If you didn’t already know, the TruHome team is helping lease up the 121 West Condominiums. 121 West offers high quality concrete construction with a wide array of floor plans (studio, one bedroom, and two bedroom) that allows your home to be as unique as you are. Not only are the suites absolutely gorgeous, but the building itself is located in one of our favourite places in our city: the Edmonton Brewery District.

If you haven’t visited Central Edmonton in a while, the Brewery District is a neighbourhood sandwiched between Oliver, Queen Mary Park, and Downtown. It has everything you need—from shopping and food to entertainment and other businesses that offer everything you need. If you are considering moving to the 121 West condos or even moving to the area, keep on reading to learn more about what this neighbourhood has to offer!

Shopping

Winners

Everyone loves Winners—it’s so hard not to! Our team are frequent shoppers at the Brewery District location and have noticed that there is always a great selection of clothing, shoes, and home goods at this location. Don’t believe us? Guess you will have to check it out for yourself!

Miniso

If you have yet to visit Miniso, this is your sign to do so. Miniso is soon to be your favourite Japanese-inspired, low-cost, lifestyle product retailer, offering high quality household goods, cosmetics, and food at affordable prices. Name a product—they’ve got it. Plan to be there for a while, you will get lost in this store and not want to leave! 

Mountain Equipment Coop (MEC)

Calling all people who love the outdoors! Grab your one-time MEC membership and get shopping. MEC is a one stop shop for all season sports, hiking, camping, footwear, clothing, electronics and more. Even if you aren’t a nature lover, you’ll still probably find something you’ll love there.

124th Street

Even though 124th Street isn’t “in” the Brewery District, we had to include it anyway because it’s an icon in the neighbourhood. Just a short five-minute walk away, this beautiful area of our city has tons of shopping options, such as Shades of Gray, Floc Boutique, The Makers Keep, The Prints & The Paper and so much more.

Food

City Market

The Loblaw City Market is a staple in this community.While there are a few good options for grocery shopping, City Market is a favourite amongst those who live in Downtown-adjacent neighbourhoods. Not only is it a new build, but it also has free underground parking.

Blaze Pizza

Think Subway… but for Pizzas. Blaze Pizza is a build-your-own pizza joint that you will be sure to love if you haven’t tried it already.

Wing Snob

Traditional Wings, boneless wings, cauli wings—you name it, they have it. Wing Snob is new to the Brewery District but has quickly become a community favourite!

Cobs Bread Bakery

Name a food item that is more delicious than warm buttered bread. Cobs Bread Bakery serves a variety of different menu items like bread, scones, tarts, danishes, pizza, croissants… the list goes on.

Wilfred’s & Made by Marcus

A dual concept space in the Brewery District, Wildfred’s Handhelds and Made by Marcus are two delicious places to grab a bite. Grab a beer and a sandwich from Wilfred’s, then snag a locally-sourced ice cream from Made by Marcus—it’s a win-win!

Shojo Izakaya

Located in the same building below Wilfred’s and Made by Margus, Shojo Izakaya is a restaurant that serves fresh, modern Japanese cuisine in Edmonton, AB serving Small plates ranging from fried chicken to sushi. What’s more—Shojo has an incredible cocktail menu!

Nando’s

Peri-peri, anyone? Nando’s is an underrated gem in the Brewery District, offering a variety of food options that will please the whole family. Though the menu is centered around chicken, there are several vegetarian options as well. Just don’t forget to add their iconic peri-peri dipping sauce!

Tokiwa Ramen

It’s not a good neighbourhood without a ramen restaurant, right? Tokiwa Ramen is a fan favourite for ramen lovers, with their soup often selling out well before closing time. They prepare their soup daily using quality ingredients locally sourced whenever possible, which is why they only make a limited amount of soup each day! Prepare to stand in line, but we promise it’s worth the wait. 

…And now for a couple restaurants that aren’t in the Brewery District, but are a short walk or scooter ride away!

Brew & Bloom Cafe

You have probably seen the Brew & Bloom Cafe on Instagram at some point. Nourish your body and mind at this gorgeous cafe that features stunning florals and delicious food, including unique drinks, an abundance of food and a large selection of desserts.

Cafe Amore

Get your pasta fix (and then some) at this classic Italian restaurant! Cafe Amore has a pasta feature for every day of the week, and is guaranteed to feed you for several meals.

Art of Cake

The Art of Cake is an eclectic bakery that serves a variety of different sweets, and you can even order signature cakes for occasions such as weddings! 

Health Services

Divine Spine

 Divine Spine is a unique chiropractor’s office offering a computerized treatment system that is designed to gently restore motion to your joints.  It uses a precise and computerized force to facilitate the body’s correction of nerve interference caused by a misaligned spinal joint. 

Pivotal Physiotherapy

Pivotal Physiotherapy provides essential healthcare and exceptional rehabilitative care to help you live your best, healthiest life. They accommodate all types of schedules with flexible hours, and have a second location near High Street. 

FYidoctors

Whether you wear glasses or not, we should all be getting our eyes checked every now and then. FYidoctors offer complete eye exams, prescription eyeglasses, designer frames, custom lenses and sunglasses. 

Oliver Park Dental

Oliver Park Dental understands that the dental office isn’t always your favourite place to visit, but it is a health necessity. This dental office offers an array of different services, such as invisalign, teeth whitening, dental implants, cleanings, children’s checkups and even botox.

