Edmonton while a large city in Alberta lay's claim to two businesses that attract more then their fair share of the tourism market.

Once billed as the largest shopping mall in the world when completed in 1998 now only ranks 23rd in the world but is still No 2 in North America after The Mall of America in Minnasota USA.

What set this Mall apart from others still exists to this day.

It boasts a indoor Waterworld that includes a beach with a wave machine. It has a wavezone surf board area as well as numerous waterslides some of which have a freefall of 4 storey's. The latest addition feature is a series of zip lines that transports paying customers over the waves and beach.

Another section of the Mall houses a full size replica pirate ship. This area when I first visited had a underwater submarine ride that i took but following a fatal accident this was deleted so apart from the static displays there are daily sea lion and penguin shows.

Still yet another wing houses a full size amusement park complete with a massive roller coaster ride that too figured in a fatal accident and now day's that bend is marked by a kink in the tracks allowing plenty of head room.

Still in the North West is Blatchford Field once a thriving airport but now the site of a new community.

However those with forthought approached Edmonton City Council in the 1990's and secured the last remaining double-long,double-wide hangar from the WW2 era and set up The Alberta Aviation Museum, where History takes Flight.

Originally a farmers field Edmonton pioneers embraced flight and aircraft barely a decade after the Wright Brothers first flight at Kittyhawk in the US.

When WW1 vcommenced the pioneer aviators in the area took their planes to war and proved that Canada and its aviators were an asset to the war effort.

With the war over the survivors returned to Blatchford field and keen to remain in aviation soon began to fly supplies and explorers into the frozen North. Blatchford soon assumed the title Gateway to the North as trapers sent their furs South along with meat & fish in return for the supplies to maintain life during the long winters when land travel was almost impossible. The location of minerals and later energy sources has continued the use of sturdy aircraft to ferry two way traffic.

World War 2 saw Blatchford assume dual roles. Many piolots from both Canada and the Commonwealth countries trained there.

It also became a staging base for literally thousands of ferry flights to supply beleagured allies in Russia.

The Cold War era saw Blatchford as a key Northern post that later went to Cold lake where the Typoon fleet prided its ability to have aircraft in the air 24/7 within 300 secs (5 minutes).

The Alberta Aviation Museum shows around 32 aircraft that represents these era's and both the triumph's and tragedies that result from operations in a very harsh often frozen North.

The aircraft in the main are actual historic planes that have been located restored and now on display. Where that was not possible similiar aircraft have been sourced from around the world and painted in local colours for display. When all else fails replica craft are displayed. many of the aircraft have been donated by the individuals who flew or owned that craft.

An extensive array of engines, flight simulators, audio visuals and uniforms accompany the aircraft.

Two sections pay homage to 418 Squadon which called Blatchford home for most of their existence and the other shows the history of the Canadian Air Cadets.

Outside of the hanger a number of aircraft are mounted as if in flight or sit awaiting full restoration in the onsite facilities.

Also not to be missed is the memorial to the Women of the Royal canadian Air Force.