Most Walkable Neighbourhoods in Edmonton: Edmonton, AB Community Living Guide

More and more, and for a wide variety of reasons, people are becoming less dependent on driving. Some people want to reduce their carbon footprint, some want to cut down on or eliminate the expense of vehicle ownership and maintenance, and others want to get more exercise.

No matter the reasons are for seeking out a walkable neighbourhood, Edmonton is a wonderful choice. Alberta's capital city is renowned for its natural beauty; outdoor recreation; and lifestyle, history, and culture; and there are many charming Edmonton neighbourhoods that reflect each one of these characteristics. Edmonton also offers a thriving economy, affordable housing, and the city has proactively taken steps to increase walkability. In 2009, the City of Edmonton passed an Active Transportation Policy that included a Walkability Strategy with the specific goal of "improving walkability in the city of Edmonton."

Aside from being a healthy and environmentally friendly way to see a neighbourhood, walking provides a more intimate perspective. Each one of Edmonton's neighbourhoods is unique, but they all share a strong sense of community, welcoming spirit, and convenient amenities. Here are some of Edmonton's most walkable neighbourhoods.

Queen Alexandra

Queen Alexandra was originally part of the City of Strathcona and is believed to have been subdivided and named shortly after. The neighbourhood's northern boundary is bustling Whyte Avenue, a hub of entertainment, dining, and shopping. The parks and schools in this neighbourhood, including the nearby University of Alberta, make Queen Alexandra a highly desirable area. The vast majority of the neighbourhood is residential, with a mixture of single-family homes and multi-family housing units. Queen Alexandra's tree-lined streets are quiet and picturesque, with many open green spaces.

Strathcona Junction

Usually referred to simply as Strathcona, this small, eclectic neighbourhood on Edmonton's south side near the University of Alberta is considered one of the city's most walkable neighbourhoods. The Alberta Register of Historic Places designated a fairly large, five-block chunk of Strathcona as a "significant historic place" and named it the Old Strathcona district. About 15% of the neighbourhood's homes were built prior to 1946, and much of that original character is retained in Strathcona today. The area centers around Whyte Avenue and features an array of vibrant restaurants, bakeries, shops, pubs, and bars, many of which feature live music. Neighbourhood highlights include the Old Strathcona Farmers' Market, the 105-year-old indie Princess Theatre, and Western Canada's largest antiques mall, the Old Strathcona Antique Mall.

Ritchie

Ritchie is a well-established neighbourhood adjacent to Strathcona and is bordered on its other side by the Mill Creek Ravine. Easy access to downtown Edmonton, the river valley park system, numerous schools, the highly engaged community league, and proximity to buzzing nightlife in Strathcona make Ritchie a fantastic place for almost anyone. There are always community events going on in Ritchie, such as concerts and the much-anticipated annual chilli cook-off, as well as several parks and open green spaces that run right down the center of the neighbourhood. The ravine and parks system lends a decidedly active outdoor lifestyle to Ritchie, and cycling is a favourite local pastime.

Garneau

Garneau is one of Edmonton's most well-established neighbourhoods, dating back to 1874. It's flanked by the University of Alberta and the south bank of the North Saskatchewan River and consists of a charming mixture of new construction homes, university housing, and well-preserved historic houses from the 1920s. Garneau's streets are lined with independently owned cafés, shops, and restaurants, and primary services such as grocery stores, banks, and medical facilities are all within a 10-minute walk. The Garneau Community League works closely with both the City of Edmonton and the University of Alberta to oversee all developments in an effort to preserve the neighbourhood's spirit and charm. Locals' favourite Garneau businesses include the iconic Garneau Theatre, Transcend Coffee Shop, and The Sugar Bowl.

Parkdale

For a walkable Edmonton neighbourhood that is also a tight-knit community, look no further than Parkdale. Located in central Edmonton and just north of downtown, Parkdale has a number of walking and bike paths, including some that go directly into downtown or the river valley. About 40% of the homes in Parkdale are considered pre-war, built in the late 1930s and early '40s, so the neighbourhood has a distinct historic charm. The Cromdale-Parkdale Community League is considered one of the most active in all of Edmonton, hosting free neighbourhood events throughout the year including yoga and raised gardening in community beds. There are also sand volleyball courts and an ice skating rink in Parkdale. On top of all that, the neighbourhood is served by two light rail stations.

Downtown Edmonton

With a Walk Score of 97 out of 100, Downtown Edmonton is a true walker's paradise. World-class restaurants, shopping, and nightlife are all plentiful downtown, and the public transportation system is well-maintained with many options to get around beyond the downtown core. In addition, in June 2020 the city of Edmonton revealed plans to expand its bike lanes and make it easier for cyclists to ride year-round. The number of entertainment options in downtown Edmonton is dizzying, with many events hosted at Sir Winston Churchill Square and the ICE District. For those looking to ditch owning a vehicle and embrace true city living in a condo or apartment, downtown Edmonton is an ideal choice.

Come Take a Walk in Edmonton

Whatever reasons you have to walk, be it daily errands, a night on the town, or just relaxing in the fresh air, Edmonton is determined to make it as easy as possible.