Strathcona - Guidebook!
Food scene
Bonjour Bakery. Here you’ll find the best croissants in Edmonton, hands down, plus a superb selection of specialty cheese and delicious fresh loaves of myriad breads (their specialty is sourdough). We have a weakness for their oatmeal cookies--the ones with big chocolate chunks in the center--as well as the pain au chocolat. There tends to be a long line outside Bonjour on Saturday mornings, but it’s worth the wait, not to mention a great place to meet folks in the neighborhood. The bakery’s hours are a bit limited (during the summer, for example, they’re open just 4 days a week), so make sure to check out their schedule online. https://yvanchartrand.com/
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Boulangerie Bonjour
9913 99 St NWBonjour Bakery. Here you’ll find the best croissants in Edmonton, hands down, plus a superb selection of specialty cheese and delicious fresh loaves of myriad breads (their specialty is sourdough). We have a weakness for their oatmeal cookies--the ones with big chocolate chunks in the center--as well as the pain au chocolat. There tends to be a long line outside Bonjour on Saturday mornings, but it’s worth the wait, not to mention a great place to meet folks in the neighborhood. The bakery’s hours are a bit limited (during the summer, for example, they’re open just 4 days a week), so make sure to check out their schedule online. https://yvanchartrand.com/
Under the High Wheel.
A great local joint for brunch/lunch as well as takeout, specializing in old world comfort food with locally-sourced ingredients (crepes, bangers and mash, haloumi burgers, for example). Located in a small shopping complex (Roots on Whyte) alongside other local + small businesses, Under the High Wheel is right next door to a great coffee shop (The Overflow Cafe) and organic grocery store, Blush Lane.
https://www.blushlane.com/locations/whyte-ave-edmonton/
22 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Under The High Wheel
8135 102 St NWUnder the High Wheel.
A great local joint for brunch/lunch as well as takeout, specializing in old world comfort food with locally-sourced ingredients (crepes, bangers and mash, haloumi burgers, for example). Located in a small shopping complex (Roots on Whyte) alongside other local + small businesses, Under the High Wheel is right next door to a great coffee shop (The Overflow Cafe) and organic grocery store, Blush Lane.
https://www.blushlane.com/locations/whyte-ave-edmonton/
Route 99 Diner.
Everything you’d expect from a traditional, greasy spoon diner, you’ll find here. Lots of skillet-cooked options and hot sandwiches on the menu, and old-school diner booths to slide into. Also, it’s right around the corner from our place! You can roll out of bed and roll in here. The walls of this beloved diner are covered in eye-candy: licence plates, record albums, and photos of Hollywood icons. It’s a whole experience eating at Route 99. Here’s a great article about the best diners in Edmonton, if you want to read more about Route 99’s place in the scheme of diners, and maybe learn about other diners worth hitting up.
https://edifyedmonton.com/food/eat-in-take-out-delivery/5-old-school-diners-that-are-serving-it-up-right/
20 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Route 99 Diner
8820 99 St NWRoute 99 Diner.
Everything you’d expect from a traditional, greasy spoon diner, you’ll find here. Lots of skillet-cooked options and hot sandwiches on the menu, and old-school diner booths to slide into. Also, it’s right around the corner from our place! You can roll out of bed and roll in here. The walls of this beloved diner are covered in eye-candy: licence plates, record albums, and photos of Hollywood icons. It’s a whole experience eating at Route 99. Here’s a great article about the best diners in Edmonton, if you want to read more about Route 99’s place in the scheme of diners, and maybe learn about other diners worth hitting up.
https://edifyedmonton.com/food/eat-in-take-out-delivery/5-old-school-diners-that-are-serving-it-up-right/
Mill Creek Cafe. An independent, family-run cafe that’s mega-popular among weekend brunches and has some outdoor seating. They make their own 9-grain bread daily and offer a great variety of soups. Tons of vegetarian and gluten-free options here. They make eggs benedict four different ways and claim to have the best muffins in the city.
