Tour the Armstrong Block: 9 Things You Need to See in Our Neighbourhood
One of the best things about Armstrong Block Cannabis is our location (aside from our amazing menu, of course!). We’re conveniently located in the heart of downtown Edmonton in the historic Armstrong Block building (from which we got our name).
Even better, we’re proudly independent, which means we’re not your average, pot shop with dozens of identical locations across the land (yawn!).
We love Edmonton, cannabis, and all things local-- and you’ll notice it from the moment you walk through the door. From the flyer board chock full of dope upcoming events and the munchie-inspiring menus from closeby restaurants to the art from neighbourhood artists adorning our walls--we’re steeped in the vibes and culture of YEG in everything we do.
On that note, we’ve compiled this thorough list of cool things to see and do the next time you’re in our neighbourhood that we like to call the Armstrong Block Cannabis Tour of Edmonton!
Everything on this list is within walking distance of our shop, which means you can drop by, grab some of your favourite strains, edibles, or pre-rolls, and have a blast exploring some of the best this city has to offer--all while being nice and stoned, of course!
getting here
First things first--you need to get here. Luckily, being downtown, it’s super easy to find us! And the city provides free downtown parking for your first 30 minutes!
If you’re driving, there’s tons of street parking nearby that ranges from $1-3.50 per hour depending on the time and day, along with the usual pay parking lots which are abundant and quite easy to find.
If you’re taking transit, we’re a block away from the Bay/Enterprise Square LRT station and for cyclists, we’re surrounded by protected bike lanes on 106th St., 102nd Ave, 103rd St., and 100th Ave.
where to smoke (legally)
Edmonton is a surprisingly cannabis-friendly city, and Jasper Ave has plenty of Permitted Smoking Areas that are marked with ashtrays and/or signage where you can smoke in peace with no worries of anyone bothering you.
If you’re unsure whether you can smoke or not, the general rule is that you cannot smoke within 10 metres of any windows, air intakes, patios, or bus stops. You also can’t smoke at parks containing playgrounds, sports fields, skate parks, bicycle parks, outdoor theatres, outdoor pools, water spray parks, seasonal skating rinks or off-leash areas.
For more info on where cannabis smoking is permitted, check out our post on the best places to (legally) smoke up in Edmonton and the City of Edmonton’s website for more in-depth cannabis rules.
the armstrong block cannabis tour
Now that we’ve got our bases covered, here’s what you can see and do!
1. armstrong block building
Location: 10129 104 St NW
The Armstrong Block building is a historical landmark and an integral part of Edmonton’s past. Built in 1912, the building is located in the old warehouse district and exemplifies the Edwardian Commercial architecture style with its striking red brickwork and steel construction.
While the exterior of the building can make you feel like you took a step back in time, once you go through our doors, you’ll be delighted by our interior design elements that combine a mix of old and new, with vibrant splashes of greenery. You’ll find art all around the building, including a rotating ‘Alley of Lights’ installation that features a different artist every six months.
It’s also one of downtown Edmonton’s last-standing mixed-use heritage buildings, and when you’re outside, make sure to look up so you don’t miss the distinctive cast stone “A” (for Armstrong) on the parapet.
2. michael phair park
So now that you’ve left the Armstrong Block Building with a sense of appreciation for its history and your hands full of cannabis goodies, it’s time for the first stop on your tour.
We mentioned previously that Edmonton has a ton of Permitted Smoking Areas within walking distance on Jasper Ave, but the closest place you can legally toke up is literally right across the street at Michael Phair Park!
Named after Edmonton’s first openly gay city councillor, this micro park provides a much-needed public space in the downtown core that features murals, trees, and most importantly, benches and picnic tables that make it a perfect spot to roll, spark a joint, and just chill as you prepare to embark on the Armstrong Block Cannabis Tour of Edmonton.
We only ask that after you’re done, you please throw away your roaches and leave this little green space as good as you left it.
3. the ice district
Location: 10360 102 St NW
A mere 8-minute walk from our cannabis dispensary is Edmonton’s legendary Ice District. Here, you’ll find Rogers Place, which hockey fans will recognize as the home of the Edmonton Oilers, but it also plays host to some of the biggest events in the city, including countless concerts, conventions, trade shows, and festivals.
If you’re feeling lucky, hit up the Grand Villa Casino, and if you’re feeling peckish, simply munch out at one of the many restaurants, or have a drink at the numerous bars and speakeasys. You can also hang out and people-watch in the Ice District Plaza, do some shopping, go ice skating, and more.
4. neon sign museum
Location: 10363 104 St NW
Edmonton’s Neon Sign Museum is an outdoor art installation that makes a welcome and brilliant sight for dark nights, and it’s only a 5-minute walk away from your favourite downtown Edmonton pot store. Even better, it’s completely free and also open 24/7, making it a quieter experience that’s perfect for the night owls and those who want to avoid the crowds.
The Neon Sign Museum features over a dozen iconic signs from Edmonton’s past that have been lovingly restored and installed on the southside of the Mercer Warehouse building, and it holds the distinction of being the country’s first neon sign museum of its kind.
If you’re interested in the history of each piece, every sign has an accompanying plaque that gives a rundown of its significance to Edmonton. Notable pieces include the signs for The Running Room (an Edmonton success story that’s become one of North America’s largest specialty running stores), Hayden’s Furniture Rocking Chair (an Edmonton landmark that dates back to 1968), and Georgia Baths (contrary to what you might have thought, this place didn’t sell bathtubs. Instead, it was Edmonton’s oldest public steam bathhouse until it closed in 1991!).
