When I was growing up in Calgary, my family would trek up to Edmonton every summer to visit relatives. West Edmonton Mall (WEM) was always the highlight of those trips. WEM opened in 1981, claiming the title of largest shopping mall in the world. I still remember my little legs quaking on the giant boat ride in Galaxyland, watching the live dolphin shows by the massive pirate ship and hours of shopping in what seemed like an endless parade of stores.
Today, WEM is still the largest indoor mall in North America, boasting 16 world-class attractions and more than 800 stores and 100 dining venues. When my kids asked to go to WEM recently, I was awash with a wave of nostalgia. I wondered whether it would be as memorable and exciting for them. A quick family road trip was the only way to find out, and I’m pleased to report that WEM did not disappoint.
Here’s how to spend 24 hours at WEM.
Dive in at the World Waterpark
Home to the world’s largest indoor wave pool where the waves get as high as 4.5 feet, the waterpark also features over 17 exhilarating waterslides — my kids loved the Cyclone with its upside-down loop and the Tropical Typhoon. The water is warm (31°C) and there are splash zones for all ages.
Thrill seek at Galaxyland Powered by Hasbro
North America’s largest indoor amusement park is a perfect memory-making space with its stomach-dropping rides and play areas for all ages. Wind your way through three-and-a-half acres of family-friendly rides, including the super-fun Galaxy Orbiter roller coaster.
Try go-karting
If you prefer a different kind of ride where you have more control, head over to the state-of-the-art Drive attraction, North America’s first indoor multilevel race track. Test your F1-esque skills as you race around the New York-streetscape-themed track on electric race karts.
See marine life
While dolphin shows are no longer, you can still get up close and personal with sharks, sea turtles, penguins and more at Sea Life Caverns. The underground aquatic adventure is home to over 100 species from around the world, including fish, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates. My son was pumped to pet a beautiful bamboo shark in the touch pool. The animals are cared for by a team of expert staff who educate visitors about the animals, and the aquarium is proudly accredited by Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums and the National Marine Educators Association.
Grab some food
WEM is home to more than 100 coffee shops, fast-food options and full-service restaurants. The two food courts can satisfy any fast-food cravings, or you can choose from big restaurant chains like Cactus Club Cafe and Moxies or smaller restaurants like The Taco Shop or Dookbaeki, for traditional Korean stews.
Go shopping
WEM is, first and foremost, a shopping mall. It’s chockablock with every shop and service you could ever need. It has all the usual retail players, especially in apparel and accessories, including department store favourites like Simons and Winners. My daughter helped the bottom line of several while my son spent hours at the flagship LEGO store, customizing his own minifigure through the minifigure factory.
Rest your head at Fantasyland Hotel
I always wanted to stay here as a kid, but never did. So to satisfy my younger self’s wish, and for sheer convenience, we overnighted in one of the theme rooms at the Fantasyland Hotel located within the mall. Themes range from space and dinosaurs to Western and Polynesian. It just added an extra layer of fun, making WEM feel a bit more exotic than just three hours north of Calgary.
Avenue’s writers and editors are occasionally hosted at restaurants/venues as guests, including some of the spots in this story. Neither complimentary meals/activities nor advertising are required for coverage in Avenue. Neither companies that advertise nor those that provide other incentives are promised editorial coverage, nor do they review or approve stories before publication.