Edmonton Tourist Questions

[Perfect_Drug]

How are the rec centers in LA though

Absolute shit.

The Rec centers in edmonton are actually the only thing my wife her family, and several of our friends seem to enjoy about coming to Edmonton.

You don't think I know it sounds dumb?

WEM is a mall. Its just like any other mall. It's just MORE mall than any other mall, but it's a f***ing mall. If you spend 10mins inside of it, you'll realize it's like ANY mall in North America, and there's nothing special about it. Yes it has crappy mini-golf. Yes it has a mediocre amusement park. Water Park would be ok if it didn't cost like $300 for the family to go.

She doesn't like the River Valley. It's not particularly scenic. It's barren and drab. There's no beach and isn't particularly lively.

The market doesn't really have much on the Jean Talon market here in Montreal. We don't want to sit on a 5 hour flight and see the "crappier" version of a market we have back homel. I dont imagine someone from New York wants to see the market either when they have the Chelsea market.

She doesn't like Fort Edmonton, or all the other things we thought were tourist attactions growing up. Whyte Ave and Jasper Ave are really 'meh' versions of St.Catherines in Montreal, or SoHo.

The massive rec centers are something her and her friends, and family have never seen before. They're absolutely blown away at how warm the water is, how huge the facilities are. None of them have ever seen a Lazy River before. We spend at least 3 days there every week when we come visit.

We sure as shit don't bother trying the 'Edmonton Mexican food'. Even if the locals consider it good by Edmontonian standards.

 

[5 Mins 4 Ftg]

Just stop. You’ve been told by multiple people in this thread that have never been there that the food is crap. Stop with the false propaganda.

I’ve been to several areas of Mexico over the years and had a place in Phoenix for 15 years. I’d put Three Amigos up against any of them. It’s authentic and great people run it. The Tequila is awesome too.

I took a buddy who goes diving in Mexico a ton there a couple weeks ago and he ordered an item he’s never seen outside of Mexico before. He said it was as good or better than the same dish in Mexico. He was blown away.

I had it too for the first time and it’s my new favourite dish there.

Anyway try it out, it’s awesome.

Absolute shit.

The Rec centers in edmonton are actually the only thing my wife her family, and several of our friends seem to enjoy about coming to Edmonton.

You don't think I know it sounds dumb?

WEM is a mall. Its just like any other mall. It's just MORE mall than any other mall, but it's a f***ing mall. If you spend 10mins inside of it, you'll realize it's like ANY mall in North America, and there's nothing special about it. Yes it has crappy mini-golf. Yes it has a mediocre amusement park. Water Park would be ok if it didn't cost like $300 for the family to go.

She doesn't like the River Valley. It's not particularly scenic. It's barren and drab. There's no beach and isn't particularly lively.

The market doesn't really have much on the Jean Talon market here in Montreal. We don't want to sit on a 5 hour flight and see the "crappier" version of a market we have back homel. I dont imagine someone from New York wants to see the market either when they have the Chelsea market.

She doesn't like Fort Edmonton, or all the other things we thought were tourist attactions growing up. Whyte Ave and Jasper Ave are really 'meh' versions of St.Catherines in Montreal, or SoHo.

The massive rec centers are something her and her friends, and family have never seen before. They're absolutely blown away at how warm the water is, how huge the facilities are. None of them have ever seen a Lazy River before. We spend at least 3 days there every week when we come visit.

We sure as shit don't bother trying the 'Edmonton Mexican food'. Even if the locals consider it good by Edmontonian standards.

Go to Three Amigos my friend. You’ll be pleasantly surprised.

 

[5 Mins 4 Ftg]

I did mention 3 amigos use authentic Corn Tortillas. There are exceptions. 3 Amigos is a decent recommendation.

That said its true I haven't been out and around enough since Covid. Retirement, catching up on 101 things to do in and around the house (I repair basically anything.) and mega gardening and side carpentry jobs taking up my time. For some reason I just don't enjoy going out much anymore.

Try it. Soooooo good and a great local family business. They can get busy and so service runs behind but that’s great for conversation and extra Modello or Pacifico. Or tequila or margueritas lol. Homemade chips and their 3 home made salsas are to die for.