The Neon Sign Museum also serves as a showcase for a dying art form as more and more businesses and companies leave neon behind in favour of more modern LED signs, which are usually brighter, more energy-efficient, and less expensive.
5. art gallery of alberta
Location: 2 Sir Winston Churchill Sq
The Art Gallery of Alberta is a 12-minute walk from Armstrong Block Cannabis. A distinctive building that’s impossible to miss, the Art Gallery of Alberta is a work of art in itself thanks to its angular windows and striking 190m steel ribbon that’s meant to evoke the North Saskatchewan River and Aurora Borealis.
This ranks high on our list because few things go better with cannabis than art (aside from food, we suppose). You’ll have tons of fun as you wander the various exhibits, and if you’re slightly stoned, the cannabis can imbue you with heightened creativity as you interpret all of the different works of art and wonder what it all means.
It also makes a great location for a date night or if you’re just looking for something more than simply going out for a drink or bite to eat.
It features three floors of exhibition space, the Singhmar Centre for Art Education, a gift shop, rental and sales gallery, the Ledcor Theatre, and cool rental spaces for meetings and corporate events.
For the latest exhibitions, click here.
6. stanley a. milner (downtown) library
Location: 7 Sir Winston Churchill Square
If your idea of a great time is getting high and then relaxing with a good book, then look no further than the Stanley A. Milner (Downtown) Library (sometimes lovingly referred to as the ‘Bibliotank’). It’s Edmonton’s largest library and even if you don’t have a library card, it’s a great place to browse and hang out. It’s also a fantastic place to get some quiet time away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
(Plus, it’s only a 10-minute walk from us, your friendly Edmonton cannabis store.)
Another great thing about this place (and libraries in general) is that libraries are one of the only places where there is no obligation (or expectation) to spend money--you can just be, which can be a welcome reprieve, especially if you’re feeling a little stoned.
There has never been a better time to check it out, either, as the library has just recently reopened its doors after an extensive revitalization project that reimagined and updated the library for the modern era that anyone with even a passing interest in architecture can appreciate. The new additions include maker spaces, a computer lab, a black box studio, a culinary centre, and a gaming room.
While you’re there, make sure to check out The Wall-- a 2-storey, 40 ft wide immersive digital installation where you can check out everything from dinosaurs, Bernoulli’s principle of aerodynamics, the Great Barrier Reef, and classic carnival games!
For those into vinyl, the library has one of the biggest lending collections of records in North America, and it’s guaranteed to have something you like, regardless of your fave artists or musical tastes.
7. sir winston churchill square
Location: 100 St. NW
Just a few steps away is Sir Winston Churchill Square, a beautiful public space filled with pavilions, art, water features, green spaces, and seating areas. It’s one of the best places in the city to chill and people watch, and it plays host to countless community events and happenings in the city, so make sure to check the calendar for upcoming events.
There’s some absolutely stunning architecture making up the backdrop, too, including the previously mentioned Stanley A. Milner Library and the Art Gallery of Alberta. You’ll also see a striking 8-storey crystal pyramid, which is home to Edmonton City Hall.
Other things to check out while you’re there is the Epcor Amphitheater, the Epcor Waterfall (in operation from late May to early September), the West Formal Gardens, the Lunchbox Joe statue, the Catching Neutrinos garden sculpture, the Centennial Pavilion (home to an observation deck, community box office and gift shop, public washrooms, and a walkway to Churchill LRT station), Realtor’s Row, Union Promenade, East Formal Gardens, and the Sir Winston Churchill statue.
You also won’t want to miss the 24 Metal Banners (representing Edmonton’s cultural diversity) that hang off the light poles spread throughout the square.
Also, it should be noted that as tempting as it may be, you can’t smoke here legally.
8. north saskatchewan river valley
The North Saskatchewan River Valley is North America’s largest stretch of urban parkland, according to Explore Edmonton, and it’s 22x the size of Central Park in New York! It’s got 160 km of maintained pathways and 20 parks to stop and chill and is definitely one of Edmonton’s favourite places to get some fresh air and exercise.
It’s a bit more of a trek from our pot dispensary, about a 25-min walk south, but it’s worth it! The trails are great for walking, biking, snowshoeing (when it’s cold)- you name it- and the river is great for canoeing, too. There is also a Funicular and Elevator access to the river valley beside the Hotel Macdonald downtown to help get you up and down from the valley pathways.
For the budding botanists and green-thumb-havers, the nearby Muttart Conservatory is packed with exotic plants from around the world and beautiful gardens.
9. landmark cinemas 9 edmonton
Location: 10200 102 Ave
Sometimes, it’s just too cold out (or snowy or rainy) to be spending too much time outdoors. In those cases, what are you gonna do?
Why not get super stoned and check out a new movie? Luckily, the Landmark Cinemas 9 Edmonton is only a 7-minute walk away from your favourite Edmonton pot store. It’s got super comfy seats and plays the latest releases, making it an ideal spot to get your munchies on with some delicious buttered popcorn! Bonus - movie tickets are discounted on Tuesdays :D
get out there and enjoy yourself!
We hope you find something that speaks to you on this list, and we’d love to hear about how much fun you had exploring this great city on the Armstrong Block Cannabis Tour of Edmonton.
Whether you’re in the mood to get out and about or simply kick back and chill, you’ve got tons of options. So stay safe, happy toking, and we can’t wait to see you again.
