This year’s walks are May 3-11, 2024 Follow us on Facebook, X & Instagram as well as this space to stay up to date on the festival’s offerings.
Many of the walks are “sold out” but check back as spots do open up. If you have tickets but aren’t going to use them, please release them so others can attend!
New walks are posted as they are confirmed. If you have a walk idea or want more information drop us a line at: janeswalkedmonton@gmail.com.
Confirmed Walks for 2024
Friday, May 3 – Join us for 3 walks in Edmonton’s Downtown to kick off the weekend! All walks will start at the City Hall Plaza (wading pool) at noon.
Starting location: City Hall Plaza – #1 Sir Winston Churchill Square
Accessibility: Tours are on City sidewalks, no major grades, but some stairs. Start and end point accessible by LRT and multiple bus routes.
CATALYZE AND CONVERGE: RAMBLINGS OF A HERITAGE PLANNER ON DOWNTOWN HERITAGE, INVESTMENT AND URBAN DESIGN
Walk Leader: David Holdsworth, Downtown Planner
Date & Time: Friday, May 3, 12:00 noon Approx 1.5 hours Description: If it has to do with historical resources in Edmonton, David’s the guy to talk to. He can tell you the story of Edmonton’s historical buildings, including those that have faded into history. Join him for a pleasant walk downtown, discussing the interplay between historical resources and recent investment on and below the streets in Edmonton’s downtown. We’ll also explore how Edmonton’s new City Plan will help promote creative investment and economic development across our city, while reflecting on what we have learned from our past.
Register Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/874022303237?aff=oddtdtcreator
DOWNTOWN – WHATS IN STORE FOR DOWNTOWN: THE NEXT 10 YEARS
Walk Leader: Tom Beck, Senior Downtown Planner
Date & Time: Friday, May 3, 12:00 noon Approx 1.5 hours & 3 km. Description: Join Tom, who is probably one of the most informed City staff when it comes to what is happening in our Downtown, for the ninth year in a row on a walk looking at the various developments that are revitalizing our streets, public places, and transportation modes in the downtown core.
Register Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/874015462777?aff=oddtdtcreator
DOWNTOWN – WHATS TRIPPING YOU UP?
Walk Leader: Robert Lipka, Heather Craig & Guest – The 3 Amigos of Accessibility!
Date & Time: Friday, May 3, 12:00 noon Approx 1 hour Description: Join Robert and guests, who are experts on universal accessiblity for a tour of Downtown through the lens of improving accessibility for all.
Register Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/874021069547?aff=oddtdtcreator
Saturday, May 4
Old Strathcona’s Latter-Day Saint Heritage
Walk Leader: Erik Backstrom
Date & Time: Saturday, May 4, 10:00 A.M. Approx 1.5 hours
Description:
Starting location: Public washrooms at Whyte Ave & Gateway Boulevard (10260 Whyte Ave)
Accessibility: The route is about 1.5 km on sidewalks and paved alleys. The start and end points are accessible by multiple bus routes and the 83 Avenue protected bike lane.
Register Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/880515564757?aff=oddtdtcreator
Mill Woods Tour
Walk Leader: Christina Gray
Date & Time: Saturday, May 4, 10:00 A.M. Approx 1.5 hours
Description:
Join MLA Christina Gray for a tour speaking to some of the progressive history of Mill Woods, including some of the housing co-ops & community gardens that were ground breaking at the time.
Starting location: Leefield Community Centre 7910 36 Ave NW,
Accessibility: The route is about 1.5 km on sidewalks and paved pathways.
Register Here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/881426007917?aff=oddtdtcreator
Big Bold Ideas for 76th Avenue
Walk Leader: Connect 76 & Paths for People
Date & Time: Saturday, May 4, 10:30 A.M. Approx 2 hours
Description: Lets walk along 76 Avenue and discuss how we can rebuild this neighbourhood corridor so that it works for everyone, regardless of the mode of transportation they choose! We’ll explore Ritchie, King Edward Park, and Avonmore, discussing infrastructure choices the City could make to build a safer, more liveable corridor for the entire community. Come prepared with your best ideas, like more trees, added infrastructure to bike along, and better crosswalks.
We will walk along 76 Avenue eastward, with a potential stop for ice cream along the way. The tour will end just east of Mill Creek Ravine near 76 Ave and 89 Street at around 12:30pm
Starting location: Meet at Aspen Coffee Roasters (9951 76 Ave NW)
Accessibility: Tours are on sidewalks, Start and end point by multiple bus routes.