https://www.millcreekcafe.ca/
26 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mill Creek Cafe
9562 82 Ave NWMill Creek Cafe. An independent, family-run cafe that’s mega-popular among weekend brunches and has some outdoor seating. They make their own 9-grain bread daily and offer a great variety of soups. Tons of vegetarian and gluten-free options here. They make eggs benedict four different ways and claim to have the best muffins in the city.
https://www.millcreekcafe.ca/
Mama Lee’s. When we have a hankering for Korean, we order takeout from Mama Lee’s. It’s a bit further away--south of our place--but it’s worth a bit of a drive for their Bibimbap.
https://www.mamaleeskitchen.com/
https://www.mamaleeskitchen.com/menu/
Mama Lee's Kitchen
10633 51 Avenue NorthwestMama Lee’s. When we have a hankering for Korean, we order takeout from Mama Lee’s. It’s a bit further away--south of our place--but it’s worth a bit of a drive for their Bibimbap.
https://www.mamaleeskitchen.com/
https://www.mamaleeskitchen.com/menu/
Love Pizza. We love Love Pizza. Their pies aren’t the greasy sort but rather lighter and untraditional in their ingredients. Family owned and run, Love Pizza is located downtown (on the other side of the river) but you can get there pretty quickly from our place. Our go-to orders are the Holy Shitaake, the City Market and the Plain Jane. Highly recommend all three!
https://www.lovepizza.ca/
10 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Lovepizza
10196 109 St NWLove Pizza. We love Love Pizza. Their pies aren’t the greasy sort but rather lighter and untraditional in their ingredients. Family owned and run, Love Pizza is located downtown (on the other side of the river) but you can get there pretty quickly from our place. Our go-to orders are the Holy Shitaake, the City Market and the Plain Jane. Highly recommend all three!
https://www.lovepizza.ca/
Ace Coffee. Technically located in a neighborhood called Ritchie, this coffee shop isn’t far from our place (15-20 min walk, 5 min drive), and their coffee is excellent. If you’re a coffee guru, check this place out (it’s a sunny, spacious place to sit and/or work for a while) and maybe even take a class on coffee making, which ACE offers.
https://acecoffeeroasters.com/
9 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
ACE Coffee Roasters
10055 80 Ave NWAce Coffee. Technically located in a neighborhood called Ritchie, this coffee shop isn’t far from our place (15-20 min walk, 5 min drive), and their coffee is excellent. If you’re a coffee guru, check this place out (it’s a sunny, spacious place to sit and/or work for a while) and maybe even take a class on coffee making, which ACE offers.
https://acecoffeeroasters.com/
High Level Diner. A longstanding and very Edmontonian establishment, this cozy restaurant is located on the south entrance to the High Level Bridge. They serve a combination of comfort food (Guinness cottage pie, borscht) and some more contemporary & ethnic dishes (fajitas, curry). We especially love their fried chicken (HLD Spice bird!) and their Thai coconut curry.
https://www.highleveldiner.com/
42 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Highlevel Diner
10912 88 Ave NWHigh Level Diner. A longstanding and very Edmontonian establishment, this cozy restaurant is located on the south entrance to the High Level Bridge. They serve a combination of comfort food (Guinness cottage pie, borscht) and some more contemporary & ethnic dishes (fajitas, curry). We especially love their fried chicken (HLD Spice bird!) and their Thai coconut curry.
https://www.highleveldiner.com/
Cafe Biciclete. A wonderful cafe in the nearby French quarter of Edmonton (La Cité Francophone), this place “lends a Canadian touch to some of the best in French cuisine.” We find Cafe Biciclete extremely charming, and tend to go there when we want to feel like we’re traveling within our own city, because both this venue and the neighborhood in which it’s located have an ambiance and linguistic fabric distinct from the rest of the city. Their patio is a superb place to dine in the summer. Owen’s brother loves the poutine here.
