West Edmonton Mall
- The Largest Mall in North America
- Galaxyland Amusement Park
- World Waterpark
- Shopping
- Dining
- Entertainment
- Hotels
- Events
- Accessibility
- Parking
- Getting There
- Hours of Operation
- Admission
- Tips for Visitors
- Insider Tip: Experience the Mall Like a Local
The Largest Mall in North America
The West Edmonton Mall, located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, holds the title of being the largest shopping and entertainment complex in North America and one of the biggest in the world. This colossal mall boasts an impressive history, spanning over four decades of growth and transformation.
In 1981, the West Edmonton Mall opened its doors to the public, revolutionizing the shopping experience. The mall's visionary founder, the late Peter Pocklington, aimed to create a one-of-a-kind destination that combined shopping, entertainment, and leisure activities under one roof. Over the years, the mall underwent several expansions, adding new sections, attractions, and amenities to its vast repertoire.
The West Edmonton Mall's size is simply staggering. It encompasses over 3 million square feet of retail space, housing more than 800 stores, restaurants, and attractions. Its sprawling layout features four distinct sections: the Main Mall, the Phase II Mall, the Phase III Mall, and the Galaxyland Amusement Park. Each section offers a unique shopping and entertainment experience, catering to diverse tastes and preferences.
Among the mall's most distinctive features is its indoor amusement park, Galaxyland, the largest indoor amusement park in the world. The mall also houses the World Waterpark, the largest indoor waterpark in the world, featuring thrilling water slides, pools, and a wave pool. These attractions, along with numerous other entertainment options, make the West Edmonton Mall a true destination for families and thrill-seekers alike.
Galaxyland Amusement Park
Galaxyland Amusement Park is an indoor amusement park located within the West Edmonton Mall. It is one of the largest indoor amusement parks in the world, featuring over 24 rides and attractions. The park is divided into four themed areas: Space Quest, Fantasy Land, Galaxy Bowl, and Splash Zone.
Space Quest features thrilling rides such as the Space Shot, a drop tower that takes riders up to 110 feet in the air before dropping them back down, and the Galaxy Orbiter, a spinning roller coaster that takes riders through a series of loops and turns. Fantasy Land is home to gentler rides for younger children, such as the Carousel and the Ferris Wheel. Galaxy Bowl is a 10-lane bowling alley, and Splash Zone is a water park with slides, pools, and lazy rivers.
One of the most unique features of Galaxyland is its indoor roller coasters. The Mindbender is a steel roller coaster that takes riders through a series of twists, turns, and inversions. The Dragon Fire is a wooden roller coaster that features a steep drop and a thrilling tunnel. Both roller coasters are a must-ride for any thrill-seeker.
Galaxyland also has a water park called World Waterpark. World Waterpark is the largest indoor water park in the world, featuring over 17 waterslides, a wave pool, a lazy river, and a children's play area. The water park is a great place to cool off and have some fun on a hot day.
World Waterpark
The West Edmonton Mall is home to the world's largest indoor waterpark, World Waterpark. This 20-acre waterpark features over 17 waterslides, a wave pool, a lazy river, and several other unique attractions.
The highlight of World Waterpark is the Galaxy Water Coaster, the world's first indoor water roller coaster. This thrilling ride takes riders on a high-speed adventure through the stars, complete with special effects and lighting.
Another popular attraction is the Blue Thunder Wave Pool, which generates waves up to 6 feet high. The Riptide Rapids lazy river is a great way to relax and float around the park.
For younger children, World Waterpark has a dedicated Splash Park with several smaller slides and water features. There is also an arcade and a food court located within the waterpark.
Practical tip: Bring your swimsuit and towel, or you can rent them at the park. Lockers are also available for rent.
Shopping
The West Edmonton Mall is a shopper's paradise, with over 800 stores to choose from. You'll find everything from department stores and boutiques to specialty shops and gift stores. There are also several grocery stores, pharmacies, and banks.
The mall is divided into four sections: the North Wing, the South Wing, the East Wing, and the West Wing. Each wing has its own unique mix of stores, so you're sure to find what you're looking for.