 

[Drivesaitl]

Try it. Soooooo good and a great local family business. They can get busy and so service runs behind but that’s great for conversation and extra Modello or Pacifico. Or tequila or margueritas lol. Homemade chips and their 3 home made salsas are to die for.

Since we stopped having STH at Citadel we just don't get DT anymore. Will have to give it a shot. Theres supposed to be a Tiki Polynesian type restaurant as well in Ice District? I'm a sucker for anything Tiki.

 

[Mr Kot]

Absolute shit.

The Rec centers in edmonton are actually the only thing my wife her family, and several of our friends seem to enjoy about coming to Edmonton.

You don't think I know it sounds dumb?

WEM is a mall. Its just like any other mall. It's just MORE mall than any other mall, but it's a f***ing mall. If you spend 10mins inside of it, you'll realize it's like ANY mall in North America, and there's nothing special about it. Yes it has crappy mini-golf. Yes it has a mediocre amusement park. Water Park would be ok if it didn't cost like $300 for the family to go.

She doesn't like the River Valley. It's not particularly scenic. It's barren and drab. There's no beach and isn't particularly lively.

The market doesn't really have much on the Jean Talon market here in Montreal. We don't want to sit on a 5 hour flight and see the "crappier" version of a market we have back homel. I dont imagine someone from New York wants to see the market either when they have the Chelsea market.

She doesn't like Fort Edmonton, or all the other things we thought were tourist attactions growing up. Whyte Ave and Jasper Ave are really 'meh' versions of St.Catherines in Montreal, or SoHo.

The massive rec centers are something her and her friends, and family have never seen before. They're absolutely blown away at how warm the water is, how huge the facilities are. None of them have ever seen a Lazy River before. We spend at least 3 days there every week when we come visit.

We sure as shit don't bother trying the 'Edmonton Mexican food'. Even if the locals consider it good by Edmontonian standards.

Welp, looks like SOMEONEs not invited to my birthday bash at world water park

 

[Stoneman89]

Absolute shit.

The Rec centers in edmonton are actually the only thing my wife her family, and several of our friends seem to enjoy about coming to Edmonton.

You don't think I know it sounds dumb?

WEM is a mall. Its just like any other mall. It's just MORE mall than any other mall, but it's a f***ing mall. If you spend 10mins inside of it, you'll realize it's like ANY mall in North America, and there's nothing special about it. Yes it has crappy mini-golf. Yes it has a mediocre amusement park. Water Park would be ok if it didn't cost like $300 for the family to go.

She doesn't like the River Valley. It's not particularly scenic. It's barren and drab. There's no beach and isn't particularly lively.

The market doesn't really have much on the Jean Talon market here in Montreal. We don't want to sit on a 5 hour flight and see the "crappier" version of a market we have back homel. I dont imagine someone from New York wants to see the market either when they have the Chelsea market.

She doesn't like Fort Edmonton, or all the other things we thought were tourist attactions growing up. Whyte Ave and Jasper Ave are really 'meh' versions of St.Catherines in Montreal, or SoHo.

The massive rec centers are something her and her friends, and family have never seen before. They're absolutely blown away at how warm the water is, how huge the facilities are. None of them have ever seen a Lazy River before. We spend at least 3 days there every week when we come visit.

We sure as shit don't bother trying the 'Edmonton Mexican food'. Even if the locals consider it good by Edmontonian standards.

But why wouldn't a city of over 8 million simply have better gyms and kids play areas than a little old shit city like ours? NYC or LA can pick and choose from so many more entrepeneurs and engineers to build incredible rec centres, same reason LA can draw from so many more Mexicans to get "authentic" Mexican food. Only makes sense, right?

 

[bellagiobob]

Welp, looks like SOMEONEs not invited to my birthday bash at world water park

Assuming you are having it catered by some crappy local Mexican restaurant?

 

[Perfect_Drug]

But why wouldn't a city of over 8 million simply have better gyms and kids play areas than a little old shit city like ours? NYC or LA can pick and choose from so many more entrepeneurs and engineers to build incredible rec centres, same reason LA can draw from so many more Mexicans to get "authentic" Mexican food. Only makes sense, right?

It's the space.

We don't have a massive sprawl. Most east coast cities are densley packed and geographically enclosed.