Due to the size of the tour, the lack of bike infrastructure, and placing a priority on those with more limited mobility, we do not have space for people to bike while on the tour. You are welcome to bike to and from the tour though!
Register Here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/876110027677?aff=oddtdtcreator
124th Street Small Business – the Heart of a Walkable Community
Walk Leader: Ian Hosler
Date & Time: Saturday, May 4, 10:30 A.M. Approx 2 hours
Description: Join Ian for a walk along 124th Street and converse with a curated bunch of small business owners as we visit their establishments. We will end up at 3 Vikings where we could have a pint if we are thirsty.
Starting location: NE Corner of 124th Street & 110 Avenue (end at 3 Vikings, 124th Street & 107 Avenue.)
Accessibility: Tours are on sidewalks, Start and end point by multiple bus routes.
Register Here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/876053117457?aff=oddtdtcreator
UofA Campus Tour
Walk Leader: Ellen Schoek
Date & Time: Saturday, May 4, 1:00 P.M. Approx 1.5 hours
Description: We will start with a quick dunk tank history lesson about the U. From there we will tour the three original student residences, and then onward for a glimpse of the observatory and the Nano building. Then we’ll tour the newest science building for an indoor break. Then we are off to the second Power Plant and Triffo Hall, both heritage buildings. Finally, we will head towards the LRT to have a look at St Stephen’s College and the major external renovations to the old Med Building.
Starting location: UofA Students Union Building 8900 114 St NW, Edmonton – Info Desk on main floor
Accessibility: Tours are on sidewalks, no major grades, but some stairs. Start and end point accessible by LRT and multiple bus routes.
Register Here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/874071380027?aff=oddtdtcreator
Walking & Talking Trees
Walk Leader: Dustin Bajer
Date & Time: Saturday, May 4, 1:00 P.M. Approx 1 hours
Description: Join Dustin Bajer, a passionate proponate of urban trees, as he walks and talks with you about the stupendous value of urban trees. Check out a small urban fruit tree nursey; consider the backyard trees that stay behind even after a house is gone; and consider how trees shape a city whether they are planted in a public park, an urban farm, a boulevard, or in the river valley!
Starting location: Edmonton Urban Farm 11312-79 Street
Accessibility: Other than 4 steps to get into the urban farm, the rest of the tour is flat ground. (parking available on the west side of 79th street or in the gravel parking lot on the east side of 79th street)
Register Here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/walking-talking-trees-tickets-881436439117?aff=oddtdtcreator
Tracing the Tracks of the UofA Ski Club
Walk Leader: Lyndsay Conrad
Date & Time: Saturday, May 4, 1:30 P.M. Approx 1.5 hours
Description: The UofA Varsity Ski Club was a driving force for skiing on campus from 1932 to 1938 leading students to winter enjoyment and the University body through the Great Depression. Join Lyndsay on a walk through Campus and down to Emily Murphy Park to talk about the ski jump and other amenities they had created to promote the sport.
Starting location: Pembina Hall front steps – UofA North Campus Pembina Hall
Accessibility: Walk on sidewalks and paths, stairs. Steep grades down to Emily Murphy Park. Good access by LRT and bus to Pembina Hall.
Register Here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/878308633767?aff=oddtdtcreator
kihcihkaw askî – Sacred Land
Walk Leader: Lewis Cardinal
Date & Time: Saturday, May 4, 2:00 P.M. Approx 1.5 hours
Description: Join Lewis, who is the project manager for the Indigenous Knowledge & Wisdom Centre in touring this amazing new educational and ceremonial site in the River Valley, a first of its kind in an urban setting. Tour the new educational facility as well as the places of ceremony and join Lewis on a short walk to the Springs in Whitemud Park.
Starting location: Sacred Land Facility 14141 Fox Drive NW https://maps.app.goo.gl/itdaho6ZPa9CKxko6
Accessibility: Facility tour is a short distance but the walk to Whitemud springs is over grass and natural trails, which can be muddy at this time of year. Access to the facility by bus is limited.
Register Here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/878305725067?aff=oddtdtcreator
SolarOttewell
Walk Leader: Julie Lovell
Date & Time: Saturday, May 4, 2:00 P.M. Approx 2 hours
Description: Step into solar with the SolarOttewell Jane’s Walk. Hear straight from local residents about going solar – the perks, savings, and smart tips to get the most from your panels. It’s a lively chance to see solar in action and learn how you can make the switch.
Representatives from Eco-Solar Home Tours and Solar Alberta may be on the walk to answer questions.
