News and Events
"150 Golden Threads", Conference 2017
Tours, Wednesday May 24th
Guided Historical City Tours
(more information to follow February 01, 2017)
NOTE: The Historical City Tours are in addition to the conference. The Street Car Trolley Tour & Tea is included in the registration package.
The Historical City Tours will have a guide provided to give wonderful information about the chosen site (all tours run simultaneously). The guide will meet their groups and take them from the U of A on public transit (everyone is responsible for their own fare: $3.25 one way or $9.25 full day multi-use pass). The guide will enlighten the group during the trip to the designated site, and then participants will have 2 hours to explore before returning to the U of A. Please note entrance fees apply: Muttart entrance fee $12.50, Fort Edmonton entrance fee $26.20 + GST, West Edmonton Mall has no entrance fee but there are lots of stores to tempt so be prepared.
The Muttart Conservatory - Guide Cindy Suelzle
Wednesday May 24th, 9am to 1pm
Cost: $12.50 (seniors $10.50) plus two bus tickets at $3.25 (total of $6.50 for a return fare). Please pack a lunch or plan to buy one at the Conservatory.
The Muttart Conservatory is unique at first sight. This innovative botanical garden sets the pace for plant science in western Canada and defines Edmonton’s skyline with striking glass pyramids rising from river valley.
Historical McCauley District – Guide Kate Quinn Wednesday May 24th, 9am to 1pm
Cost: two bus tickets at $3.25 (total of $6.50 for return fare) (bring money for gelato, latte or lunch)
Tour departs from the University Health Sciences LRT Station. Our first stop will be at the Grandin LRT Station, where we will view the murals and hear the unique story of truth and reconciliation between the Franco-Albertan and Indigenous communities in 2012. We will journey via the LRT to the Stadium Stop, where we can view more murals, walk through the beautiful Commonwealth Recreation Centre and past the Stadium. We will walk through the historic neighbourhood of McCauley, named after Edmonton’s first Mayor, Matt McCauley, who was elected in 1892 when Edmonton became incorporated. McCauley was often called "Honest Matt McCauley". It was said that he "had a strong personality, high ideals and indomitable will and was generous to a fault.”
Stops along the way include Giovanni Caboto Park and the Ortona Fountain, a replica of the famous fountain that survived the battle of Ortona during WW II.
Next stop is Church Street, recognized by the Historical Board of Edmonton as an historical resource, illustrating the immigrant history of the neighbourhood.
We may see a couple of the gardens of McCauley, and when we are tired, stop for gelato or a latte in the Italian Centre shop, or, at Zocalo, the wonderful meeting place in McCauley. The #5 bus will take us downtown, where we’ll hop back on the LRT to return to the University.
West Edmonton Mall.- Guide Rick Snider
Wednesday May 24th, 9am to 1pm
Cost: two bus tickets at $3.25 (total $6.50 for a return fare) plus shopping money and lunch.
The story of West Edmonton Mall (WEM) is the story of how a handful of visionaries took an ordinary idea like a shopping centre and turned it into a world-class destination. The Mall’s stores, attractions and services combine to form the most comprehensive retail, hospitality and entertainment complex on Earth! As the prototype for mixed-use entertainment facilities, WEM is a place where people come to shop, play and stay.
Street Car Trolley Tour and & Tea
Wednesday May 24th, 2pm to 5pm
Our Alberta heritage is incredible and will be highlighted through a tour of Edmonton on the 1929 Street Car with a period persona guide. Immediately following that tour, participants will meet several influential women from Alberta’s past for Tea, including some members of the Famous Five. We’ll wrap up with a Suffrage Sing-Along!
