A Visitor’s Guide to West Edmonton Mall: Shopping, Attractions, and Endless Fun
West Edmonton Mall (WEM), located in Edmonton, Alberta, is not just a shopping destination—it’s an all-in-one entertainment, shopping, dining, and leisure complex. Spanning over 5.3 million square feet, West Edmonton Mall is the largest mall in North America and one of the world’s largest, offering visitors a unique combination of retail stores, amusement parks, water attractions, ice rinks, restaurants, and much more. Whether you’re looking to shop at luxury brands, ride roller coasters, or relax at a spa, WEM has something for everyone.
A World-Class Shopping and Entertainment Destination
Opened in 1981, West Edmonton Mall has grown into a world-renowned attraction, drawing millions of visitors each year. With over 800 stores, dozens of attractions, and a diverse range of restaurants and cafés, it’s a place where you can easily spend a full day (or even several days) exploring everything it has to offer. WEM is more than a mall—it’s a destination that combines the excitement of a theme park with the convenience of a world-class shopping center.
What to See and Do at West Edmonton Mall
- Shopping at West Edmonton Mall:
- West Edmonton Mall boasts an impressive selection of over 800 stores ranging from luxury retailers to popular fashion brands, electronics, and specialty shops. You can find everything from high-end fashion at Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Tiffany & Co., to everyday favorites like H&M, Zara, and Lululemon.
- Luxury and Designer Brands:
- If you’re in the mood for luxury shopping, WEM offers several high-end stores, including Burberry, Saint Laurent, and Chanel, in addition to Jewels by Maxime’s for fine jewelry and watches.
- Department Stores:
- Anchoring the mall are major department stores like Hudson’s Bay, Simons, and London Drugs, offering a wide range of products including fashion, cosmetics, home goods, and electronics.
- Specialty Shops:
- WEM also features specialty stores such as LEGO, Funko Pop, Japanada, and The Disney Store, making it a great shopping destination for collectors and unique gift items.
- Galaxyland Amusement Park:
- Galaxyland, the world’s largest indoor amusement park, is one of West Edmonton Mall’s biggest attractions. With more than 27 thrilling rides and attractions, it offers something for every age group, from adrenaline-pumping roller coasters to gentle rides for young children.
- Mindbender Roller Coaster:
- The park’s most famous ride is the Mindbender, the world’s largest indoor triple-loop roller coaster. It’s a must for thrill-seekers looking for a high-speed, heart-pounding experience.
- Family and Kids’ Rides:
- For younger visitors, Galaxyland offers plenty of family-friendly attractions, including Galaxy Kids Playpark, carousel rides, and bumper cars.
- World Waterpark:
- Another iconic feature of West Edmonton Mall is the World Waterpark, the second-largest indoor waterpark in the world. This tropical paradise offers a range of water slides, pools, and attractions, with temperatures kept at a balmy 31°C (88°F) year-round.
- Waterslides and Wave Pool:
- The park features 17 waterslides, including the Cyclone, a thrilling slide with a near-vertical drop, and Nessie’s Revenge, a tube slide. The massive wave pool is one of the largest indoor wave pools in the world, creating ocean-like waves for swimming and body surfing.
- Surfing and Cabana Rentals:
- Visitors can try their hand at indoor surfing with the FlowRider, or relax in one of the private cabanas available for rent, perfect for families or groups looking to spend a day lounging in comfort.
- Marine Life and Sea Life Caverns:
- The mall’s Marine Life section is home to a variety of aquatic exhibits and marine animals. Visitors can watch daily sea lion shows, explore the Sea Life Caverns with its collection of exotic fish, reptiles, and penguins, or take part in interactive experiences like Penguin Encounters.
- Sea Lion Show:
- One of the highlights of Marine Life is the daily sea lion shows, where these playful animals perform tricks and entertain audiences of all ages.
- Interactive Exhibits:
- Visitors can also enjoy up-close interactions with animals, including stingray touch pools, making it a fun and educational experience for children.
