10. Stop Edmonton, Alberta

On Friday, 11/29/2019, I took a coach bus to Edmonton around noon. Since we had several stops along the way, we didn't arrive until 8 o'clock in the evening. When I got to the hostel, I went to bed right away.

Many backpackers I talked to tried to dissuade me from going to Edmonton. They said that the city didn't have much to offer and was unspectacular, and that I could spend my time better in the area. However, since I already had everything booked, I didn't let that deter me and set off on Saturday. I had planned to explore the west and visit a few parks on that day. It was the coldest day of my trip so far - the temperature dropped to -22 degrees overnight.

My route took me past the North Saskatchewan River. I had a great view from a higher vantage point. However, it was so cold that there were mostly small snow-covered ice floes floating slowly.

I crossed the Whitemud Equestrian Park, which is named after the river that flows into the North Saskatchewan. The river was completely frozen and covered in snow. I was glad that a bridge showed me the way, otherwise I might have unknowingly walked across the snow over the water.. ;)

Next, I wanted to visit Fort Edmonton Park. It is actually part of the sightseeing in Edmonton, but unfortunately it is closed for renovations and restoration until early 2021. Normally, you can travel back to the years 1800 to 1900 here. I took a walk through the snow as far as I could get.

Then, since my body was pretty cold, I started making my way back. However, I still climbed the nearby 300 steps to a small observation platform to warm up a bit. I had a good view from above, but only of a big highway and busy streets.