Our pools are all sad pieces of shit and they all pretty much look like this:

Oh, and we're poor as shit, so the pool is f***ing cold. Also this isn't some 1950's shit pool. This dump was built in 2011, and they recently had to cut municipal budgets so they lowered heating to 25C which is brutally cold for children (I wrote my city councilman about it being unsafe, and he pretty much responded that they don't care).

The "Nicest" one is the Olympic Stadium pool and it's just this (Pretty close to what I remember Kinsmen looked like growing up, without the diving). Once again, its f***ing cold. My kid can only swim for 40mins before her lips turn blue and she starts shivering uncontrollably.

I know it sounds really stupid. But out of towners from the East Coast are blown away by the rec centers in Edmonton. Specifically the pools.

They might not be a source of pride for you guys, but they are definitely world class.
It's not a stretch to say that the Clareview pool might be the nicest indoor pool they've ever been to.

 

[Perfect_Drug]

he's not going to LA, or Seoul or Mexico City...he's coming to Edmonton and needs to eat

your ignorance really is astounding...especially from an outsider

Edmonton has great food man. World class food.

I always recommend steaks, and burgers without hesitation.

They have killer donairs (which is regional local food not really made anywhere else), and then there's the trend of "french" style cuisine made with local ingredients that most major cities have.

The Dutchess is world class.

We don't have chocolate nearly as good as Bernard Callebaut out east.
(My father in law is Belgian so I have to pick up a massive bag of Coco from Callebaut every time i go back. He grew up eating Bernard Callebaut's FATHER's chocolate back in Belgium).

But nobody is flying from New York to Edmonton for the f***ing Pizza or Mexican. No matter how magnificent you think it is. If anyone is ignorant it might be the person who doesn't know who their audience is.

 

[CantHaveTkachev]

Edmonton has great food man. World class food.

I always recommend steaks, and burgers without hesitation.

They have killer donairs (which is regional local food not really made anywhere else), and then there's the trend of "french" style cuisine made with local ingredients that most major cities have.

The Dutchess is world class.

We don't have chocolate nearly as good as Bernard Callebaut out east.
(My father in law is Belgian so I have to pick up a massive bag of Coco from Callebaut every time i go back. He grew up eating Bernard Callebaut's FATHER's chocolate back in Belgium).

But nobody is flying from New York to Edmonton for the f***ing Pizza or Mexican. No matter how magnificent you think it is. If anyone is ignorant it might be the person who doesn't know who their audience is.

See your ignorance if thinking you know what each and every traveller’s wants and needs are, especially when it comes to food
Then dismissing anything not regional because “it can’t possibly be as good as other bigger places!”
Like how do you know lol

 

[Drivesaitl]

It's the space.

We don't have a massive sprawl. Most east coast cities are densley packed and geographically enclosed.

Our pools are all sad pieces of shit and they all pretty much look like this:
View attachment 740401
Oh, and we're poor as shit, so the pool is f***ing cold. Also this isn't some 1950's shit pool. This dump was built in 2011, and they recently had to cut municipal budgets so they lowered heating to 25C which is brutally cold for children (I wrote my city councilman about it being unsafe, and he pretty much responded that they don't care).

The "Nicest" one is the Olympic Stadium pool and it's just this (Pretty close to what I remember Kinsmen looked like growing up, without the diving). Once again, its f***ing cold. My kid can only swim for 40mins before her lips turn blue and she starts shivering uncontrollably.

View attachment 740402

I know it sounds really stupid. But out of towners from the East Coast are blown away by the rec centers in Edmonton. Specifically the pools.

They might not be a source of pride for you guys, but they are definitely world class.
It's not a stretch to say that the Clareview pool might be the nicest indoor pool they've ever been to.

Yeah. Edmonton has WORLD CLASS rec facilities of every variety. Lots of athletes, competitors from around the world have trained in some of our facilities which it seems we take for granted. Alberta is just loaded with great rec and training facilities but they come at inordinate cost.

Myself I think we go overboard on this and it costs tax money. The trouble with Edmonton specific is we build fantastic facilities but how good is the upkeep on these?

Just to mention as well our property tax went up over 300bucks in one year because the city likes to say yes to almost any expenditure. What the city is spending and the escalation in same is untenable. Fiscal prudency out the window.

