Bidding to Host Worldcon Edmnton in 2030

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bidding To Host Worldcon EDMONTON IN 2030

EDMONTON

We respectfully acknowledge that we are located within Treaty 6 territory, and the Métis homeland and ancestral territory of the people of the Otipemisiwak Métis Nation and all Métis communities who call this land home. This land is the traditional home for many Indigenous Peoples, including the Cree, Blackfoot, Métis, Nakota Sioux, Dene, Saulteaux, Anishinaabe, Inuit, and many others. Explore Edmonton honours the memory of all Indigenous peoples who have gathered on this land for millennia and whose histories, languages , and living cultures continue to influence our vibrant community.

WHY EDMONTON FOR Worldcon?

Edmonton is as welcoming, safe, and diverse as it is dramatic and exciting. There are plenty of things to see and do, from top-notch restaurants to rugged wilderness areas and urban oddities. Join us here.

TOP REASONS TO CHOOSE Edmonton FOR Worldcon: EVERYONE IS WELCOME Open minds. Open hearts. Canada is an inclusive, safe, culturally diverse and genuinely welcoming host destination. Edmonton has a rich history of science fiction fandom, including the Edmonton Science Fiction and Comic Arts Society, fanzines such as Neology, and the ConText’89 Convention where SF Canada began. LOCAL SCI-FI HISTORY -

CANADA’S FESTIVAL CITY

EXPERT GUIDANCE Canada is the only country to offer an International Events and Convention Services Program (IECSP) to help navigate border requirements and procedures. From West Edmonton Mall to the Mutart Conservatory, there are plenty of things to do and see for those exploring the city and the Rocky Mountains are a side trip. THINGS TO SEE Edmonton such as the world’s second-largest Fringe Theatre Festival and Animethon. If Edmonton is selected to host Worldcon, the event would be timed to coincide with other festivals in

Touch down in our hub cities within hours from the US, UK and Europe. Canada’s largest urban centres are within 160 km (100 mi) of the US border, which means faster direct flights. Money in Canada is in dollars and cents. Fun fact: Canada’s $1 coin is called a loonie because it bears the image of a common loon. languages. While English is the predominant language throughout the country, Canada is a multicultural country where hundreds of languages are spoken. The metric system of measurement is used in Canada. Visitors will find weather reports given in degrees Celsius, gas and oil sold by litres and road speeds posted in kilometres per hour. English and French are

CONVENTION FACILITIES

Right in the heart of downtown, the Edmonton Convention Centre is a scenic and modern facility with beautiful views of the river valley.

Lonely Planet, The New York Times and Travel + Leisure all rate Canada as an exceptional place to visit.

Canada Border Services Agency welcomes meeting groups daily but come prepared: Canada requires all persons entering the country to carry both proof of citizenship and identity. To learn more about the entry and exit requirements of people and goods temporarily entering Canada.

Edmonton: NORTH OF ORDINARY

CONTEXT’89: Historic Canadian CONVENTION

Held at the University of Alberta in Edmon ton in June 1989, ConText’89 was a seminal science fiction writing and art convention that had a considerable impact on Canadian science fiction fandom, writing and publish ing. Guests of Honour included William Gibson, Charles de Lint, and Leo & Diane Dillon. The convention drew more than 30 notable Canadian sf authors, editors, and publishers as well as sf fans from across Canada. On Spec, the Canadian Magazine of the Fantastic, launched its first issue at ConText’89 and SF Canada, Canada’s National Association of Speculative Fiction Professionals, had its founding meeting at ConText’89.

ABOVE: Authors and editors who attended ConText’89. Back row L-R: Charles de Lint, Kathryn Sinclair, Dave Duncan, Lyle Weis, Robert Runté, J Brian Clarke, Michael Skeet, HA Hargreaves, Doug Barbour, Yves Meynard, Karl Schroeder, William Gibson, John Park. Middle Row: Candas Jane Dorsey, Catherine Girczyc, Marianne Nielsen, Judith Merril, Phyllis Gotlieb, Nicole Luiken, Lexie Pakulak, Alice Major. Front Row: Gerry Truscott, Diane Walton, Jena Snyder, David Kirkpatrick, Sally McBride, Leslie Gadallah, Eileen Kernaghan, Monica Hughes. LEFT : The cover of the first issue of OnSpec magazine, Cana da’s first English-language paying publication for speculative fiction was launched in Edmonton in 1989.