22 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Café Bicyclette
8627 91 StCafe Biciclete. A wonderful cafe in the nearby French quarter of Edmonton (La Cité Francophone), this place “lends a Canadian touch to some of the best in French cuisine.” We find Cafe Biciclete extremely charming, and tend to go there when we want to feel like we’re traveling within our own city, because both this venue and the neighborhood in which it’s located have an ambiance and linguistic fabric distinct from the rest of the city. Their patio is a superb place to dine in the summer. Owen’s brother loves the poutine here.
Shopping
Strathcona Farmers Market.
In operation since 1983, this indoor Farmers Market is absolutely one of the gems of this region of Edmonton, packed with local goods--fresh food of course but also artisanal goods. We get our kimchi from the Farmers Market and also love the salsa you can buy (and sample!) here; and Sunworks Farms is our go-to vendor for fresh produce. Located one street behind Whyte Ave, the Farmers Market is a great place to wander while out exploring the main strip of Strathcona. If you want to avoid the crowds and have a chance to chat with vendors, we recommend going first thing in the morning on Saturday--they open early!
https://osfm.ca/
127 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Old Strathcona Farmers' Market
10310 83 Ave NWStrathcona Farmers Market.
In operation since 1983, this indoor Farmers Market is absolutely one of the gems of this region of Edmonton, packed with local goods--fresh food of course but also artisanal goods. We get our kimchi from the Farmers Market and also love the salsa you can buy (and sample!) here; and Sunworks Farms is our go-to vendor for fresh produce. Located one street behind Whyte Ave, the Farmers Market is a great place to wander while out exploring the main strip of Strathcona. If you want to avoid the crowds and have a chance to chat with vendors, we recommend going first thing in the morning on Saturday--they open early!
https://osfm.ca/
From their website: We offer items that have beneficial advantages – local, certified organic, Fair Trade Certified, in bulk (less packaging), information, and while supporting and encouraging people to take action! We are attempting to offer a way of life that is balanced and respectful of the planet and all its creatures. I know this sounds a little wishy-washy but I believe that this is our ultimate goal in life – do as little harm as possible and leave the world better than when we arrived. Improvements to our commons (environment and society) will benefit not on our direct descendants but everyone else.
https://earthsgeneralstore.ca/about/
16 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Earth's General Store
9605 82 Ave NWFrom their website: We offer items that have beneficial advantages – local, certified organic, Fair Trade Certified, in bulk (less packaging), information, and while supporting and encouraging people to take action! We are attempting to offer a way of life that is balanced and respectful of the planet and all its creatures. I know this sounds a little wishy-washy but I believe that this is our ultimate goal in life – do as little harm as possible and leave the world better than when we arrived. Improvements to our commons (environment and society) will benefit not on our direct descendants but everyone else.
https://earthsgeneralstore.ca/about/
Maven & Grace. A gorgeously and meticulously arranged local shop that carries antiques, stationary, and home goods (aprons, candles, soaps, etc). It also has a florist in the back of the shop where you can get unique bouquets. They’re not cheap but they are beautiful and unlike anything you’d get from a cookie-cutter florist. Colleen loves browsing this boutique while Owen grocery shops next door at Earth’s General Store.
https://www.mavenandgrace.com/
7 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Maven and Grace
9601 82 Ave NWMaven & Grace. A gorgeously and meticulously arranged local shop that carries antiques, stationary, and home goods (aprons, candles, soaps, etc). It also has a florist in the back of the shop where you can get unique bouquets. They’re not cheap but they are beautiful and unlike anything you’d get from a cookie-cutter florist. Colleen loves browsing this boutique while Owen grocery shops next door at Earth’s General Store.
https://www.mavenandgrace.com/
Strathcona Antique Mall. Colleen is somewhat obsessed with this sprawling emporium of vintage everything; most of the antiques in the house were discovered at the Strathcona Antique Mall. Owned by a lovely local woman named Betty and staffed by vintage aficionados, this place is heaven for anyone who loves old things, albeit a bit crowded on weekends.