Massage Heights

Everyone needs a massage every once in a while. At Massage Heights, every massage experience will be different because they believe in customizing your massage to your needs. 

Goodlife Fitness 

And of course, a neighbourhood isn’t complete without a gym. Goodlife Fitness is a leader in fitness services, providing high-quality equipment, personal training and group fitness classes. The Brewery District location even offers childcare services while you workout!

Other Necessities

TD Canada

If you bank with TD Canada, you are in luck! But even if you aren’t, this bank offers 24/7 access to bank machines just in case you are in need of cash.

Petland

121 West is pet friendly, so having a Petland close by is a definite perk! And even if you don’t own a pet of your own, you can always stop by when you are in need of some pet cuddles, because why not?

 Citizen’s Salon & Tommy Gun’s

And last but definitely not least, the Brewery District has two hair salons to choose from if you aren’t already tied to a hairdresser. Citizen’s Salon is an independent chair rental hair studio where you can go and get your hair done, or if you are a hairstylist yourself, open up your own business! And, of course, for those in need of a barber, Tommy Gun’s is available for you, too. 

The Edmonton Brewery District has so much to offer, and we would love to talk about it more with you. If you are interested in leasing a unit in the beautiful 121 West, feel free to send us a message to book a viewing.

The purchase of your first Edmonton home is an exhilarating and monumental event. However, many homebuyers are unaware of the “hidden”, one-time expenses that come with buying a home. When you budget for a real estate purchase, you should have a good understanding of what investments will have to be made alongside your down payment. Doing so will allow you to prepare properly, save accordingly, and make the acquisition of your new Edmonton home much less stressful.

Edmonton Home Inspection

While not mandatory, it is often recommended to have a home inspection done prior to closing the deal on your new home. An Edmonton home inspection allows the buyer to better understand the condition of the house, including its structural integrity and mechanics. Doing an inspection before closing a sale means that potential issues can be brought to the seller’s attention before it becomes the buyer’s responsibility. Additionally, knowing that there are no major defects to surprise you in the future may provide more security for your lender.  

Legal Representation

You will require legal assistance to facilitate the transaction between yourself, the bank, and the seller. Only a portion of this cost will pay the lawyer’s fee, while the remainder will be used to execute the title transfer and all other details regarding the purchase (disbursements). Legal feels will vary depending on the complexity of the transaction. 

Adjustment Costs

Adjustment costs refer to the costs that the previous owner prepaid (property taxes, utility bills, maintenance services, etc.). You as the buyer may be required to reimburse the seller for expenses they may have already been paid in a prorated fashion. This cost is dependent upon the possession date. 

Property Appraisal Fee

In order to determine the value of the property you’re purchasing, and whether or not it meets its lending criteria, your bank may hire an independent appraiser to assess the property. This, of course, depends on the type of property being purchased.

Estoppel Certificate Fee

If the property you’re purchasing is a condominium or strata unit, an estoppel certificate allows you as the buyer to know if the previous owner has any unpaid condominium contributions. Outstanding payments and associated interest owing on unpaid condominium fees are carried with the unity and not the owner.

Land Registration

Before the sale closes, you have to register the property’s title under your name. This is also referred to as a land transfer tax, deed registration fee, or property transfer tax. 

If You’re Buying a Brand-New Home

Often only associated with the purchase of a brand-new home (not just new to you), you will likely have to pay goods and services tax (GST) on your home purchase. 

Home Insurance

As a condition of getting a mortgage, oftentimes the lender will require proof of home insurance before approving a loan. The cost of your home insurance policy will vary depending on your personal assets, the features of your new home, and the type of policy chosen. 

A general guide is to have an additional 3%-4% of the purchase price as cash-on-hand. Keep in mind, the estimates of these costs will differ based on the type of property you are buying and what kind of services are available to support your purchase. If you’re unsure of what fees will be associated with your first home purchase, consult your real estate agent. They are on your side and are eager to ensure you are making a quality investment. 

Our TruHome real estate agents take great pride in facilitating your purchase by making sure you’re well-informed before any documents are signed. We are always happy to aide our clients – especially if you’ve chosen us to help you find your first TruHome! 

Whether you’ve moved into a new home and have to find a place to put all your belongings, or you’ve been in your home for years but can’t find anything anymore, optimizing your garage space can save a lot of stress. Your garage offers important square footage and should be treated as such, but you’re not alone if you open the door and think “I don’t even know where to start…”

We can’t fix up your garage for you, but we can offer a few tips to help get you started:

Decide what you want to use the space for

Establishing your list of priorities for how the garage should function is step number one. Are you using it primarily as a car park with a bit of extra storage space? Is it a workshop and utility closet all in one? Will a part of it be turned into a home gym? Whatever the case, you should identify what wants and needs can be met with the space that you have. Start by grabbing a piece of graph paper and a pencil to make a to-scale drawing of your space so you know how much room you have to work with after you fill it with all the essentials. 

