This historic district of Edmonton is a great place for shopping and market browsing, followed by a theater or music show and a drink in a quirky café.
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 theater 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 theater. Old Strathcona is home to 10 theater groups, entertaining the crowds with improvised soap operas and sketch comedies.
Every August, Old Strathcona hosts the 10-day Edmonton International Fringe Theater 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.