But when I was growing up here our community "rec center" consisted of an outdoor skating rink (1) and a skate shack that could fit in a garage. There was a tiny community hall that would fit maybe 60 people. That was it.

Have to mention as well that for all we're spending health is declining and people getting more sedentary. So whatever objective, it ain't working. The notion that one needs such facilities to be fit is erroneous.

 

[bellagiobob]

Edmonton has great food man. World class food.

I always recommend steaks, and burgers without hesitation.

They have killer donairs (which is regional local food not really made anywhere else), and then there's the trend of "french" style cuisine made with local ingredients that most major cities have.

The Dutchess is world class.

We don't have chocolate nearly as good as Bernard Callebaut out east.
(My father in law is Belgian so I have to pick up a massive bag of Coco from Callebaut every time i go back. He grew up eating Bernard Callebaut's FATHER's chocolate back in Belgium).

But nobody is flying from New York to Edmonton for the f***ing Pizza or Mexican. No matter how magnificent you think it is. If anyone is ignorant it might be the person who doesn't know who their audience is.

I don’t think anyone is saying the OP is flying here for the food, he’s coming for a hockey game, and needs to eat while he’s here. It’s as simple as that, giving him recommendations. Maybe he’s a Subway kinda guy, who knows.

 

[5 Mins 4 Ftg]

Since we stopped having STH at Citadel we just don't get DT anymore. Will have to give it a shot. Theres supposed to be a Tiki Polynesian type restaurant as well in Ice District? I'm a sucker for anything Tiki.

Three Amigos is on the south side in a little neighbourhood strip mall across the street from DS Mackenzie Jr High in Duggan, my old Jr High school. so not far from your Millwoods stomping ground.

Make a reservation if possible as anytime I’ve gone for supper on any day of the week it’s packed.

 

[Perfect_Drug]

I don’t think anyone is saying the OP is flying here for the food, he’s coming for a hockey game, and needs to eat while he’s here. It’s as simple as that, giving him recommendations. Maybe he’s a Subway kinda guy, who knows.

Yeah. People who want to eat at subway ask locals about where to eat

 

[Stoneman89]

It's the space.

We don't have a massive sprawl. Most east coast cities are densley packed and geographically enclosed.

Our pools are all sad pieces of shit and they all pretty much look like this:
View attachment 740401
Oh, and we're poor as shit, so the pool is f***ing cold. Also this isn't some 1950's shit pool. This dump was built in 2011, and they recently had to cut municipal budgets so they lowered heating to 25C which is brutally cold for children (I wrote my city councilman about it being unsafe, and he pretty much responded that they don't care).

The "Nicest" one is the Olympic Stadium pool and it's just this (Pretty close to what I remember Kinsmen looked like growing up, without the diving). Once again, its f***ing cold. My kid can only swim for 40mins before her lips turn blue and she starts shivering uncontrollably.

View attachment 740402

I know it sounds really stupid. But out of towners from the East Coast are blown away by the rec centers in Edmonton. Specifically the pools.

They might not be a source of pride for you guys, but they are definitely world class.
It's not a stretch to say that the Clareview pool might be the nicest indoor pool they've ever been to.

Well. at least we're good at something then, that's a start. Need to start importing more Mexicans, obviously, as apparently we're sadly lacking in that group.

 

[DavidHasselhoffsFist]

Not sure if it’s been mentioned but Sicilian Pasta Kitchen south side is still one of the best Italian restaurants in the city but it has to be south side and not downtown.

 

[Roo Returns]

I don’t think anyone is saying the OP is flying here for the food, he’s coming for a hockey game, and needs to eat while he’s here. It’s as simple as that, giving him recommendations. Maybe he’s a Subway kinda guy, who knows.

Haha, naw I'm all about local stuff. Example, when I was in Winnipeg I did Clementine's, Niko's, The Forks, etc.

I'm sure there will be great food spots and I really appreciate the recs here (and didn't realize it would stir up so much conversation!)....I have to start writing things down or else this thread will get buried after the first rookie camp game.

As mentioned before, I like traveling. I appreciate growing up in NY and it's where my family, childhood friends, and teams I root for are from, but I'm not one of those who thinks it's the only place in the universe (I actually kind of look down at those people....a little).

