WELCOME TO OIL COUNTRY
WELCOME TO EDMONTON
#YEG
WELCOME TO EDMONTON #YEG
WALTERDALE BRIDGE (LEFT), ROSSDALE POWERPLANT (RIGHT), & DOWNTOWN EDMONTON IN THE DISTANCE
NORTH SASKATCHEWAN RIVER VALLEY
FRONT STEPS OF THE ALBERTA LEGISLATURE
EDMONTON IS THE HOME OF GNCTR 2027
Welcome to Edmonton, Alberta’s capital city and the birthplace of GNCTR. Edmonton is Canada’s 5th largest city, with a population of 1.2 million. A notably distinction of Edmonton from other Canadian cities is its northern latitude. At 53°n, Edmonton is North America’s northernmost large city, making it a hotspot for the northern lights which can be seen frequently in the winter. The North Saskatchewan river cuts through Edmonton and is a staple of recreation in the city. The North Saskatchewan river protected area is some of the largest in the world for in-city nature protection and is 22x the size of Central Park. While the climate of Edmonton is that of a winter city, Edmonton is known for its year-round festivals and celebrations, totaling over 50 large festivals throughout the year, including winter festivals such as canoe volant (French-Canadian, first nations, & Metis tradition & festival) & deep freeze (Byzantine winter festival) in January. Edmonton is known by many nicknames you may hear on your travels to the city such as: YEG(yay-g), Gateway to the North, City of Champions, E-town, The Festival City.
EDMONTON FAST FACTS:
Demonym: Edmontonian
Traditional Home and Gathering Place of Néhiyaw (Cree), Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Métis, Nakoda (Stoney), Dene, Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) And Anishinaabe (Ojibway/Saulteaux) and homeland of the Métis
Fort Edmonton Was Established In 1795 By the Hudsons Bay Company
Edmonton Averages 325 Days of Sunshine Throughout the Year, Making It One the Sunniest Cities in Canada
Edmonton’s Fringe Festival Is the Largest Fringe Festival Outside of Edinburgh
Regional Dishes include Green Onion Cakes, Edmonton Style Donair (better than Halifax), Kubie Burgers, Alberta Beef, Bison
Famous Edmontonians:
Mark Carney, Canadian Prime Minister
Famous Five: Nellie McClung, Emily Murphy, Louise McKinney, Irene Parlby, Henrietta Muir Edwards; Canadian Suffragists, Challenged the Supreme Court for Women’s Voting Rights
Michael J. Fox, Actor
Tommy Chong, Comedian, Cheech & Chong
Leslie Nielsen, Actor
Alphonso Davies, Soccer Player, Team Canada Captain
Nathan Fillion, Actor, Namesake for the Nathan Fillion Civilian Pavillion
Mac Demarco, Musician
GNCTR 2027 SCHEDULE
Locations and Times will be announced at a later date
JANUARY 27, 2027
WEDNESDAY
ORIENTATION & OPENING CEREMONIES
Teams from across the country will arrive and complete their orientation. After settling into their hotels, teams will put on their costumes on and introduce their themes & schools.
JANUARY 28, 2027
THURSDAY
COMPETITOR INTERACTION DAY (CID)
Individuals will be assigned groups with other competitors and will spend the day interacting with people from other schools. Groups will get to experience some of Edmonton’s best spots and showcase Edmonton & Alberta. Evening activities to follow
JANUARY 29, 2027
FRIDAY
TECHNICAL EXHIBITION (TECH EX)
Schools will first unveil their toboggans at Tech Ex! Their booths will also include infographics highlighting their designs and theory. Technical Reports will be presented in front of the technical judging panel. A secret guest judge will also be in attendance.
JANUARY 30, 2027
SATURDAY
Its time to find out which school has the “Fastest Concrete Toboggan in the World!” Schools will compete in racing events such as slalom, drag race, & king of the hill tournament. Points will be awarded based on-hill performance.
Awards and Closing Ceremonies to follow