Declutter

This is a big step. We know. However stressful it may be, it is just as satisfying. Sorting through old sporting equipment, neglected hobby projects, tools that haven’t seen the light of day, and that old patio furniture you keep saying you’ll brush the cobwebs off for next season, is the second step in regaining garage space. Unless it holds sentimental value, serves a true purpose, or brings you some kind of joy, get rid of the extra clutter so you know what has to be organized. Who knows, you may even part with enough stuff to put on a garage sale (we won’t tell anyone if you secretly want to show off your new and improved garage). 

Pick the proper storage and garage mechanics

Once you know what items have to find homes in the garage, it’s easier to find storage solutions to match. First you have to decide on an organizing system. Some of us like clear bins so we can see everything in them without have to search high and low. Others like closed cabinets to hide the clutter and keep everything organized. After you’ve decided how to organize, find a system that works for you and the people that have to access these things. That might be labels, sections of the garage for certain activities, or a color-coded filing system that would impress Sheldon Cooper. 

Another part of optimizing garage use is making sure the mechanics of the garage work as they should. This includes door hinges and handles, lighting, heat, surrounding foliage, and more. If you can’t even access the garage, what’s the point of making it functional?

Use vertical and overhead space

An often-underused area of space is the wall space that’s just out of reach. Hanging floating shelves or adding a few extra stackable shelves to your storage system can produce new indoor real estate you didn’t have before. Storing the seasonal gear or “dangerous goods” (washer fluid, paint, etc.) keeps them out of the way but still accessible. We’ve also seen many functional garage spaces with racks that hang from the ceiling to hold life jackets, snowboards, and other equipment that’s hard to store. 

Make it a welcoming space

You won’t use your garage to its fullest potential if it’s not a space you want to spend time in (even those 3 minutes to get the winter gear of out storage or to flip a breaker). Maybe this means adding extra light sources (adhesive, battery-operated lights if you don’t want to re-wire), insulation for warmth and sound absorption, or paint to make the space look bigger and brighter. Whatever the case, part of regaining your garage space is making sure you actually want to go in there to access the things you need. 

As the needs of you and your family change over the years, consider tackling the garage every 2-3 years to make sure it’s still functional for you. Who knows, your most recent garage update might be the thing that seals the deal for you to list your Edmonton home with us at TruHome. Homebuyers love a practical garage!

As soon as you move into Parkview you will feel like you have lived there all your life – the whole community becomes your family, and everyone will be waving to you on their morning walks. 

Parkview is a mature, west-end neighbourhood bordered by the Edmonton’s River Valley to the east, 149^th Street, 87^th Avenue/Buena Vista Road, and MacKenzie Ravine. Those familiar with the area know that it is also informally split into two sub- neighbourhoods: Valleyview (east of 142^nd Street) and Parkview (west of 142^nd Street).  

HOMES

With original homes dating back to the mid 1950s and brand-new infill homes, no two houses are alike. Parkview attracts residents in all stages of life: new families, retired couples, young professionals, and all those seeking an authentic community. It is also refreshing to see the community turn over after a few decades, as children who used to live in Parkview are now moving their own families back into the neighbourhood.

Real estate opportunities in Parkview consist predominantly of single-family homes, many with new upgrades and all with lots of character. However, there are also opportunities for semi-detached homes and walk-up apartment style condos. Because of its desirable location, many new homeowners are opting for the trendiest infill homes with less square footage to maintain but just as much pizazz. 

If you’ve ever gone for a Sunday cruise or detoured your bike ride to Valleyview Drive, you’ll be familiar with Parkview’s well-admired luxury homes. Known for boasting some of the west-end’s most fabulous properties, there is no shortage of “ooh-ing” and “ahh-ing” at Parkview houses. All equally as memorable and inspiring as the next. 

As the years pass, more and more irreparable mid-century homes are being replaced with infills or grand modern homes, a testament to the neighbourhood’s dynamism. But if you’re someone who loves the originality of old character homes, you’ll be pleased to see many homes with their original foundation, finishings, and flare. And if you’re lucky, you might run into someone who is the original owner of their home and would love to have you over for tea to tell you about the history of the neighbourhood.

SHOPS

As most of the neighbourhood can confirm, the hottest place to be is at the Valleyview Shopping Centre on 142^nd Street. Home to the famous IGA and neighbourhood’s social hub, Rebel, this shopping centre is where you’ll run into your neighbours and catch up with old friends. We’ve been advised not to wear our pyjamas there as it’s rumoured you’ll always see someone you know! 

A hat’s off to Parkview wouldn’t be complete without giving mention to Andy’s IGA. As a family-run business, Andy and his family have served Parkview and surrounding areas for countless years. As a strong supporter of the community’s youth and events, Andy’s IGA offers a warm welcome every time you go. The superb customer service, delicious doughnuts, and newly paved parking lot are reason enough to go back every single day. As a Century Hospitality Group restaurant, Rebel is a gathering place for family and friends in the community, offering an innovative selection of menu items. Whether it’s for brunch on the weekends or drinks after work, their casual but upscale dining experience will quickly convince you to become a regular. Fun fact: the manager of Rebel used to own and operate the Italian restaurant that occupied that space before – talk about commitment to the community!

COMMUTING

If the style of the homes, the culture of the neighbourhood, or the nearby amenities don’t win you over, Parkview’s proximity to every major commuting route will seal the deal. Here are some of the highlights:

• 8 minutes from downtown Edmonton
• 5 minutes from the Whitemud (and subsequently the Anthony Henday)
• 10 minutes from the Yellowhead
• 20 minutes from the University of Alberta campus
• 30 minutes to Edmonton International Airport

You’re never far from the action when you’re located in Parkview, including on foot or other! With maintained sidewalks, side roads, and trails, getting around via alternative methods of transportation is convenient and accessible. 

