Introduction
Bonnie Doon is located in south-central Edmonton extending roughly from 82nd Avenue to the North Saskatchewan River, with Millcreek Ravine bordering west, Connors Road and 83rd street north-east. Mature trees shade older bungalows, impressive infill housing and Alberta’s only Francophone university. Bonnie Doon is home to Edmonton’s French Quarter and is the heart of the Franco-Albertan community.
Lifestyle
The homes in Bonnie Doon are situated on large lots on streets lined with mature elm and maples. Residents cycle or walk down sun-speckled streets to reach local cafes and restaurants, strip-mall services or Bonnie Doon Centre. It’s the perfect location for downtown commuters, outdoor enthusiasts and those who love the nightlife on nearby Whyte Avenue.
Dollars & Sense
Bargain hunters can find great deals at shops in the mall and at nearby thrift stores. Most retail and restaurants offer average to below average prices. There are plenty of real estate options including lower-priced condominiums. The majority of housing is single detached homes and those for sale are listed high and above-average for the city.
The Good, the Bad & the Rest
Bonnie Doon is undergoing a Neighbourhood Renewal program with the City of Edmonton. The streets will get a facelift with new sidewalks, curbs, gutters, streetlights and freshly paved roads. Although this renewal will benefit the neighbourhood in the future, it means a whole lot of road construction and traffic delays in the meantime. Expect to get nowhere fast, especially in the spring and summer.
2.7 km
Planes, Trains & Automobiles
Major bus routes running north-south go right past Bonnie Doon Centre. Commuters can bus downtown in five minutes or to Whyte Avenue in the same amount of time. Head east down 82nd Avenue to Sherwood Park and north up 83rd Street to Connors Road for easy access to the river valley and downtown core. Bonnie Doon is also in line to receive a new LRT station as part of the future expansion.
In the Area
Spanning several blocks in each direction from 86th Avenue and Rue Marie-Anne Gaboury is the French Quarter. Here you’ll find a rich French culture and the University of Alberta’s Campus St. Jean. Bonnie Doon Centre is a full-service shopping mall and surrounded by schools, medical and recreation centres. The river valley and Mill Creek Ravine border the neighbourhood, and downtown and Whyte Avenue are just moments away.
Meet the Neighbours
Surprisingly for an older neighbourhood, the majority of the residents here are aged 20-29 and living in one or two-person households, according to the 2011 Census of Canada. They’re either students or successful young professionals. Spend any time in the neighbourhood and you’ll find the rest of the population is made up of seniors: many life-long residents of the area.
The Vibe
Like most urban neighbourhoods, the main streets are busy with bus and vehicle traffic as people come and go from shopping malls, supermarkets, banks and medi-centres. In the residential streets you’ll feel an instant calm as vehicle noise is replaced by songbirds and the rustling of leaves from the green canopies above. Students at Campus St. Jean study in the park and French conversations spill out of local cafes.
Gallery
Neighbourhood Hotspots
Bonnie Doon Leisure Centre
Located across from Bonnie Doon Centre, this city-run recreation centre is known for its family oriented programming, variety of fitness classes and swimming pool. Relax after a work-out or lane swim in their hot tub and steam room.
more infoThe Cheese Factory
The Cheese Factory offers a unique Balkan-style menu with cheese being an essential ingredient of each dish. The poutine is labelled the Best in the West, served with squeaky-fresh curds made in house. Browse the little store for cheeses and imported Balkan goodies.
more infoMill Creek Ravine Park
Mill Creek Ravine hugs the neighbourhood completely in the west. Enjoy a network of cycling and walking trails, an off-leash dog park and quaint footbridges that go over the meandering Mill Creek. Mill Creek Pool is also in the park.
more infoCafe Bicyclette
Nestled in the French Quarter is this chic French country bistro. They offer an express-style lunch menu, an excellent sit-down dinner menu, catering and a unique atmosphere that extends onto a beautiful patio and terrace in the summer time.
more infoBul Go Gi House
Known for its authentic Korean cuisine and generous portions, this was the first Korean restaurant to open in Edmonton. It’s been run by the same family for over 30 years and serves up the best Bulgogi beef in the city!
more infoBonnie Doon Centre
With Safeway on one end and Sears on the other, the Centre offers up over 100 stores and services including pharmacies, Canada Post, a bowling alley, library, and a food court. Locals come here to shop, work and visit with friends.
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