Edmonton: North of Ordinary

ANIMETHON

Edmonton is home to Animethon, Canada’s longest-running Anime convention. Founded in 1994, the three-day event attracts more than 15,000 attendees every year to the Edmonton Convention Centre in the heart of downtown for a celebration of anime, manga, cosplay, music, and gaming. The event takes place in August every year. If the Edmonton Worldcon bid is successful, we would attempt to schedule it so that fans could easily attend both conventions. The convention offers a wide variety of activities, including anime screenings, voice actor panels, cosplay contests, artist alleys, and vendor markets. Attendees can meet special guests from the anime and gaming industries, participate in workshops, or simply enjoy a gathering of fellow fans. Animethon is a fan-run event that is organized by the Alberta Society for Asian Popular Arts, a not-for-profit group (asapa.ca).

ON SPEC

The Copper Pig Writers’ Society was born from a need to make a viable Canadian market for creators of short speculative fiction, art, and poetry; and On Spec was that market. More than 35 years and 132 issues later, nobody is asking “Why Edmonton?”, because the answer is obvious: it was the right place at the right time with the right people. To quote Marianne O. Nielsen, the original General Editor of On Spec Magazine: “You need a certain number of people with a certain kind of talent and a certain inclination to get involved in things all at the same place at the same time…” They can be found online at OnSpec.ca

Edmonton: North of Ordinary

ESFCAS

Founded in the mid-1970s at the University of Alberta, the Edmonton Science Fiction and Comic Art Society (ESFCAS) was an important organization in Edmonton fan history. At its height in the 1990s it had grown to be one of the largest and most active fan societies anywhere. Over the course of three decades, more than a dozen ESFCAS members went on to be published authors, while a dozen more became professional artists and graphic designers. The society boasted four professional editors, three professional librarians, a couple of university professors, several prominent computer specialists and a surprising number of marriages.

NAbsfs In the autumn of 2024, a group of science fiction and fantasy fans founded the Northern Alberta Science Fiction Society (NAbSFS). This passionate group of fans — which includes Hugo finalists, frequent volunteers, convention organizers, and various other authors and creators from diverse walks of life — is organizing a bid to host the 2030 World Science Fiction Convention in Edmonton. We aim to showcase the city’s creativity, community, and love for the genre on a global stage.

At one point, fans from elsewhere actually moved to Edmonton, just to be part of this scene.

Accommodations Dividing the city of Edmonton is our sprawling picturesque River Valley. Stay north of the river in Downtown for connections

to everywhere you want to go, explore unique attractions in the west end, or soak up historic Edmonton charm on the southside. Our accommodations offer more than just four walls; they’re the hub of an unforgettable stay for your delegates.

Getting here With more than 50 non-stop flights, Edmonton International Airport is connecting the world to Edmonton. Ranked as the best airport in Canada by 2019 AirHelp Score, based on services and amenities, they’re our ally in making sure Worldcon fans have the air access needed to arrive smoothly.

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Air Service Map As of March 2025. For the latest flight information visit: flyeia.com/non-stops

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DOWNTOWN EDMONTON

HOTELS

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Chateau Nova Kingsway Chateau Lacombe Coast Edmonton Plaza Courtyard by Marriott Days Inn Downtown Delta Hotels by Marriott Edmonton Centre Suites Fairmont Hotel Macdonald

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ALBERTA LEGISLATURE BUILDING

EDMONTON

This Worldcon Bid and Explore Edmonton ARE Committed to Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion

W e believe that our city’s strength lies in its diversity. Edmonton is a place where different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives come together to create a vibrant and inclusive community. We are committed to fostering an environment where everyone—no matter their race, gender, age, ability, or sexual orientation—feels welcome and valued.