SCHOOLS/RECREATION

Parkview is a great community to support families with school-aged kids. Right in the heart of the community sits Parkview School (elementary and junior high) and St. Rose Catholic Junior High. However, there are numerous schools in surrounding neighbourhoods including St. Francis Xavier, Archbishop MacDonald, and Ross Sheppard High Schools, Crestwood School, and St. Paul Elementary. For families with young children, Parkview Community League also offers Preschool and Kindercare programs. The Community League hosts community soccer teams, has tennis courts in the summer, and floods a community skating rink in the winter. 

Living up to its name, there is no shortage of green space, parks, and places for outdoor recreation in Parkview. If you don’t feel like making your way down to the Buena Vista Dog Park, the Valleyview Drive off-leash area is easily accessible, offering a complete view of downtown Edmonton and the University of Alberta. This is also a great road for a family bike ride, to catch the Canada Day fireworks, or to watch the full moon rise over downtown every month. In the summer (post-COVID, of course), you may want to take your lawn chair to the lookout points to be serenaded by summer concerts in Hawrelak Park as the music drifts up the valley. 

You’re also walking distance from Hawrelak Park so you’ll never have to fight for parking to attend Edmonton’s Heritage Days, the World Triathlon, or a casual park day picnic on the weekend.  

As if anyone ever needed a reason to move into Parkview, we think there are many attractive qualities to Parkview and Valleyview. If you feel dazzled by the community and want to explore your residential options, reach out to one of our TruHome agents who will help you find the perfect home in Parkview – there is no shortage!

In honour of National Pizza Month, we asked our team of pizza fanatics to share their favourite places to get a slice in Edmonton. There is no shortage of pizza places in Edmonton, but here are a few to help satisfy those cravings: 

Sepp’s

As one of the more recent additions to the pizza scene in Edmonton, Sepp’s has taken over the University area by storm. If you’re looking for the perfect New York-style pizza pie, look no further. They don’t do in-person dining but are experts in take out and delivery. Plus, their pizzas make delicious leftovers, so order that second pizza. Our recommendations are the Apulo (if you haven’t had honey on your pizza before, you’ll be converted after this!) and the Funghi.

Campio

Gracing downtown Edmonton with deep-dish pizzas since 2018, Campio take’s the lead for creative pies. The PB&J (pineapple, bacon, and jalapeños), and the Big MacDavid (a Big Mac inspired pizza named after a local legend) are fan favorites. If you’re dining in, take advantage of their brewed in-house beers.

Rosso’s Pizzeria

Centered in one of the oldest neighbourhoods in the city, Rosso’s serves pizza made with organic, locally sourced, and fresh ingredients. Some of our go-to’s are the Soppressata, the Dolce Emma, and the Kale Saltati.

Blaze

With no additives, chemicals, or frozen dough, Blaze gives the city customizable pizzas in eco-friendly packaging. With their assembly line, you can decide what to put on your pizza. 180 seconds in the fast-fired’d pizza oven and then you’re good to go! Great for if you’re in a rush or want something with all your favourite toppings on one crust. 

Bianco

Great pizza tastes even better when you feel like you’re eating it at your family’s home. Authentic ingredients, passionate people, and a lot of love make these pizzas at the top of our list. We recommend the Burrata pizza or the La Famiglia. 

Whatever pizza cravings you might have, there’s a pizza place in Edmonton for that. And we can confidently say our TruHome agents have tried them all!

When you think about Edmonton’s most desirable neighbourhoods, Glenora likely comes to mind. If you’ve ever driven east on 102nd avenue towards downtown Edmonton, you probably know how tempting it is to sneak peeks down every street to catch a glimpse of what life is like in one of the oldest neighbourhoods in the city. No two homes look the same, yet each appears as if it holds the secret to an abundant and fulfilling life.

Edmonton Homes Like No Other

Glenora is a community where homes rich in history and those with modern architectural flair come together to create a neighbourhood of idyllic living. The streets are canopied with lush trees that entice you to explore the dozens of paths that connect the community with Edmonton’s River Valley. If strolling around the neighbourhood admiring the unique landscape (Alexander Circle, anyone?) isn’t your pace, walking, running, and cycling enthusiasts will find hours of entertainment amongst the trails.  

Whether you’re looking for estate homes with established character and fairy-tale-like charm, or newly built infill homes with both style and function, Glenora has it all. Along with the brilliant selection of single-family residences and duplex-style homes, this neighbourhood has something for everyone. A number of high-rise and low-rise properties exist in the community to offer stress-free living opportunities that cater to homebuyers of all ages and stages of life. With the recent addition of the West Block Glenora development, homebuyers on the market for a luxury condominium are sure to be impressed by full amenity living and unobstructed views. With its fantastic location along the north bank of the North Saskatchewan River, residents also have easy access to green spaces such as Government House Park and MacKinnon Ravine Park. The closeness of public green areas (William Hawrelak Park) and golf courses (The Royal Mayfair Club or Victoria Golf Course) in the middle of the city also provide endless opportunities for outdoor fun all year round.  

