If it were possible to put your ear to a city map and listen for a distinct buzz, a few of the historic central neighbourhoods in Edmonton would make you leap for earplugs.
They are, you see, ‘happening’.
They’re intensely alive, driven by people whose creative juices run at full speed.
And the result is both electric and magnetic.
Electric for the jolt you’ll get once you start poking into all the little shops, bistros, restaurants and clubs that call the ‘hood, home.
And magnetic for the fact that, once you start, it’s very hard to stop!
Edmonton’s Old Strathcona area, along the south side’s Whyte (82nd) Avenue from 99th to 109th Streets, grew from late 1880s roots that saw the town of Strathcona competing vigorously with its across the river rival, Edmonton.
Today, housed in a unique concentration of buildings created by first generation settlers, it is one of Western Canada’s most diverse offerings of independent stores, bistros and clubs. Some 90 per cent of the area’s 300+ business owners live in Edmonton.
It’s a retail haven for people who don’t want ‘same’.
The offerings range from clothing to comic books, and from quality import to one-of-a-kind, designer made. There are lots of contemporary clothing stores for both men and women. There are stores where you can spend just a few dollars for everything from fair-trade carvings to handmade jewellery, or a few hundred dollars on a pair of shoes.
Old Strathcona’s blessed with more than 100 places to eat (80 per cent of them locally owned). Walk the streets and you’ll catch savoury aromas of cuisine that includes African, Thai, German, Italian, Vietnamese, Greek, vegetarian and more. There’s a rainbow of bars and lounges, from ‘cool’ and glitzy to the traditional Irish or British pub. And if java’s your thing, Old Strathcona is loaded with caffeine sources.
The area practically invented the words ‘organic food’ in Edmonton, starting with the huge, indoor Strathcona Farmer’s Market, where many of the vendors have been organic growers for decades.
Taking care of your body is another serious pursuit in Old Strathcona. You’ll find more day spas and salons—41 to be exact!—than bars, and a whole bunch of what the locals call ‘ists’: aromatherapists, massage therapists and more.
And when you’re out there exploring, don’t just stick to the street level businesses. Many of the best ‘finds’ are in basements, on second or third stories . . . even in the alleys!
So shop and snack ‘til you drop, have a snug late afternoon snooze in your room at the Varscona or Metterra hotels, then prepare for an evening of music or theatre.
Eight live theatre companies make their home in Old Strathcona. Much of what you’ll see is grassroots theatre, good stuff that’s conceived, written, produced and acted by highly talented local professionals. Don’t miss the award winning improv, because laughter’s great for the soul.
You’ll find jazz at the informal, relaxed Yardbird Suite, and at the up scale Varscona Hotel’s Murrieta’s Bar and Grille. The atmospheric Commercial Hotel’s Blues on Whyte Club is not only famous for its evening shows and the Saturday Afternoon Jam, but also for the diversity of its patrons. There’s nothing but the best country music at the Cook County Saloon. And there are plenty more spots, like the Urban Lounge & Whiskey Grill where bands or DJs of all types guarantee a good time.
Check out the Old Strathcona Business Association website. It’s got plenty of information about shopping (by category and store name), theatres, clubs and bars, and historical tours (including a ghost tour!).
This district at the west end of Jasper Avenue began as a higher end shopping area, stagnated for decades, then began a wondrous transformation on the strength of art galleries taking advantage of the wealth in surrounding neighbourhoods.
124th Street, as it’s known, is now a hub for eclectic dining, great art, holistic health and shopping variety than runs from Gucci to gifts.
Spend a couple of hours (or a day!) strolling The Gallery Walk, which begins at 123rd Street and Jasper Avenue and now ends north of 107th Avenue on 124th Street.
Nine member galleries offer everything from traditional ‘name’ Canadian artists to great up-and-comers, as well as an amazing mixture of objects d’art, photography and uniquely creative furniture as art. Gallery owners welcome you, whether you’ve got big bucks to spend, or simply a powerful craving for visual stimulation!
The neighbourhood has more than a dozen restaurants to satisfy the craving you’ll have after your stroll. Along 124th Street, there are Chinese, South Asian, Greek, Italian and Vietnamese establishments, as well as several bistros with highly creative menus. At the south end of the district, on 125th Street, there are a couple of impressive old mansions converted to quality dining in gracious settings.
Just north of 107th Avenue, the wonderful old Roxy Theatre is home of Theatre Network, whose 31st season is well underway. The current season features several significant, award winning productions.
St. Albert’s funky historic downtown is full of small independent shops, bistros and tea and coffee houses. Poke your nose around for a while and you’ll find something that rings your bell. Maybe it’s the shop that imports all those wonderful old English candies … you know, the ones no one else knows how to make so well!