- Ice Palace:
- In the center of the mall, you’ll find the Ice Palace, a full-sized indoor ice rink where visitors can enjoy public skating, watch figure skating performances, or even catch hockey tournaments. The Ice Palace offers skate rentals and lessons, making it a popular activity for both locals and tourists.
- Special Events and Public Skating:
- The Ice Palace hosts various events throughout the year, including figure skating competitions, hockey games, and public skating sessions. It’s a great place for a leisurely skate or to watch athletes perform.
- Fantasyland Hotel:
- Located inside West Edmonton Mall is the Fantasyland Hotel, a unique accommodation option that offers themed rooms for a truly immersive experience. Guests can choose from rooms with themes like Roman Empire, Hollywood, Space, or even Igloos.
- Theme Rooms:
- Each themed room is designed to offer a fun and memorable stay, perfect for families or couples looking for a quirky, luxurious hotel experience. Fantasyland Hotel is conveniently connected to the mall, making it easy for guests to explore WEM’s attractions without leaving the premises.
- Mini-Golf and Bowling:
- For more family-friendly fun, WEM offers multiple mini-golf courses and a bowling alley.
- Professor WEM’s Adventure Golf:
- This 18-hole mini-golf course is designed with whimsical obstacles and fun challenges, making it a great activity for all ages.
- Ed’s Bowling:
- For those who prefer bowling, Ed’s Bowling offers 10-pin bowling, a retro arcade, and even billiards, making it an excellent choice for group outings.
- Drive-In Movie Theater:
- West Edmonton Mall also offers a unique drive-in movie theater experience. Visitors can enjoy films from the comfort of their cars while parked in the lot, with audio streamed directly through the car’s radio. This nostalgic activity is available seasonally and offers a fun way to end a day of shopping and adventure.
- Dining and Entertainment:
- West Edmonton Mall is home to over 100 dining options, from fine dining restaurants to casual eateriesand food courts. Visitors can enjoy cuisines from around the world, including Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Mexican, and American classics.
- Bourbon Street:
- For a lively dining experience, head to Bourbon Street, an entertainment and dining hub inspired by New Orleans, featuring popular restaurants like Moxie’s, The Old Spaghetti Factory, and Earls.
- The Rec Room:
- For entertainment after a meal, visit The Rec Room, a fun destination offering arcade games, virtual reality experiences, live performances, and Canadian cuisine.
- Galaxyland Hotel:
- Another themed hotel within the mall is the Galaxyland Hotel, which offers rooms inspired by the amusement park. Perfect for families, this hotel makes it easy to enjoy both Galaxyland and the other attractions in the mall.
How to Get There
West Edmonton Mall is located in Edmonton, Alberta, easily accessible by car, public transportation, or bike.
- Address: 8882 170 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5T 4J2
- Public Transport: The mall is well-served by Edmonton Transit Service (ETS), with buses stopping at the West Edmonton Mall Transit Centre, located just outside the main entrance.
- Parking: With over 20,000 parking spaces, visitors can easily find free parking around the mall.
Visiting Hours and Admission
West Edmonton Mall is open daily, though specific attraction hours may vary. Admission to the mall itself is free, but fees apply for attractions like the waterpark, Galaxyland, and the Ice Palace.
- Mall Hours: Typically open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. (weekdays) and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (weekends).
- Admission Fees: Fees apply for individual attractions such as Galaxyland, World Waterpark, and Marine Life. Tickets can be purchased online or at the mall.
- Official Website: West Edmonton Mall
Best Time to Visit
The mall is a year-round destination, but certain attractions, such as the drive-in theater, may be seasonal.
- Summer: Ideal for visiting the World Waterpark and exploring all the indoor attractions with fewer crowds during the weekdays.
- Winter: A perfect time to escape the cold and enjoy indoor activities like skating, shopping, and dining.
A Must-Visit for Families and Adventure Seekers
Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, shopaholic, or family looking for a fun-filled getaway, West Edmonton Mall offers an unparalleled combination of shopping, entertainment, and adventure under one roof. With its world-class attractions and endless activities, WEM promises an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.
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