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! 

Is your dad hard to buy for? Ours are too. But just because they always tell us that “no gift is needed for Father’s Day” year after year, doesn’t mean that they don’t deserve to feel special and loved!

We at TruHome put our heads together to compile a list of gifts that we know your dad (or father figure) will love. And as always—most of these ideas help support local Edmonton or Canadian businesses. Keep on reading to get some ideas!

Purchase a Glass Bookshop autobiography

Picture this: your dad asleep on the couch at 7 PM with a good book in hand. That’s pretty likely to happen, right? The Glass Bookshop is a new space in Edmonton, Alberta, that focuses on Canadian writing with special attention paid to queer and racialized writers, as well as the independent publishers who help to produce their work. This shop is sure to sell a piece of writing that your dad will enjoy—oddly enough, all of ours prefer to read autobiographies!

Cook him a grand meal from Cheap & Chunky

It’s no secret that most of our dad’s are simple when it comes to food. Meat and potatoes? Sounds like a plan. By using Edmonton-based blogger’s blog Cheap & Chunky, you’ll be sure to find a recipe that your dad will adore. The recipes are just as it sounds: cheap, delicious and crowd-pleasing. We recommend making the Homemade KFC Chicken Bowl or the White Mac & Cheese. Thanks Alli & Nathan for all the yummy ideas.

Commission a family portrait

Dad’s are softies for anything family-related, so why not get a unique illustration commissioned for him? A local artist named Julia Jantje creates beautiful, unique, cost-friendly portraits that anybody is sure to love. All you need to do is send her a DM to get started!

Buy him restaurant gift cards

Is your dad stuck in his ways? Ours are too—and sometimes they need a push to try out new things! That’s why an assortment of local restaurant gift cards is a perfect Father’s Day gift for your father figure. Not only does it help out the restaurants that are being impacted by the restrictions and closures, but it allows your dad to try out the incredible food that Edmonton has to offer. Here’s a list of some of our favourite restaurants and bakeries!

Stock his liquor cabinet

If your dad is like 90% of other dads, he probably likes to kick back with a cold one every once in a while. There are a lot of local liquor stores to support in our city, but one of our favourites is Sherbrooke Liquor. Located Central-North, this liquor store is family-owned and sells some of the most unique beer, wine and liquor options that you can find. In non-COVID times, you can even fill up your growler there!

Commission something from Lucky Bear

Though this Calgary-based artist’s website focuses mostly on jewelry, Lucky Bear sells a lot of unique trinkets that your dad is sure to love. You can also commission anything you want, such as rugs, wall art, mirrors, coasters or whatever you can dream up! Get something for yourself while you’re at it.

Buy him a MetalBird

You’re probably thinking, “what is a metal bird?” And we wondered the same thing, too. If your dad is an avid outdoorsy person, he likely has a soft spot for birds. Just as it sounds, MetalBirds is a metal bird silhouette that can be used for backyard decor. With the simple tap of a hammer, this beautifully crafted, iconic, life-like bird silhouette will transform your dad’s backyard, garden or environment into a work of art and put smiles on faces for years to come. They are produced in North American and built out of premium 11-Gauge Corten Steel!

Commission a painting of your family home

If you have a family home that you grew up in with your dad, it’s likely a sentimental place—whether you still live in it or not. So, commission a painting of it for your dad this Father’s Day! An incredible Edmonton-based artist, Nancy Nickleson, is the perfect person to do that for you. Not only does she do portraits of homes, but she also does pets!

Get him a handmade leather wallet

Wallet’s don’t get nicer than this. Clo’s General Co is an Edmonton-based leather goods company that you will love supporting—whether for your dad or for yourself. Get him a beautiful, long-lasting wallet, bag, belt, gloves, beer cozy… you name it! 

…And now for a few non-local things that your dad might die for.

Purchase him a corner measurement tool

Have you folks seen these on infomercials like we have? Designed for winding pipes, circular frames, ducts, etc. Ideal for fitting tiles, laminate, carpet, checking dimensions, moulding, the corner measurement tool is the perfect addition to any “Mr. Fix It” dad’s tool box.

Make him a Father’s Day Love Book

Want to make your dad cry of happiness this Father’s Day? Here’s your way to do it. Using LoveBook, you can create custom, sentimental books describing why your dad is special to you. Use its template books or customize it completely—it’s up to you. Bring the tissues and watch his eyes light up as he reads through his custom book!

Get him a custom bobblehead

If you’re not about making your dad cry from happiness, maybe you can make him cry from laughter instead. Handmade from polymer clay, a custom bobblehead might be the perfect gift for your dad this Father’s Day. You can even customize his clothing and pose! 

