On Thursday afternoon (September 21) I received a call from Jonathan at Central Mountain Air. He was organizing a media trip to Edmonton promoting the new direct flights between Prince George & Edmonton. One of the attendees of the trip cancelled last minute and there was a seat. Leaving Friday and home Sunday that meant that I had allot of organizing to get done.
Once getting kids and hubby set up I was set to go. Leaving to the Prince George airport around 2:30pm, I would be early for my flight at 4pm however I knew it would be OK with the amazing airport we have in our town. Meeting up with Frank from the Prince George Citizen we headed up, checked in and went to the bar for some beer and good conversation. The check in process was smooth and the CMA attendants were great.
While at the bar we met up with the other attendees of the trip including Lindsay Cotter from the Prince George Airport. Some more great conversations were had in a great setting as our flight was delayed
When it was time to head through security, we cleared up our bill and made our way over. The short (1hour 5min) flight allowed us to arrive in Edmonton not exhausted and ready to enjoy what this great city has to offer.
Our driver picked us up and took us to the Matrix Hotel to check in. Arriving at the Matrix the staff were polite and knowledgeable letting us know of the hotel amenities. Checking into my room I was happy to see a spacious clean room with a king bed, I knew it was going to be a great sleep.
Dropping my luggage I made my way back to the lobby to meet up with Lauren from Edmonton Tourism and our host for the evening. She took us to a little place called “The Common” A funky and unique little place just 5 minutes walk from the hotel. Looking over the menu I wanted to try things I normally would not. Chicken and waffles for dinner… sure why not! With the appetizers to start it let me know that I was not going to be disappointed in what this restaurant has to offer. Full of flavor and jazz this was going to be a meal I would rave about. My drink was labeled the lavender 75, a unique mix with lavender and lemon with fizz, I will be back for another!
As I was eating Lindsay let me have a try of her schnitzel. I thought my meal had flavor until that bite of pork went into my mouth! Damn!!!! The chef at the common knew what he/she was doing. After our meal and a few more drinks we hummed over dessert deciding to get one of each to share and what a great decision considering how full we all were.
Calling it a night walking back to the hotel was a welcome for us all after the filling night we had eating. I headed to my room, turned the temperature of the room down for comfort and off to sleep I went in my so comfortable king size bed.
Saturday was set to be a long and eventful day, so in the morning I wanted to be sure to get a decent breakfast in and the Matrix breakfast buffet was plentiful. With eggs, sausages, bacon, fruit and more and all included in the room package! I had a great breakfast to give me the energy I would need. Shortly after we ate we were picked up by our host Jeremy taking us to Revolution Cycle for our tour of the city.
We were all set up with our electric bicycles and informed of the upcoming 2 hour bicycle tour. Helmets on and we were off. Going through ravines, along the river, over bridges, through fields and all on paved trails! What an amazing way to take this city in! As we got back to Revolution Cycle we got a map with highlights of the trail we went on and learned that they host 2-5 hour tours. We all had some water and headed to lunch.
Next stop The Situation. A micro brewery specializing in craft beers. Our team ordered some flights to get taste testing underway. Unique flavors across the table came out and comments rolled. Ordering up lunch and pints to drink of the flavors we liked best I soon learned Edmontontonians loved their food. Massive helping of pulled pork with seasoned fries came in front of me and I wondered how I would ever finish. The flavor once again outstanding and the beer washing it down. Once finished up we voted on coffee from a great little spot down the street and then Jeremy gave us a mini walking tour of central 104th. Some great little shops everywhere and people wandering around everywhere. The city is alive 24/7.
Up Next was the infamous West Edmonton mall. We checked out the marine section by the pirate ship in awe of the giant sea turtles and sharks. What a unique mini aquarium. From there we headed to galaxy land hitting up a few rides before heading back to the hotel to freshen up.
Dinner was at an authentic Mexican restaurant known as Rostizado – by Tres Carnales just 15 minute walk from the matrix and across the street of rogers arena. We met back up with Lauren and met Kirsten from Edmonton airport. The restaurant had great drink mixes and the food was world class. Large servings I was glad we ordered platters to share. Finished it off with churos of course we headed across the street to the new rogers place for the Edmonton oilers game.
All I can say is wow! This arena is massive but unique and right downtown! Checking out the game it was not hard to learn that there really is no bad seat in the arena. If you are high up the screens in front of you are so crisp and the sound is clear. Witnessing a win was great feel to the moral in the building. How nice to see a full venue pre season.
Night life takes over after the game as you walk by all the venues and restaurants with lineups, music coming out the door. What a great site to see.
This morning we got up, checked out and headed to the airport to meet up with Christina from the renaissance hotel for breakfast at the halo restaurant. Another great meal in a beautiful restaurant.
Before we headed to the gates we were treated with a tour of the hotel. This hotel is connected to the airport and is SOUND PROOF! Shique, unique, and hip this hotel had our jaws drop a few times. Their bar turns into a nightclub in the evenings with complimentary drinks and upbeat music. The library just off of the bar was surprisingly quiet cutting out allot if not most of the sounds just around the corner of it.
So many feature walls, I could not get over the designs in this place. A wall made of belts! Schwartzy crystals on another, jeans on another. So unique every room you entered.
Complete with a gym, hot tub and pool this hotel is top of the line with class. Looking at the rates I could not believe how affordable it is. Making Edmonton international airport a contender for connecting flights for the residence of pg. even if you have to stay overnight it can be right at the airport and not break the bank.
Now on my flight home I reminisce on the events over the last 48 hours and thank everyone involved making this trip possible for us in media to help educate the residence of Prince George to consider Edmonton for concerts, NHL games, football games, escape from town for a mini holiday or a connection to the world. Edmonton is a contender to be considered and utilized.
Thank you Prince George Airport Authority, Edmonton International Airport, Matrix Hotel, Tourism Edmonton, Revolution Cycle, Renaissance Hotel for hosting us; and of course Central Mountain Air for these amazing direct flights from our community to an amazing city.