Our dedication to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) is at the heart of everything we do. Whether it’s through our events, partnerships, or the way we engage with our staff and community, we strive to reflect and celebrate the rich diversity of Edmonton. We recognize that building an inclusive culture is an ongoing journey, and we are committed to continuously learning, growing, and taking action to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Through purposeful action, Explore Edmonton’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) council is actively working to bring about meaningful impact and positive transformation for both our teams and our city.

OUR COMMITMENT IN ACTION

Explore Edmonton prioritizes equity by ensuring fair access to opportunities, diversity by celebrating our city’s rich cultures, and inclusion by creating welcoming, accessible, and barrier-free experiences for all. We are proud to be a Rainbow Registered Organization. This is a national

organization has met stringent standards to ensure all visitors feel safe, welcomed, and accepted.

in North America on the Global Destination Sustainability Index. Our city is an affordable and sustainable destination, home to a deeply connected community that embraces big ideas and new experiences. Explore Edmonton also champions inclusivity through the award-winning, accessible venues we manage. The Edmonton EXPO Centre and Edmonton Convention Centre both provide an accessible environment that ensure all visitors can comfortably participate and enjoy their experience.

We remain committed to fostering a diverse, welcoming, and thriving community for all.

NAVIGATING THE CITY

Edmonton is home to several sustainable modes of transportation. Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) is a leader in innovative transportation and Edmonton is the first city in Canada to run both hydrogen fuel cell and battery electric buses, with 60 electric buses in our fleet. Since 2023, the city has been working on a pilot project—the Alberta Zero Emission Hydrogen Transit (AZEHT) initiative—that involves a hydrogen fuel cell electric bus running around the city.

Light Rail Transit (LRT) is a key part of Edmonton’s mass transit network and it’s growing! The new Valley Line Southeast is one of three major LRT expansion projects, with construction also underway on the 14-km Valley Line West extension from downtown and the Capital Line South project. The Show Your Badge program , available for events with a minimum of 200 delegates, also provides no-cost transportation on all Edmonton Transit Service scheduled routes throughout their conference.

SOFT TRAVEL

For short distance travel, Edmonton offers several low-to-no fuel transportation choices including walking, biking, and micro-mobility. These sustainable modes of transport not only reduce emissions and ease tra c congestion, but they’re also fun at the same time. More than seven hotels are located within a one-kilometer radius of the Edmonton Convention Centre, allowing visitors to enjoy a scenic walk while reducing their carbon footprint. Many other event venues and hotels also provide similar opportunities for delegates to embrace sustainable and wellness-focused travel. Cycling is another excellent way to get around Edmonton, with an actively expanding network of bike lanes offering shared pathways for pedestrians, cyclists, and e-scooter users. E-bikes and e-scooters are a great way to enjoy the outdoors and move around the city. There are three micro mobility providers in the city—Bird Canada, Lime, and Neuron—each providing easy to use mobile applications with maps, unit findings, and payment options.

For the best nearby transportation options to event venues, accommodations, or leisure destinations, delegates can refer to the Discover YEG map.

EDMONTON'S LATEST & GREATEST

MUST-TRY NEW RESTAURANTS With fresh faces and bold flavours, Edmonton's world-class food scene always offers something new to taste. From flamboyant, flaming cocktails to hearty, heavenly sandwiches – discover some of the city's latest and greatest new restaurants!

SUMMER FESTIVALS Edmonton's summer season is legendary! From June to September, the city is alive with an array of festivals happening almost every day. With nonstop awe-inspiring events and activities, Edmonton is the perfect place to bask in 17 hours of sunshine while festival hopping. There's something for everyone, from music festivals to theatre, culinary, art & design extravaganzas, and so much more!

Some of our top picks include: Fu's Repair Shop, Honi Honi Tiki Lounge, Birdog, and Pal's Sandwiches.

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MÉTIS CROSSING SKYWATCHING DOMES This overnight accommodation provides unobstructed views of the night sky from the comfort of your own bed! With nearly zero light pollution in the region, spend the night gazing into the sky from the comfort of these luxury domes. Each dome includes a transparent ceiling, king bed, running water, bathroom, heated floors, air conditioning, kitchenette, and electricity.

