Exploring Edmonton's Art

A walk through Old Strathcona, Edmonton’s art neighborhood is a journey into the city’s past. In what has been described as one of the country’s hippest neighborhoods, Old Strathcona is also a designated Provincial Historic Area and home to a wide range of jazz, folk, blues, rock, country and pop music dance halls along with a rage of interesting boutiques. Nine theatres that feature live performances throughout the year round out the experience.

Old Strathcona is just one of many exciting cultural districts scattered throughout the province where art is quickly becoming a huge tourism draw. So much so that Alberta’s capital city was named the Cultural Capital of Canada – a prestigious national designation that recognizes the city for its tradition of excellence in culture and the arts.

Wander further into Alberta and you will find the Edmonton Arts District, City Hall, Chinatown and shops galore. Sir Winston Churchill Square is the center of this area and the locale for many a festival.

The Gallery Walk is located west of this downtown core. It is a 12-block neighborhood with live theatre venues, restaurants, art gallery’s and shops. Unguided and formal gallery walks are available to steer visitors around the area.

Rounding out the top cultural offerings and venues are the Edmonton Opera, Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, Alberta Ballet and the relatively new Art Gallery of Alberta – a 85,000 square-foot facility that is one of the most architecturally interesting structures in Canada.