Shop Till You Drop

With its proximity to downtown, Glenora is only a hop, skip, and a jump away from some of the trendiest boutiques, cafes, and personal services. Within walking distance you’ll find fine dining experiences, salons, medical practices, and weekend markets. When it comes to local eateries, there are endless options. Some of our favourites include Vi’s for Pies, The Columbian Coffee and Roastery, Square 1 Coffee, Café Versailles, OEB Breakfast Co. and Credo. If you’re on a mission to support small businesses, Red Ribbon Boutique, Daisy Chain Book Co., and Carbon Environmental have endless options for gifting and self-indulgence. When you feel like treating yourself, a handful of bonbons from Carol’s Quality Sweets is a great way to finish off your shopping day.  For those who need a little tender loving care, The Cutting Room, Groove Dental, RejuvaDerm Cosmetic Laser and Surgery, Evolve Strength, and The Happiness Factory offer all kinds of services to support your wellbeing. 

Commuting Made Easy

If you’ve ever contended with Edmonton’s infamous construction work, you’ll understand the value of being close to the action. Bordered by some of the city’s major arteries, Glenora is situated in one of the most accessible locations in the city. Popular commuter routes make automobile travel and public transit simple and practical. The Anthony Henday is easily accessible from Stony Plain Road, which runs right through the centre of the neighbourhood, while 107th Avenue can take you west to West Edmonton Mall or east to Commonwealth Stadium. 142nd Street quickly takes you north to the Yellowhead and also provides fast access southbound to Whitemud Drive. Commuters will also have access to the highly anticipated Valley Line LRT which will be arriving in the community shortly, making the journey to Mill Woods or Lewis Farms both convenient and swift. Did we also mention how close to Edmonton’s downtown scene this neighbourhood is?

Schools

Families anticipating a move into Glenora are presented with a number of reputable schools serving students from kindergarten to grade 12. There are many in surrounding areas, but some within walking distance include:

• Glenora Catholic Schools
  • St. Mark
  • Archbishop MacDonald
  • St. Vincent
• Glenora Public Schools
  • Glenora School
  • Westminster School
  • Ross Sheppard School

Additionally, early learning centres such as the Kepler Academy are situated right in the community to provide exploratory education and out-of-school care for younger children.  

Fun Facts About Glenora

• Before Glenora was the highly sought-after neighbourhood it is now, it was originally a river lot homesteaded by Malcolm Groat. 
• The majority of homes in Glenora were built before 1970.
• The community is represented by the Glenora Community League, founded in 1949, which now has communal facilities such as an outdoor rink, tennis courts, and a community hall.

For more information on the current real estate opportunities available in Glenora, feel free to contact us or explore all Glenora Homes For Sale here.

Our favourite season is finally here! Though we’re very fortunate to have several outdoor rinks and toboggan hills during our winter months and are only a quick drive away to the mountains, summer in Edmonton is like nothing else. And because our summers tend to be short, we have to enjoy every second of it. And what’s more enjoyable than ice cream? Here are some of our favourite spots around the city:

Central Edmonton Ice Cream

La Carraia Gelateria Cafe

Located Downtown on 109th street, La Carraia Gelateria Cafe carries delicious, traditional gelato crafted with one-of-a-kind recipes, served with an experience as unique as its flavours. Each flavour tastes of authentic Florentine gelato, served in every scoop, bowl and cone. 

Kind

If you’re an Edmontonian, chances are you’ve heard of Kind. But have you tasted it yet? Kind is a small-batch handcrafted ice cream shop located in the quaint neighbourhood of Ritchie and The Highlands. It’s the perfect trio: women lead, chef driven and Edmonton made. Kind uses the best local ingredients, such as Alberta milk, cream and eggs for their ice cream!

Yelo’d

A Mom and Pop shoppe founded and run by Jason and Ailynn, Yelo’d is a filipino and Asian-inspired soft-serve ice cream shop. With over 10 years experience in running their own businesses (one being Edmonton’s first custom cake shop), Yelo’d features unique flavors such as Ube (purple yam) and Buko Pandan (coconut pandan). Fun fact: Yelo’d is the Filipino word for “iced”!

Made by Marcus

With locations in our sister city, Calgary, Made by Marcus took Edmonton by storm in 2019 when they decided to set up shop in our dear city. Though the location is tucked quietly away in a Whyte Ave back alley courtyard, there are often lineups around the corner to taste Marcus’ new creations. The lineup is worth the wait with this one!

North Edmonton Ice Cream

Pinocchio Ice Cream

This unique gelato shop was founded by a man named Tom Ursino, who learned how to make old fashioned gelato from his dad who made gelato using natural ingredients in Italy. In 1980, Tom brought his learnings to Edmonton to found Pinocchio Ice Cream! All of the gelato is gluten free, and every sorbet is vegan friendly. It doesn’t get more family than that.

Mish Mash Parfait

A spin off from Scoon N Roll (we’ll cover that one later), Mish Mash Parfait is an ice cream food truck that you can find parked in the Kingsway Mall parking lot during the warmer months! Mish Mash Parfait sells the most beautiful looking ice cream treats that you can find. Don’t believe us? The link above takes you to its Instagram. *drool*

Big Bite Detroit Pizza and Gelato

It’s the best of both worlds—pizza AND gelato! This well-loved pizza joint also has a delicious assortment of fresh, unique flavoured gelato. Just take a look at one of their recent Facebook posts. Learn More about Big Bite Detroit Pizza & Gelato. 

