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2. Hover over on a title bar to check what it is
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This is a sneak peak
3. Hover over on an image to find out the details
Okay but, this is obviously Calgary rather than Edmonton.
4. Click on the external link to know far more beyond
Check out City of Edmonton's guide book of a downtown walking tour
Here you go
established and began instruction. The University awarded its first degrees in 1912. Alongside early milestones, the University faced disruptions with World War I and the global flu pandemic of 1918, leading to a two-month closure in the fall of 1918. Post-World War II, spurred by increased enrollment and the 1947 Leduc oil discovery, the University of Alberta experienced expansion in the 1950s and 1960s. To date, the University of Alberta has emerged as a leading and globally renowned comprehensive university in Canada.
The flourishing banking sector symbolizes the transition as well. Built in 1910 during the economic boom, the Union Bank Building played a key role in the city's financial history. In June 2023, it was acquired and now serves as the headquarters for two loan brokerage firms, marking a new chapter.
Set atop the banks of the North Saskatchewan River, this is the backdrop to the province's political action. Opened in 1912, it is a marvel of marble pillars and carved oak, beautiful Beaux-Arts architecture, and stunning grounds. Its connection with legislation and administrative bodies is significant as well, showcasing the strength, stability, and potential of the province, along with the grandeur and authority inherent in the legislative process.
It's the first sawn lumber building in Edmonton, representing a landmark in the region's educational history. Established in 1881 during Edmonton's transition to a flourishing agricultural and commercial hub, the school's construction and ongoing financial support were initially sourced from public subscriptions. Today, it stands as Alberta's oldest surviving publicly-funded school building.
Edmonton 1881 School
Story of early education
1881
1912
The Legislature
The gorgeous
Union Bank Building
They've got money
Learn about its fate today
1812
Fort Edmonton
The seedling
(Hudson's Bay Company) moved to Rossdale, never again to move out of today's Edmonton.
Treaty 6
Agreeing
was signed by representatives of the Queen and local Native leaders. Fort Edmonton region title ceded to the Crown, except Indian reserves (Enoch and Papaschase). Arrival of settlers led to disruptions in Indigenous communities: encroachment on lands, diseases, and unfamiliar systems. Treaties emerged to regulate interactions and address competing interests.
Educate yourself of the full version of Treaty 6, and learn more about the ongoing relevance.
1876
1908
University of Alberta
We've gone
academic
1910
1909
Grand Trunk Pacific (GTP) Railway
Choo-choo
entered Edmonton. The mainline followed high standards of construction right from the beginning. The first sod for the GTP was turned near Carberry, Manitoba on August 29, 1905 with steel reaching Edmonton in 1909, while the first train entered the city on August 13. Passenger service was inaugurated in 1910.
Learn how it was constructed
Government House
Political heartbeat
From 1913 to 1938, it served as the residence for the province's first six Lieutenant Governors, becoming the focal point of political and social life in Alberta during that era. Today, meticulously restored and surrounded by lush greenery, gardens, and fountains, it is utilized for meetings, award ceremonies, receptions, and special events.
The Fairmont Hotel Macdonald
The opulent
Locally known as "The Mac," the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald has graced the Edmonton skyline since its debut on July 5, 1915. Built by the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway over four years at a cost of C$2.25 million, it has been an iconic landmark. Over the years, it has attracted numerous dignitaries and celebrities, including a royal visit by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in 1939, causing Edmonton's first traffic jam. Since its reopening in 1991, the hotel has continued to host royalty, political leaders, and entertainers.
Administration Building
The economic sentinel
1913
1915
1931
Driven by the inadequacy of the old legislative building, this $900,000 building, opened on March 19, 1931, housed several departments, including the new Department of Lands & Mines, the Workmen’s Compensation Board, and the Bureau of Vital Statistics. Constructed predominantly with Canadian materials, it epitomizes a collision of classical and early modern design elements. Despite arising during the throes of the Great Depression, the construction provided employment for workers and proved to be an economic lifeline.
Explore Canada's another infrastructure initiative for job creation in the Great Depression
1938
Hudson's Bay Company Department Store
Trading triumphs
The Hudson's Bay Company (H.B.C.) played a pivotal role in the early development of Edmonton. Built in 1939, this structure dominated an entire block on Jasper Ave, showcasing the robust growth of the retail industry and its significant influence on downtown. Architecturally, it stands as a rare and exceptional example of modern design, paying homage to the emerging machine age and reflecting the optimism of the late 1930s economic recovery.
