Whyte Avenue is the main street on Edmonton's south side in a district called Old Strathcona; Strathcona became a settlement on the south side of the river in1891. It became a town in 1899 and a city in 1907. Strathcona amalgamated with Edmonton in 1912. The historical ambience has been retained, prompting the province to give it Provincial Historical Area status in 2007. Watch for the new banners and interpretative signs.

The area is quite popular with young and old. The streets are loaded with trendy, quaint boutiques next to major players like Chapters and Second Cup.  There are more than 600 businesses and services in the area. The largest retail sector is fashion. Over 54 clothing shops are included in the more than 100 fashion stores. Health and wellness services range from traditional doctors offices to acupuncture, homeopaths, health foods, massage therapists and exercise options. Businesses that support specific values cluster here. Fair trade, the environment, vegetarian and organic are some of the options.

The arts are showcased in the businesses and the many celebrations. Music is a full circle industry here. Learn to play an instrument, buy instruments, record music, buy recorded music and play or party in the clubs. The Yardbird Suite is one of the best jazz clubs in Canada and the Blues on Whyte offers live blues seven days a week. Drop in for the Saturday afternoon jam. More than 20 venues offer live music. The Strathcona Performing Arts Centre and the Transalta ArtsBarns are venues for many concerts and shows.

Live theatre is alive and well in Old Strathcona. More than nine live theatre companies operate year round in the Old Strathcona Theatre District. Award winning improv is showcased in the world's longest running live soap opera; Die Nasty on Monday nights. Theatre Sports and Chimprov, from Rapid Fire Theatre, offer shorter improv shows. Improvanganza is an international improv festival held here in June. Check the calendar on www.oldstrathcona.ca. Theatre festivals include North America's largest Fringe Theatre Festival. Every August, more than 500,000 people come through the gates to see live theatre indoors and outdoors.

With 78 restaurants and cafes, Old Strathcona offers choices of many different ethnic foods, fast food and pub food. The cafes are great meeting places. Old Strathcona won SEE Magazine's award for the "Best Place to People Watch". In the summer time, the patios are create seating all over the sidewalks and rooftops.

Parking along the street is metered at a rate of $2.50.hr. during the day. Payment is not required after 6:00 p.m., on Sundays or holidays. There are public parking lots just off Whyte Avenue. South Scona Parking is at 8011 -105 Street, across from The Keg Restaurant. The parking lot has an attendant. This is a good option for shoppers who want to wander or anyone who wants to spend quality time at a show, restaurant, festival or club.