Visiting Edmonton

[xzmattzx]

I looked for existing threads, but the two I found were over 10 years old, so I figured a new thread was fine.

I have points with Porter Airlines that expire if I don't take a trip this summer, so I am trying something new and flying from Hamilton to Edmonton. My goal is to see the capital city and legislative building of every Canadian province and territory. I have seen five so far: Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and British Columbia, in that order.

I will be in Edmonton just for 24 hours, on a Tuesday in late August.

First, some swimming questions, because I want to try and swim in all of the provinces and territories:
~ Is there a good place to swim in the river near Downtown? Is there any place closer to Downtown than Terwillegar Park, which apparently has a little beach area?
~ Or, how easy is it to get to Wabamun Lake, without renting a car? Or, is there a lake with a little beach/swimming area even closer than Wabamun Lake?

Second, some drinking questions:
~ Is there an iconic bar to get a beer at?
~ There's an Untappd local badge at Old Yale Brewery in Beaumont. (I try to get an Untappd local badge in every state and province.) How easy is it to get to Beaumont without a rental car, either from the airport or from Downtown?

Third, some food questions:
~ Is Edmonton known for any type of unique food? For instance, Philadelphia is known for cheesesteaks, Chicago is known for deep dish pizza, Halifax has donairs, and so on.
~ Is there an iconic restaurant to try and eat at?
~ Is there a local fast food chain in Alberta? (I had Taco Boyz in the Maritimes, for instance.)

Finally, some general questions:
~ I plan on just sticking to Downtown and walking around. What buildings should I see? I plan on touring the legislative assembly, and seeing Hotel Macdonald, and the arena, and any other old buildings and tall skyscrapers.
~ If I have time, what other neighborhoods should I see?