LET'S GO, OILERS! Cheer on Connor McDavid and our boys in blue and orange as they battle it out at Rogers Place in Edmonton’s ICE District. At Rogers Place, you’ll find over 18,000 seats with awesome sightlines, spacious concourses for all levels with great food and beverage options, and the latest technology including the largest true high definition scoreboard in the NHL.

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EDMONTON'S LATEST & GREATEST

E-BIKE FOOD TOURS Get your wheels in motion with a delicious Edmonton Food Bike Tour, or add effortless riding with a Food Electric Bike Tour! This tour offers the chance to head out on a biking adventure, stopping at four local eateries. It's the perfect way to explore the city and its local flavours while getting out and active!

INDIGENOUS EDMONTON Amiskwacîwâskahikan, also known as Edmonton, was a meeting ground for several Indigenous communities such as Cree, Saulteaux, Nakota Sioux, Blackfoot and Métis Peoples. Check out Métis Crossing, Whiskeyjack Art House, Pei Pei Chei Ow, Fort Edmonton Park's Indigenous Peoples Experience, and more!

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SHOPPING You’ll find everything from big-name retailers to local boutiques in Edmonton – not to mention North America's largest shopping and entertainment centre: West Edmonton Mall. Go on, give your wallet a run for its money. Stand out from the crowd when you shop Edmonton's unique districts, farmers' markets, premium outlets and shopping malls.

ICONIC ATTRACTIONS There's truly no shortage of things to do in Edmonton. Blaze your own trail through the North Saskatchewan River Valley, take a dive into Alberta's history at the Royal Alberta Museum, transport yourself to biomes around the world at the Muttart Conservatory, and hang with the free-roaming bison at Elk Island National Park.

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WELCOME TO NORTH AMERICA’S MT. EVEREST OF SHOPPING AND ENTERTAINMENT. Spanning the equivalent of 48 city blocks, West Edmonton Mall is part entertainment complex, part shopping and dining destination. Amongst its many accolades, it is currently the largest mall in North America. ATTRACTIONS From mini golf to an underground aquarium, movie theatre, bowling alley, and much more, there are SO many attractions at WEM! WEST EDMONTON MALL

CLICK HERE FOR A FULL LIST OF WEST EDMONTON MALL’S ATTRACTIONS

GREAT EATS Worked up an appetite? Stroll down New Orleans themed Bourbon street for some fine dining, then take in a live show. Or hit Chinatown and shop the colourful T & T Asian Market. Looking for something to grab-and-go? No problem! West Edmonton Mall has over 50 fast food options located in their two food courts. With over 800 stores, you’re bound to find what you’re looking for. West Edmonton Mall is your style destination, featuring hundreds of brand name, boutique, and one-of-a kind retailers. Shop the most exclusive stores all in one day and all under one roof!

WORLD WATERPARK Whether you’re splashing around in the wave pool or relaxing on the giant indoor beach, you’ll find more than enough fun for one day at World Waterpark. Try your hand at indoor surfing, zip down the waterslides, or rent your own “beachfront patio”. The whole family will love this tropical oasis in the heart of West Edmonton Mall.

GALAXYLAND The world’s largest indoor amusement park is yours for the conquering with more than 27 spectacular rides, attractions and play areas for all ages. Muster up your courage and ride Mindbender, the world’s largest triple-loop roller coaster, or take the kiddos to the Galaxy Kids Playpark. Perfect for a first date, or an unforgettable outing with the fam jam. MAYFIELD TOYOTA ICE PALACE Get out of your shopping shoes and into some skates at The Mayfield Toyota Ice Palace. From figure skating to slap-shots, channel your inner Elvis Stojko and skate like nobody’s watching all season long.

EDMONTON EXPERIENCES

METIS CROSSING Located just 1.5 hours out of Edmonton, Métis Crossing is the first major Métis cultural interpretive centre in Alberta. This incredible facility mirrors the core values of the Métis community including self-sufficiency, respect of elders, participation of youth, and cultural pride. The one-of-a-kind attraction encourages visitors to participate in activities that promote appreciation of the people, customs, and celebrations. Learn traditional Métis art from teachers and knowledge holders who host classes using traditional materials, beading, and jewellery making techniques.

