There’s no shortage of things to do in Edmonton. What’s harder to find is space to slow down, move your body without pressure, and connect with people without your phone in your hand.
That’s exactly why we created The Offline Collective.
What Is The Offline Collective?
The Offline Collective is a membership-based walking community designed to help people experience Edmonton more intentionally — one neighbourhood at a time.
Each month, we gather at a thoughtfully chosen starting point and head out for a slow, curated walk through the city. Sometimes we start with coffee. Sometimes we start in a park. Sometimes we begin with gentle movement or meet in the evening as the city settles into itself.
What stays the same every time:
- The walk is the centre of the experience
- Phones stay away
- The pace is unhurried
- Connection is natural, never forced
This isn’t a fitness challenge. It’s not networking. And it’s not another event where you feel like you need to perform.
It’s a monthly ritual — designed to feel human.
Why Walking?
Walking is one of the most accessible forms of wellness there is — but most of us don’t do it consistently or intentionally.
We walk when we’re rushed.
We walk while scrolling.
We walk the same routes over and over.
The Offline Collective reframes walking as something else entirely:
- Time that’s already planned
- Routes that are thoughtfully chosen
- Neighbourhoods worth noticing
- A reason to show up — even when motivation is low
You could absolutely walk on your own. What most people don’t have is the structure, intention, and community that make it actually happen.
What Happens on a Walk?
Each Offline Collective walk includes:
- A welcoming gathering point
- A curated neighbourhood route
- Moments to notice local spaces, shops, or stories
- A gentle close — sometimes reflection, sometimes movement
- Optional, light “layers” that change with the season
Some months include:
- A short movement or mobility reset
- A sensory or self-care moment
- A small taste or sip (always optional)
- A local story or creative pause
And some months include nothing extra at all — because the walk itself is enough.
The experience is intentionally simple. No gear. No prep. No pressure.
Why We’re Doing This
So many people tell us the same things:
- “I want to spend less time on my phone.”
- “I miss feeling connected to my city.”
- “I want to move more, but I don’t want another intense workout.”
- “I want community, but not networking.”
The Offline Collective exists to create space for all of that.
It’s about:
- Presence over productivity
- Consistency over intensity
- Community over performance
And creating something that feels sustainable — not just for January, but all year long.
A Year of Walks Across Edmonton
Over the course of the year, The Offline Collective will move through different neighbourhoods, including:
- Oliver (our founding neighbourhood)
- Old Strathcona
- Ritchie
- Downtown
- The University area
- 124 Street
- The River Valley
- And other walkable, culture-rich pockets of the city
Each neighbourhood brings a different energy. Each season shapes the experience in its own way.
The rhythm stays familiar. The city keeps revealing itself.
How to Join
We’re starting with a Founding Preview Walk in January — a one-time opportunity to experience what The Offline Collective feels like before membership opens.
After that first walk, Founding Membership signups will open for those who want to continue with us throughout the year.
Membership will be limited to keep the experience calm, connected, and intentional.
If this sounds like something you’d want to be part of:
- Follow @yegthrive on Instagram and Facebook
- Watch for details about the January Preview Walk
- Be ready when Founding Membership opens shortly after
We’ll be sharing updates, dates, and registration details through our social channels first.
A Final Thought
You don’t need another app.
You don’t need another challenge.
You don’t need to optimize your life.
Sometimes, what we need most is:
- a reason to slow down
- a place to belong
- and time that feels well spent
That’s what The Offline Collective is about.
We’d love to walk with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Offline Collective?
The Offline Collective is a phone-free walking community in Edmonton built around monthly neighbourhood walks. Each walk is intentionally planned to support presence, gentle movement, and meaningful connection — without pressure, performance, or screens.
Do I need to be “fit” to join?
No. These are not fitness classes or training sessions. The pace is relaxed, accessible, and welcoming to a wide range of ages and abilities. If you’re comfortable walking at an easy pace, you’ll be comfortable here.
Is this a fitness group or a social group?
It’s neither — and a bit of both.
The walk itself is the wellness. Conversation is optional. Some people come for movement, some for connection, and some for quiet time outdoors. All of those reasons fit.
Do all walks include workouts or activities?
No. Some walks include optional, light layers like gentle movement, reflection prompts, or a small sensory moment. Other walks include nothing extra at all. The walk itself is always the core experience.
What if I don’t want to participate in the optional layer?
That’s completely fine. All layers are optional. You can observe, step aside, or simply keep walking. You’ll never miss out on the value of the experience.
Why is the group phone-free?
Because constant phone use changes how we move, notice, and connect. Keeping the experience phone-free helps create a calmer pace, deeper presence, and more genuine interaction — without distractions.
Can I just walk on my own instead?
Absolutely — and many people do.
What The Offline Collective provides is structure, intention, and consistency. For many people, that’s the difference between meaning to walk more and actually doing it.
How often do the walks happen?
Walks happen once per month, rotating through different Edmonton neighbourhoods. This rhythm keeps the experience consistent and sustainable rather than overwhelming.
Where do the walks take place?
Over the course of the year, walks will take place in neighbourhoods such as:
- Oliver (our founding neighbourhood)
- Old Strathcona
- Ritchie
- Downtown Edmonton
- The University area
- 124 Street
- The River Valley
…and other walkable, culture-rich areas of the city.
How do I sign up?
We’re starting with a Founding Preview Walk in January. After that event, Founding Membership signups will open.
To stay up to date:
- Follow @yegthrive on Instagram and Facebook
- Watch for announcements about the January walk
- Join when Founding Membership opens
Is membership required?
After the January Preview Walk, ongoing participation will be membership-based. This helps keep group sizes small, supports local partners, and protects the quality of the experience.
Who is this for?
The Offline Collective is for people who:
- want to move without intensity or pressure
- are looking for connection without networking
- want to spend less time on their phone
- enjoy walking, neighbourhoods, and local spaces
- value consistency over novelty
If that sounds like you, you’ll likely feel at home here.