One of the best things about shopping at the West Edmonton Mall is that it's tax-free. This means that you can save up to 5% on your purchases.
If you're looking for a specific item, you can use the mall's online directory to find the store that carries it. You can also use the directory to find out what stores are having sales and promotions.
The West Edmonton Mall is a great place to shop for souvenirs, gifts, and everything else you need. With its wide variety of stores and tax-free shopping, you're sure to find what you're looking for.
Dining
The West Edmonton Mall offers a diverse range of dining options to cater to every taste and budget. With over 100 restaurants and food courts, visitors can choose from fine dining establishments to casual eateries and fast-food chains.
Fine Dining:
For those seeking a sophisticated dining experience, the mall houses several fine-dining restaurants. These restaurants offer a range of cuisines, including Italian, French, and Japanese. Visitors can indulge in expertly prepared dishes, attentive service, and elegant ambiance.
Casual Dining:
For a more relaxed dining experience, the mall offers a wide selection of casual dining restaurants. These restaurants serve a variety of cuisines, including American, Mexican, and Asian. Visitors can enjoy a delicious meal in a casual setting, perfect for families and groups.
Fast Food:
For those on the go or looking for a quick bite, the mall has several fast-food options. These restaurants offer a variety of familiar favorites, including burgers, fries, and pizza. Visitors can grab a quick meal and continue their shopping or entertainment experience.
International Cuisine:
The West Edmonton Mall is a culinary melting pot, offering a wide range of international cuisines. Visitors can savor the flavors of Italy, Mexico, Japan, China, and many other countries without leaving the mall. This diversity allows visitors to explore new culinary experiences and satisfy their cravings for international flavors.
Tax-Free Shopping:
One of the unique advantages of dining at the West Edmonton Mall is the tax-free shopping. Alberta does not have a provincial sales tax, so visitors can enjoy tax-free meals at all of the mall's restaurants. This tax-free advantage makes dining at the West Edmonton Mall even more affordable and enticing.
Entertainment
The West Edmonton Mall offers a wide range of entertainment options for visitors of all ages. There are three movie theaters showing the latest films, a bowling alley with 32 lanes, and an arcade with over 200 games. Live entertainment and events are also held regularly at the mall, including concerts, trade shows, and conventions. For those looking for a more active experience, there are also sports and recreation facilities, such as a skating rink, a fitness center, and a mini-golf course.
Hotels
The West Edmonton Mall offers visitors a convenient and comfortable stay with four on-site hotels to choose from. Whether you're looking for a luxurious retreat or a budget-friendly option, there's a hotel to suit your needs.
The Fantasyland Hotel is a family-friendly hotel that offers themed rooms and suites, as well as access to the waterpark and amusement park. The Hotel West Edmonton is a more upscale option with spacious rooms and suites, as well as a variety of amenities, including a fitness center, spa, and indoor pool. The Westin Edmonton is a modern hotel that offers stunning views of the city and the mall, as well as a variety of amenities, including a rooftop pool, fitness center, and business center. The Holiday Inn Edmonton West is a budget-friendly option that offers comfortable rooms and suites, as well as a variety of amenities, including a fitness center and indoor pool.
All of the hotels offer easy access to the mall, with indoor walkways connecting them to the shopping, dining, and entertainment options. With a variety of room types and amenities to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect hotel for your stay at the West Edmonton Mall.
Events
The West Edmonton Mall is not just a shopping and entertainment destination; it also hosts various special events and festivals throughout the year. From concerts and trade shows to conventions and holiday celebrations, there is always something exciting happening at the mall.
Concerts: The mall's central atrium often hosts concerts by local and international artists. From pop and rock to country and classical, the variety of music genres ensures something for everyone.
Trade Shows and Conventions: The mall's convention center is a popular venue for trade shows and conventions. These events cover a wide range of industries, including technology, fashion, home décor, and more.
Holiday Celebrations: The mall goes all out for holiday celebrations, especially during Christmas and Halloween. Visitors can enjoy festive decorations, special events, and character meet-and-greets.
Plan your visit to coincide with one of the mall's many events for a truly memorable experience. Check the mall's website for a complete list of upcoming events and festivals.
