Grab your Arc card— it’s time to explore the Valley Line Southeast LRT from downtown Edmonton to Mill Woods.
Whether you have a lengthy checklist of errands or need a quiet day to relax and contemplate, there’s a stop along Edmonton’s newest LRT line just for you.
102 Street Stop
Step off at this downtown stop and within a couple blocks you’ll find shops, spas, restaurants, theatres, fancy hotels and a world-class arena for both sports and music for your enjoyment.
If you want to treat yourself to an elevated experience, book a stay for a day (or a whole weekend) in the city’s core. Enjoy the Downtown Farmers Market on Saturdays (June 15 to October 12) or finding some of the hidden gems nestled on historic streets. Or take to the towers and enjoy navigating the area from the pedway system.
For a uniquely Edmonton experience, stroll by the Neon Sign Museum on 104 Street to learn about the city’s glowing past.
(For even more suggestions, check out these #MeetMeDowntown recommendations from Edmontonians who live and work in the core.)
Churchill Stop
If your creativity is running low, find something that fills your cup, with the variety of nearby outdoor events and Arts District venues located steps from the Churchill Stop.
Enjoy one of the many festivals that use Churchill Square throughout the year.
You can also check out a local concert at the Winspear Centre or a theatre production at the Citadel, stare into an abstract work at the Art Gallery of Alberta or find your next great book and a cozy spot at the Stanley A. Milner Library.
The Quarters Stop
Find cultural inspiration—and perhaps a tasty treat—while exploring the neighbourhoods near the Quarters Stop. Explore Chinatown on 97 Street or Little Italy on 95 Street.
Visit a locally owned restaurant or shop. Take a walk to Louise McKinney Riverfront Park and appreciate views of the North Saskatchewan River from the Tawatinâ Bridge, decorated with Indigenous art and references.
If you stroll south over the bridge, it’s about a five-minute trek to Muttart Conservatory and the next LRT stop …
Muttart Stop
Step off the train and into nature. The Muttart Stop connects Edmontonians to trails in the North Saskatchewan River Valley and idyllic Mill Creek Ravine.
In the winter, head to the Edmonton Ski Club for some fun in the snow. Did you know Edmonton is one of the only cities in Canada where a short urban train ride opens doors to a ski hill? If you are not into winter sports, no problem! Head to the Muttart Conservatory for a temperature-controlled botanical experience.
For festival goers, both the Edmonton Folk Music Festival and Flying Canoe winter festival are conveniently located near the Muttart Stop, making getting to and from the events easier than ever.
Strathearn Stop
This stop, on the south side of the river, provides convenient access to one of the best views of downtown Edmonton, and it’s worth a special trip.
Head to Strathearn Park and enjoy postcard views of the city as you stroll along a scenic 3.4-km-trail loop on the south bank of the river valley.
Time your visit with the annual Strathearn Art Walk for the added bonus of seeing local talent on display. Each September, the popular event draws thousands of visitors to the weekend festival, which showcases local artists, musicians, businesses and vendors along Strathearn Drive.
Holyrood Stop
Stepping off the train here, you’ll notice this quiet residential neighbourhood has charm to spare.
Spend some time at Holyrood Park (8035 95 Avenue), which includes a splash zone in the summer and ice rink in the winter. Nearby, you’ll find a welcoming seniors club (9350 82 Street) featuring a number of programs and amenities.
Toward the south edge of the community, steady work is underway to grow the neighbourhood with the addition of new residential towers along the LRT alignment. Take your family and explore Holyrood: you may even find a new place to call home.
Bonnie Doon Stop
Whether you’re in the mood for shopping, culture, sightseeing or recreation, you can find it just steps from the Bonnie Doon Stop. Head to Bonnie Doon Mall to cross off your shopping list—and maybe even play a few frames of bowling—and grab a bubble tea before picking up a new pair of shoes or some records.
Next, take a trip to the nearby French Quarter on 91st Street (or Rue Marie-Anne Gaboury) and discover some unique cafés and restaurants. If you’re in the mood for some activity, the Bonnie Doon Leisure Centre (8648 81 Street) has options for swimming, running and tennis.
Avonmore Stop
Despite its proximity to the constant bustle of Argyll Road, the neighbourhood of Avonmore provides a quiet retreat to take a break from the noise of the city.
Mill Creek Ravine is just a short walk from the Avonmore Stop (via 69A, 75 or 76 Avenue) and gives you access to kilometres of trails, transporting visitors from an urban jungle to a forested escape.
Take a short loop along the ravine’s winding paths and footbridges or walk north through the ravine to Connors Hill and the Muttart Conservatory (and Stop).
Davies Station
More than just a place to park and ride, Davies Transit Centre provides convenient access to the businesses working to keep our city running. Looking at starting a home renovation or a big landscaping project? The Davies Industrial area has many local options to help you get the job done right.
And if you find yourself in need of a little treat, Davies Coffee and Convenience is located on the main floor of the transit centre for all your food and beverage needs.
Millbourne/Woodvale Stop
This stop is close to several parks, playgrounds and Millbourne Market Mall. If you really feel like getting your steps in, Jackie Parker Park (4540 50 Street) is about a 40-minute stroll north. It’s a great place for family picnics, winter skating, dog walks—there’s an off-leash site) and so much more.
Next to Jackie Parker Park is the Mill Woods Golf Course. If you need a break from all those steps, you can rent a cart once you get there.
Grey Nuns Stop
In the area surrounding this stop, you’ll find the Grey Nuns Community Hospital, physio clinics, dentists, obstetrics, homecare services, pharmacies and other medical experts to help with all your healthcare needs.
Whether you are visiting a loved one in the hospital or looking for a consultation or check-up, the Grey Nuns neighbourhood makes health and wellness accessible.
Mill Woods Stop
A community of communities—Mill Woods is the place to feel like you are a part of something bigger.
The Mill Woods Seniors and Multicultural Centre, which is a four-minute walk from the Mill Woods Stop, provides convenient access to connections and resources for those in need. Next door, you will find the library, mall and spectacular parks beloved by the entire community.
Make a day of it and explore the expansive neighbourhood—this diverse community has something to offer for just about everyone.
Editor’s note: the pic at the top of the post shows the Holyrood Stop on the the Valley Line Southeast LRT, connecting downtown Edmonton to Mill Woods.
Did you know Valley Line Southeast also takes you back in time? When waiting at an LRT platform, look for and scan the QR code for YEG Tracks in Time. With a simple scan, you will be transported back in time to Edmonton’s earliest days.
Find out about the fragrant history of Bonnie Doon’s peony farms or how the earliest river lots shaped the city’s growth. Find these stories and much more next time you are waiting to catch your train.