Option No.2: Hit up Edmonton’s vibrant shopping district on 124 Street and explore decor shops, such as Dwell Modern, and pretty boutiques like Pura Botanicals, where you can customize your own eco-friendly perfume. Sustain all your shopping efforts with coffee and cake at the world-class Duchess Bake Shop. The limited edition croissant is a new favourite (it’s filled with raspberry rose gelée and finished with a lychee glaze and dried raspberries). Then, head right next door to Duchess Provisions, where you’ll find gourmet ingredients, cookbooks and kitchen tools, including cookie cutters in nearly every shape you can imagine. If you happen to visit during the Edmonton Folk Music Festival – August 4 to 7 – spend the afternoon at beautiful Gallagher Park and take in a couple of shows. Or soak up the carnival-like atmosphere and theatrical performances at the Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival (August 11 to 26). Back at the hotel, have a power nap before strolling to the intimate Italian restaurant Corso 32 for dinner (make reservations at least a month in advance). The freshly made goat ricotta comes highly recommended – it’s so creamy it borders on divine.

Day 3: Spend the day exploring the much-adored West Edmonton Mall, or if you’ve exhausted your shopping muscles, try a floral or craft workshop at Cory Christopher’s design studio.