15 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Old Strathcona Antique Mall
10323 78 Ave NWStrathcona Antique Mall. Colleen is somewhat obsessed with this sprawling emporium of vintage everything; most of the antiques in the house were discovered at the Strathcona Antique Mall. Owned by a lovely local woman named Betty and staffed by vintage aficionados, this place is heaven for anyone who loves old things, albeit a bit crowded on weekends.
Majesty & Friends. An awesome shop with sassy merch, this place is fun to browse if you’re looking for unique and irreverent clothes and gifts, some of it with a distinct political edge. The owner of Majesty & Friends is a friend of a friend, and we highly recommend it!
Majesty and Friends
12024 112 Ave NWMajesty & Friends. An awesome shop with sassy merch, this place is fun to browse if you’re looking for unique and irreverent clothes and gifts, some of it with a distinct political edge. The owner of Majesty & Friends is a friend of a friend, and we highly recommend it!
Poppy Barley. A Canadian company specializing in shoes, Poppy Barley is pricey but tops when it comes to design and quality. Owen wore Poppy Barley shoes at our wedding :).
Poppy Barley
5015 111 St NWPoppy Barley. A Canadian company specializing in shoes, Poppy Barley is pricey but tops when it comes to design and quality. Owen wore Poppy Barley shoes at our wedding :).
Little Plant Shop. A darling place owned by a friendly local couple, this houseplant boutique and terrarium supply store is right off Whyte Ave and a delight to wander, especially when the owners’ golden retriever Luna is lazing about.
https://www.littleplantshopyeg.com/
Little Plant Shop
613 Johnson StreetLittle Plant Shop. A darling place owned by a friendly local couple, this houseplant boutique and terrarium supply store is right off Whyte Ave and a delight to wander, especially when the owners’ golden retriever Luna is lazing about.
https://www.littleplantshopyeg.com/
West Edmonton Mall
ICE District
10360 102 St NWSightseeing
High Level Bridge. A bike ride, jog or walk across the High Level Bridge is a must. A great way to see the city’s expansive river valley.
20 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
High Level Bridge
97 Avenue NorthwestHigh Level Bridge. A bike ride, jog or walk across the High Level Bridge is a must. A great way to see the city’s expansive river valley.
Muttart Conservatory. An impressively curated botanic garden a short drive from our place, the Muttart is a great place to visit year-round but especially in the dead of winter, when you’re craving light and warmth. Its four sections (each housed in a distinctive pyramid structure) are organized by microclimate (arid, temperate and tropical) and collectively they feature 700 species of plants. A great place to bring kids (our toddler had a blast wandering the pathways). There’s also an excellent local eatery/cafe (Cucina) nestled in the entrance to the Muttart, so you can grab a bite before/after gazing at cacti & ferns!
https://www.edmonton.ca/attractions_events/muttart-conservatory
219 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Muttart Conservatory
9626 96a St NWMuttart Conservatory. An impressively curated botanic garden a short drive from our place, the Muttart is a great place to visit year-round but especially in the dead of winter, when you’re craving light and warmth. Its four sections (each housed in a distinctive pyramid structure) are organized by microclimate (arid, temperate and tropical) and collectively they feature 700 species of plants. A great place to bring kids (our toddler had a blast wandering the pathways). There’s also an excellent local eatery/cafe (Cucina) nestled in the entrance to the Muttart, so you can grab a bite before/after gazing at cacti & ferns!
https://www.edmonton.ca/attractions_events/muttart-conservatory
Art Gallery of Alberta
Museo Real de Alberta
9810 103A Avenue NorthwestFort Edmonton Park
7000 143 St NWParque Hawrelak
9330 Groat Rd NWTalus Dome
Visit Edmonton's most unfortunate and bizarre art installation!
Laundry
Whyte Avenue Coin Laundry
9904 82 Ave NWA great, nearby place to do laundry!