East Edmonton Ice Cream

Foothills Creamery Ltd

Even though Edmonton doesn’t really have an East side, there is still one ice cream shop worth visiting in that small part of town. Foothills Creamery is a Canadian-based hard ice cream brand, featuring its iconic hard ice cream. They sell an array of flavours ranging from butter pecan and cream soda float to cherry custard and black licorice. 

West Edmonton Ice Cream

Pa Peterson’s Ice Cream

So unique that you can’t even find a website for it, Pa Peterson’s Ice Cream is located at 16320 95 Ave NW and is a staple in the community of Glenwood. Also serving burgers and fries, you can find the perfect scoop of hard ice cream and this family-owned shop.

Scoop N Roll

You’ve been waiting for this one. Scoop N Roll is the unique ice cream food truck that you tend to see all over Edmonton. With six different locations in all areas of the city, there’s bound to be one close to you. Fun fact: the art of scoop n roll ice cream originated in Thailand!

South Edmonton Ice Cream

Little Bear Gelato

Found primarily at the Bountiful Market, Little Bear Gelato is bound to be a crowd pleaser. This local ice cream brand will always bring you fresh, locally-made artisan gelato and sorbet that is locally sourced and made with fresh ingredients. There are no preservations, additives, or other things that you wouldn’t want. It’s tasty AND ethical!

Blasters Ice Cream & Cakes

Originated in Manitoba, you can find Blasters Ice Cream & Cakes in Millwoods. Even if you’re not from the area, it’s worth the drive because Blasters offers a large selection of soft or hard ice cream, as well as pastries. Additionally, they serve a variety of hot and cold beverages which you can customize by printing any image of your choice on top. Perfect for the kiddos!

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Are there any local ice cream shops in your neighbourhood that you think we should highlight? Send us a note and we’ll add it to the list!

It’s summer! We’ve been cooped up for far too long and we’re finally able to travel with some considerations in mind. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or maybe a week-long trip, we have some vacation areas in mind to bring our own families—so we thought we’d share them with you, too!

In Alberta

Alberta Beach

Driving time: 60 minutes

If you’re a born and raised Edmontonian, you’ve likely visited Alberta Beach once or twice. But just because you’ve been there before, doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t visit again! Located less than 60 kilometers west of Edmonton on beautiful Lac Ste Anne lies the Village of Alberta Beach—a sandy beach and warm shallow water provide fun for all ages. The best part: you can make it a day trip! If you want more than a day trip – talk to us about our lake specialist team in this area. 

Gull Lake

Driving time: 90 minutes

Located less than 60 kilometers west of Edmonton on beautiful Lac Ste Anne lies the Village of Gull Lake—a sandy beach and warm shallow water provide fun for all ages. Enjoy the beautiful, relaxing beach, go sport fishing or go windsurfing during the summer months! And if you love it enough to return in the winter, Gull Lake is also a great spot for ice fishing.

Jasper National Park

Driving time: 3.5 hours

Another classic spot for Albertans to visit is Jasper National Park. The largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, Jasper National Park has activities that suit people of all ages. With breathtaking views, hikes, biking, paddling, shopping, camping, eating and drinking, Jasper is bound to make for a beautiful weekend away.

Drumheller

Driving time: 3.5 hours

A perfect vacation if you have some little ones to bring along with you (or not!). Drumheller has a ton of things to keep you busy, such as amusement parks, dinosaur adventures, museums, historic sites, natural attractions, performing arts, sports, recreation and more. With so many things to do, there’s definitely something for everyone. For more details about what to do and to grab some accommodations, visit the Drumheller website.

Sikome Lake

Driving time: 3 hours

Stay in Calgary soaking up our sister city’s downtown vibes, then take a day trip to Sikome Lake to get a vacation from your vacation. This man-made lake is located in the Southern quadrant of the city, and it gets up to 20,000 visitors a day in the busy season! 

Ghost Lake

Driving time: 3.5 hours

Though the shoreline is more driftwood and rocks than soft, silky sand, Ghost Lake might be right up your alley if you’re looking for peace, quiet and lots of sunshine. What’s more—when you’re done floating on the water for the day, head on over to the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary as it is a very short drive away. There, you can go for a beautiful sanctuary walk or a visit with the wolfdogs—if you’re lucky, you may even get to give the dogs a treat!

Beyond Alberta

Kelowna

Driving time: 10.5 hours

Though the driving time is a bit long for a Kelowna day trip, it’s definitely worth it to go enjoy the views for the week. For the childless folks looking for a fun time, Kelowna is filled with wine tours, boozy boat rides and lots of good cocktails spots. And if you’re looking for a family-friendly time, there’s plenty of large beaches, stunning hikes, mini golf, animal encounters, small clothing boutiques and playgrounds in this small city, too! Did we mention, the food and restaurant scene in Kelowna is incredible?

Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park

Driving time: 6.5 hours

Have you ever wandered east of our border? If you haven’t, now’s your time to explore. And if you’re a fan of the outdoors, Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park might be the perfect close-to-home vacation. Only a 6-hour drive away, you and your vacation crew can enjoy the daytime backcountry Grasslands National park, and during the night, because of the crystal clear skies, you can stargaze for hours upon hours.

Little Manitou Lake

Driving time: 6.5 hours

Another Saskatchewan gem is Little Manitou Lake—the soothing vacation spot where the salty lake water possesses natural skin and body care properties, kind of like the Dead Sea in Israel! This beach is perfect for parents who want to relax, float and enjoy their free spa day, while the children are enjoying the sandy beach and splashing in the water!

Grand Beach Provincial Park

Driving time: 14 hours

It’s true that many Albertans haven’t yet travelled further east to provinces like Manitoba, and that needs to change. Manitoba is filled with many beautiful attractions, with Grand Beach Provincial Park being no exception! Only one hour from Winnipeg, this beautiful beach is a well-known and well-visited beach throughout the summer months. Take a day trip from Winnipeg or set up camp in one of the various sites!

We hope this sparks some inspiration for you and your family! Get out, enjoy the summer and spend time with those you love—in Edmonton or beyond. You deserve it.

We’ve seen it time and time again: a client looking for a new Edmonton home is viewing properties and walks into a potential home that seems perfect. A newly finished kitchen, beautiful hardwood floors, elegant lighting fixtures… you name it. But sometimes, experiencing all the rainbows and butterflies that a home may have can make you forget what you’re really looking for. So let’s talk about non-negotiables.

When Searching For An Edmonton & Area Home 

Before even beginning your home-buying search, we recommend you put together a list of things you need in your next home. Then, when viewing homes, you have a good idea of what you absolutely can’t live without—or, on the flipside, can’t live with.

Number Of Bedrooms

This is a big one for younger first-time home buyers. Even though that one-bedroom open-style loft may be perfect for your lifestyle right now, we often suggest visualizing what your lives could look like in the next 10 years. In the event that you have children, or even long-term guests, or a work-from-home job, it may be a good idea to have one or even two extra bedrooms.

Style Of Home 

Even though most Edmonton home buyers have an idea of the type of home they’re looking to purchase, try to get a solid idea of the style of home you’re looking to purchase before even getting started. Do you envision yourself in a condominium, a townhouse, a home or maybe even an acreage?

Neighbourhood

Do you prefer living in the quiet suburbs or the lively downtown core? Here in Edmonton, each part of the city is vastly different and offers distinct, unique perks in each area. And if you’re a parent or looking to be one within the next 10 years, which Edmonton neighbourhoods are in close proximity to your desired school districts?

Commute

Similar to choosing the right neighbourhood, determining your commute to work, daycare or the in-law’s place can make it or break it. Is your home within walking distance to those things, or is there a major bus or LRT route near it?

Accessibility

Do you, someone in your family or a good friend needs a home that is easily accessible, such as being wheelchair friendly? There are a lot of things to consider there—an open floor plan or a ramp or elevator may be something that you will need to ensure your next home has available.

Garage

Are you a one, two or maybe even three or four car family? Ensure that you have space to protect and store your vehicles, bicycles, tools or toys. Though two parking stalls are sometimes included when buying a condominium, most of the time it’s only one… or none. Don’t even bother viewing a home if it doesn’t meet your car storage requirements!

Storage

This one goes for those living in condominiums or even smaller homes. Is there enough closet or garage space for your ever-growing list of belongings? Sure, your patio cushion set may be fine outside during the summer months, but where will they go once the snow comes around? Some condos include storage cages outside of the unit itself, which can be incredibly helpful in this case. Alternatively, some buyers factor in external storage away from their residence to store seasonal items. 

Price

Arguably the most important thing to consider before shopping for homes is the price. Depending on the market and the home you are looking for will determine a range of negotiation that is reasonable, so considering what your honest budget really is, is important. Being “house poor” is a real thing, so ensure whatever you purchase allows you to comfortably pay your mortgage, basic needs, entertainment and savings account!

When Purchasing Your Home 

So you’ve found your dream home and your offer has been accepted. Congratulations! Even though this is an exciting step, the non-negotiables don’t stop here. Here are a number of non-negotiables to look for when the purchasing and agreements come into play at this phase in the home buying process, so let us enlighten you.

Downpayment 

A mortgage lender can loan only the amount of the appraised value of the home. So if the appraisal comes back lower than what you offered the seller, it may put you in a bit of a conundrum. A TruHome team member is there to support you in navigating the various options for handling this. There are also times when the lender will only give you your desired loan if you put down a specific down payment amount. Let’s say you planned to put down 5% but your lender is asking you to put down 10%. Most of the time, this means dipping into a savings account that you weren’t looking to use or maybe using the money you planned to renovate the kitchen with. Either way it’s not ideal and you will want to determine what moving forward looks like. By getting pre-approved in advance, you can avoid some of these headaches pre-offer. 

Timeline

Did you just sell your last home and are looking to move to a new one as soon as possible? Or maybe you still need to sell your home and the current owner of the new home wants you to move in next week. Sometimes, timelines simply don’t match up. It’s stressful when this happens, but our team can help you navigate the right ways to move forward. 

