If you are pressed for time, or even if you’re not, a guided tour of Edmonton may be a good idea. The big tour companies bypass Edmonton, leaving a variety of small operators to offer personalized service and flexible schedules. As you’d expect from a former museum guide, Cameron Malcolm of Out an’ About Tours (780/909-8687, www.outanabouttours.com) emphasizes the heritage and culture of Edmonton and Old Strathcona on his half-day Alberta Past & Present Tour ($65), with the option to add a visit to Fort Edmonton Park ($65). Wayne Millar of Watchable Wildlife (780/405-4880, www.birdsandbackcountry.com) leads visitors through regional parks. Wayne’s forte is the areas east of Edmonton, including Elk Island National Park and the Cooking Lake Moraine (three-hour evening tour is $79).

The Edmonton Queen (Rafter’s Landing, 9734 98th Ave., 780/424-2628) is a 52-meter (170-foot) paddle wheeler that departs across from Muttart Conservatory for cruises along the North Saskatchewan River. One-hour cruises depart Friday–Sunday at noon and 3 p.m. ($18, child under 11 $12, lunch extra), evening cruises depart at 7:30 p.m. (adult $48, child under 11 $22, including dinner).