Old Strathcona

Old Strathcona is a provincial historic district in south Edmonton with brick buildings from the early 1900s stretching along Whyte Avenue. The neighborhood contains local shops, restaurants, galleries, and entertainment venues that blend commerce with culture and daily community life.

The district began as an independent settlement in 1891 and grew into a commercial center following the arrival of the Calgary and Edmonton Railway. This growth period shaped its development and left behind the brick buildings that define the neighborhood today.

The district is home to the Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival each August, which brings hundreds of theatrical performances to multiple venues throughout the area. Artists and theater groups use the streets and performance spaces to create a lively artistic celebration that draws visitors from across the region.

The Old Strathcona Farmers Market runs every Saturday throughout the year with over 130 vendors selling local produce and artisanal goods. The pedestrian-friendly streets make it easy to walk between shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues scattered across the district.

The district features a restored 1912 streetcar that crosses the North Saskatchewan River on the upper deck of the High Level Bridge. This working rail line offers visitors an uncommon way to view the landscape and connects historic transportation with modern travel.