EDMONTON TOURS - MADE FOR EXPLORING There’s an Edmonton tour to guide you through everything from hidden murals to iconic sites. We have food tours, brewery tours, walking tours, helicopter tours, segway tours, and even ghost tours. We can guarantee incredible sightseeing and iconic Edmonton activities that will help you see the city the way the locals do. You can choose to explore on your own with self-guided apps or book a group tour with local expert storytellers.

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FORT EDMONTON PARK Fort Edmonton Park is back after undergoing a massive expansion project to create a larger-than-life historical experience for visitors. The brand new Indigenous Peoples Experience is an awe-inspiring new addition to the park's exciting offerings. Gather and explore life through the diversity of First Nations' and Métis Peoples' histories and perspectives. The stories, music, artwork, and text in the experience come from local Indigenous perspectives.

INDIGENOUS PEOPLES CELEBRATIONS AND FESTIVITIES Every year, there are several Indigenous festivals that take place in Edmonton. If you’re a cinematography fanatic or love Indigenous performing arts, don’t miss the Dreamspeakers International Film Festival and Rubaboo Theatre Theatre Festival. Edmonton is also lucky enough to have its very own annual Edmonton Indigenous Peoples Festival put on by the Canadian Native Friendship Centre of Edmonton.

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EDMONTON EXPERIENCES

OLD STRATHCONA AND GARNEAU Connected by the funky, bohemian spirit of Whyte Avenue, historic buildings blend with youthful exuberance to make Old Strathcona and Garneau two of Edmonton’s trendiest neighbourhoods. The city’s celebrated arts and cultural community makes it’s home here, as does a rich collection of unique local boutiques, one of a kind art galleries, music shops, and trendy restaurants and cafes.

THE 4TH STREET PROMENADE/ICE DISTRICT Located in the historic buildings of the old warehouse district, are iconic restaurants, upscale fashions and even furniture can be found next to small artisanal crafts and artifacts. North of the Promenade is the ICE District, home to Rogers Place, The Grandvilla Casino and the JW Marriott Edmonton ICE District hotel. The area is gearing up to be one of the largest mixed use sports and entertainment districts in Canada.

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HIGH STREET AND 124 STREET Beginning just west of downtown is 124th Street, this district is one of the best areas in Edmonton to take a stroll and discover cool spots to eat, shop, and be inspired. This charming area is home to art galleries, specialty and antique stores, fashion boutiques, indie coffee houses and fabulous eateries.

THE ARTS DISTRICT Located within the eastern section of the downtown core, the Arts District celebrates the vibrant Edmonton arts scene in all its different facets. Office and government buildings are intermingled with galleries, theatres, and many great cultural venues including The Citadel Theatre, The Winspear Centre, The Art Gallery of Alberta, The Royal Alberta Museum and more.

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edmonton day trips Organized by Live it Up Lifestyle Adventures

Tour #1: Savour & Sip: Foodie Tour Embark on a flavour-filled journey through Edmonton with a guided motorcoach culinary tour. Visit Rig Hand Distillery for expertly crafted spirits, enjoy a platter of smoked meats at MEAT in Strathcona, and indulge in a dessert sampler at The Terrace. End the evening with a breathtaking sunset cruise on the Edmonton Riverboat, taking in the city skyline along the North Saskatchewan River.

Tour #2: Raise a Glass to Adventure: Brewery Tour Experience the best of Edmonton’s craft brews and activities on this guided motorcoach tour. Start at Rig Hand Distillery for expertly crafted spirits, then enjoy a flight of local beers and an appetizer at Sea Change Brewing Co. Test your aim at BATL Axe Throwing before ending the day at the Canadian Icehouse, where you can sip, swing, and socialize with golf simulators and rooftop batting cages.

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Tour #3: Unplug & Connect: Cultural Tour Escape to Elk Island National Park for a cultural and nature-filled adventure. Immerse yourself in an interactive Indigenous performance, then gather around the fire to roast marshmallows, sip hot chocolate, and enjoy music under the open sky. Play lawn games, savour a delicious catered meal, and create lasting memories in this one-of-a-kind experience.