1929
1933
The Great Depression
The crisis
Learn about the nationwide impact of the Great Depression on Canada's economy
dealt a heavy blow to Edmonton. After the stock market crash in October 1929, Canada's Gross Domestic Product plummeted by 75%. In Alberta, personal incomes dropped by 48%, and farm wages saw a decline of 50%. Farmland values decreased by 40%, and the national unemployment rate surged to 30%. On the afternoon of December 20, 1932, over ten thousand Edmontonians and Albertans gathered at the Edmonton Market Square, located at 99th Street and 102nd Avenue, to protest the unemployment and poverty brought about by the Great Depression. Estimates of the number of participants in the hunger march range from 4,000 to 10,000, with some sources suggesting as many as 12,000 protesters. People from various corners of Alberta came together for the protest, driven by economic hardship, leftist beliefs, and a desire for reform.
Find more about what happened on the day
1939
1945
The Second World War
The storm
had a profound impact on Edmonton. The city's population grew by 25 percent during the war. (Edmonton's population was 90,417 in 1939 and grew to 111,745 in 1945.) However, the jobs and opportunities created by the war did not come without a price: 666 young men from Edmonton were killed during the Second World War. One reason was that Edmonton had the highest per capita enlistment rate in Canada. Additionally, due to excellent railway connectivity, Edmonton was chosen by the U.S. military as a primary supply and transportation hub for their activities in the Northwestern United States. The U.S. "invasion" of Edmonton began in January 1942. Shortly thereafter, over 1,400 U.S. military personnel (engineers and laborers) and numerous civilian contractors arrived to construct the Alaska Highway. The Fairmont Hotel Macdonald was once used to accommodate U.S. soldiers.
Explore a unique angle: Chinese women's contribution in Edmonton during the War
"A single oil well changed the history of Alberta." On February 13, 1947, on a quiet farm near Devon, Leduc No. 1 struck a rich oil deposit, shooting flames 15 meters into the air. This significant discovery directly led to a migration and population boom in Alberta. Massive investments began flowing into this once-sleepy agricultural town, as people recognized the importance of this well. Subsequently, the populations of Edmonton and Calgary doubled within a few years. Alberta was on its way to becoming an energy superpower.
View the history display of this still-existing bank
Established in Toronto in 1875, the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce expanded across Canada, openinga branch in Edmonton in 1891. During the economic boom of the late 1940s and early 1950s, exponential growth in customer financial needs led to the replacement of the original building with a larger, more modern structure. Its professional tenure extended until the end of the 20th century.
1945
Churchill Wire Centre
Get connected
Constructed during Edmonton's rapid post-World War Two growth, which was triggered by the 1947 oil discovery at Leduc, this building stands as a rare and exemplary departure from classical architectural styles, with an open interior and high ceilings to accommodate extensive long-distance exchange equipment. The grand design reflects its central role in the city's telephone system.
See this connection on the right
1945
Imperial Bank of Canada
Former CIBC
1947
Oil Discovery at Leduc No. 1
Boom!
1950s
Illustration from Noel Dant’s The Nature of Parking and Traffic, City of Edmonton (1953)
During the entire 1950s, more than 40 inner-ring suburbs emerged around the linear city core, featuring extensive standalone houses and a few apartments near vehicle-oriented shopping plazas, all within walking distance to public schools. The precision of this planning formula remains effective and enduring.
Suburban Boom Began
Go farther
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
Technical talents
1961
In 1961, 8.5 hectares were purchased for NAIT's campus near the municipal airport, formerly Blatchford Field. This was a joint effort by the federal and provincial governments aimed at laying technological foundation to support Canada's rapid economic diversification. It introduced various wealth-generating disciplines, including business, computer and engineering technology, health sciences, trade, and industrial technology. This continuous influx of talent played a vital role in the economic revitalization of both the city and the province.
Play with NAIT's history timeline
CN Tower
"Modern" first ever
1966
Upon completion, it stood as the tallest building west of Toronto in Canada. Pioneering the concept of modern skyscrapers, it holds significance as the first high-rise to shape the downtown skyline of Edmonton. Symbolizing modernity and international design, it served as an early example of tower podium architecture. In 2008, the last batch of CN employees moved out, yet the CN logo still graces the building, maintaining its status as a landmark to this day.
Learn about Canada's another CN Tower's history
Royal Alberta Museum
A new wonderland
1967
Opened to the public on December 6, 1967, on the centennial of Canada's federation, it quickly became a significant destination for Albertans. Originally named The Provincial Museum and Archives of Alberta, it was situated in the peaceful Glenora neighborhood adjacent to the Government House. In 2018, it relocated to a new downtown Edmonton facility spanning 419,000 square feet, making it the largest museum in Western Canada.
