Old Strathcona and Whyte Ave: 24 Hour Itinerary
We've partnered with Old Strathcona Business Association to present our ultimate 24 hour plan to explore Edmonton's Whyte Avenue and Old Strathcona neighbourhood!
Neighbourhood Overview
Step into the funky and bohemian spirit of Whyte Avenue! With a mix of historic buildings and frequent community events, Old Strathcona is one of Edmonton’s trendiest neighbourhoods. Much of the city's arts and cultural scene makes its home here, along with unique local boutiques, diverse restaurants and cafes, and a variety of festivals, including the Edmonton Fringe – the largest Fringe Festival in North America.
24 Hours in Old Strathcona & Whyte Ave
Dinner: Hanjan
Fuel up after your travels to Edmonton with some shared meals at Hanjan on Whyte! This popular spot is known for its classic Korean comfort food with a focus on late-night dining and offers a fun and casual atmosphere that is welcoming to all. Bring your appetite and your pals- Hanjan’s menu was made for sharing.
Recommended dishes to try: Bulgogi Fries, Mandu, and Korean Fried Chicken.
Discover Old Strathcona: Group Pedal Bike Tour
No better way to start your trip than with a tour of Old Strathcona on a giant party bike! Pedal your way to good beer and good food with Urban Pedal Tours and Pedal Pub Edmonton. This is a fun and active way to explore Whyte Ave, all while enjoying cold drinks and good company. Your tour will take you throughout Old Strathcona with stops at local pubs, breweries, and attractions.
Nighttime: Live Entertainment
Whether you’re a fan of live theatre, comedy, or improv, there is a stage in Old Strathcona with a show for you! Enjoy comedy and improv at Rapid Fire Theatre and The Grindstone Theatre, attend one of the various live-theatre shows at The Fringe Theatre and The Walterdale Theatre, or liven up the night with a performance at the Spotlight Cabaret!
Rest: Sleep at Edmonton's Best Hotels
Time for some rest so you are ready to go for your next big day! Whyte Ave is the hub for all your experiences during your visit, so you'll definitely want to find your place to stay here! We recommend checking out Metterra Hotel and Varscona Hotel. If you book through Edmonton's Best Hotels, you can receive rewards with your booking that help with trip costs, like dining cards and gas cards!
Breakfast: Brunch at Pip
Located in the heart of Old Strathcona, Pip serves mouth-watering brunch every day until 3PM. You can’t go wrong with literally any and every eggs benedict they have to offer on their brunch menu- that dill hollandaise sauce makes us weak in the knees! If you’re a meat-eater, we HIGHLY recommend the short rib benny.
Recommended dishes to try: Eggs Benedict, Short Rib Benny
Sightseeing: Cycle Through Old Strathcona
Old Strathcona is easy to explore on two wheels! With a bike lane that runs parallel to Whyte Ave and a beautiful river valley only a few blocks away, we recommend renting from Pedego for e-bikes to help you to take it all in. For an extra treat, try a tour led by local foodies at Food Bike Tour.
Sightseeing: Old Strathcona Classics
A must-try experience is catching a ride across the High Level Bridge aboard one of our city's historic Edmonton Streetcars, which run mid-May to early September. They often have events hosted inside the streetcar, so be sure to check ahead on their socials to discover what's on during your visit. You should also keep an eye out for the larger-than-life murals that reflect the vibrant culture of the area. Grab a copy of the Old Strathcona Mural Map to find all the 70+ murals and painted crosswalks throughout the whole district!
Snack Break: Cafés & Indoor Market
Visiting on a Saturday? Then say hello to one of the local 130 artisans and vendors at Edmonton's largest, indoor, year-round farmers’ market at the Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market. Once you've grabbed your kettle corn and fresh produce, stroll on over to the indie cafes and bakerie for a treat, such as Block 1912, Café Bel-Air, Sugared and Spiced, or Labo Coffee. Once you've recharged with a coffee and freshly baked treat, it's time to continue exploring!
Shopping: Unique, Local Gifts
Find unique souvenirs in Old Strathcona's eclectic shops. Spend your afternoon hunting for surprises and unique treasures from the past at fun shops like Old Strathcona Antique Mall, The Junque Cellar, and Ibon Antiques. There are also plenty of indie shops to explore! Looking for a new crystal? Where Faeries Live has you covered. Want an art print to remember Edmonton by? Check out Vivid Print. Looking for a new wallet or bag? Then definitely visit Clo’s General Co. for handmade leather goods.
Shopping: Consignment & Thrift Stores
Look good, do good—nothing beats a new outfit that helps both the community and the environment! You’ll love browsing the racks of curated clothing found at Wrinkled Boutique, Mod Uncorked, From Another, and Go-Thru Vintage. From gently used high end brands to vintage fashion to sneakers and streetwear, we’re certain you’ll walk away with a few new pieces to add to your collection!
Attractions: Whyte Ave Experiences
If you’re feeling creative and want a fun way to paint the afternoon away, visit Crankpots! It’s the only spot in Old Strathcona where you can paint your own ceramic masterpiece - with many things to paint from friendly garden gnomes to cozy coffee mugs.
Ready to show off your new outfit? Step into Sid’s Selfie World, Edmonton’s first and only selfie museum! With bold, eye-catching backdrops, it’s the perfect place to strike a pose and capture fun, creative shots.
Dinner: Continental Treat Fine Bistro
Enjoy your final Old Strathcona meal with a taste of Europe at the Whyte Ave location of Continental Treat Fine Bistro. This charming, family-owned restaurant offers delicious modern European comfort food and has a variety of gluten-free options to explore.
Recommended dish to try: schnitzel entrée, with four schnitzel options, including a veggie one
Nighttime: Games Night
Whether you’re into arcade or board games, there’s a spot for you on Whyte Ave! The Hexagon Board Game Café has comfy seating, snacks, beverages, and oodles of board games and puzzles to keep you gaming all night. Craving a pint and classic arcade games? Beercade offers a mix of retro arcade games like pinball and modern games like Mario Kart racing. Here you can find a chill atmosphere in the afternoon, but at night Beercade is buzzing with upbeat music, theme nights, and a lively dance floor!
Nighttime: Live Music
Looking for music you can bust a move to? Visit The Buckingham, BLAKBAR, and Blue’s on Whyte. Maybe you’re looking for a little line dancing? Polish your boots and head down to Cook County Saloon and Daisy’s Saloon for a toe-tapping good time!
Extend Your Stay
So much to do, so little time! While we've listed some activities to give you a taste of Old Strathcona, there is so much more in the area! For more ideas on things to do when visiting Old Strathcona for a few days, visit the Old Strathcona Business Association's website for ideas including business directories, upcoming events, and news about area. Enjoy your visit!
