Where Are the Best Historic Tours of Edmonton?

Edmonton isn't highly known as a historical city, but there is plenty of history in the roots of Edmonton. You will find a diverse history, which includes the fur trade and Old Strathcona. Plus there are many engaging stories to be told. Perhaps, the most historical location in Edmonton is Fort Edmonton Park. This Park is located right off of Fox Drive. It was originally a part of the Hudson Bay Company's trading network.

There were a multitude of events and trades that took place between Europeans and the Aborgianies at this location. It also happens to be a very important piece of Edmonton's growth. Fort Edmonton went through some renovations, and is available for visitors to visit and take a step back into the early 19^th and 20^th century.

Fort Edmonton

Fort Edmonton is a great place for all ages. You can wander down the historic streets, partake in a steam engine ride, or have some fun at the penny arcades. Engage in Sunday brunch at the Hotel Selkirk, or catch a film at the Capitol Theatre.

Garneau and Strathcona

Edmonton also has a number of historical communities such as the Garneau and Strathcona areas. These communities have breathtaking homes, amazing landscape and mature trees. There are lots of shopping and entertainment opportunities as well. These communities date all the way back to the 1800s.

Garneau is a great place to take a walk or visit the University of Alberta. If you want to grab a bite to eat, then stop in one of the many offerings on 109^th street. The Garneau Theatre is also here, and dates all the way back to 1940. They show a number of present and past movies. These communities also happen to be a great place to take up residency as well. The individuals who live in these areas are friendly, and the homes are amazingly beautiful.

What to Know About Owning a Historic Home

Owning a historic home comes with a different set of requirements than owning a more modern home. Homes registered as historic cannot have certain renovations done that would destroy elements of historical value in the building. Additionally, historical homes often need more maintenance than their modern counterparts. What should you keep in mind when purchasing a historic home?

Performing regular maintenance is a critical part of ensuring that a historic home will retain its beauty, functionality, and value. Getting regular maintenance checks and inspections from professional contractors can help.

Common systems that experience trouble in historic homes include:

• Wiring. Old wiring can be a hazard if it's not adequate for the electrical needs of the homeowner.
• Plumbing. Galvanized pipes and cast iron pipes can be rusty and leaky, while lead pipes are toxic for humans.
• Paint. Lead-based paint is common in older homes, and sometimes must be remediated during renovations.

In addition to these challenges, homeowners with historic properties often go to great lengths to help their home retain its historic beauty. During renovations, it's very important to use materials that look authentic. These materials can be difficult to find, and even more difficult to work with. Hiring a contractor that has repaired or renovated historic properties in the past is important. By going to this extra effort, homeowners can protect their investment.