Edmonton ranks last on list of Canada's best destinations | Daily Hive

Thomas Roell/Shutterstock

Edmonton may come in last on Canada’s best destinations, but don’t let that fool you; there’s plenty here to captivate visitors.

Tripadvisor just unveiled its Travellers’ Choice Awards, revealing the top 20 Best of the Best Destinations in Canada.

According to its website, destinations on the list have received a large amount of above-and-beyond reviews and opinions from the Tripadvisor community over a 12-month period. Less than one per cent of listings achieve this status.

Edmonton secured the 20th spot on the list, noted for its vibrant arts and culture scene and, of course, West Edmonton Mall.

“As North America’s northernmost large metropolis, Edmonton is a fascinating study in contrasts — a vibrant urban centre in the heart of the wilderness,” Tripadvisor writes.

9er Photography/Shutterstock

“It’s a city that’s never been afraid to do things a little differently, as visitors discover through close encounters with free-roaming bison, and a dynamic arts and culture scene that embraces more than 40 annual festivals, including the continent’s biggest and wildest Fringe Theatre Festival.”

Jenari/Shutterstock

Edmonton’s last-place ranking puts it just below Winnipeg, Mont Tremblant, St. John’s, and Cape Breton Island, rounding out the bottom five. But with each of these places boasting its own unique culture and character, it’s hardly bad company to be in.

Provincewide, Alberta made its presence known, securing five of the 20 spots on the list. Banff took first place overall, being touted for its “soaring mountains, jewel-coloured lakes and pristine wilderness.” It also noted that travellers enjoyed both Banff and Lake Louise’s warm hospitality.

The next Alberta destination to make the list was Jasper, coming in spot number 10. The national park was included for its low-key and unpretentious vibe and its excellent food and drink scene.

Calgary came in 12th place, with Tripadvisor celebrating its mix of modernness and historic charm. The Calgary Stampede was, of course, a big draw, as was its proximity to some of Canada’s best national parks.

Just below Calgary, Lake Louise came in 13th place, thanks to its “breathtaking mountain scenery and fluffy snow.” The ranking also mentions the amazing skiing and snowboarding opportunities at the Lake Louise Ski Resort, as well as hiking and rock climbing opportunities in the summer.

You can view the full ranking online.

You might also like:

With files from Kendall Collins