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Take a cruise down Edmonton’s iconic Whyte Avenue aka 82 Avenue and you’ll soon discover why this arterial road is an integral part of our fair city’s heartbeat. This heritage hub is home to renowned theatre festivals, Edmonton’s Pride Parade, and many of Alberta’s most beloved restaurants, bars and cafes. It is arguably one of the best people-watching spots in town - no jaunt down Whyte Ave. is complete until you encounter one of the area’s electric residences (looking at you Shirtless Rollarblading Guitar Guy).

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We’ve got you covered with our guide to fully immersing yourself on Whyte Ave.

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Enjoy the Food Scene

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Edmonton’s culinary scene packs a flavourful punch and takes many visitors’ palates by surprise. We embrace big ideas which allows for unique culinary experiences.

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PIP -  10335 83 Ave‍
“Small space,  big hearts” is the motto at Pip. It’s a playful and elegantly designed intimate space with a very well-executed food and drinks menu. What more can you ask for?

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Smokey Bear - 8223 104 Street ‍
Food cooked over an open flame. A sort of back-to-basics concept of cooking that is both intricate and ancient. With an ever-evolving menu, Smokey Bear is a dining experience that can’t be missed.

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Next Act - 8224 104 Street‍
Stop into Next Act any evening or weekend and the place is overflowing with good energy.  It is pub food done right and has and with an eclectic drinks menu, you can’t go wrong.

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Dorinku - 10205 82 Avenue‍
Serving us Japanese Street Food. Lots of sushi options, carbonara udon, hamachi carpaccio, matcha crème brûlée, and all kinds of other treats that will delight both adventurous and timid eaters. Hot tip: don’t skip going to the bathroom here, they’ve got the good Japanese toilets.

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The Buckingham - 10439 82 Avenue‍
A full vegan menu at a traditional English pub leaves you asking “are you sure that was vegan?”. Mexi-fries? Stadium nachos? Buffalo Wings? Yes, please! Come in on the right day and you might catch some live music!

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Cafe Mosaics - 10844 82 Avenue ‍
A beautiful, bright and sunny cafe. Cafe Mosaics was an early staple in the vegetarian/vegan food scene back in the 1990s and has continued to delight Edmontonians ever since.

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PACT Coffee - 10370 82 Avenue
Community, culture and coffee are PACT coffee’s three tenets. Come have an exceptional cup of coffee and connect with your neighbours.

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Avila Arepa - 10760 C 82 Avenue ‍
Urban Venezuelan food. If you haven’t already added arepas to your list of the best hand-held foods, you will after you try Avika Arepa.

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Ampersand 27 - 10612 82 Avenue ‍
Seasonal food and craft cocktails in a trendy and comfortable atmosphere.

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Dadeo - 10548 A 82 Avenue‍
Authentic cajun food in an authentic 50’s diner with  neon lights and a jukebox on every table. Shout out to the free pre-dinner biscuits with jalapeño jelly!

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Pals - 10335 83 Avenue‍
Classic, well made sandwiches and an excellent cocktail menu. You can’t go wrong, the answer to so many of lifes problems is simply a sandwich.

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Street Art

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The streets spreading out from Old Strathcona are covered in colourful murals, large-scale installations and contemporary artworks. Many of these pieces are hidden away, whereas others like the giant 6- story mural by renowned Spanish street artist OKUDA San Miquel are hard to miss.

Our friends at the Old Strathcona Business Association have put together a handy mural map, take a look here.

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Shopping

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From boutiques proudly  displaying designer and local threads to truly excellent vintage shops tucked away in unassuming basements, Whyte Avenue has it all.

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Foosh -  10544 C 82 Avenue
Sneakers, streetwear, music and art. Foosh has been a cool store since its inception in 1999.

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Gravity Pope - #2 10442 82 Avenue (footwear) & 10414 82 Avenue (clothing)
Split into two shops a few doors down from on another, one dedicated to selling footwear and one dedicated to  selling clothing. Gravity Pope has a unique and beautiful  selection.

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Bamboo Ballroom - 8206 104 Street
A fashion forward women’s clothing store started by two best friends. It’s no coincidence that it  feels like a place to shop with your best friend.

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The Come Up - 10422 82 Avenue
Vintage clothing, streetwear and sneakers. It is a really fun store to visit. If you liked saturday morning cartoons in the 90’s you might enjoy visiting The Come Up.

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Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market - 10310 83 Avenue
If you happen to be wandering the avenue on a Saturday be sure to check out the market. It has been operating every Saturday since 1983 and has a large selection of local and independent goods. Home made salsa, cashmere mittens, freshly baked bread and much more can be found at the Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market.

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Where to Stay

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There is nothing like the vibrancy of Whyte Avenue, come stay in the thick of it.

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Metterra Hotel on Whyte - 10454 82 Avenue
This stylish boutique hotel is perfectly located right on Whyte Avenue. With large rooms & suites and a fantastic breakfast, this is an easy choice.  Treat yourself!

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Varscona Hotel on Whyte - 8208 106 Street
Located in a quieter nook on Whyte Avenue. Guests who are looking for a more peaceful nights stay whie still being in the hustle and bustle of Strathcona need look no further.

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Entertainment

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Strathcona is known for its theatre and nightlife here are a few can’t miss spots.

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Grindstone Theatre - 10019 81 Avenue
Comedy, improv, musicals, festivals. The folks at Grindstone Theatre knowshow to put on a great show or community event. Don’t forget to check out the Grindstone Bistro before your show!

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Spotlight Cabaret - 8217 104 Street
A 1920’s themed bar that puts on dueling piano shows, cabaret, drag brunches, burlesque and much more. Visit Spotlight Cabaret when you are looking for an evening of adult fun!

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