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Canada > The West > Alberta > Edmonton

STAY, DINE, DO: Find a hotel, restaurant or attraction.

Listings to get the most out of the city: where to dine, what to see, where to shop, and more.

Culture Club

By Hilary Darrah

Community farmers’ markets have sprouted up all over town. For visitors, a casual stroll through a market is a great way to get a slice of local life, and you may even dig up a special souvenir that you just wouldn’t find anywhere else.

Image courtesy City Market Downtown

City Market Downtown on 104^thStreet

You’ll find this lively market in the warehouse district on 104^th Street, the city’s newest shopping destination. The street is closed to traffic while the market’s on, so there’s plenty of room to weave in between vendor kiosks and buskers while browsing the trendy boutiques lining this historic street. May through October (104 St. location); Saturdays 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. www.city-market.ca

Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market

In the midst of the city’s most diverse theatre and shopping district, this market attracts an equally eclectic crowd. Buskers entertain and wafts of tasty samples entice as you wander the aisles of the Old Bus Barn filled with fresh produce, famous all-natural pork sausages by Alberta’s Irvings Farm Fresh, flowers, crafts, artwork, and more. Year-round; Saturdays 8:00 am – 3:00 pm. www.osfm.ca

Callingwood Farmers’ Market

Close to West Edmonton Mall and the popular outdoor shopping centre, Marketplace at Callingwood, this is the city’s original and largest farmers’ market filled with fresh, locally-grown organic produce and handmade keepsakes. May through October; Sundays 10:00 am – 3:00 pm, Wednesdays 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm. www.callingwoodmarketplace.com

Image courtesy Sherwood Park Farmers' Market

Sherwood Park Farmers’ Market

If you’re visiting Sherwood Park, don’t miss this lovely market in the picturesque park setting of Festival Place. More than 70 vendors fill the area, sharing their stories and genuine love for what they do, grow, and make. May through October; Wednesdays 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm. www.sherwoodparkfarmersmarket.ca

Southwest Edmonton Farmers’ Market

Edmonton’s newest farmers’ market is conveniently located near South Edmonton Common, a huge open-air shopping and entertainment complex, and the beautiful Ellerslie Gift & Garden. Perched quietly on the Lillian Osborne High School Parking Lot, it’s gaining momentum as more and more vendors set up tables. May through October; Wednesdays 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm. www.swefm.ca

St. Albert Farmers’ Market

Said to be the largest outdoor market in Western Canada, this one attracts more than 10,000 people eying the goodies of its 250 vendors. This year marks its 30^th Anniversary, with special events planned to celebrate throughout the season. June 16 through October; Saturdays 10:00 am – 3:00 pm. www.stalbertfarmersmarket.com

Hot Dining: Exotic Ethiopian

Photo by Stefane Berube

Ethiopian cuisine is all about friends, family, and sharing—and Langano Skies sets the atmosphere with a decidedly exotic edge. Food is served atop colourful woven baskets boasting a mass of communal culinary delights that will always include injera—a pancake-like sourdough crepe. Simply tear off a piece, scoop up a taste of your chosen dish, and enjoy. A good place to start is with the Doro Tibs, which is a chicken stir-fry bursting with broccoli, green peppers, onions, and a whole lot of flavour thanks to the addition of over 10 spices. Also available is a good selection of vegetarian dishes.

Hot Dining: Smashingly Greek

Photo by Stefane Berube

Tucked in amongst the eclectic shops of 124th Street, Koutouki is loud, boisterous, and a whole lot of fun. Yet between all the plate-smashing and belly dancing, it soon becomes obvious that the authentic, freshly prepared Greek cuisine is the real smash hit here. Start your evening with the Saganaki, a platter of kefalotiri cheese that’s been fried until it’s golden, gooey, and sizzling hot. Simply add a squeeze of lemon, spread it on some freshly baked pita bread and—viola!—you’re all set. Once that disappears, consider tackling the Calamari or the savoury Souvlaki.

Hot Dining: Hand-Held Vietnamese

Image courtesy of Michael Kennedy

Trendy Whyte Avenue has just gotten trendier, thanks to V Sandwiches. The traditional Vietnamese sub gets a bit of a makeover here – a decidedly delicious one – and comes out more like a vermicelli bowl on a toasted French baguette. Eight different varieties will test your decision-making skills, but the Sate Beef Sub seems to be what everyone keeps coming back for. The secret just might be in the sauce: a slightly spicy lemongrass sauce takes the place of the more traditional peanut sauce, with delectable results. Salad and spring rolls, soups and wraps are also available.

You Are Here: Old Strathcona

Image courtesy of Noel Zinger

With over 600 eclectic, independent and alternative shops and services to explore, it’s little wonder Old Strathcona is regarded as the place to experience Edmonton’s finest live theatre and music, boutique shopping, dining and nightlife. Read on for some of our top spots in this historical district and then visit www.oldstrathcona.ca for even more. (more…)