Canada’s largest indoor mall- West Edmonton Mall
West Edmonton Mall is located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. It is the largest shopping mall in North America. The mall opened in September 1981 and was the largest shopping mall in the world at that time. The largest shopping mall in the world, with an area of 570,000 square meters, it houses the world’s largest indoor heated swimming pool, ice rink, aquarium, sea lion show, amusement park, cinema, restaurant, and supermarket, in addition, There are also 800 shopping stores. Whether it is high-priced boutiques or affordable clothing, you can find it here. It is a diversified shopping mall that combines entertainment and shopping.
Canada has a high latitude and long winters all year round, so there are many indoor shopping malls. Every modern urbanite is no stranger to the term Shopping Mall, but large shopping malls only became popular in Canada at the beginning of the last century. In addition to a dazzling array of stores to meet shopping needs, large shopping malls have also begun to add different elements, such as food courts, cinemas, supermarkets, restaurants, etc., in the hope of attracting more types and ages of customers, creating a different experience beyond shopping. When it comes to the largest shopping malls in the world, Canada also holds the title.
In this post, we will share some of the wonderful facilities in West Edmonton Mall that cannot be missed. Ready to plan your next journey!
1. Santa Maria
There are not only shops for shopping in West Edmonton Mall, but the most eye-catching one is the replica of the big ship “Santa Maria”. The Santa Maria was one of the ships that Columbus sailed to discover the New World in 1492. Visitors can admire this big ship on the shopping aisles on both sides. Special events such as weddings and birthday parties can also be held on the ship, but reservations must be made in advance.
2. California Sea Lions
The sea lion show is also an item worth appreciating. You can buy a ticket to enter and interact with the sea lions up close and take photos, or you can stand on the sidewalks on both sides of the performance venue and watch the sea lion show for free from a distance. There are three female sea lions and one female sea lion. There is only one male sea lion, and the performance time is from 2 to 3 pm every day.
3. World Waterpark
Can you imagine a water park in a mall? The most popular entertainment in West Edmonton Mall is the world’s largest indoor water park, which has 17 waterslides, artificial waves, and beaches. The average indoor temperature is 31 degrees. Even if the temperature is below zero outside in winter, you can still go swimming and surfing here.
4. Ice Palace
The most popular sport in Canada is ice hockey. It has won several Winter Olympics championships. Ice hockey is like a national sport. Children have been practicing skating since they were young. It is not a problem to turn and brake quickly. The ice rink in West Edmonton Mall is an open skating space. Many tourists will buy a drink and stand nearby, watching people playing ice hockey or practicing figure skating.
5. Other facilities
The entertainment facilities at West Edmonton Mall can’t be used up in two days. The other entertainment facilities listed below are left to you to enjoy on your own, or you can just go shopping.
- Marine Life
- Alien Outbreak Escape Room
- IMAX 3D Theater
- Galaxyland
- Adventure Golf
- Ed’s Bowling
- DRIVE
- Starlight Casino