Strathcona Real Estate

Avenue Magazine recently named Strathcona Edmonton’s best neighborhood for the third time. These accolades are well deserved as living in Strathcona has a lot to offer. The neighbourhood will turn 102 years old this year and it has been a cultural centre in Edmonton for quite some time. The neighbourhood is bordered on its south side by Whyte Ave. The north end borders the river valley, while to the west it is bordered by Garneau (along with the University of Alberta). Finally, the east end borders the beautiful Mill Creek Ravine.

The history of Strathcona dates back to 1891, when it was the end of the railway that came from the south. Because of the large river valley, Edmonton was actually two different cities – north of the river was Edmonton, Alberta and south was Strathcona. Thus Strathcona (also known as “Old Strathcona”) has a more historic feel than downtown Edmonton, as in this area many of the old buildings still remain intact. This gives the neighbourhood a very charming feel – the image of an old western town. The original railway station and some of the first businesses are also intact to this day.

The area has a bohemian, carefree and artistic vibe. The neighbourhood has always been home to many artists and people seeking an alternative way of life. The Strathcona Farmers Market has been a hallmark in the area for close to 25 years and is open year round. The Fringe Festival is also a major contributor to this feel. The Edmonton Fringe Festival is the second largest fringe festival in the world and has over 1,000 plays during a 10-day span in August. Whyte Avenue is the major street that goes through Strathcona and is lined with unique shops, pubs and cafes. In the summer there is no better place to take a stroll or enjoy a beer or coffee on a patio. The street offers a unique vibe that can only be captured by a few other streets in Canada. You just walk along Whyte Avenue and have this sense you are in a special place. The area has some of Edmonton’s finest restaurants and cafes. A local favorite is DaDeO’s, a Cajun restaurant set up in an old Hwy 66 style diner, and it is as distinctive as the area. The Next Act Pub named as such because of the fact that many actors go there after their plays. Like the whole area The Next Act is unique and has a great atmosphere