Thinking of Moving to Edmonton? Here are 15 Interesting Facts About Edmonton, Canada, to Contemplate Along with your Move

Sometimes, a big move is what allows us to meet our personal and professional goals. This spring, all eyes were on the Edmonton Oilers as they attempted to win their sixth Stanley Cup. While they may have lost to Florida, the spotlight on the city may have piqued people’s interest in living in Edmonton, Alberta.

At Orbit International Moving Logistics, we have helped many people relocate to Edmonton. Whether moving from Toronto to Edmonton, or from elsewhere near or far, our long-distance and local moving services can handle all your relocation needs. 

Before you explore some of our other resources about what to look for in a long-distance moving company, here are some fun facts to learn about living in “The Energy Province” in Edmonton, Alberta.

1. Edmonton has lower taxes than most other regions of Canada. There is no provincial sales tax, giving Edmontonians more disposable income than other Canadians.
2. Edmonton is home to one of the most prestigious post-secondary institutions in Canada. The University of Alberta has 67 graduates who are Rhodes Scholars.
3. Hate rats? Downtown Edmonton has been rat-free since the 1950s thanks to a very aggressive program to rid the province of rodents!
4. Edmonton is Alberta’s capital city and the fifth-largest city in the country. It is also one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada.
5. Called the Gateway to the North, this Canadian city is the northernmost city in North America with a population over one million.
6. Edmonton’s River Valley Park is 22 times larger than Central Park in New York City.
7. If you love bright sunshine, the Edmonton area is for you. It is one of Canada’s sunniest cities, having as much as 17 hours of daylight during the summer months.
8. Feeling house-poor? The average price of a house in Edmonton is around half the National Canadian average, making it a good option for those who dream of owning a home.
9. Nature lovers can enjoy more urban parkland per capita than in any other city in the country.
10. Edmonton is home to the West Edmonton Mall, formerly the world’s largest mall, it is still North America’s largest mall, with over 800 stores, an ice rink, water and amusement park, and more!
11. Winter may be cold in the North Saskatchewan river valley, but you can often spot the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights). You will most likely see them in September through March when there are more hours of darkness in the region.
12. Edmonton is a short drive from Elk National Park, home to many bison, moose, deer, and elk. Other famous national treasures, such as Jasper National Park and the Canadian Rockies, are a bit further but still a reasonable drive away. 
13. Edmonton established what has been celebrated as one of the best Mandarin Bilingual programs in a public school system for children aged kindergarten to grade 12 outside of China.
14. Like big roadside attractions? Edmonton houses a giant four-story high cowboy boot that was initially built to help promote a boot factory and is now a notable tourist attraction.
15. Edmonton is called “the City of Festivals” thanks to the many annual festivals held in the city centre, notably including the Edmonton International Fringe Festival, the second largest Fringe Festival after Edinburgh.