Surprising Edmonton neighbourhood named one of Canada's trendiest
If you’re looking for a trendy new Edmonton neighbourhood to explore this summer, one community is getting some surprising national attention.
Airbnb has released a list of Canada’s trendiest neighbourhoods, highlighting communities that have seen some of the biggest jumps in booking interest, with searches up nearly 180 per cent year over year.
And no, it’s not Old Strathcona, Westmount or WĂ®hkwĂŞntĂ´win. Instead, the vacation rental platform says McKernan is one of Canada’s trendiest neighbourhoods right now.
According to Airbnb, the central neighbourhood stands out for offering easy access to some of Edmonton’s biggest attractions while still feeling like a quieter pocket of the city.
“You’re only five minutes from all the action on Whyte Avenue and Fringe Festival buzz, but McKernan feels like its own little pocket of the city,” Edmonton Airbnb host Wojciech said. “Belgravia Hub is a favourite spot for brunch or happy hour. It’s the University of Alberta crowd’s best-kept secret.”
Located just south of the University of Alberta, McKernan is known for its tree-lined residential streets, LRT access and mix of character homes, newer infill developments and low-rise apartments. The neighbourhood also has a small commercial strip along 76 Avenue and is within walking distance of Whyte Avenue.
Named after James McKernan, an early businessman in the former City of Strathcona, much of the neighbourhood was developed after McKernan Lake was drained in the 1940s. Today, it’s home to a mix of longtime residents, students and young families.
Other communities to make the list included Central St. Boniface in Winnipeg, Kensington Market in Toronto, the Glebe in Ottawa, Le Mille CarrĂ© DorĂ© in Montreal, Saint-Sauveur in Quebec City, downtown Halifax, Kelowna’s North End, Shaganappi in Calgary and Hastings-Sunrise in Vancouver.
The full rankings and methodology are available on Airbnb’s website.