Buy him an Apple AirTag

“Where are my keys?” Said every dad, every single time they went for a drive. With Apple’s new bluetooth AirTag tracker, you’ll never have to hear that sentence again! And not only are these gadgets great to attach to keys, but you can also attach it to bags, put it in your car, or even add it to your pet’s collar!

Purchase him pretty much anything from Cuddle Clones

Is your dad obsessed with his dog (or cat)? Then he will adore this present! Cuddle Clones allows you to turn your favorite buddy into anything you can think of, such as a mug, a blanket, a golf towel… you name it. And as an added bonus, Cuddle Clones donates a portion of every purchase to an individual pet in need, a shelter or an animal welfare organization.

We hope we sparked some inspiration for your dad’s gift this year! We hope you have a safe, healthy and happy Father’s Day 2021.

Listen, we know that condo or apartment living has so many perks. There’s just something about having additional security, condensed living, and having your condo board handle the dirty work (like parkade cleaning, fire inspections, maintenance… you name it). But let’s get real—a lot of the time, when living in a condominium, we sacrifice having an outdoor area to call our own. Sure, you may have a small balcony for your sunbathing and people-watching pleasure, but there’s not much else you can do out there… like grow your own vegetable garden. Luckily, there’s a fix for that. Edmonton is home to over 90 community gardens. You heard that right—NINETY. And we’re here to tell you all about what they are and how you can get involved.

What is a community garden?

First things first, we recognize that some of you may not even know what a community garden is. In a nutshell, a community garden is a public vegetable garden in a neighbourhood, led by a large group of people in a community. Just like its name, community gardens are operated by community members. Meaning, you usually have to be an active member of your neighbourhood and its community league in order to get access. Not only are community gardens useful for those who don’t have a space to grow their own greens at home, but it also promotes local, organically grown food, a healthy lifestyle, recreation for all ages and community building! The best part? A lot of the time, others from the neighbourhood can enjoy the beautiful garden themselves. But don’t worry, the vegetables you don’t have to share your greens— the vegetables you grow yourself are yours to keep. There’s often a small fee associated with getting your own plot in a community garden. At Oliver Community Garden, it’s only $40/year for a plot + the annual Community League membership. As a side note, we definitely recommend becoming a community league member in your area, because it often comes with awesome perks, like discounts, magazine deliveries, free admission to events, and more.

Where can I find a community garden in my area?

There are several ways you can get started, but let us name a few: 

1. You likely already know what neighbourhood you live in. Simply Google it and see if your community league has a community garden!
2.   The next step is to check out the City of Edmonton Community Garden Map. The City already has everything covered with an up-to-date map filled with website and contact information.
3. Once you find a community garden in your area, you’ll likely need to reach out to its Community League to see if there’s any available plots in their garden. At the very least, you can usually sign up to get on the waiting list!
4.  And if you can’t find anything in your area, don’t fret. There’s often pop-up community gardens in Edmonton! In 2019, there were 29 pop-up gardens in our city.
5. If you still can’t find any community gardens in your proximity, that’s when it’s time to contact the City of Edmonton.

Get involved with Edmonton community gardens

Start your own community garden

Our city wants you to go green. So if you have any questions at all, you can easily contact the Community Greening Coordinator by emailing communitygardens@edmonton.ca or by calling 311 to ask anything you need in regards to starting a garden project in Edmonton. And what’s more—the City of Edmonton even has grants that you can submit if you’re wanting to start a community garden of your own.

Support in other ways

We get it. Not all of us have a green thumb. And that’s okay—many people get involved by providing land, seeds, plants or tools, or even by volunteering to help build the gardens. If that’s something that seems up your alley, be sure to send an email to the Community Greening Coordinator to see how to get involved, or contact your local community league directly.

You can also support by donation, too. Donate here! You can donate on behalf of yourself, a family member, or someone who has passed.

We all know that Edmonton has an incredible food scene. No matter which part of the city you’re visiting, there’s likely a highly-rated, local restaurant, cafe or bakery in close vicinity. We at TruHome are true foodies, so we thought we’d share some of our favourite bakeries in Edmonton!

Shan Shan Bakery

Located in Chinatown, Shan Shan Bakery is a Chinese and Western take on baked goods. Operating for over 7 years, Shan Shan Bakery produces over 100 different treats—all baked out of their kitchen! The bakery also makes custom cakes for parties and events. If you’re visiting this bakery, be sure to try their red bean mooncakes or their classic egg tarts!

La Boule Patisserie & Bakery

If you haven’t visited this bakery yet, now’s your time. Located in Strathcona, La Boule is a shop specializing in French pastries, viennoiserie, breads and confectionery. And if that’s not enticing enough, the owner—Jennifer Stang—is a born and raised Edmontonian, who was taught the art of baking from her grandmother. We highly recommend tasting their Wild Blueberry and Cream Cheese Danish, or their Pistachio Éclairs for yourself! 