Tour #4: Step up to the Plate: An Unforgettable Group Event Hit a home run with your next group event at RE/MAX Field, where baseball meets big-league entertainment! Take to the field for batting practice, meet team members, and enjoy an afternoon or evening filled with popcorn, cold beverages, and a dazzling fireworks show. Your group logo will light up on the big screen while members sport their custom team jersey for the ultimate VIP experience. With live music, lawn games, and catering, this event isn’t just a game - it’s a grand slam celebration.

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Alberta Experiences

DRUMHELLER IN THE CANADIAN BADLANDS The small city of Drumheller is home to the world famous Royal Tyrrell Museum, part of the Hoodoo Trail and the Dinosaur Trail. There’s plenty of hiking and fossil hunting opportunities across it’s dramatic landscape. ALBERTA CIRCLE TOUR (8 days) - includes the Royal Tyrrell Museum, Waterton Lake cruise, Icefields Parkway WILD WEST BADLANDS TOUR (3.5 hours) - Discouver beautiful geography, hidden history, and unique culture of the Canadian Badlands.

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INDIGENOUS TOURISM ALBERTA Indigenous Tourism Alberta (ITA) encourages and promotes authentic Indigenous tourism that showcases the unique and immersive experiences offered by its members throughout our four regions; North, Central and Southern Alberta as well as the Rockies. ITA’s goal is to enhance economic viability, further engage and support our Indigenous peoples, and nurture these partnerships throughout the province by sharing our stories, culture, and experiences with a global audience.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MRE

CANADIAN ROCKIES BY TRAIN Experience the breathtaking beauty of Western Canada by rail. Travel past the magnificent Pyramid Falls, through Hell’s Gate, along the mighty Fraser River and through scenic valleys. The route from Jasper to Vancouver also features the majestic Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies.

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jasper day trips organized by Live it Up LifestyLE Adventures

Tour #1: An Unforgettable Hot & Cold-Water Experience From thrilling outdoor adventures to relaxing hot springs, this experience has it all. Hop aboard your private motorcoach and choose between an exhilarating white water rafting experience or a serene Maligne Lake Boat Cruise. Afterwards, unwind at Miette Hot Springs and soak in the warm mineral waters surrounded by breathtaking scenery.

Tour #2: Indigenous Interactive Performance & Foodie Tour Jasper is more than stunning landscapes - it’s a place to connect with culture and savour incredible food. Begin your day with the Warrior Women Indigenous Experience. Immerse yourself in Cree and Métis traditions through storytelling, drumming and song. In the afternoon, explore Jasper’s vibrant food scene on a guided tasting tour. Sample local delights like elk carpaccio and bison short ribs, perfectly paired with craft drinks.

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Tour #4: Canyoning and Stargazing Experience the magic of Jasper’s winter with a day of frozen landscapes and dazzling night skies. Travel to Maligne Canyon, where towering ice formations, frozen waterfalls, and hidden rivers create a winter wonderland. As night falls, head to the Jasper Planetarium in this designated Dark Sky Preserve. Journey through galaxies, planets, and the Northern Lights in the immersive dome theatre, then step outside to stargaze through the largest telescope in the Rockies.

Tour #3: A Perfect Winter Day in Jasper Jasper’s Marmot Basin offers the ultimate winter escape, with something for every adventurer. Choose your day: A) Skiing or snowboarding on pristine slopes. B) Go on a snowshoeing trek on the Tonquin Valley Trail, soaking in the stunning snowy landscapes. C) Ice skating or curling on the freshly groomed ice surrounded by mountain scenery at Pyramid Lake.

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ENOCH CREE NATION

GOVERNMENT INVESTMENT WENT TO FORT EDMONTON PARK’S EXPANSION, INCLUDING AN $4.6M The papaschase cree nation INDIGENOUS CULTURAL AND HISTORY CENTER IS ONE OF THE ORIGINAL INDIGENOUSGROUPS IN THE EDMONTON AREA. IDENTIFY AS EITHER FIRST NATIONS, INUIT, OR METIS. MAKING UP ROUGHLY % OF THE POPULATION. +76,000 Edmontonians AMISKWACÎWÂSKAHIKAN, ALSO KNOWN AS EDMONTON, IS LOCATED ON HOME TO MANY NATIONS INCLUDING THE CREE, SAULTEAUX, BLACKFOOT, SIOUX AND MÉTIS PEOPLE. Treaty 6 Territory, WE CAN HELP INTRODUCE EVENT ORGANIZERS TO ELDERS, KOWLEDGE KEEPERS, AND DANCE AND DRUM GROUPS. ADDITIONALLY, OPENING CEREMONIES, GRAND ENTRIES,ELDER BLESSINGS, AND MORE CAN BE ARRANGED. Edmonton has the 2nd Largest indigenous population In canada.

