

If this sounds like a great way to spend a day, join Wells Gray Tours on our annual trip to West Edmonton Mall from November 3rd to 7th. Save big on your holiday shopping this year in Alberta, where there is no provincial sales tax and enjoy all the dining and entertainment options this destination has to offer. This tour stays two nights at the Fantasyland Hotel, located right inside the mall, making it convenient to drop off your purchases with just an elevator ride up to your room. During our visit we will enjoy an exclusive lunch on the Santa Maria, an exact replica of Christopher Columbus’ flagship for his first voyage across the Atlantic Ocean in 1492. This tour also includes an afternoon at the 2018 Canadian Finals Rodeo in Red Deer. This is the national championship and final event of the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association season. It offers one of the richest purses in rodeo, usually worth over a million dollars. So, pack your credit card and cowboy hat and come along on this great getaway!

For more information about this fun tour click the link below

Itinerary from BC Interior

 

Written By: Pam Jensen