Art of Cake

Tucked snugly behind Oliver Square, the Art of Cake should be your first stop if you are a sugar fanatic. With its large selection of sweet treats, there will definitely be something for you. What’s more—if you have any dietary restrictions, they still have options for you. Some of our favourite treats from Art of Cake are their Puffed Wheat Squares and Vanilla with Lemon Curd & Raspberry Buttercream cake. Really though, everything is good (especially to pop in for a quick cupcake).

Milk & Cookies

Located on Calgary Trail, Milk & Cookies Bake Shop is a freshly-made bakeshop that donates $2 from each sale to mental health organizations. But what happens when there’s leftover treats at the end of the day? Well, they pack up all of the day-old items into Surprise Bags and Surprise Boxes that are sold at a sweet discount. If you’re ever in the area, be sure to try their Dippy Dos (animal-shaped sugar cookies with fudge or vanilla funfetti frosting dip) or their cookie sandwiches.

Galen on 118 Filipino Bakeshop

Last but definitely not least, Galen on 118 Filipino Bakeshop is a bakery located on 39th Street and 118 Avenue that focuses on—you guessed it—delicious and authentic Filipino treats. You’re bound to like everything on their menu, but if you’re looking for recommendations, we highly suggest trying the Bacon & Egg Bun, BBQ Pork Bun or the Purple Yam Bun!

Love an Edmonton bakeshop not listed here – be sure to share your top Edmonton favourites.

Picture this: you’ve been saving up for years to purchase your first Edmonton home, and you finally found a house that checks all the boxes. You put an offer on it, and after some negotiations, it gets accepted—score! You complete all the paperwork and you get possession in four weeks. Wait… hold up! You now have the dream house, but what about the furniture that goes inside of it? It can often take months, even years, to fully furnish your home to completion! Good quality furniture and decor is not only expensive, but it’s hard to come by. But… it doesn’t have to be. Here in Edmonton, we have a lot of second-hand furniture stores that have one-of-a-kind pieces that will fit in your budget. Here they are:

More Than A Fad

This thrift store carries everything, from clothing to furniture to wall art to jewelry. This shop carries everything—from clothing to children’s toys to decor to kitchen supplies. And of course, a lot of furniture! Not only is this thrift shop good for your wallet, but it’s also good for Edmonton’s economy, as all profits directly support the Adeara Recovery Centre—an addiction recovery centre for women and their children in Edmonton. More Than A Fad has two locations: one in Argyll and another near Kingsway Mall!

Find

Another store that positively impacts the Edmonton economy is Find. Find has two goals: to provide essential furnishings free of charge to individuals and families who are moving out of homelessness, and to supply low-cost, quality furniture and housewares for sale to the public.

Old Strathcona Antique Mall 

Owned by a mother-daughter duo, the Old Strathcona Antique Mall is filled with unique pieces of furniture and decor that you won’t find anywhere else in Edmonton. This shop has over 300 booths of unique vintage & antique treasures, and is Western Canada’s largest antique mall!

Habitat ReStore

Yet another Edmonton thrift store that is helpful for our community! Owned by Habitat for Humanity, the Habitat ReStore sells new and gently-used items like appliances and furniture—all at incredible prices. All the profits help Habitat Edmonton provide affordable home ownership to families in our community. The Habitat ReStore has 5 locations total: South Edmonton, North Edmonton, West Edmonton, Sherwood Park and Grand Prairie.

The second-hand furniture stores definitely don’t stop there, but the ones mentioned above always have a lot of stock and a lot of selection. They’re staples in Edmonton, and we’re proud that they chose our city to operate in. We hope this is helpful!

Featured Guest Blogger:

Alli Harrison is an Edmonton-based marketing & communications professional with extensive experience working with small businesses. Learn all about her by visiting her Instagram, Twitter & LinkedIn.

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Some Fun Ways To Celebrate In 2021 Mother’s Day In YEG

For most of us, mothers are the backbone of our lives—and because last year’s Mother’s Day was less than ideal due to the early stages of the pandemic, it’s time to go all out for Mother’s Day 2021. Though we still need to celebrate safely, we thought we’d put together a list of ways you can treat your mom (or mother figure!) this upcoming Mother’s Day weekend.

Plan A Staycation

Fairmont Mother’s Day Bed & Brunch

It’s been a weird year, so we’re sure both you and your mom could use a 24 hour getaway—and we’ve got the perfect thing just for you. The Fairmont is offering a weekend with luxury accommodations and a Sunday Brunch! Should dine-in restrictions continue in Alberta, brunch will be replaced with contactless in-room dining.

