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.