Questions? Want to get involved? Email Julie at dogsofottewell@gmail.com. #SolarOttewell
Starting location: Meet in front of 9623 Ottewell Road (the house with the solar panels and turquoise chairs!)
Accessibility: Tour is on sidewalks, no major grades. We’ll visit 2-3 homes in close proximity in Edmonton’s Ottewell neighbourhood.
Register Here: https://www.showpass.com/solarottewell/
Food + Art = A Sustainable Community
Walk Leader: Patti Milligan & Sara DeLano
Date & Time: Saturday, May 4, 2:30 P.M. Approx 1.5 hours
Description: The Edmonton Urban Farm, Parkdale-Cromdale Community League, and Free Arts Society join forces to offer a neighbourhood walk that takes people from a lovely urban farm, to a beautiful outdoor mural project in Kinnaird Ravine, and then to the Parkdale-Cromdale Community Hall, to see gorgeous murals, solar panels, and pollinator patches. This is a low-key walk that celebrates initiatives surrounding food, art, and sustainability!
Starting location: Edmonton Urban Farm 11312-79 Street
Bikes can be left inside the Urban Farm
Parking is available on the west side of 79th Street or in the gravel lot on the east side of 79th Street (toward Borden Park)
Accessibility: There are 4 steps at the entrance to the Edmonton Urban Farm where we will start. We’ll walk 2.8 km over sidewalk, long wooden staircases (up and down), and dirt trails of the Kinnaird ravine (mainly going up).
Register Here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/883332410017?aff=oddtdtcreator
Sunday May 5th
Walking Wîhkwêntôwin
Walk Leader: Sydney Gross
Date & Time: Sunday, May 5, 10:30 A.M. Approx 1.5 hours
Description: As one of Edmonton’s oldest neighbourhoods, Wîhkwêntôwin, also known as Oliver, also known as the West End, has seen a lot of changes over the years and has long been one of the densest neighbourhoods in the city. It’s also a thriving, vibrant area to live in. Through visiting older and newer buildings, this walk will invite you to think about how welcoming and managing change is integral to a neighbourhood’s wellbeing.
Starting location: Oliver Exchange Building 12021-102 Avenue.
Accessibility: Tours are on sidewalks, some paved alleys. Start and end point accessible by multiple bus routes. Route is about 2.6km long, with an optional last kilometre walk back to the Exchange (for a total distance of about 3.6km).
Register Here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/877002557257?aff=oddtdtcreator
Building a Queer Community
Walk Leader: Micheal Phair
Date & Time: Sunday, May 5, 11:00 A.M. Approx 1.5 hours
Description: Michael Phair, and special guest, will lead another fun and fabulous queer history walking tour filled with stories, gossip, and frivolity. Starting and ending at Michael Phair Park, this tour gives you the opportunity to learn about the defining moments that helped shape Edmonton’s queer community, including stories about Gay Alliance Towards Equality(GATE) and the gay disco district of 104 St.
Starting location: Micheal Phair Park 10124-104 Street NW
Accessibility: Tours are on sidewalks, Start and end point by multiple bus routes.
Shaping Urban Agricultural Landscapes & Futures
Walk Leader: Kevin Jones
Date & Time: Sunday, May 5, 11:00 A.M. Approx 2-3 hours
Description: Gardens are amazing places, and there is much more going on in them than can be measured in weight of produce. They are sites of recreation and exercise, places for finding belonging and building community, and for collectively navigating environmental uncertainties and what it means to live sustainably and justly. These layered social processes make gardens exciting spaces for conducting sustainability research with communities. Dr. Kevin Jones, an Environmental Sociologist at the UofA, will lead a tour of three urban agriculture projects located on the University’s South Campus, and host a conversation about how these gardens are creating essential landscapes for imagining our urban future. The gardens we will visit are: 1. The Edmonton Organic Growers Guild (EOGG) https://eogg.org/ ; 2. Prairie Urban Farm (PUF) https://www.prairieurbanfarm.ca/ ; and Green & Gold Garden https://www.greengoldgarden.com/
The gardens and fields of South Campus are very exposed, and without readily accessible shelters, so please come prepared for the weather, including a hat and bottle of water. Be aware that there are only limited bathroom facilities available on the tour. We will be walking on gravel roads and uneven ground. Closed toed shoes are advised.
Starting location: Near the entrance to the Saville Community Sports Centre
Accessibility: Good vehicle, bike and Bus/LRT Access to the Saville Centre. We will be walking on gravel roads and uneven ground. Closed toed shoes are advised.