I actually get very tired of NY sometimes, and I love going to Ontario for work trips (my coworkers from Ontario love coming to NY). It's that novelty and because we're not there everyday which makes it energetic and special. I'm sure if we traded offices for a year, it wouldn't be as special. Same for anyone here if you've grown up or have lived in Edmonton most of your life I'm sure (or maybe not!).

Now y'all have me wanting some Mexican food on the 100 Streets in Edmonton.

 

[Drivesaitl]

Three Amigos is on the south side in a little neighbourhood strip mall across the street from DS Mackenzie Jr High in Duggan, my old Jr High school. so not far from your Millwoods stomping ground.

Make a reservation if possible as anytime I’ve gone for supper on any day of the week it’s packed.

Somehow I thought it was DT. 10yrs ago I used to be more aware of the restaurant scene here but now in retirement I just don't care. We generally prefer our own cooking so don't go out as much. Covid kind of taught us not to go out to restaurants much. Do they have an outside tables. I like El Fresco a lot more. Mexican food should be eaten outside in the sun. heh

Not sure if it’s been mentioned but Sicilian Pasta Kitchen south side is still one of the best Italian restaurants in the city but it has to be south side and not downtown.

Is the one DT crap now? I heard that they are different owners but still with same name? I like the Southside location too, and its a nice spot and an outdoor shaded patio.

 

[5 Mins 4 Ftg]

Somehow I thought it was DT. 10yrs ago I used to be more aware of the restaurant scene here but now in retirement I just don't care. We generally prefer our own cooking so don't go out as much. Covid kind of taught us not to go out to restaurants much. Do they have an outside tables. I like El Fresco a lot more. Mexican food should be eaten outside in the sun. heh


Is the one DT crap now? I heard that they are different owners but still with same name? I like the Southside location too, and its a nice spot and an outdoor shaded patio.

No Al Fresco dining at Three Amigos. Note it’s Al Fresco not El Fresco ;-) El Fresco is a Mexican cartel gangster lol.

I don’t know the restaurant scene either but Three Amigos been a staple in my neighbourhood for many years. Sicilian Pasta Kitchen as well and it’s great too and only a 10 minute walk from my front door as well. I remember when it used to be Clyde’s.

I hate leaving my neighbourhood for dining. DT I go only to watch the Oilers.

 

[MessierII]

Somehow I thought it was DT. 10yrs ago I used to be more aware of the restaurant scene here but now in retirement I just don't care. We generally prefer our own cooking so don't go out as much. Covid kind of taught us not to go out to restaurants much. Do they have an outside tables. I like El Fresco a lot more. Mexican food should be eaten outside in the sun. heh

You might be thinking of Tres Carnale. I might be spelling it wrong. Good Mexican place downtown.

 

[Sra1974]

You might be thinking of Tres Carnale. I might be spelling it wrong. Good Mexican place downtown.

I think he was thinking of the place that was on Jasper Ave right by the Paramount theatre. It was pretty decent, I think had Amigos in the name. Pretty sure they were out of business well before COVID, sometime after Enbridge moved(which affected a few businesses around there).

 

[DavidHasselhoffsFist]

Somehow I thought it was DT. 10yrs ago I used to be more aware of the restaurant scene here but now in retirement I just don't care. We generally prefer our own cooking so don't go out as much. Covid kind of taught us not to go out to restaurants much. Do they have an outside tables. I like El Fresco a lot more. Mexican food should be eaten outside in the sun. heh


Is the one DT crap now? I heard that they are different owners but still with same name? I like the Southside location too, and its a nice spot and an outdoor shaded patio.

Downtown is still a good restaurant but prefer the menus at the south location. Thinking about it I should recommend both.

 

[AlanHUK]

Not touristy as such, but fits here better than anywhere else

Any recommendations for places to watch the euros?

 

[Oilers333]

Not touristy as such, but fits here better than anywhere else

Any recommendations for places to watch the euros?

Kellys pub downtown

 

[Drivesaitl]

Not touristy as such, but fits here better than anywhere else

Any recommendations for places to watch the euros?

Germany?

Sorry I'm a smart arse.

Voyageurs are a Canadian Soccer support group. They'll probably have some get togethers and watch parties.

Shit, they used to have an open platform website but now have to join to see their forum and discussions and such.

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