Grab Some Food

Mother’s Day High Tea at The Butternut Tree

The Butternut Tree is a staple in Edmonton, with a unique focus on replacing global sources of familiar flavour with unique ingredients from our home and native land. Though you can’t go wrong with eating off its main menu, the restaurant is also offering a Mother’s Day High Tea—and if dine-in isn’t permitted, the reservation will be offered as pick-up.

Ohana Donuts

It’s no secret that Ohana Donuts sells some of the best donuts in our city! Not only does Ohana Donuts have specialty donuts for every occasion, they also offer letter donuts and individually packaged donuts to promote safe social distancing. If you ask us, the classic cinnamon covered Malasadas with a custard filling is always a win.

The Workshop Eatery’s HenHouse

Is your mom a meat lover? Then HenHouse located in Summerside might be perfect for your Mother’s Day dinner! Depending on the restrictions, the HenHouse might only be available for takeout. But if the weather permits, the patio might also be an option! Be sure to check out its delicious menu and order in advance.

The Moth Cafe

On the flip side, if your mom is the opposite of a meat lover (AKA a vegetarian or vegan), there are still a lot of food options available. Located Downtown, The Moth Cafe was founded by a mother and her two daughters that provide healthy and nutritious food and drinks. What’s more—when restrictions permit, it’s also a place that houses community events such as plant swaps, craft workshops, vinyl brunches and poetry nights!

Send Her Flowers

Best Buds

Located in downtown Edmonton, Best Buds is offering a $25 flower arrangement for Mother’s Day that includes a personalized message and the option to add on a crocheted stuffed animal. And if you’re unable to pick them up, they offer a flat $15 delivery in Edmonton, St. Albert and Sherwood Park!

Bunches Flower Co

With an array of options available, Bunches Flower Co is an obvious choice when choosing flowers for your mother to enjoy. Of course, they also offer local deliver for $14—and offer a number of different ways to customize your bouquet!

Gift Her Something Local

The Maker’s Keep

A local shop founded by Edmontonians, The Maker’s Keep features a large assortment of local goodies that your mom will love. The Maker’s Keep has three locations in our city, and sells everything from clothing, jewelry, home decor, crafts and DIYs, health and wellness, bath and body… you name it!

Meuwly’s Secret Meat Club

Available for delivery for pick-up, Muewly’s Secret (shhh!) Meat Club allows you to give a gift that just keeps on giving. The Secret Meat Club is a monthly subscription package featuring a variety of gourmet meat products, pickles, condiments, and preserves. Subscribe your mom up for as little or as long as you want, and spend as little as $20 per month or as much as $65 per month—you choose!

Biera Box

A different box each month, the Biera Box features a selection of treats from Biera and Blind Enthusiasm. There’s a limited number of boxes per month, so be sure to order yours early to ensure you get one in time for Mother’s Day! What’s more—each Biera Box allows you to add on additional goodies from local vendors, including speciality cocktails from Above Average Drinks. Yum!

The Artworks

Founded in 1982, this local boutique shop features high-end products that your mom will be sure to appreciate. The Artworks sells beautiful flower bouquets, as well as jewelry, fine pens, home decor and much, much more. Grab something fun for your mother figure, or make a day out of it and bring her to the area to shop! Be sure to grab a coffee and a treat from Rosewood Foods while you’re there.

Give Her An Experience 

Prairie Gardens

With COVID screening and sanitation protocols in process, the Prairie Gardens is ready for your visit! Say hello to the animals, get a farm tour, partake in succulent planting workshops, and purchase goodies from the shop—all while creating lasting memories with your mom.

Miller Crossing Mothers Day Market

Located inside the Kingsway Royal Canadian Legion, the Miller Crossing Mother’s Day Market will be open from 12-5 PM on Saturday, May 8, 2021. This market will be selling a variety of different things, including homemade food & baking plus fish, meat, eggs, honey, pickled goods, coffee, jewelry and crafts.

Downtown Farmer’s Market

Take a walk Downtown and visit the Downtown Farmer’s Market while you’re there! Though this market is active every Saturday and Sunday, it’s a perfect pitstop to grab some fresh, local food and take it back home for a safe visit. We suggest grabbing some fresh pasta and sauce from Pasta Delight—we promise you will never go back to dried pasta again.

True North Picnic

True North Picnic is a boutique catering company specializing in one-of-a-kind picnic experiences in Edmonton public parks. Pick a time and a place, and True North Picnic does the heavy lifting (like styling, coordinating and food) for you. Though this experience is available starting May 15th, you can save this experience for a later date. We know your mom will absolutely love this!

We’d love to hear what you get up to this Mother’s Day 2021—feel free to send us a message if there’s anything we should be adding to our list. We hope you have a safe and memorable Mother’s Day this year!