Register Here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/shaping-urban-agricultural-landscapes-and-futures-tickets-881064296027?aff=oddtdtcreator
Reimagining the Public Realm in Old Strathcona
Walk Leaders: Cherie Klassen of the OSBA & Marco & Carley of the City of Edmonton
Date & Time: Sunday, May 5, 11:00 A.M. Approx 1.5 hours
Description: The Old Strathcona Public Realm Strategy team, together with the Old Strathcona Business Association, are excited to share how they’re working with Edmontonians to envision a new future for parks, plazas, parking lots, sidewalks, alleys and streets for the area.
This Jane’s Walk will highlight a few of the draft strategy’s proposed (future) actions while showcasing some of the OSBA’s recent investments to improve the visitor experience.
Starting location: Strathcona Back Street – Straight south of the Strathcona Farmers Market (By Sugared & Spiced)
Accessibility: Tours are on sidewalks, accessibility by several bus routes
Register Here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/878312013877?aff=oddtdtcreator
UofA Campus Tour
Walk Leader: Ellen Schoek
Date & Time: Sunday, May 5, 1:00 P.M. Approx 1.5 hours
Description: We will start with a quick dunk tank history lesson about the U. From there we will tour the three original student residences, and then onward for a glimpse of the observatory and the Nano building. Then we’ll tour the newest science building for an indoor break. Then we are off to the second Power Plant and Triffo Hall, both heritage buildings. Finally, we will head towards the LRT to have a look at St Stephen’s College and the major external renovations to the old Med Building.
Starting location: UofA Students Union Building 8900 114 St NW, Edmonton – Info Desk on main floor
Accessibility: Tours are on sidewalks, no major grades, but some stairs. Start and end point accessible by LRT and multiple bus routes.
Register Here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/874075361937?aff=oddtdtcreator
Moishe “Two Gun” Cohen (Sold Out)
Walk Leader: Paula Simons
Date & Time: Sunday, May 5, 1:00 P.M. Approx 1.5 hours
Description: Walk in the footsteps of one of my favourite Edmonton historic “characters” – Moishe “Two Gun” Cohen, a Jewish petty gangster and land speculator who became a hero of the Chinese revolution. This walk looks at the landmarks of Cohen’s world, including the Hotel Macdonald, and the original Beth Israel synagogue building.
Starting location: Rice Howard Place at 10060 Jasper Avenue
Accessibility: Tours are on sidewalks, accessibility by several bus routes
Register Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/881556417977?aff=oddtdtcreator
Is Westmount an Accessible Neighbourhood?
Walk Leader: Robert Lipka
Date & Time: Sunday, May 5, 2:00 P.M. Approx 1.5 hours
Description: Join Robert, who is a Westmount Resident and Accessibility Expert. Moving around Westmount, like many other neighborhoods throughout Edmonton, can be a huge challenge for People with Disabilities and many others as well. This walk will endeavour to show how difficult it can be for some users to move about their own neighbourhood and to discuss how we can all work together to help change the places where we live, work and play and recreate them so they are more accessible for people of all ages and abilities.
Starting location: Helen Nolan Park 12327-108 Avenue NW
Accessibility:
Route may contain
- Curbs, curb cuts, steps and possible ramps
- Busy sidewalks
- Limited seating opportunities
- No public washroom facilities are available along the route
Register Here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/881079481447?aff=oddtdtcreator
Monday May 6th
Spruce Avenue Janes Walk 10th Anniversary
Walk Leader: Wesley Andreas
Date & Time: Monday, May 6, 7:00 P.M. Approx 1.5 hours
Description: Join us in Edmonton’s centrally-located Spruce Avenue neighbourhood for our annual Jane’s Walk. This year we are celebrating our 10th Jane’s Walk with a focus on 10 people and places that make Spruce Avenue memorable. Come share what makes Spruce Ave special – what would you include in your Spruce Ave ten list – from past, present and future?
Starting location: Spruce Ave. Community League 11507 103 Street NW. Meet at the big mural in front the hall, facing the playground.
Accessibility: Please bring your walking shoes. There will be some uneven terrain (grassy areas). The walk is outdoors, and goes rain or shine, so please dress for the weather.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/spruce-avenue-community-janes-walk-10th-anniversary-tickets-879653145237
Tuesday May 7th
Westmount – Always Evolving
Walk Leader: Ian Hosler
Date & Time: Tuesday, May 7, 7:00 P.M. Approx 1.5 hours
Description: Take in the historical charm, vanished history, public art and the old & new architecture of this ever evolving Edmonton neighbourhood.
