Nicknamed “the Village in the Park,” Cloverdale is known for being one of the friendliest communities in the city. It has less than 1,000 residents, making it easy to get to know many of your neighbors.
It’s also quite picturesque: tucked up against the North Saskatchewan River as it is, and bordered by three parks. It’s wedged between Strathcona and the Downtown area, ensuring you can get to any amenity you wish when you feel like swapping the village lifestyle for the urban one for a few hours.
Your Cloverdale Commute
Easy access to the downtown area means those who work in that area can get there fast. Those who work in other parts of the city are a stone’s throw away from 75 Street NW.
The 95 Street and Connors Road stop on the south side of Gallagher park serves Cloverdale via transit route 8. That gives you a picturesque walk home. If you want something faster, the Low Level Bridge & 98th Avenue, 94th Street & 98th Avenue, and 92 Street and 98 Avenue stops all run along the north end of the neighborhood. Busses 411, 85, 8, and 9 all serve the area.
Dining
Culina Muttart Cafe is one of the most interesting neighborhood options. It’s near the Muttart Conservatory, and uses greens and herbs grown right on-site. It’s great for a quick lunch bite. If you want a midweek date spot this would be a good choice. Craft beers and eclectic wines are both on offer as well. On the weekends they serve brunch, so sleep in and then stroll over.
Red Ox Inn is another fantastic option. This bistro uses local produce to delight customers. Locals know the food is nothing less than incredible.
There’s not much else in the neighborhood itself. Cloverdale is mostly residential. But given the area’s access to the dining options both downtown and in Strathcona, you’re unlikely to go hungry, even if you hate cooking with the fire of a thousand suns.
Shopping
As with the dining options, there aren’t many shops in Cloverdale itself. The Fritz Ski Hause sports store is up on 98 Ave NW. They primarily sell supplies for enthusiasts that will be headed to the Edmonton Ski Club.
But great shops aren’t too far. The Bonnie Doon shopping center is right to the south, as is Strathcona Town Centre. And of course, the downtown area offers plenty of options, especially for those who prefer unique, local shops.
Of course, if you’re just looking for something fresh to eat for dinner you could take advantage of the community garden. For $30, you can even get a plot of your own.
Houses of Worship
While you might struggle to find shopping and dining directly in the neighborhood, you can walk right to a couple of churches. Some residents will be across the street from one of the options.
Central Baptist Church, Connors Hill Gospel Hall, the Assumption Roman Catholic Church, and St. Luke’s Anglican are all in Cloverdale, or close. But if none of those options are suitable, you’ll have a plethora of options in other nearby neighborhoods.
Local Schools
There are two designated K-6 schools for the Cloverdale area. The first is Holyrood, which offers a French Immersion program. Rutherford School doesn’t offer immersion, but teaches French as a Second Language to all students.
The designated school for grades 7-9 would be Kenilworth. In addition to normal coursework, this school offers Behaviour and Learning Assistance, and French Immersion program. There are plenty of electives and clubs on offer, ensuring students will have plenty to do.
McNally School serves local 10-12 graders. They offer a Mandarin bilingual program, and are certified as an International Baccalaureate school.
Parks and Recreation
Cloverdale residents can walk to the Edmonton Ski Club, so if you love the slopes you’ll fit right in here.
Henrietta Muir Edwards is part of the River Valley Trail Network. In addition to providing opportunities to walk, bike, or jog the trails, there are plenty of picnic tables and floral gardens to enjoy.
The collection of glass pyramids on the southwest side of the neighborhood aren’t some Egyptologist’s attempt at a shout-out. It’s the Muttart Conservatory, designed to keep its gorgeous gardens ready for visitors all year long. The Conservatory offers a taste of summer even when snow storms rage. Out for a walk and your phone is dying? Head to the patio where you can use one of the conservatory’s solar powered charging stations.
Gallagher Park is also on the River Trail. It plays host a couple of interesting sculptures, and a playground. In winter months, it offers a safe toboggan hill for children to play on.
Forest Heights Park’s trail around the river is a favorite for jogging and biking. The park also has four tennis courts for residents to enjoy.
Head down to the community center for a barre, yoga, or zumba class. There are soccer programs for kids as young as two and as old as 7.
More Fun in Cloverdale
The Cloverdale Community League runs plenty of social events, day camps, tours, and more. You’ll want to take advantage of them, because the neighbors are one of the top reasons to move here. There are also a variety of clubs, including clubs for pole walking, ping pong, games, and gardens.
You also won’t want to miss the Edmonton Folk Festival. Gallagher Park fills right up for four days every August, as musicians regale audiences with concerts from the early afternoon until well into the evening. Vendors take the opportunity to set up shop, selling everything from quick festival snacks to handmade folk art.
Is Cloverdale your home of choice?
If you live in one of Cloverdale’s older homes you can take advantage of our custom infills. Live in a beautiful, modernized home of your dreams while staying put in your lovely village-in-the-city!
If you want to buy a new home in Cloverdale, just ask us about our spec offerings. We might just have a turnkey home that’s ready for you.