Home Inspection

It’s time for your home to get professionally inspected and, to your surprise, the hardwood floors need a complete replacement before moving in. Large projects like this can cost a lot of money and sometimes may become non-negotiable. However, we always like to stress that once we know all the information we can work on figuring out the best strategies to move forward both positive for you the buyer and the seller respectively. 

Your Instinct 

Even though you’ve made a verbal deal and put down a deposit on the home, it doesn’t mean you’re stuck moving forward with it if things come up in the purchasing process. Don’t ignore red flags—if something feels wrong, it probably is. There is a time period when you can walk away from the process, get your deposit back and start fresh. The right home will come to you in due time and your REALTOR® should be there advising and supporting you throughout the whole process!

And there you have it—a starting list of standard non-negotiables that most people look for when searching for their next home. Remember: when looking for your Edmonton home, those upscale finishings can be upgraded in due time—the barebones and the unchangeable features of a home is what’s most important. And during the purchasing process, it’s most important that it feels right.

If you’re in the market to purchase your next home, talk to us about scheduling an Edmonton home buyer consult to discuss your goals for homeownership. 

After over a year and a half of living through a global pandemic, we can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. Even though it’ll be a while before we’re able to live our lives carefree, we should still be able to enjoy and celebrate Edmonton’s summer this year! Here are some ways our team will be celebrating Edmonton’s beautiful summer, and hopefully we’ll inspire you to do the same.

Park hangouts (with beer or wine!)

Last summer was filled with many socially distanced picnics, and we definitely plan to continue doing it this summer as well. But this year it’ll look a bit different because we can now enjoy alcoholic beverages while we’re soaking up the sun in select public parks! In Sir Wilfrid Laurier, Whitemud, William Hawrelak, Government House, Victoria, Gold Bar, and Rundle Park, you can enjoy alcohol legally between the hours of 11 AM and 9 PM daily. Learn more.

Grab some takeout from Edmonton’s incredible food scene, pack some booze, grab a blanket and a good book, and soak up the sun all summer long.

Electric scooter around the city

eScootering will never get old. There’s just something about cruising around the city with a few friends—whether it’s travelling from A to B or just going for a joy ride.

This summer, another eScooter threw itself into the ring: Spin. Alongside its competitors Lime and Bird, Spin is offering free 30-minute Spin rides to essential workers in need of safe and socially distanced transportation during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic!

Workout outside

The past year has been challenging to those who let loose by getting their sweat on. With gyms, group fitness classes and private training on again and off again, the Edmonton fitness scene has had to get creative.

XTherapy is taking things to the roof! Literally. While the COVID closures were on and off, XTherapy decided to rent out the rooftop of a nearby parkade and take their spin classes outside. Pandemic or not, this is a unique way to get a sweat in. If we’re lucky, these classes will come back!

Hive HIIT in the park is another way to get a high intensity workout in! With gathering locations in multiple areas of the city, Hive HIIT in the park might be right up your alley. Just sign up online, bring your yoga mat and water bottle, and let their incredible instructors do the rest.

The University of Alberta also provides an interesting way to get your sweat on. Though it’s new to us, the U of A provides a free outdoor gym all year long. The space outside represents a joint initiative between our Healthy Campus Unit, Campus & Community Recreation, and Facilities and Operations.

The last and probably most common way to get a workout in is by going for river valley runs and doing stairs. On any given day, you’ll find dozens of Edmontonians sitting in Ezio Faraone Park getting their workouts in!

Visit The Backyard 

New to downtown Edmonton, The Backyard is a place to unwind, connect and discover all things local. This space is a one-of-a-kind gathering place that can be transformed to accommodate all types of events. From yoga classes to concerts to private events, The Backyard’s programming brings energy & creativity to our downtown! Be sure to keep up to date on this initiative by giving them a follow on Instagram.

Stop by the Whyte Avenue Art Walk

Isn’t it great to see some normalcy returning to our city? A summer staple, the Whyte Ave Art Walk is back again between June 4th and August 1st. The only difference is that this year, the well-known event is moving indoors to the former Army & Navy building. 

Fun fact: the Art Walk was started in 1995 when a group of Edmontonians thought Whyte Avenue should have artists outside painting like they have on the Left Bank in Paris. It started with 35 and has grown to over 400 artists and more than 40,000 visitors. 

Enjoy the summer festivals

Edmonton is a beautiful city to live in for many reasons, but at the top of most everybody’s list is the summer festivals—and it’s looking like this year will be filled with them! Though most of us are probably already aware of Edmonton’s annual summer festivals, here is when we can expect them to happen:

The Works Art & Design Festival – June 24 – July 6, 2021

Edmonton International Street Performers Festival – July 9 – July 18, 2021

Taste of Edmonton – July 22 – August 1, 2021

K-Days – July 23 – August 1, 2021

Edmonton Heritage Festival – July 31 – August 2, 2021

Edmonton Fringe Festival – August 12 – August 22, 2021

Take a stroll through the Botanical Garden

An underrated Edmonton experience is the University of Alberta’s Botanic Garden. In this stunning forest garden, you’ll discover how nature ignites your “happy hormones” while you experience a peaceful, beautiful natural environment. Explore cultural gardens, northern climate-hardy plant collections and extensive natural areas, all on 240 acres.

There you have it! We hope you continue to stay safe this summer season. If you have any tips on things to do in Edmonton this summer 2021, give us a shout – we would love to hear from you!