Old Strathcona

Edmonton
Old Strathcona
Immerse yourself in the vibrant and welcoming atmosphere of Edmonton’s historic entertainment district, home to some of the city’s top international arts festivals.

The historic district of Old Strathcona is a bustling arts and entertainment hub in south-central Edmonton. Here, you’ll find theatres and music venues, restaurants and bars, as well as a huge variety of unique shops and boutiques. Buskers and street performers add to the lively atmosphere that draws in crowds of local residents and tourists alike.

Old Strathcona was in fact the City of Strathcona until it merged with Edmonton in 1912. However, its identity and community spirit remain strong to this day. Whyte Avenue, the former city’s main street, is now the focus of activity, showcasing the best of the local independent businesses.

Fashion-lovers will adore the eclectic mix of unique local designer labels and vintage clothing boutiques. Finish your new outfit with a one-of-a-kind piece of jewellery, your perfect memento of the area’s vibrant creativity. If you visit in March or September, you’ll find Old Strathcona buzzing with fashion shows and after-parties as it hosts the biannual Western Canada Fashion Week.

You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to lunch or dinner. There are over 100 restaurants, cafés and bars, serving all types of cuisine from Asian to Italian, as well as regional dishes made from locally-sourced produce. You’ll also find a delicious selection of artisan foods at the indoor farmers’ market held every Saturday.

After a day of shopping and exploring, there’s a huge selection of evening entertainment on offer. Venues along Whyte Avenue regularly host live music – anything from jazz and blues, to rock and heavy metal. This district is also home to many innovative independent theatre companies, performing comedies and sketches by local writers. For 10 days every August, Old Strathcona hosts the Edmonton International Fringe Festival, attracting thousands of theatre enthusiasts and performers from all around the world.

This festival-loving district also puts on the Ice on Whyte event every January, with ice and snow carving, live music and food stalls taking over the main street. In July, the annual Art Walk sees around 400 artists show their work in outdoor studios and galleries.

Old Strathcona is a 10-minute drive from downtown Edmonton. Allow 15 minutes if travelling by public transport.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Old Strathcona

Metterra Hotel on Whyte
Metterra Hotel on Whyte
4 out of 5
10454 82 Avenue, Edmonton, AB
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM562 per night from 11 Nov to 12 Nov
RM562
RM633 total
includes taxes & fees
11 Nov - 12 Nov
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Edmonton. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,155 reviews)
"Most importantly, the place was clean and everything worked. Location can't be beat, but know that Whyte Ave is bustling on the weekends, so if quiet is important, ask for a room facing NE. Only complaint would be about the quality of the pillows - they could be beefed up a bit!"

Reviewed on 28 Oct 2024

Metterra Hotel on Whyte
Varscona Hotel on Whyte
Varscona Hotel on Whyte
4 out of 5
8208 106 Street, Edmonton, AB
The price is RM531 per night from 6 Nov to 7 Nov
RM531
RM596 total
includes taxes & fees
6 Nov - 7 Nov
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Edmonton. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
"Excellent location for shopping, dining, and nightlife. All walkable. Great sleeps really good mattress."

Reviewed on 1 Nov 2024

Varscona Hotel on Whyte
Chateau Lacombe Hotel
Chateau Lacombe Hotel
3.5 out of 5
10111 Bellamy Hill Nw, Edmonton, AB
The price is RM365 per night from 25 Nov to 26 Nov
RM365
RM409 total
includes taxes & fees
25 Nov - 26 Nov
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Edmonton. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the restaurant and ...
7.8/10 Good! (2,389 reviews)
"Great views. Unique architecture."

Reviewed on 1 Nov 2024

Chateau Lacombe Hotel
Coast Edmonton Plaza Hotel by APA
Coast Edmonton Plaza Hotel by APA
4 out of 5
10155 105th Street, Edmonton, AB
The price is RM451 per night from 6 Dec to 7 Dec
RM451
RM507 total
includes taxes & fees
6 Dec - 7 Dec
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Edmonton. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,292 reviews)
"It was a very wonderful room and all the staffs were super kind."

Reviewed on 1 Nov 2024

Coast Edmonton Plaza Hotel by APA
Sandman Signature Edmonton Downtown Hotel
Sandman Signature Edmonton Downtown Hotel
3.5 out of 5
10235 - 101 Street, Edmonton, AB
The price is RM437 per night from 10 Nov to 11 Nov
RM437
RM497 total
includes taxes & fees
10 Nov - 11 Nov
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in Edmonton. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (3,031 reviews)
"They told us it was a $15 dollar dining gift card and there was only $10 on it. The room overlooked a street and it was LOUD with sirens. Could also hear the pet friendly dogs barking and the people talking through the walls of the hotel."

Reviewed on 2 Nov 2024

Sandman Signature Edmonton Downtown Hotel
Ramada by Wyndham Nisku Edmonton Airport
Ramada by Wyndham Nisku Edmonton Airport
3.5 out of 5
501 11Th Avenue, Nisku, AB
The price is RM266 per night from 6 Nov to 7 Nov
RM266
RM290 total
includes taxes & fees
6 Nov - 7 Nov
Stay at this 3.5-star spa hotel in Nisku. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,619 reviews)
"The room was quiet and peaceful. Upper room washroom noise was a little annoying but overall no complaints. There was wetness around the toilet, so I think there is a pipe problem in the wall or something."

Reviewed on 2 Nov 2024

Ramada by Wyndham Nisku Edmonton Airport
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Old Strathcona

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Queen Alexandria

While there might not be top attractions in Queen Alexandria, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Kinsmen Sports Centre and 82 Ave NW.

Queen Alexandria
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Cloverdale

While you're in Cloverdale, take in top sights like Muttart Conservatory and jump on the metro at Muttart Station to see more of the city.

Cloverdale
Art Gallery of Alberta showing cbd, art and modern architecture

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.

Downtown Edmonton
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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.

River Valley Kinnaird
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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.

Windsor Park
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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.

Whyte ave

Old Strathcona