I admit to having only read the first page of this thread, so I'm sorry if you've moved on to discussing other topics. Regarding Edmonton...hmmm. While I'm an American citizen, I was born in Nelson, BC and then subsequently moved to a dinky town north of Edmonton called Fox Creek. I have some fond memories of Edmonton, but I wouldn't say it's a happenin' sort of place the way that Vancouver is. Edmonton is more than alright if you want to get married, settle down with your SO, start a family, and whatnot, but otherwise...hmmm. I've lived a lot, really, really a lot, of places in my life. All across the States, Europe, and have currently been in Asia for the past four years. Might have made me a bit jaded, but Edmonton is basically a large city with a small-town mentality. If you're looking for 'burbs, then it's a very nice place, with an emphasis on very. I myself kind of like that sort of town, but I do admit that it's not for everybody. The running, in and out of the city, is excellent. Lots of good trails and nature is never far away.