This Edmonton neighbourhood was just named one of the coolest in Canada

A neighbourhood in Edmonton has been marked as one of the coolest in Canada, according to a new list from Maclean’s.

Central Edmonton’s Wîhkwêntôwin made the cut, and it’s in good company alongside a handful of trendy Canadian neighbourhoods.

The piece was written by Edmonton writer and photographer Zachary Ayotte, who spent about a decade living in the neighbourhood during his twenties.

He highlights the area’s Victoria Promenade and river valley views, its walkability, and the way historic buildings blend with newer developments to create a neighbourhood where you can easily live without relying on a car.

Ayotte points to the mix of everyday essentials, like schools, bookstores and grocery stores, alongside independent cafés, restaurants and bars, as one of the things that makes Wîhkwêntôwin special for residents of all ages.

Some of the neighbourhood’s standout spots include Va! Caffe, Paul Kane Park, Kind Ice Cream, Brio Bakery and Odd Company Brewing.

Ayotte also recounts running into an old friend who, after years of house hunting, had decided to stay put in the neighbourhood. “It was hard to imagine not being so close to everything,” she told him.

It’s certainly one of our favourite places in Edmonton, so we can’t argue with that!

Other Canadian neighbourhoods and areas named to the coolest list included: Saint-Sauveur, Quebec City; Crown Point Hub, Hamilton; The Forks, Winnipeg; Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie, Montreal; Songhees Walkway, Victoria; Inglewood, Calgary; Lower Lonsdale, North Vancouver; Davenport, Toronto; and The Hydrostone, Halifax.

Originally published on Daily Hive. 

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