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Stepping out in Edmonton

By Jannik Eikenaar

A unique walking tour of Alberta’s historic Strathcona district

The rundown: Edmonton’s Strathcona district melds the oldest and youngest facets of the city. The distinctive red and brown-brick buildings may be the oldest in the province’s capital, but their contents are often influenced by the students from nearby University of Alberta. Historic “clinker brick” facades are as likely to yield chic clothing lines and trendy watering holes as antique collectibles and original, immaculately preserved tin ceilings.

The Old Strathcona Foundation suggests spending two hours on a guided walking tour. The non-profit foundation publishes a walking tour booklet, available for a small donation at their office.

On the ground: Cameron Malcolm has established himself as Edmonton’s go-to guide. The 52-year-old history buff has been entertaining tourists in his deep, gravely voice for over a decade. Whether it’s the reason why some bricks are brown and others red (brown ones are twice fired) or the story behind McIntyre Memorial Park’s six fountains (three for people, two for horses and one for dogs), Malcolm can’t be stumped.

Highlight: The Farmers’ Market features over 100 vendors and attracts thousands of visitors every Saturday. Arrange to start your walking tour in front of the Market and be sure to return to choose from a range of products, from fresh Italian flatbreads to original Chinese ink paintings.

Best for: History buffs, architecture aficionados and old book collectors - Strathcona’s bricks house a half-dozen bookstores.

Cost: $10

Contact: Cameron Malcolm 1-888-488-8687, www.outanabouttours.com

Bonus: Walking whets the appetite. Happily, Malcolm is familiar with the many restaurants and public houses that pepper Strathcona. His drinking and dining recommendations alone are worth the cost of the tour.

Getting here

Old Strathcona Foundation, 10324 Whyte Ave., Suite 401, 780-433-5866, www.strathcona.org
Edmonton Tourism, 1-800-463-4667, www.edmonton.com
Tourism Alberta, 1-800-ALBERTA, www.travelalberta.com

Jannik Eikenaar is a Kelowna-based writer.