South Central Edmonton

History

The first inhabitants of this area were the Sarcee or Tsu T’ina First Nation of the Blackfoot Confederacy. Chief Papaschase moved his first people to this area about 1850. A flour mill constructed in 1874 encouraged even more settlers to move to this area. Chief Papaschase slowly had to give concessions and Chief Papaschase and his First People had primarily left the region by 1894, the Calgary and Edmonton Railway Company resisted tremendous pressure to end their railway in Edmonton. They chose this community instead because it would have been very costly to build a bridge across the river. The town was called Strathcona after the railway’s magnate manager Donald Smith, who chose to go as Lord Strathcona, and it was incorporated in 1907.

Public Transportation in Strathcona

There are over 6,400 bus stops in Edmonton, including the Strathcona area, so it is easy to get around on the bus. The Metro Line runs from Strathcona to downtown Edmonton and includes stops at HUB Mall and the University of Alberta.

Driving in Strathcona

Use the High Level Bridge of Edmonton to get across the river or use 109 Street Northwest to get to this region. Once in Strathcona, there are many well-maintained roads.

Attractions in Strathcona

Strathcona Historic District – This district, bordered by 88 Avenue in the north, 76 Avenue in the south, 111 Street in the west, and 102 Street in the east, is filled with buildings built before 1920, and many of them house terrific nightclubs.

Old Strathcona Mural Tour

View the murals along Whyte Avenue, starting at 99 Street Northwest and continuing through 109th Street Northwest along Whyte Avenue.

University of Alberta

Stroll around this campus containing many architecturally interesting buildings.

The Walterdale Playhouse

Watch live performances like audiences have been doing for more than 60 years at this venue built through private donations.

Varscona Theatre

This venue is home to several small theater companies and often hosts live performances.

Whyte Avenue

There are many small businesses along this stretch of road, making it a fun place to go shopping.

Strathcona Science Provincial Park

See the bust of jazz musician Big Miller at this park, which also offers picnic facilities.

Timms Center for the Arts

Students attending the University of Alberta often perform theatrical performances in this venue that sometimes hosts guest speakers.

Things to do in Strathcona

This neighborhood has a reputation as the theater district. Other options include:

Watch University of Alberta Golden Bears Athletics

The University of Alberta Golden Bears offers 12 varsity teams to follow in men’s sports.

Watch University of Alberta Golden Panda Athletics

The University of Alberta Golden Bears offers 12 varsity teams to follow in women’s sports.

Play at Strathcona Science Provincial Park

See the abandoned industrial buildings at this park, which is also a great place to go skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer.

Take a Ride at Fort Edmonton Park

Ride in one of the historical streetcars that starts in this park operated by the Edmonton Radial Railway Society.

Festivals

Several festivals occur in Strathcona throughout the year, including:

Edmonton International Street Performers Festival

Character actors, dancers, mimes, musicians, puppeteers and other street performers perform during this July festival, occurring annually since 1985.

Found Festival

This July festival at various venues features recycled art.

Sand on Whyte

Thousands of pounds of sand are used to make sculptures during this July festival.

 Whyte Ave Art Walk

This festival, occurring from mid-June to mid-August, features art for sale.

Buy in Strathcona

There are many shopping districts to visit in Strathcona, including:

Whyte Avenue

Find a variety of boutiques, bookstores, art galleries and gift stores along this avenue between 103 and 109th streets.

Gateway Boulevard and Calgary Trail

Find small businesses along this stretch of road, with many featuring technology.

The Junction

Located along 82 Avenue between 103 and 99 streets, this area has a lot of small businesses that are just getting started.

Internet

The Edmonton Public Library’s 8 Strathcona branch at 331 104 Street offers internet and workstations.

Stay Safe

Being aware of surroundings anywhere is a great idea, but this area is relatively safe.