Whether you’re a fan of the hit reality show Amazing Race Canada or just love Edmonton attractions, you’ll want to check out this list. This year’s ARC contestants raced through Edmonton, stopping at these iconic local hot-spots on their way to complete exciting puzzles and challenges.
1. Old Strathcona Antique Mall
This is a place of mystery and intrigue speckled with vintage splendor—and where the contestants had to race to find a bobblehead of TV host Jon Montgomery. Pop in to find your own treasures like antique furniture, jewellery, comic books, and much more (bobbleheads not guaranteed).
2. High Level Bridge Streetcar
Not only is the High Level Bridge Streetcar a fun way to transport yourself between Old Strathcona area and Downtown, it’s also where teams from Amazing Race had to find their next clue. While aboard the streetcar, you will get an amazing view of the North Saskatchewan River, a detailed account of Edmonton’s history by one of the knowledgeable and experienced conductors, and ideal access to city hot-spots like the Alberta Legislature Grounds in the downtown area or Whyte Avenue shops in Old Strathcona.
3. Royal Alberta Museum
Only 9 months old, the Royal Alberta Museum (RAM) is a cool place to check out all kinds of exhibits—such as the Vikings: Beyond the Legend exhibit, which will be in town until October 2019. While also in town, the contestants raced to the RAM where their challenge was to perform with a local youth choir.
4. The 100 Street Funicular
The Funicular is a large mechanized, outdoor elevator connecting the top of 100 Street near the Hotel Macdonald to Louise McKinney Park, where you can find the city’s famed river valley and its walking paths and picturesque parks. During the show, contestants had the choice of either going to the RAM or taking a ride in the Funicular where they had to piece together two puzzles of the Edmonton skyline as quickly as possible. Which would you have chosen?
5. University of Alberta Botanic Garden
A fantastic spot to enjoy a day amongst flowers, trees, and sunshine—and sometimes even race to the finish line. At the U of A Botanic Garden, there are thousands of plants ranging from ornamental to edible, indoor showhouses including the stunning Tropical Plant and Butterfly showhouse, and four themed gardens including the new award-winning Aga Khan Garden. It was within this notable garden that the contestants crossed the finish line and ended the Edmonton portion of the race this year.
If you find yourself inspired to test your own puzzle and challenge solving skills, check out Escape Hour at City Centre Mall! With four different rooms of varying complexity you’ll get to put your mind muscles—and sometimes even your actual muscles—to the ultimate test.
