Old Strathcona Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Old Strathcona
Old Strathcona
Old Strathcona
Old Strathcona
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

Activities


Our pick of the best Old Strathcona Hotel Deals

Varscona Hotel on Whyte

Varscona Hotel on Whyte

4 out of 5
8208 106 Street, Edmonton, AB
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,034 reviews)
"Very clean, friendly staff and easy access to downtown amenities"

Reviewed on 31 Jul. 2025

Varscona Hotel on Whyte
Metterra Hotel on Whyte

Metterra Hotel on Whyte

4 out of 5
10454 82 Avenue, Edmonton, AB
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,396 reviews)
"Lovely staff; helpful and accommodating; great breakfast; room upgrade was awesome!"

Reviewed on 31 Jul. 2025

Metterra Hotel on Whyte
Sandman Signature Edmonton Downtown Hotel

Sandman Signature Edmonton Downtown Hotel

3.5 out of 5
10235 - 101 Street, Edmonton, AB
The price is AU$192 per night from 14 Aug to 15 Aug
AU$192
14 Aug - 15 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Edmonton. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (3,314 reviews)
"It was cozy and safe"

Reviewed on 29 Jul. 2025

Sandman Signature Edmonton Downtown Hotel
Hyatt Place Edmonton-West

Hyatt Place Edmonton-West

3 out of 5
18004 100 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB
The price is AU$189 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
AU$189
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Edmonton. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,492 reviews)
"Great hotel, definitely would book again!"

Reviewed on 1 Aug. 2025

Hyatt Place Edmonton-West
Edmonton Hotel and Convention Centre

Edmonton Hotel and Convention Centre

3 out of 5
4520 76 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB
The price is AU$142 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
AU$142
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Edmonton. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8/10 Very Good! (2,080 reviews)
"Easy to find. Quiet area. Room was perfect for two people. Breakfast was good too."

Reviewed on 1 Aug. 2025

Edmonton Hotel and Convention Centre
Travelodge by Wyndham Edmonton West

Travelodge by Wyndham Edmonton West

2 out of 5
18320 Stony Plain Rd Nw, Edmonton, AB
The price is AU$104 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
AU$104
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Edmonton. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
6/10 (2,142 reviews)
"Great value for the price. The pool area seemed popular! Very efficient staff, appreciate the large green space for the doggies. Have booked another stay here."

Reviewed on 31 Jul. 2025

Travelodge by Wyndham Edmonton West
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 82 Ave NW and Kinsmen Sports Centre.

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
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Garneau

While there might not be top attractions in Garneau, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium and Kinsmen Sports Centre.

Garneau
Art Gallery of Alberta which includes central business district, modern architecture and a city

Downtown Edmonton

4.5/5(8 area reviews)

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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Chinatown

While Chinatown isn't home to many top sights, Rogers Place and Royal Alberta Museum are some notable places to visit nearby.

Chinatown

Old Strathcona Travel Guide

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