Street Photography in Edmonton

Whyte Avenue, or 82 Avenue, is the main street of Old Strathcona, south of the river. It has heritage buildings and buskers, and it is the busiest street for people at night. Explore Edmonton points to murals nearby, including a giant skull on the side of the Commercial Hotel, and the Spur Line Alley north of the avenue. Summer evenings are best, when patios fill and buskers play. In August, the Fringe festival takes over the area. Use the heritage facades as backgrounds and wait for walkers.

The High Level Bridge is a steel truss bridge over the river valley, lit at night with 60,000 LED bulbs, according to Explore Edmonton. In summer, the High Level Bridge Streetcar runs across the top deck. Walkers and cyclists use the lower level. Come at night for light trails from cars and the colored lights, or ride the streetcar for a view from the top. Explore Edmonton also points to the graffiti tunnel near the Jasper Plaza terminal. Braedyn Brosda uses the south side for views back to downtown.

The Walterdale Bridge is a newer white arch bridge in Rossdale, over the North Saskatchewan River. Braedyn Brosda, a local landscape photographer, likes the variety of angles from the paths that run under and over the bridge, and notes that the old Rossdale power plant now lights up at night. Walkers and cyclists cross constantly. Shoot figures on the bridge against the arches at sunset, or from below for strong lines. It is a good place to try new compositions of a familiar landmark.

Sir Winston Churchill Square is downtown's main square, beside City Hall and the Art Gallery of Alberta. In summer it hosts festivals and markets, and office workers fill it at lunch. Winter is quieter, with skaters and holiday events. Frame people against the Art Gallery's curving steel, or shoot the square from the City Hall steps. Downtown's pedway links it with the surrounding towers, which is useful in winter. The City Hall pyramid and the glass of the gallery reflect people crossing the square.

The Alberta Legislature is a domed building above the river valley, with grounds and wading pools. Explore Edmonton describes its marble pillars and carvings, and the lawns suit portraits. In summer, families play in the pools; in winter, the grounds have skating and lights. Braedyn Brosda calls the area a gateway to the High Level Bridge and Garneau. Come in the late afternoon. Shoot families in the pools with the dome behind, or walk down the slope toward the river for a view of the building above the trees.

124 Street, in the west end, is a strip of galleries and independent shops. Explore Edmonton points to nearby Manchester Square, with its colorful new architecture. In summer, weekend markets bring crowds onto the street. It is a local, relaxed area with people walking dogs and meeting for coffee. Work shopfronts and patios, and wait for moments between passersby. Gallery windows make good frames for people looking at art from the sidewalk.

The Muttart Conservatory is a set of four glass pyramids in the river valley, facing downtown. Explore Edmonton recommends seeing it up close, though Braedyn Brosda likes it from the paths and the James MacDonald Bridge nearby. Inside, gardens and visitors give you softer frames. At dusk, the lit pyramids with the skyline behind are a classic. Pair it with a walk along the trails or the funicular. In winter, the pyramids glow against the snow and are warm inside.

The Ice District, around Rogers Place, is the new downtown of glass and steel towers. Explore Edmonton suggests the area around 104 Street and 104 Avenue for a modern look. On Oilers game nights, it fills with fans in orange and blue, and the plaza outside the arena becomes a street party during playoff runs. Come before the game for the crowds. Use the glass for reflections of people crossing. On non-game nights it is quiet, so plan around the schedule.