The West Edmonton Mall is a massive shopping center located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. It is known for its impressive size and diverse range of attractions, including an amusement park, water park, ice rink, mini golf course, and even a pirate ship. In this article, we will explore the dimensions and scale of this iconic mall, and how it compares to other large malls worldwide.
A brief history of the West Edmonton Mall
The West Edmonton Mall first opened its doors in 1981, and it quickly became a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Over the years, the mall has undergone several expansions, adding new attractions and retail spaces. Today, it remains one of the largest malls in the world, attracting millions of visitors every year.
Interior dimensions of the West Edmonton Mall
The West Edmonton Mall is a sprawling complex that covers an area of 5.3 million square feet. To put that in perspective, that’s roughly the size of 95 football fields. The mall is divided into several sections, each with its own unique theme and attractions. Visitors can easily spend an entire day exploring the various shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
Total square footage of the West Edmonton Mall
In addition to the interior space, the West Edmonton Mall also includes several exterior areas, such as parking lots and garages. In total, the mall covers an area of 10 million square feet. This makes it one of the largest malls in the world, and the largest in North America.
Number of stores and retail space in the West Edmonton Mall
The West Edmonton Mall boasts over 800 stores and services, ranging from luxury brands to local boutiques. The mall also features several major anchor stores, including Hudson’s Bay, Sears, and Chapters. The total retail space in the mall is approximately 3.8 million square feet, making it one of the largest shopping destinations in the world.
Size of the amusement park in the West Edmonton Mall
One of the most popular attractions in the West Edmonton Mall is the amusement park, which covers an area of 5.3 acres. The park features 25 rides and attractions, including a roller coaster, a ferris wheel, and a mini golf course. There is also a 24-screen movie theater, which is the largest in Edmonton.
Water park dimensions in the West Edmonton Mall
The water park in the West Edmonton Mall is one of the largest indoor water parks in the world. It covers an area of 215,000 square feet and features several water slides, wave pools, and a tropical beach. The park also includes an aquarium and a live sea lion show.
Hotel and convention center sizes in the West Edmonton Mall
The West Edmonton Mall is home to two hotels, the Fantasyland Hotel and the West Edmonton Mall Inn, which together offer over 1,000 guest rooms. The mall also features a convention center that covers an area of 72,000 square feet. The center can accommodate up to 5,000 guests and is equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual technology.
Parking lots and garages in the West Edmonton Mall
The West Edmonton Mall has several parking lots and garages that can accommodate over 20,000 vehicles. The largest parking lot is the south lot, which has space for up to 8,000 vehicles. There are also several bus and RV parking spots available.
Largest mall in North America
The West Edmonton Mall is the largest mall in North America, both in terms of total area and leasable space. It is also one of the top five largest malls in the world, along with the Dubai Mall, the SM City North EDSA in the Philippines, the CentralWorld in Thailand, and the New South China Mall in China.
Comparison to other large malls worldwide
While the West Edmonton Mall is undoubtedly massive, it is not the largest mall in the world. That title belongs to the Dubai Mall, which covers an area of over 12 million square feet. However, the West Edmonton Mall remains an impressive feat of engineering and design, offering visitors a unique shopping and entertainment experience that is hard to match.
Conclusion
In summary, the West Edmonton Mall is one of the largest and most unique shopping centers in the world. With its diverse range of attractions, retail spaces, and amenities, it offers a one-of-a-kind experience that has attracted millions of visitors over the years. Whether you’re looking for luxury brands, family-friendly activities, or a place to host a convention, the West Edmonton Mall has something for everyone.