Accessibility
The West Edmonton Mall is committed to providing a welcoming and accessible environment for all visitors. The mall is fully wheelchair accessible, with ramps and elevators located throughout the property. Stroller rentals are also available for families with young children. Service animals are welcome in the mall, and there are designated relief areas located throughout the property.
Parking
The West Edmonton Mall provides ample parking for its visitors, with over 20,000 parking spaces available. The parking lot is divided into several zones, each with its own entrance and exit, making it easy to find a spot close to your desired destination. Valet parking is also available for those who prefer a more convenient option.
For those who prefer to use public transportation, the mall is well-connected by bus routes, making it easy to get to and from the mall without the need for a car. A park-and-ride service is also available for those who live outside of Edmonton.
To ensure a smooth and stress-free parking experience, it's recommended to arrive early, especially during peak hours and weekends. Visitors can also take advantage of the mall's free Wi-Fi to plan their route and find the best parking spot before they arrive.
Getting There
The West Edmonton Mall is conveniently located in Edmonton, Alberta, the capital city of Canada's westernmost province. It is easily accessible by car, public transportation, or taxi. If you are driving, take Exit 41 off the Anthony Henday Drive and follow the signs to the mall. There is ample parking available, with over 20,000 spaces, including valet parking and a park-and-ride service.
For those who prefer to use public transportation, the mall is served by several bus routes. You can catch a bus from downtown Edmonton or from other parts of the city. The mall is also a stop on the Edmonton Light Rail Transit (LRT) line. Take the LRT to the Southgate Station and then transfer to a bus that will take you directly to the mall.
No matter how you choose to get there, the West Edmonton Mall is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Edmonton.
Hours of Operation
The West Edmonton Mall is open seven days a week, providing ample opportunities for visitors to explore its vast offerings. Operating hours vary throughout the year and during holidays, so it is advisable to check the mall's website for specific hours of operation. Generally, the mall opens its doors early in the morning and closes late in the evening, accommodating the diverse schedules of visitors. Extended hours are observed during peak seasons and holidays, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the mall's attractions without feeling rushed. Whether you prefer the tranquility of a weekday visit or the excitement of a weekend shopping spree, the West Edmonton Mall's flexible hours cater to your convenience.
Admission
Admission to the West Edmonton Mall is free of charge, allowing visitors to explore the vast shopping and entertainment complex without any upfront costs. However, many of the attractions within the mall, such as Galaxyland Amusement Park and World Waterpark, require separate admission fees. These fees vary depending on the attraction and the time of day or year.
For those planning to visit multiple attractions, consider purchasing a season pass, which offers unlimited access to Galaxyland, World Waterpark, and other select attractions for a set price. Season passes can be purchased online or at the mall's guest services desk.
Remember, while admission to the mall is free, the allure of its attractions and amenities may tempt you to spend, so it's wise to set a budget before your visit to avoid overspending.
Tips for Visitors
To make the most of your visit to the West Edmonton Mall, keep these tips in mind:
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Comfortable Shoes: With over 800 stores to explore, you'll be doing a lot of walking. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes to avoid sore feet.
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Hydration: The mall is vast, and it can be easy to get dehydrated. Bring a refillable water bottle with you to stay hydrated throughout your visit.
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Plan Your Route: With so much to see and do, it's easy to get overwhelmed. Plan your route in advance by creating a list of the stores and attractions you want to visit.
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Wi-Fi: The mall offers free Wi-Fi, so take advantage of it to stay connected with friends and family, check maps, and look up information about the mall.
By following these tips, you'll ensure that your visit to the West Edmonton Mall is enjoyable and memorable.
Insider Tip: Experience the Mall Like a Local
To fully immerse yourself in the local experience, consider visiting the mall during the week to avoid the weekend crowds. This will allow you to leisurely explore the vast array of stores and attractions without feeling overwhelmed. Additionally, keep an eye out for special promotions and discounts offered throughout the year. The mall's website often features exclusive deals and coupons that can help you save on your shopping and dining experiences. By following these insider tips, you can make the most of your visit to the West Edmonton Mall and create lasting memories.