• Edmonton is located on Treaty 6 territory, and Enoch Cree Nation borders the city to the west. • In 2018, Enoch hosted the World Indigenous Games. • In 2018, Enoch played host to CANDO’s 25th annual National Conference and AGM. • In 2019, Enoch hosted Rogers Home Town Hockey. This was the first time the event was hosted in a First Nations community. N ational gathering of elders • Edmonton was host city to the National Gathering of Elders 2023 at the Edmonton EXPO Centre. • The Canadian Native Friendship Centre is a gathering place for Indigenous People’s and provides cultural, recreational and social programming. The CNFC serves approximately 10,000 people annually through various programs and functions that include the popular Edmonton Indigenous Peoples Festival. CANADIAN NATIVE FRIENDSHIP CENTRE • Headquartered in Edmonton, the Métis Nation of Alberta strives to secure an autonomous land base for the Métis people, as well as obtain improved education, health, social and economic conditions. • In the past decade, the Métis population has nearly doubled and is one of the fastest growing populations in Canada. • Edmonton is in Region IV of the M é tis Nation of Alberta. It is home to the “Alberta M é tis Fest” which is an annual cultural celebration of artisans, jigging, entertainment and fiddle competition. MÉTIS NATION OF ALBERTA

CANADA’S LARGEST POWWOW

FORT EDMONTON PARK RECEIVED A THEA AWARD

MÉTIS CROSSING WON THE 2021 WEBAWARD

OCCURED AT THE NATIONAL INDIGENOUS CULTURAL EXPO

IN FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT HERITAGE CENTER FOR THE NEW INDIGENOUS PEOPLES EXPERIENCE

FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN WEB DEVELOPMENT FOR EDUCATION STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE

FORT EDMONTON PARK Indigenous Peoples’ Experience

MÉTIS CROSSING

• Métis Crossing is the first major Métis cultural destination in Alberta and is a premier centre for Alberta Métis cultural interpretation, education, gatherings, and business development. • Sitting on 512-acres of land, comprised of river lot titles from the original Métis settlers to the region in the late 1800s, the Crossing is designed to engage and excite visitors through an exploration of Métis cultural experiences. The surroundings will be the perfect place for your attendees to stretch their legs during breaks. • The new Cultural Gathering Centre is designed by Métis Architect Tiffany Shaw-Collinge from Manasc Isaac Architects. The new centre incorporates traditional craftsmanship with modern materials to create a stunning structure that hints at the building style of the fur trade era river lot homes with the functionality of a contemporary place to gather, learn, and share the Métis story.

• Fort Edmonton Park has partnered with the

Confederacy of Treaty 6 First Nations and the Métis Nation of Alberta to better share the experiences of Indigenous and Métis Peoples in what is now Edmonton. • In 2015, Fort Edmonton Park signed a Memorandum of Understanding with both the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations and the Métis Nation of Alberta. This indicated the park’s commitment to the inclusion of these parties and the respective peoples they represent, in the programming and capital development process when it impacts their historical and cultural narratives. • $160 million government investment from all three levels of government has been given to the Fort Edmonton Park expansion. At a cost of $42 million, the creation of the new Indigenous People’s Experience is the biggest single addition to Fort Edmonton Park.

