Highlands Historical Society recently hosted our annual historical walking tours in conjunction with the Edmonton and District Historical Society Doors Open Festival. Over 60 participants joined the tours to learn more about our beautiful neighbourhood, its fascinating history, and its many interesting residents.
On July 6 we toured the south side of 112 avenue, and on July 9 we toured north of 112 avenue. We wish to extend special thanks to Highlands United Church for opening its doors to our north side walkers, and to Ruth Spooner who graciously welcomed us into the beautiful church sanctuary. Ruth shared the history of its many stained-glass windows including, of course, the well-known memorial stained-glass window.
Sadly, Dr. David Leonard, who was instrumental in offering the very first historical walking tour of Highlands, passed away on July 3, 2025. Dr. Leonard researched the history of the Highlands neighbourhood and the first 20 homes on the tour. His detailed notes were used to produce the first walking tour guide.
One of the highlights of this year’s tours was the recently published third edition of our walking tour guide. The 82-page booklet is filled with stories and photos of our historic homes and neighbourhood, and has come a long way from its inception as a one-page fold-out brochure!
Highlands Historical Society wishes to thank all those who have contributed so generously their time and expertise to creating our walking tour guides.
Highlands Historical Society 