Tourism in Canada - Research Paper Example

HISTORY & CHARACTERISTICS - WEM Located at Alberta, Canada the concept of WEM had begun in 1981 prior to which the Ghermezian family who had left New York went to Montreal and then later on settled in Edmonton during 1960’s and 1970’s. Till that time they were involved in their family business of selling Persian rugs. In the late 70’s the idea of Edmonton Mall hatched in their minds and in September 1981 Phase-1 was completed with 1.1 million square feet space facilitating 220 stores. In September 1983, Phase-2 got completed by adding another 1.

12 sq ft area accommodating 240 more shops. Phase 3 was completed in 1985 with a total of 5.2 million sq ft occupying 120 acres of land. The property can accommodate over 800 stores, 20,000 vehicles and staffs around 23,000 people. TOURISM HISTORY EDMONTON Edmonton being the capital city of Alberta is known for its scenic river valley and wide varieties of art and music forms. Edmonton has a unique history of architecture which has been portrayed through its Muttart Conservatory – a horticultural spectacle and the Alberta Legislature building.

Fort Edmonton Park which is one of the largest living museums in Canada portraying the life, culture and arts of periods in history of Alberta right from the Fur trade Era (1846) , The settlement era (1885) and the Metropolitan Era of 1905. The Park is open each year starting with the beginning of May through the end of Labour Day. Edmonton is also famous for its humid continental climate with extreme seasonal temperatures and is considered as Canada’s one of the sunniest cities. MAJOR ATTRACTIONS Galaxyland – indoor amusement park located in the north side of the mall considered as second largest in the world with 24 rides of attraction.

World Waterpark – world’s largest water park covering approximately 4.9 acres of land including wave pools, sky screamer, twisters and many other water sports. Sea life cavern – an indoor lake with salt water habitat with a sea lion which is placed beneath the main floor of the mall with submarine facility. Ice palace – located in the centre of the mall, this ring is currently used for other sports like hockey and others. Other attractions include a Professor’s WEM Golf Course, Movie house ( originally with 4 of them, currently running only one) , Ed’s recreation centre housed with bowling alleys, music stage, arcade and restaurant, Fantasyland hotel, Petting Zoo, Gold’s Gym, Nightclub ( Whiskey Jack’s and Empire Ballroom) , four radio stations, theme areas like – Bourbon Street featuring clubs and restaurants according to New Orleans style Europa Boulevard consisting of Eclectic shops, Chinatown catering to Asian population.

Alberta Aviation Museum, Telus World of Science, Art Gallery of Alberta, and City Arts Centre are some other important range of tourist spots which can accommodate people of all ages. Downtown Edmonton, the neighbourhood of Edmonton town is a commercial centre housed with Arts and Warehouse District, Rice Howard Way – the CBD of Edmonton and Art gallery of Alberta. The Royal Alberta Museum is located at Glenora which is home for Scottish inspired mansions TOURIST ACCOMODATION WEM consists of some of the most famous hotels in house to accommodate tourists from various destinations.

Fantasyland Hotel –