Edmonton Community Spotlight: Bonnie Doon in Southeast Central Edmonton

Edmonton Community Spotlight: Bonnie Doon in Southeast Central Edmonton Featured Image

Welcome to beautiful Bonnie Doon, an established community located in central Southeast Edmonton, next to the Mill Creek Ravine and North Saskatchewan River Valley. First annexed by the City of Strathcona in 1907, Bonnie Doon didn’t become a part of Edmonton until 1912, when the two cities amalgamated.

While several homes were constructed along the ravine and river valley before the Second World War, most of Bonnie Doon’s residential development occurred in the 1950s. With the discovery of oil in the neighbouring county of Leduc, Edmonton’s population exploded, leading to the rapid expansion of many popular communities, including Bonnie Doon.

Did you know? Bonnie Doon was named in honour of Alberta’s first Premier Alexander Rutherford (also a landowner in the area) as a nod to his Scottish heritage. The name means “pleasant, rolling countryside” and/or the Scottish river Doon.

Eclectic Home Styles in Bonnie Doon

Bonnie Doon is home to a diverse range of home styles, varying from single-family homes and apartment-style condos to duplexes and townhomes. Single-family properties consist of cozy, updated post-WWII bungalows on spacious lots, contemporary new infill homes (featuring two stories and ultra-modern finishes) and gorgeous luxury properties.

As we mentioned above, higher-density options such as affordable new duplexes, townhomes and apartment-style condos are becoming an increasingly popular choice for home buyers in the area (especially among first-time buyers and downsizers) as older structures are gradually replaced.

Many homes in the community have also been outfitted with secondary income suites, making Bonnie Doon an excellent choice for Edmonton real estate investors or buyers looking to pay off their mortgages faster.

Renovated Character Homes - A renovated character home offers modern conveniences paired with unique architectural details and charm. In this sense, older upgraded homes in Bonnie Doon offer the perfect blend of history and modernity, providing a living space that is both unique and comfortable.

Infill Properties - One of the biggest advantages of choosing an infill home in Bonnie Doon is its proximity to established amenities and services. Infill homes allow you to enjoy all the character and charm of an older neighbourhood while enjoying modern design features, energy efficiency, and contemporary amenities. Since infill homes are built on large lots, you may also have the advantage of a more spacious yard defined by mature trees and landscaping.

Attached and Semi-Detached Homes – Bonnie Doon’s attached or semi-detached homes tend to be more affordable than single-family homes in the area, making them an attractive option for first-time homebuyers. They also offer more space than an apartment-style condo, which makes them ideal for young families or couples who want outdoor space and/or more room for entertaining. Last but not least, many duplexes and townhomes in Bonnie Doon have been updated over the years, so buyers can enjoy modern amenities and finishes without undertaking a full renovation.

Apartment-Style Condos - If you’re looking for an affordable home in a great neighbourhood, an apartment-style condo in Bonnie Doon might be exactly what you’re looking for. Not only is Bonnie Doon close to the North Saskatchewan River Valley, but it also has fantastic access to public transportation as well as plenty of shops, restaurants, and more. Choosing an apartment-style condo in the area also means you’ll have a low-maintenance living space with plenty of onsite amenities – perfect for anyone in search of a convenient, lock-and-leave lifestyle.

Standard features to expect from a Bonnie Doon home may include:

Open-concept floor plans
Stone countertops
Stainless steel appliances
Hardwood flooring
Gas-range stoves
Oversized kitchen islands
Walk-through pantries
Luxury ensuite bathrooms
Heated flooring
Fireplaces
Built-in cabinetry
Wet bars and wine fridges
Walk-in closets
Finished basements
Oversized windows
High ceilings
Energy-efficient appliances and systems
Heated double detached garages
Secondary suites
Sunrooms
Outdoor entertainment spaces
Ravine views
And more!

Average Listing Price: $853,000

See homes for sale in Bonnie Doon

Did you know? Thanks to its excellent location, Bonnie Doon is rapidly becoming one of the most sought-after neighbourhoods in Edmonton to call home.

All the Best Southwest Edmonton Amenities

Extremely amenity-friendly, Bonnie Doon residents enjoy convenient access to a wealth of shops, services, restaurants and more. For starters, the community houses a large shopping mall (Bonnie Doon Centre) featuring over 100 stores – including grocers, banking institutions and health and medical services.

82nd (Whyte) Ave also borders the neighbourhood to the south. Known as Edmonton’s primary arts and cultural district, Whyte Ave is known for its countless number of boutique stores, restaurants, cafes, pubs, bars, year-round festivals and vibrant nightlife.

Other nearby amenities (a 10-minute drive or less) include:

Bonnie Doon Health Centre
Edmonton City Centre
Edmonton Public Library
La Cité Francophone (home of famed Café Bicyclette, one of Edmonton’s best-rated brunch spots)
Old Strathcona Farmer’s Market
University of Alberta Hospital

The Top 10 Southeast Central Edmonton Amenities:

The Muttart Conservatory: This unique attraction features four different glass pyramids filled with exotic plant species from around the world, making it a must-visit destination for plant enthusiasts.
Mill Creek Ravine: A picturesque park and nature reserve in the heart of the city, this area offers hiking trails, bike paths, and birdwatching opportunities for nature lovers.
The Old Strathcona Farmer’s Market: Edmonton’s most famous farmer’s market! The Old Strathcona market is open year-round and boasts a wide variety of local vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods, and artisanal crafts.
The Edmonton River Valley: A sprawling parkland that boasts over 160 km of walking, hiking, and biking trails, as well as several scenic lookouts, picnic areas, off leash parks and more.
Whyte Ave: Edmonton’s crown jewel, Whyte Ave, is known for its boutique shops, cafes, restaurants, bars, and numerous performing arts venues.
Louise McKinney Riverfront Park: Louise McKinney boasts a picturesque location along the North Saskatchewan River and is a popular spot for outdoor activities like picnicking and kayaking.
The Royal Alberta Museum: Established over 50 years ago, the Royal Alberta Museum houses collections of cultural and natural history, including dinosaur fossils and items from the indigenous tribes of the region.
The Art Gallery of Alberta: The AGA has a permanent collection of over 6,000 works of art from local and international artists and a rotating series of exhibitions.
Forest Heights Park: In addition to scenic lookout points, Forest Heights Park features riverside walking trails that are perfect for enjoying nature in the heart of the city.
Rogers Place Arena: A state-of-the-art sports and entertainment venue that hosts various events, including Edmonton Oilers hockey games and high-profile concerts.

Did you know? Bonnie Doon Centre has been recognized as one of Edmonton’s oldest suburban shopping malls (and home to one of the city’s oldest bowling lanes).

Bonnie Doon Schools

Families considering calling Bonnie Doon home will be pleased to learn there are several schools located in the area, including a local public elementary. Other educational opportunities, including Catholic and specialty options, can all be found within the surrounding neighbourhoods.

Bonnie Doon Designated Public Schools

Rutherford School (Designated Grade K-6 School)
Kenilworth School (Designated Grade 7-9 School)
McNally School (Designated Grade 10-12 School)

Bonnie Doon Designated Catholic Schools

St. Brendan (Designated Grade K-9 School)
St. Monica (Designated Pre-Kindergarten)
Austin O’Brien (Designated Grade 10-12 School)

Other:

Vimy Ridge Academy (Grade 7-12 School, alternative, athletics-focused)
Campus Saint-Jean
University of Alberta

Did you know? Campus Saint-Jean is the leading institution for French-language education and services in Western Canada. The local elementary school (Rutherford) is also over 100 years old.

Southwest Edmonton Parks and Recreation

Directly east of the community sits the Bonnie Doon Leisure Centre, a large (recently renovated) recreational facility featuring an 8-lane, 25-metre swimming pool, sauna and steam room, running track and tennis courts. The neighbourhood is also home to the active Bonnie Doon Community League (also over 100 years old), offering a wide range of family-friendly programs, including playgroups, family-movie nights, soccer, skating, seniors’ programs and much more.

Finally, thanks to its proximity to the Mill Creek Ravine, residents enjoy ample opportunity to get outside and hit the trails for a morning run, scenic sunset stroll, bike ride, family picnic and more. Many of the ravine trail systems also connect with the parks and pathways of the greater North Saskatchewan River Valley.

Other recreational amenities nearby (a 10-minute drive or less) include:

Did you know? Nearby Gallagher Park is reputed to have one of the best tobogganing hills in the city.

Commuting From Bonnie Doon

Bonnie Doon is a triangular-shaped community bounded by Mill Creek Ravine to the west, Connors Road and 83rd Street to the (north) east and 82nd Ave to the south. Connors Road offers residents direct access to Edmonton’s downtown core, just a short drive to the north.

82nd Ave runs directly west to the University of Alberta and east to 75th Street (Wayne Gretzky Drive), Sherwood Park Freeway, the east Anthony Henday and the City of Sherwood Park proper.

Bonnie Doon also boasts good transit accessibility, with several stops throughout the area. Expansion of the city’s new Valley Line LRT line (running from Mill Woods, through downtown and on to West Edmonton) will also see a stop in the area, directly in front of the Bonnie Doon Shopping Centre.

Did you know? Bonnie Doon once housed one of Edmonton’s original streetcar lines, spurring much of the community’s development.

For more information on the many Edmonton real estate opportunities/homes for sale in Bonnie Doon, we invite you to get in touch with us! And don’t forget to take advantage of any one (or all!) of our free buyer’s resources, including:

Your All-in-One Guide to Choosing the Right Edmonton Neighbourhood – It can be challenging to find your dream home with so many fantastic communities to choose from in and around the greater City of Edmonton. That’s why we created our All-in-One Guide to assist you in discovering the perfect home!

Edmonton’s Top Infill Communities - There are several benefits to opting for life in an infill community, including unique homes, mature trees and a wealth of established amenities. If you’re searching for a contemporary home in an old-world neighbourhood, these communities have everything you’re looking for and more.

The Terry Paranych Real Estate Group Home Buyer Blog - Buying a home isn’t just about the home itself—it’s about finding a great neighbourhood that will bring you happiness for years to come. That’s why we created the Terry Paranych Real Estate Group Home Buyer Blog. You’ll learn detailed information about each neighbourhood, including homes, styles, schools, amenities, and more. Whether you’re looking for a suburban neighbourhood or a bustling downtown community, our blog will help you find the perfect place to call home.

A Step-by-Step Guide For Buying Your First Home - If you’re a first-time homebuyer, our comprehensive First-Time Buyers’ Guide has everything you need to know. From saving a down payment to exploring affordable home styles, our guide covers it all.

Originally published Jan 21, 2021, updated Jun 27, 2023

Posted by Terry Paranych on June 27th, 2023