Royal Alberta Museum, Edmonton (must see)

The Royal Alberta Museum (RAM) is the largest museum in Western Canada and one of the premier cultural institutions in the country. Located in the vibrant Arts District of downtown Edmonton, the museum is dedicated to collecting, preserving, researching, interpreting, and exhibiting objects and specimens that highlight the rich heritage of Alberta's people and its natural environment.

Originally known as the Provincial Museum of Alberta, the institution received its current name on May 24, 2005, when Queen Elizabeth II granted it royal patronage during her visit.

The Royal Alberta Museum boasts three permanent galleries that draw visitors year-round: Wild Alberta, the Syncrude Gallery of Aboriginal Culture, and the Natural History gallery. Each of these galleries offers an immersive experience into different facets of Alberta's heritage and environment. Wild Alberta showcases the province's diverse ecosystems and wildlife, while the Syncrude Gallery of Aboriginal Culture provides deep insights into the history and contributions of Indigenous peoples. The Natural History gallery features fascinating displays of the region's geological and biological diversity.

In addition to its permanent exhibits, the RAM hosts rotating galleries that welcome travelling exhibitions from around the world, as well as those curated in-house by the museum's own team. Alongside the museum, the premises include Government House, which serves as a venue for the Alberta Government Caucus, adding another layer of historical and governmental significance to the site.