The streets of Old Strathcona in Edmonton represent more than 100 years of history. Nowadays, it’s a bustling historic district with more than 600 businesses, with products and services including fashion, music, accommodation, salons, gifts, books, décor, health, sports and food.
Stroll down popular Whyte Avenue and see some of Canada’s most unique shops. Stop to see buskers perform or come here during one of the outdoor festivals to experience the district’s lively, bohemian atmosphere. Pick a local or international restaurant and stay after dinner to go dancing or see a show. Entertainment ranges from live theatre and music to casual pubs and stylish clubs.
There is no lack of fashion shops, with more than 50 clothing and accessory stores. If you are in Old Strathcona in March, you can enjoy the parades at the annual Western Canada Fashion Week.
Listen to live music in pubs and venues across the district, with local and international artists. You can find everything from acoustic folk, blues, Celtic and classical to alternative, country, jazz, metal and rock. If music isn’t your passion, visit a stand-up comedy club or head to a local community theatre. Old Strathcona is home to 10 theatre groups, entertaining the crowds with improvised soap operas and sketch comedies.
Every August, Old Strathcona hosts the 10-day Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival, which attracts 500,000 visitors to more than 1,000 theatrical performances each year.
In a 30-square block section of Old Strathcona, you will find more than 100 dining and drinking venues. More than 80 of those are independently owned and the produce is often grown locally or regionally. Every Saturday, more than 130 food producers, artisans and growers sell their produce at Edmonton’s only year-round indoor farmers’ market. Visitors will find seasonal, organic, chemical-free, home-grown and homemade products straight from the farm gate.
Old Strathcona is a 10-minute drive, or 15-minute bus journey, from downtown Edmonton. You could spend all day and night here and some people keep coming back every day to soak up the lively atmosphere.
Old Strathcona Travel Guide
Popular places to visit
West Edmonton Mall
Take the family to the largest mall in North America, with over 800 stores, restaurants, amusement parks, theaters, gyms, a petting zoo, an ice palace and aquarium.
Rogers Place
Catch an event at Rogers Place during your trip to Edmonton. Discover the entertainment choices and shops in this vibrant area.
South Edmonton Common
You can search for that perfect souvenir with a trip to South Edmonton Common, a favourite shopping spot in Edmonton. Amble around this vibrant area's riverfront or experience its great live music.
World Waterpark
Bring the family to World Waterpark and enjoy this exciting theme park in Edmonton. Attend a sporting event or visit the shops in this vibrant area.
Fort Edmonton Park
One of Canada’s largest living history museums places you in four eras from centuries ago, including Edmonton’s fur trading and pioneering days.
TELUS World of Science-Edmonton
You can spend an afternoon studying the exhibits at TELUS World of Science-Edmonton during your trip to Edmonton. Experience the entertainment choices and great live music in this vibrant area.
Things to do
Discover the Early History of Strathcona with Historic Walking Tour
Edmonton River Valley 90-Minute Segway Adventure
Romantic Tour Around Edmonton For Couples
Edmonton: 1-Hour Segway Adventure in Louise McKinney Park
The Best of Alberta Walking Tour
The Best of Edmonton Walking Tour
Top hotels in Old Strathcona
Reviewed on 9 May 2024
Reviewed on 11 May 2024
Reviewed on 9 May 2024
Reviewed on 12 May 2024
Reviewed on 14 May 2024
Reviewed on 11 May 2024
Other neighbourhoods around Old Strathcona
Downtown Edmonton
Enjoy the popular shops in Downtown Edmonton. Rogers Place is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at 102 Street Station or Bay-Enterprise Square Station to see more of Edmonton.
River Valley Kinnaird
While there might not be top attractions in River Valley Kinnaird, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Rogers Place and Commonwealth Stadium.
Windsor Park
While Windsor Park may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium and William Hawrelak Park.
Whyte ave
Whyte ave is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Magic Lantern Princess Theatre and Varscona Theatre while in the area.
Southside
Travellers come to Southside for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Monster Mini Golf and Golfanatics while you're in town.
North Central Edmonton
If you're spending time in North Central Edmonton, check out sights like Kingsway Mall or Commonwealth Stadium and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Kingsway-Royal Alex Station or NAIT Station.