Old Strathcona

Edmonton

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

Things to do


Top hotels in Old Strathcona

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! (1,005 reviews)
Stay here but don’t eat here
"Ampersand 27 was disappointing but otherwise an excellent stay."

Reviewed on Aug 4, 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! (1,389 reviews)
"The hotel was very clean and comfortable. Front desk took the trouble to get us club soda and a cup of milk for our room after the lounge had closed."

Reviewed on Aug 4, 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 P6,206 per night from Aug 6 to Aug 7
P6,206
P7,123 total
Aug 6 - Aug 7
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! (3,328 reviews)
"The location is best but the property is getting old needs renovation!"

Reviewed on Aug 3, 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 P6,206 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
P6,206
P7,035 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
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! (2,503 reviews)
"Excellent experience"

Reviewed on Aug 2, 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 P4,836 per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
P4,836
P5,271 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
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! (2,096 reviews)
"Only one restaurant and it was very dark. The breakfast was the same items everyday. Some of the seats needs to be fixed but overall it’s close to everything."

Reviewed on Aug 5, 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 P3,328 per night from Sep 3 to Sep 4
P3,328
P3,773 total
Sep 3 - Sep 4
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 (2,146 reviews)
Comfortable place to stay
"Check-in was easy, cleanliness was noted, and staff were friendly. Rooms were quiet, beds were comfortable. Breakfast options were minimal but well stocked. Would recommend this hotel to anybody coming into the Edmonton area and needing a place to stay."

Reviewed on Aug 2, 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 Queen Alexandria isn't home to many top sights, 82 Ave NW and Kinsmen Sports Centre are some notable places to visit nearby.

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

When in Garneau, you can plan a visit to Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium and Kinsmen Sports Centre, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Garneau
Art Gallery of Alberta showing modern architecture, a city and art

Downtown Edmonton

Rogers Place and Edmonton City Centre are top sights in Downtown Edmonton, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at 102 Street Station or Bay-Enterprise Square Station to see more sights in the area.

Downtown Edmonton
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River Valley Kinnaird

River Valley Kinnaird might not have many top sights, but Rogers Place and Commonwealth Stadium are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

River Valley Kinnaird
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Whyte ave

Whyte ave is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by 82 Ave NW and Magic Lantern Princess Theatre while in the area.

Whyte ave

Old Strathcona