Attractions, Entertainment and Retail Therapy Await at the West Edmonton Mall

Edmonton is a vibrant city with a rich history and plenty of amazing attractions, but one of the largest and best known has to be the famed West Edmonton Mall. So much more than a place to shop, the mall features a variety of family-friendly attractions that make it a top destination spot for tourists from all over the world.

The last time I was in the West Edmonton Mall, I was just a child and so I couldn’t resist returning and experiencing it once more after so many years. And the mall has changed a lot and added even more fabulous attractions since my last visit. Of course, family-friendly fun is always on the agenda!

Get Active with Hit Attractions

Part of what makes the West Edmonton Mall such a great family destination is the large number of activities and attractions available. The World Waterpark features seventeen waterslides, a toddler water playground and the world’s largest indoor wave pool. Older children and teens will love sliding down the thrill slides including the Cyclone and the Tornado, while younger children will happily jump in the waves for hours.

For those that prefer to stay out of the water, the Galaxyland Amusement Park contains twenty-four fun-filled rides and play areas for hours of amusement park fun in a colourful indoor setting. Take a spin on one of the four unique roller coasters!

Got a sports lover in the family? Hockey fans will love hitting the ice on the NHL-sized rink at the Ice Palace, and everyone will have a blast navigating the eighteen-hole mini-golf course at Professor Wem’s Adventure Golf. Or harness yourself in and get climbing at Ropes Quest, a three-level obstacle course built of beams and ropes that will put your agility to the test. Get details about all the fabulous attractions on the WEM website.

Take in Some Unique Entertainment

When it’s time to sit back and relax for a bit, kids of all ages will love the Sea Lions’ Rock daily shows. Featuring the mall’s talented California sea lions, it’s an experience you won’t want to miss! After, head to the Sea Life Caverns, an underwater aquarium featuring more than 100 species of sea life and daily presentations.

Looking for a different type of entertainment? Take a break and unwind at Ed’s Rec Room, where kids can enjoy arcade games while parents unwind at the full licensed bar and kitchen. Adults can also enjoy sporting events and billiards at the attached 300 Club Lounge. Or head to one of the mall’s three theatres to see the latest blockbuster!

Shop Till You Drop

Visiting the attractions and seeing some of the shows that West Edmonton Mall has to offer can easily take up the entire day. But taking time for shopping is a must! With over 800 stores, it doesn’t matter whether you’re looking for new home furnishings or a hot new outfit…you’ll be able to find it!

While browsing through some of the top stores including Coach, True Religion and The Disney Store is sure to be enjoyable all on its own, one of my favourite features of the West Edmonton Mall is the Theme Streets. These three specially designed areas of the mall include the restaurant-filled Bourbon Street, Europa Boulevard, which is filled with luxury brands and designed to resemble the streets of an old European city and Chinatown, with all the elements of a traditional Chinese marketplace. Check out the WEM website for a full list of the mall’s current stores.

West Edmonton Mall really does need more than just a day to truly be enjoyed and I highly recommend trying to set aside a day just to shop and another to enjoy the many attractions and entertainment options in the mall. There’s so much to see and do that every member of your family is sure to have a great time whether you want to burn off some energy or relax and window shop. If you’re headed to Edmonton, make sure to schedule some time to experience the mall for yourself!