What To See and Where To Go in Old Strathcona
There’s always something to do in Edmonton’s favourite shopping and entertainment district. Whether you’re checking out murals, grabbing a coffee or meeting friends for dinner, touring local breweries and brewpubs, or enjoying some retail therapy, Old Strathcona has plenty to choose from, but trying to narrow down those options can be hard. Here are a few ideas to help you plan your next trip!
Art Around Every Corner
Grab your camera and check out some of the creative graffiti and mural art in Old Strathcona thanks to our Mural Map! How will you find them all? We’ve mapped out tons of great spots from Artelie-Yay! and Backstories all the way to multiple walls in Rado Alley – you’ll find 70+ walls that make perfect locations for portraits, family photos & other special occasions. Simply bookmark the map on your phone and get to exploring! Be sure to tag us @oldstrathcona so we can see all your great shots!
Shop
No visit to Old Strathcona is complete without doing a little shopping. With more than 500 shops, stores and services, you’re always going to find something new. Start your shopping list by browsing our business directory.
If you’re visiting on the weekend, be sure to roll up in style when the High Level Bridge street car is open for the season, running Friday-Monday. The new Whyte Avenue stop will be fully operational for summer 2022!
Fresh produce, baked goods and other locally produced products can be found at Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market, open Saturdays year-round from 8am-3pm. And if you’re visiting with a four-legged friend, the neighbourhood is also home to a number of dog friendly patios, with shade and plenty of hydration. You can even get in a little exercise at the new pop-up dog park, SouthBARK!
Old Strathcona has something for every member of the family, including the pups! With 80+ businesses welcoming well-behaved leashed pets, you do not have to worry about leaving your pets at home.
Patio Paradise
Did you know there are 100+ places to eat in Old Strathcona? You can grab breakfast in the morning with the family, gather some friends for dinner on a patio, or cool down with an ice cream treat.
Plus, use our patio map, to choose from 60+ patio locations with all kinds of different vibes for the crew! We even have a growing number pet-friendly patios in the neighbourhood too, just look out for the paw icon on the map:
Take a Tour
For those who have a love for craft beer, stop in at one of the local breweries, enjoy a flight with friends, or walk away with a growler to take home for later. Local tour operators make planning your day easy, so you can kick back and enjoy your experience in good company. And we’re not just talking drinks either! Explore everything from breweries & food to the spooky (and not so spooky) history of some of the district’s oldest buildings.
Whether you’re looking to walk, bike, or scoot – there is probably a tour for you! Be sure check these websites and reach out to tour operators directly for details, availability, general information and booking:
Catch a Show
Old Strathcona has a bustling arts & entertainment scene that offers everything from stand up comedy & music performances to live theatre productions. Find a show to inspire your next visit:
Explore
Did you know Edmonton is home to North America’s largest urban parkland!? We’re all about exploring the River Valley and Mill Creek Ravine trails connecting to Old Strathcona. You can bring your bike, grab an E-scooter or even rent an E-bike in the neighbourhood from Pedego for the day! To help round out your daily itinerary take a look at Linda Hoang’s guide to Explore Edmonton by Bike – and scroll to route #3 to see the best trails in our area and how to make a day of it!
And don’t forget to follow us on Instagram! @oldstrathcona is where you’ll find us sharing all the latest events and activity!
PEDESTRIANS, PARKING & TRAFFIC
One of the many roles we play as a Business Improvement Area (BIA) is to advocate on behalf of businesses and community, to the City to bring about necessary and positive changes that enhance our neighbourhood. Walkability, and the need for increased space for people is a message we have heard loud and clear. In 2020-2021, we successfully advocated for significant changes including expanded patio spaces, reduced patio permitting times, and shared street spaces to make Whyte Avenue a more enjoyable space to walk and a safer place to spend the day. Learn more about our ongoing placemaking projects here.
Current Sidewalk Expansions
Expanded Sidewalks & Shared Streets
Beginning in May, mobility lanes will be installed along:
- Victoria Park Hill Road, 116 Street to River Valley Road
- Saskatchewan Drive, 109 Street to 104 Street
- 104 Street, Saskatchewan Drive to University Avenue
The Summer Streets Program supports active modes of travel so everyone can discover Edmonton and enjoy the summer outdoors. Along Summer Streets, a vehicle lane is converted for people to use for physical activity. Temporary flex posts will separate mobility lanes from vehicle traffic so people can bike, scoot, and roll comfortably in a separated lane. Learn more.
Parking
The City of Edmonton provides 500+ parking options in and around the Old Strathcona neighbourhood with active on-street EPark Zones. To make parking in these zones easier, you can download the app. But don’t worry – there is plenty more! The Old Strathcona Farmer’s Market lot is open to customers six days a week and free to market-goers on Saturdays, underground parking is available at the Roots on Whyte building, and covered parking is available at the Varscona Hotel.
For even more options you can explore the 10+ Impark lots, Park Indigo or Zipstall or check the map below:
Not Driving?
Edmonton’s Public Transit system offers a number of routes that will bring you in and around the Old Strathcona area. Check out routes 4, 8, 701, 726 or – plan your full adventure with the ETS trip planner.
You will also find bike racks throughout the neighbourhood, with additional space to lock up your ride at the Old Strathcona Farmer’s Market and Roots on Whyte building when you’re visiting those busy locations.
In the summer months, there is a dedicated e-scooter parking corral in the parking lot north of the public washrooms on Gateway Boulevard (103 Street). You can park scooters on some sidewalks and public areas, but always ensure your scooter is not blocking the path of people using sidewalks. Please remember that riding scooters on sidewalks is not permitted in Edmonton. Your scooter app should have a list of rules and links to more information.