EDMONTON: A REGENERATIVE MEETING PLACE Edmonton is transforming the way events operate in the city, ensuring sustainability at every step—from airport arrival to local accommodations, and event venues. Every aspect tells a sustainable story, offering your event and delegates a high quality, budget-friendly, unforgettable, and environmentally responsible experience. In 2021, Edmonton became the first city in Western Canada to be graded on its environmental practices through the Global Destination Sustainability (GDS) Index, which ranks over 100 destinations worldwide based on their sustainability performance in the tourism and events industry. In 2024, Edmonton ranked 4th among the participating North American destinations. More than 50% of Edmonton’s hotel rooms are certified by Green Key Global demonstrating the facility’s commitment to improving environmental and social performance. In 2018, Edmonton hosted the first ever Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) Cities and Climate Change Science Conference. Here, The Edmonton Declaration was developed at the Change for Climate Global Mayors Summit that took place during the conference. The declaration is a bold call-to-action for mayors to take the mantle of leadership on climate change and amplify the message that rising greenhouse gas emissions severely impact cities. DOING BETTER, TOGETHER.

EDMONTON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Sustainability is a core value at Edmonton International Airport (YEG), demonstrated through initiatives that drive environmental excellence and responsibility: Climate Pledge: YEG is the first airport in the world to sign The Climate Pledge, committing to being carbon neutral by 2040. Airport City Solar: Airport City Solar will be the world’s largest solar farm built at an airport—a 627-acre, 120 megawatt solar farm, roughly the size of 313 CFL football fields. Energy Conservation: Through its LED Replacement Program, YEG has installed over 18,200 LED bulbs in the terminal, significantly reducing energy consumption. Sustainable Infrastructure: YEG is the first airport terminal in Canada to receive the LEED® Gold certification. The terminal’s two-storey ‘Living Wall’ contributed to YEG’s certification and is home to over 8,000 plants and made of 100% recycled materials. Hydrogen Hub: YEG is using its vast space to develop the infrastructure required to accommodate hydrogen fuel technology. YEG’s Airport City Sustainability Campus is home to YEG’s Hydrogen Hub, providing an ecosystem to pilot emerging hydrogen technology and unlock global partnerships. Other hydrogen technologies are being tested at the airport, including hydrogen-powered shuttle buses for passengers, industrial-vehicle hydrogen fuel conversions and hydrogen for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

EXPLORE EDMONTON’S CLIMATE action PLAN

Since 2018, Explore Edmonton has been on an ambitious path to reduce its carbon footprint. The goal is to reduce our corporate emissions by 50% by 2035 and go Net-Zero emissions by 2050. By 2024, our GHG emissions dropped more than 35% from the baseline year. Read through our 2024 Carbon Reduction Plan to learn more. Explore Edmonton is committed not only to reducing its environmental footprint but also to creating a lasting positive social impact. Every purchase we make carries social, economic, cultural, and environmental implications. Through our social procurement policies, we strive to harness Explore Edmonton’s purchasing power to support diverse suppliers, foster economic inclusion, and drive inclusive, vibrant, and resilient communities. Explore Edmonton proudly leads the way in regenerative tourism, hosting sustainable events that make a lasting impact. As an ISO20121-certified and Rainbow Registered destination, we create a welcoming, hospitable, and inclusive environment for all. visitor economy by 2050. This innovative strategy, the first of its kind in Canada, serves as a guiding pathway toward a regenerative and resilient tourism sector. This strategy goes beyond sustainability, which demands a new systemic way of thinking that unites the community, aligns with the City of Edmonton’s goals, and uses tourism and events as a powerful resource that can generate positive changes for all. Building on these foundations, Explore Edmonton launched a Regenerative Tourism Strategy, aiming for a flourishing

SUSTAINABLE MEETING SPACES Our two award-winning venues, Edmonton Convention Centre and Edmonton EXPO Centre, are leading the way in the sustainable meeting industry through key initiatives: "Road to Zero Waste" – Aiming to become zero-waste facilities through waste reduction, diversion, and responsible resource management. Green Certifications – Both venues hold BOMA BEST, Green Key, and Climate Smart certifications, reflecting their adherence to high sustainability standards in building operations and maintenance. Renewable Energy Leadership – Both venues produce some, or most, of their energy needs through on-site solar generation, with Edmonton EXPO Centre home to Canada’s largest rooftop solar array.

Explore Edmonton partners with a third-party carbon offsetting organization to provide consulting and guidance in understanding your event's carbon emissions and options to offset them for interested events.

EdmontonIn2030.org

EDMONTON

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