Edmonton's newest attraction signals strong tourism season overall

Standing at the base of Edmonton's newest attraction, Renee Williams is pumped about the summer tourism season to come.

"I think it's pretty spectacular," the director of communications for Edmonton Tourism said about the Snow Valley Aerial Park, which opened on the May long weekend.

"We've got a lot of outdoor adventure enthusiasts and this is a great example of something we can put front and centre," she said.

And the crowds have come.

Over the inaugural weekend alone the 15-metre outdoor jungle gym attracted 827 visitors according to Snow Valley's Tim Dea.

• Aerial attraction will take Edmonton's river valley to new heights

"We knew it would be popular, but it's very popular."

The business projections for the $1.7 million park predicted an overall attendance of 8,000 guests between May and October.

The not-for-profit Snow Valley Ski Club attracts about 180,000 skiers and 16,000 campers each year, but the aerial park is already changing the vibe, Dea said.

Latest attraction at Snow Valley

8 years ago

Duration 2:08

Tim Dea with Snow Valley shows us around their campground, ski hill, lodge and their new aerial park.

"It's a lot busier, a lot more people, it's more alive that's for sure."

Renee Williams believes attractions like the aerial park, the city's many festivals, sporting events and other summer attractions mean the growth in Edmonton's tourism industry will continue.

"We know a lot of people are still sticking close to home this summer with the economy, and visitors from northern Alberta, B.C. and Saskatchewan really look to Edmonton as a getaway and vacation spot."

You can see more on attractions on Our Edmonton Saturday at 10 a.m. and Sunday and Monday at 11 a.m. on CBC TV. 

Looking for free tourist attractions in Edmonton?

8 years ago

Duration 2:03

Here's a list of five fun things you can do in Edmonton for free.