Local Picks for Everyone on Your List

The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the annual challenge of finding gifts that truly delight. This year, we’ve turned to some of our favourite Edmonton makers, shop owners, and creatives for their favourite holiday gift picks.

Their recommendations, paired with a few of our own curated additions, highlight the best of shopping local: beautifully made pieces, one-of-a-kind experiences, and gifts that feel good to give.

Whether you’re shopping for your nearest and dearest or the trickiest names on your list, consider this your go-to holiday gifting guide in Edmonton this season.

Gift Ideas for Friends:

Small luxuries and shared experiences for your BFF.

Looking to treat your go-to gal to a…

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Edmonton's Best Eats by Neighbourhood

Edmonton’s food scene is thriving, with new restaurants opening regularly alongside beloved #yegfoodie favourites. Exploring a neighbourhood’s dining options is one of the best ways to get a genuine feel for a community’s character and vibe, whether you’re planning a night out or thinking about where to put down roots.

In this blog post, we’re highlighting some of the city’s most exciting restaurant openings alongside tried-and-true spots across several of Edmonton’s most notable neighbourhoods.

Central

The downtown core and surrounding mature neighbourhoods like Wîhkwêntôwin and Riverdale are go-to destinations for locally owned spots with serious culinary cred.

New Pick:

Bar Trove brings…

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10 Reasons Why Edmonton is One of Canada's Top Places to Buy a Home in 2025

Edmonton's real estate market is buzzing. Home resales are nearing all-time highs and strong in-migration is fueling demand. Despite this activity, prices remain accessible, but Canada’s real estate landscape is poised for change.

The federal government's recent decision to reduce immigration aims to alleviate housing pressures, but it also introduces uncertainties that could impact demand and affordability. And with talk of U.S. tariffs possibly disrupting supply chains, today’s market pricing may not last.

Buyers getting into the real estate market now are positioning themselves ahead of what could be another wave of uncertainty in our country. Change is coming, and…

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The Heart of French Culture in Edmonton

Bonnie Doon isn’t your typical Edmonton neighbourhood. Tucked away just minutes from downtown, this vibrant south-central community is the beating heart of Edmonton’s French culture. It has a certain 'Joie de vivre' where Edmontonians, regardless of language, can appreciate a part of the city’s French heritage.

Blending culture, history, and an unmistakable sense of community, the French Quarter in Bonnie Doon is where you’ll find patios buzzing with conversation, students meandering between classes, diverse streetscapes where old meets new, and one of the best brunch spots in the city.

Scroll to read about Bonnie Doon’s Francophone influence and what makes this neighbourhood a uniquely special spot to put…

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Smart, Stylish, and Accessible Design

With Canada’s aging population, the demographic landscape is undergoing a significant shift. By 2040, it’s projected that seniors aged 65 and older will make up nearly a quarter of the population, increasing the demand for homes designed with accessibility in mind.

Resale options can be limited, but as custom builders receive more requests for homes designed to age in place that’s beginning to change. Renovating an existing home is another option; however, integrating accessible features without compromising the overall look of the home requires strategic planning. Poorly planned modifications can feel like an afterthought, potentially impacting resale value. A custom build is often the more popular choice.

Accessible home in Grandview Heights with homes for sale by Holland and Associates Real Estate in Edmonton.

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How to Enjoy Edmonton Winter Like a Local

While some may shy away from Canada’s coldest months, Edmontonians embrace them, finding the joy in winter here in the capital city. With 325 days of sunshine each year, Edmonton is one of Canada’s sunniest cities—and there’s something undeniably magical about stepping outside as the sun reflects off the snow and ice, sparkling all around you.

In this blog post, we’re breaking down some of our favourite outdoor spaces to stay active, connected, and thriving in Edmonton this winter.

Snow Valley

Grab your skis on a bluebird day and head to Snow Valley for easily accessible outdoor fun. While it can’t compete with the slopes of the Rocky Mountains, the location and convenience of this south-central ski…

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Windermere's Locally Owned Hotspots

Traditionally, suburban living has meant relying on big-box stores and chain restaurants for nearby shopping and amenities, but in southwest Edmonton’s Windermere this is changing. The Windermere area is one of the city’s fastest-growing communities, master-planned to keep everything residents need within reach.

In recent years, an increasing number of locally and nationally owned brands are opting for Windermere over more traditional retail locations like downtown, 124th Street, and Whyte Avenue—or have expanded into Windermere as their second or third location.

Not only is the community offering the modern housing variety, schools, parks, and price point that make suburban living so appealing, but it’s also…

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Celebrating All 4 Seasons in Edmonton's West-End

Nestled between the North Saskatchewan River and its Patricia Ravine, Rio Terrace, Patricia Heights, and Quesnell Heights offer a level of serenity and access to nature rarely found in an urban environment.

Developed in the 1960s, these communities offer a mix of mature residences and modern infill abodes, many with a mid-century modern flair. Conveniently located next to numerous walking trails and river valley stairwells, Rio Terrace, Patricia Heights, and Quesnell Heights are a paradise for active and outdoorsy Edmontonians.

Explore the year-round charm of these three west Edmonton neighbourhoods below, and discover how each season brings something special to the area.

Step Into Spring

As…

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An Insider's Guide to 124th Street

Westmount in central Edmonton is a true Goldilocks community, containing the perfect blend of almost everything. Its tree-canopied streets feature some of the city’s most beautiful Craftsman and Foursquare-style homes, yet it’s also known for its sleek modern infill developments. Westmount is incredibly walkable, with access to main transit lines, and it’s home to one of the best shopping districts in the city: 124th Street.

Read on to learn all that the 124th Street area in Westmount has to offer.

Best Brunch

Urban Diner is a mainstay of the brunch scene in Westmount. Known for all-day breakfast, you can enjoy an array of egg dishes, waffles, and pancakes alongside other diner classics. For something…

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Crestwood’s Top Picks

Located in a small west-central pocket nestled between the North Saskatchewan River and two gorgeous ravines, Crestwood has some of the most stunning houses and breathtaking views in the city. Luxury estates and original mid-century homes line the curved tree-lined streets, where you can also find some of Edmonton’s best small businesses.

In Crestwood, neighbours are known to stop to chat as they cross paths at local eateries and Edmontonians far and wide trek across the city to sample the community’s latest and greatest. Scroll to find out the best places in Crestwood to grab a bite to eat this weekend.

MacKinnon Ravine in Crestwood with homes for sale by Holland and Associates Real Estate in Edmonton.

Happy & Olive

Happy & Olive opened in 2023, helmed by longtime friends and former owners of two neighbouring…

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