1960
Edmonton International Airport
We fly
opened for passenger service on November 15, 1960. In 1963, our 370,000 square foot steel and glass terminal that is now YEG’s north terminal opened. The new airport welcomed 394,000 passengers in 1962, with a jump to 2 million in 1981. In October 1995, 77 percent of Edmontonians voted to consolidate commercial flights at the International Airport. The Municipal Airport would continue to serve private and general aviation as the Edmonton City Centre Airport.
Strack real-time flights departing/arriving in YEG
1972
The Oilers
Gem and symbol
was founded in 1972, and joined the National Hockey League (NHL) in 1979. In the early 1980s, the Oilers became a dominant force in the NHL, winning the Stanley Cup in the 1983-1984 and 1984-1985 seasons. This success established them as one of Canada's most accomplished hockey teams. Overall, the Edmonton Oilers have left an indelible mark on hockey history, and their success and legendary tales continue to be a source of pride for the city of Edmonton and the entire province of Alberta.
Learn more about Oilers' notable players
Edmonton Convention Centre
Busy busy
1983
It broke ground in 1980 and was completed in 1983. Remarkably, 70% of the building is underground, delving into the cliff face, rising over 10 stories from ground to atrium roof. Its long exterior wall provides stunning views of the North Saskatchewan River Valley. The Centre hosts nearly 650 events annually, ranging from graduations and weddings to professional gatherings and children's activities, witnessing many milestones in the lives of Edmontonians.
City Hall
Civic heart
1992
Opened in 1992, the new City Hall symbolizes a harmonious blend of old and new: Designer Gene Dub incorporated materials from the old City Hall, such as marble and granite, into the new structure. The distinctive design features two glass pyramids, symbolizing the rolling mountains in Alberta. Designed as a public space, the new City Hall serves both as a government office and a gathering place for citizens. After the old building's demolition, the original fountain was preserved, transforming into a community ice-skating rink in the winter.
Learn how the 1957 City Hall was inherited by the newly constructed one
MacEwan University
City Campus
UA: We might get frenemy?
1993
In 1971, Grant MacEwan Community College's Scona Campus was established at Strathcona High School to meet the demand for university-level courses with a focus on career development. The initial curriculum included one- and two-year certificate and diploma programs. Construction for a new downtown campus building began in 1991 and opened in 1993. Situated on the former site of the Canadian National Railway Station on the northern edge of downtown, the land was donated by CN. In 2019, it was formally named as an undergraduate university in the Higher Education Act.
1978
The 1978
Commonwealth Games
Exciting moments
marked a historic event held in Edmonton, where significant changes were introduced. It was the first time they were called the Commonwealth Games, having previously been known as the "British Games." Notably, it was the first time a computerized system facilitated ticket sales, showcasing technological advancements. The Games, opened by Queen Elizabeth II, marked her first participation since ascending to the throne in 1952. 46 teams were represented.
View the valuable video archive
Edmonton Light
Rail Transit (LRT)
Whoosh!
started. In 1974, Edmonton started building its modern LRT system with a C$65 million budget. It was the first North American city with a population under one million to have a contemporary LRT. The initial 6.9 km route ran from Belvedere Station to Stadium Station, passing through Coliseum Station, a tunnel under 99 Street to Central Station at Jasper Avenue and 100 Street, with an intermediate stop at Churchill Station.
Throwback to 1992 by watching this dream-core like video
1981
West Edmonton Mall
BIG MAC of Edmonton?
first opened its doors to the public on September 15, 1981. Until 2004, it remained the world's largest indoor shopping center, earning a place in the Guinness World Records. In 1983, West Edmonton Mall expanded with Galaxyland, an indoor amusement park, and the Ice Palace, where the Edmonton Oilers occasionally practiced, delighting the public. Today, it boasts over 800 shops and services, 100 dining venues, 2 hotels, and 12 attractions. Home to the world's largest parking lot, it welcomes an average of 30.8 million visitors annually, solidifying its status as a landmark in Edmonton and Alberta.
Another video, don't get tired. Let's learn WEM's history in a glance!
1987
The 1987 Tornado
Two hours of terror...
Watch this 15-minute documentary produced by TELUS, in memory of those who lost their lives in the tragedy.
A powerful and devastating tornado that ripped through the eastern parts of Edmonton. The tornado cut a swath of destruction 30.8 km in length and up to 1.3 km wide in some places. It killed 27 people, injured more than 300, destroyed more than 300 homes, and caused more than C$332.27 million, becoming the worst natural disaster in Alberta's recent history and the second deadliest in Canada's history.