Starting location: Westglen School 10950-127th Street – Front Steps
Accessibility: Walk will be on sidewalks through the neighbourhood.
Register Here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/westmount-always-evolving-tickets-878356496927?aff=oddtdtcreator
Saturday May 11th
Old Strathcona Art Walk
Walk Leader: Mariam Qureshi
Date & Time: Saturday, May 11, 1:00 P.M. Approx 1.5 hours
Description: As a visual artist, I invite you on an art walk from the farmers market in Old Strathcona to FoundryStudios. My studio is located in a 100-year-old building on 84 Avenue, (10425 84 ave) one of the oldest creative districts in Edmonton, Alberta.
The walk to my studio takes only a few minutes and it’s an easy and enjoyable one. Inside the building, you will discover several studios with amazing and inspiring artworks, some of which are unfinished and others ready to be sold. Alberta has 18,100 professional artists who make up 9% of the 202,900 artists in Canada.
I would love to give you a taste of the art world and show you around the working studios in my building. Please note that this walk is partially indoors and requires you to go up a few steps. However, there are picnic tables outside the studio where you can relax. If you wish, you can even bring a drawing pad and sketch with me after the walk at the picnic tables.
I do this walk every Saturday for a cup of coffee before heading to my studio to work on my paintings and I would love to share this with you in support of Jane Jacobs’s community initiative.
So what do you say? Join me on this inspiring adventure and experience the beauty of art in one of the most creative districts.
Starting location: We will meet at “The Rescue” Sculpture located outside the farmersmarket (10310 83 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6E 5C3). I will leave at 1:05.
Accessibility: A short walk on City sidewalks. Accessible by bus and bike.
Register Here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/old-strathcona-art-walk-tickets-891775844557?aff=oddtdtcreator
Highlands – A Streetcar Suburb meets Jane Jacobs & the New Urbanists
Walk Leader: Howard Lawrence
Date & Time: Saturday, May 11, 2:00 P.M. Approx 1.5 hours
Description: We will explore the concepts of the “Streetcar suburb” of which Highlands is an example and compare it with both New Urbanist principles and with the notion of the “15 minute neighbourhood”
Starting location: Mandolin Books 6419-112 Avenue NW in Highlands
Accessibility: A short walk on City sidewalks. Accessible by bus and bike.
Register Here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/highlands-a-streetcar-suburb-meets-jane-jacobs-and-the-new-urbanists-tickets-881075680077?aff=oddtdtcreator
If you can’t join us on an in person walk, do have a look at our VIRTUAL OFFERINGS
Also, our friends at the Story City App have a number of virtual janes Walks:
Take a self-guided walk, 24/7, using the Story City app to see Edmonton like you’ve never seen it before. Just download the Story City app for your smart phone here, search for the title of your favourite walk listed below, add it to your library, and head to the first location to start your walk! Free walks available during Jane’s Walk weekend include:
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Edmonton Queer History Project (Downtown): Step into Edmonton’s Queer History in these two walking tours through downtown. Discover the people, places, memories and sacrifices that made this vibrant community what it is today.
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Next Stop 40th & Fringe (Old Strathcona): Lace up your walking shoes & head out into Old Strathcona to retrace the (absolutely exaggerated, totally hysterical) steps of Edmonton Fringe’s 40 year history.
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Coldest Night of the Year/ Downtown Social Issues Walk / West End Social Issues Walk (Old Strathcona, Downtown, Jasper Place): Experience Edmonton through a different lens on one of three walks across Edmonton with the Mustard Seed. Not only learn about the rich history of Edmonton’s oldest neighbourhoods, and some of the issues that impact the lives of our most vulnerable neighbours. We invite you to open your eyes, your ears, and your heart as we walk together to make a better future, one you can help bring into the world!
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Connection (Indigenous Art Park): Hailing from the Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation, performer and drummer Mackenzie Brown leads you on a personal immersive musical journey through the ᐄᓃᐤ (ÎNÎW) River Lot 11∞ Indigenous Art Park.
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Startup Origin Stories (Old Strathcona): Dive into the Origin Stories of 7 successful Edmonton startup entrepreneurs, and discover why they chose to call Edmonton home, while exploring Old Strathcona.
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Ghost Signs (Downtown): Join us on the walking tour that showcases some of he best remaining examples of Ghost signs (old advertising signs commonly painted on the exteriors of buildings) in Edmonton’s Downtown.
Jane's Walk YEG 