Winspear Centre
The elegant
1997
Named after Francis G. Winspear, this is the home of the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. With its parallel side walls, Winspear Centre represents a modern transformation of the classic "shoebox" concert hall from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Winspear Centre Completion Project, launched in 2020, has been listed among Alberta Major Projects. Dubbed an open and accessible center, it is heralded as the future of music in the community and is expected to be completed by 2025.
Rogers Place
Kick it
2016
1991
End of Cold War
"Most likely to be bombed."
The dissolution of the Soviet Union marked the end of the Cold War. "Edmonton was one of Canada's most well-prepared cities, alongside Ottawa and Vancouver, as it was most likely to be bombed." During the height of the Cold War, local military activities and the booming oil refineries made Edmonton a focal point for the imminent conflict between NATO and the Soviet Union.
Learn the secrets of Canada and Edmonton during the Cold War
After intricate funding negotiations and a change in naming rights sponsor, it gained approval in 2013 and broke ground in 2014. In 2015, the Oilers visited Rogers Place for the first time, exploring their future home. Completed in 2016, this emotional epicenter of the city, embodying fans' anxieties and fervent desires, finally came to fruition. The Oilers played their first game here on October 12, 2016.
2014
2016
Global Oil Glut
Couldn't sell it...
Alberta, a province whose economy is heavily reliant on the O&G industry, entered a challenging period of decline. Some oil companies began layoffs, the number of positions in the energy sector dwindled, and the net migration into Alberta significantly decreased. Consequently, the real estate market experienced a substantial slowdown. It took nearly 10 years for the province to gradually digest and alleviate this situation. After hitting a low point in July 2016, there was a rebound, and by November 2018, the sector had added around 20,000 jobs compared to two years earlier. With oil sands companies increasing production and preparing to fill the largest new export pipeline in over a decade, Alberta's oil production exceeded 4 million barrels per day in November 2023, making Canada surpass China to become the world's fourth-largest producer.
2016
Edmonton Tower
New gov centre
The Edmonton Tower emerged as one of the initial commercial towers erected in Edmonton following the oil boom of the 1980s. It was the first building to be a part of the Ice District, an extensive $2.5 billion sports and entertainment hub that brought a renewed energy to the city. Edmonton city personnel commenced relocation to the tower in November 2016.
2018
2019
The Ice District's first luxury hotel officially opened in 2018. This Marriott property is the third hotel by the Marriott Group in Canada and stands as one of Edmonton's most significant hotel development projects in recent years.
Stantec chose to establish its headquarters in Edmonton, the city where Dr. Don Stanley founded the company in 1954. This building is considered the most recent and most prominent contribution to the skyline, hailed as "A towering monument to community." Upon completion, it became the tallest building in Western Canada and the tallest in Canada outside of Toronto.
JW Marriott Edmonton
Tall, taller, tallest!
Stantec Tower
2015
ICE District
Let's go skate there
officially opened, a CA$2.5 billion development in downtown Edmonton and part of the Central McDougall community. It is Canada's largest mixed-use sports and entertainment district. A fundamental aspect of its vision and execution is fostering symbiotic relationships among various gathering spaces. People can enjoy exhilarating games, engage in ice-related activities at nearby rinks, or relax in the vicinity's diverse sports-themed bars. Even in winter, convenient pedways connect the district.
Check the latest events and book now!
2020
The COVID-19 Pandemic
The era of MASK
began to wreak havoc globally. On March 6, 2020, Edmonton reported its first case, which was the second case in the province of Alberta. Subsequently, some public facilities started to close. By December of the same year, the active cases surpassed 10,000 for the first time. After July 2021, extensive restrictions began to ease, and the province of Alberta entered the third phase of its reopening plan.
Learn a story on how this cruel pandemic was depriving young Edmontonians' lives
2022
The population of Edmonton has surpassed the milestone of 1.5 million for the first time, reaching 1,519,000 people. Since 1950, the population of Edmonton has consistently experienced growth. In terms of growth rates, aside from the post-war decade maintaining an exceptionally high growth of 6%-7%, the rates have fluctuated between 2%-4% during the rest of the time. In 2018, the growth rate reached 2.65%, the highest in nearly 30 years. Following the pandemic, growth has slowed, but according to United Nations projections, the city's population is expected to reach 1,746,000 by 2035.
As you reach the bottom of this page, you're concluding your journey with me. My gratitude never ends with it. Thank you immensely for watching and backing my graduation project.
The city's narrative continues, just as ours does. We inhabit this city, sharing its beautiful land and navigating through the seasons, be it under the bright sunshine, or amidst stormy sky.
Let's celebrate, on our bright smiles and brilliant minds.
--- Kiki Yang, Spring 2024
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Select a specific event/historic site (or even a few if you want!), make a few comments about:
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