Ritchie is one of the oldest neighborhoods in our city, but no matter how many times we’ve been here, we always discover something new to explore, eat, and do.
If you also want to uncover the hidden charms of this neighborhood and enjoy a country-like getaway, read on! Today, we’re taking you on a trip with our comprehensive travel guide to Ritchie.
Time Zone
Mountain Daylight Time (GMT -6)
Best Time to Go
The peak time to explore Ritchie is from June to August – summertime! It’s when the weather is warmer, and numerous festivals and community events are taking place not just in Ritchie but also throughout Edmonton.
Meanwhile, if you prefer to roam around the neighborhood when the weather is cooler, and there are not a lot of tourists around, we suggest you visit during fall (September to November). Although there are few festivals by then, you can still visit popular attractions and attend fall-themed activities in Ritchie.
Things to Know
Currency: Canadian Dollar (Check the current exchange rate)
Language: English
Calling Code: 780
How to Get Around
Buses (ETS): The ETS bus routes serve Ritchie, so you can easily get around the neighborhood. Taking the ETS Bus 525 allows you to access 14 bus stops across the city.
For example, the nearest bus stops you can find if you’re shopping in OCanada Gear or eating at Farrow Ritchie are at 99 Street and 76 Avenue, as well as 99 Street and 77 Avenue.
Taxis: Get hold of a taxi service if you have a lot of baggage and prefer more space and privacy when exploring Ritchie.
Car rentals: Opting for a car rental is more advantageous if you want to explore Ritchie at your own pace. Some car rental companies you can look into are Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, and Alamo.
Rideshare: Ridesharing or carsharing services are also available in Ritchie via Uber and Lyft.
Where to Stay in Ritchie
Metterra Hotel on Whyte
Address: 10454 82 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6E 4Z7, Canada
Phone: 780-465-8150
Pricing: $$
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Metterra Hotel on Whyte is situated in Strathcona, but it is still an accessible place to stay if you wish to explore Ritchie. You see, it’s just 6 minutes away from Ritchie if you’re taking an Uber and 20 minutes away if you feel like walking.
We also like that there are numerous restaurants and cafes right outside the accommodation. We highly recommend this hotel for foodies who want to try Whyte Avenue’s gastronomic scene.
Nonetheless, if you want to save more, wake up early and try Mettera’s complimentary buffet breakfast instead.
Varscona Hotel on Whyte
Address: 8208 106 St, Edmonton, AB T6E 6R9, Canada
Phone: 780-434-6111
Pricing: $
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Varscona Hotel on Whyte is the place to be if you prefer to stay in a fancy boutique hotel without spending a lot. The rooms are spacious, well-decorated, and furnished with modern amenities, so even if you’re traveling with friends or your whole family, you can have a comfortable stay.
Another advantage of staying here is you’ll be close to Old Strathcona’s local arts and entertainment scene. Hopping from one tourist attraction to another will also not be a problem since the hotel offers convenient access to Downtown Edmonton.
Fantasyland Hotel
Address: 17700 87 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5T 4V4, Canada
Phone: 800-737-3783
Pricing: $$$
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Fantasyland Hotel is truly an enchanting place to stay during the holidays because it’s inside Edmonton’s premier shopping and entertainment complex – West Edmonton Mall.
What more could you ask for? You can literally access numerous shops, restaurants, attractions, and entertainment without leaving the mall!
And there’s more. This themed hotel features uniquely decorated rooms such as space rooms, princess rooms, Polynesian rooms, Roman rooms, and other exotic rooms. Just pick what you fancy and enjoy your stay with style!
Coast Edmonton Plaza Hotel
Address: 10155 105 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 1E2, Canada
Phone: 780-423-4811
Pricing: $
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If you’re looking for accessible and affordable accommodation, check out Coast Edmonton Plaza Hotel.
This charming hotel might not be as big as other hotels in the city center, but the rates are significantly cheaper considering the amenities you can access. This includes renovated rooms, an indoor pool, a business center, and an onsite restaurant.
Moreover, it has a well-furnished fitness center where you can burn off all the calories after a day of trying scrumptious treats in Ritchie or Downtown Edmonton.
Sandman Signature Edmonton Downtown Hotel
Address: 10235 101 Street, Edmonton, AB T5J 3E9, Canada
Phone: 780-428-7111
Pricing: $
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We recommend staying in the Sandman Signature Edmonton Downtown Hotel if you want quick access to various pubs, restaurants, and bars across Downtown and Ritchie.
Since it’s in the urban center and is connected with Rogers Place’s pedway (pedestrian walkway), you can explore many malls and shops on foot.
Meanwhile, if you prefer to unwind and enjoy your cozy staycation, don’t forget to check out the indoor pool on the top floor. Here you can splash around, play classic pool games with friends, or simply laze around and take in the bustling streets of Downtown.
Where to Eat in Ritchie
The Blue Chair
Address: 9624 76 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6C 0K3, Canada
Phone: 780-989-2861
Pricing: $$
Website
The Blue Chair offers a seasonal and global menu, so if you feel like going on an adventurous gastronomic experience, this restaurant is a good starting point.
You see, they serve a wide range of cuisines, and their selection of wine, cocktails, as well as craft and draft beer are pretty impressive too!
The restaurant also features a patio which is a nice spot for an al fresco date night. Bring your special someone here and enjoy a fancy five-course dinner date while jiving with the local artists performing live at the venue.
Farrow Ritchie
Address: 9855 76 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6E 1K6, Canada
Phone: 780-757-0132
Pricing: $
Website
Farrow Ritchie is all about affordable and mouth-watering sandwiches. Whether you’re craving a good old fried egg sandwich, succulent pulled pork sandwich, or hearty roast beef sandwich, Farrow will serve it hot and tasty for you.
Plus, their menu changes often. Every time we visit, there’s always something new to try! Isn’t that great?
Make sure to try their cronuts! Their peach and lime-cherry cronuts are the best go-to snack when exploring Ritchie.
Rice Bowl Deluxe
Address: 7909 A 104 St NW, Edmonton, AB T6E 6N8, Canada
Phone: 587-523-7999
Pricing: $$
Website
“Not fast food, but fresh food made fast.” Rice Bowl Deluxe offers delectable and authentic Asian dishes that are great for health-conscious people because each meal is made to order.
We also recommend this for those looking for budget-friendly meals because they offer great deals such as buy-one-get-one promos on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Their Pad Thai and Korean beef with fried rice are definitely worth trying.
And there’s more! If you drop by on a Monday, you can save a few bucks since bubble teas are half the price the whole day!
Biera
Address: 9570 76 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6C 0K2, Canada
Phone: 587-525-8589
Pricing: $$
Website
Bierra is a posh and unique restaurant that serves classic dishes with a twist. It’s your best pick if you want a fine dining experience with the fam or looking for a nice spot for romantic date nights.
The beef tartare with sourdough bread is one of their best sellers but repeat customers also recommend their wood-fired pork shoulder and grilled steak.
Just note that they don’t accept weekend reservations from 10 AM to 5 PM. However, there can be an exception if you book a reservation for a group of five or more.
Under the High Wheel
Address: 8135 – 102 Street Edmonton, AB T6E 4A4
Phone: 780-439-4442
Pricing: $$
Website
Under the High Wheel is a cozy and welcoming restaurant that offers curated dishes focused on locally sourced and seasonal produce and ingredients.
Although their menu is limited (due to seasonal availability), it’s still worth checking out, especially if you want to grab a quick bite before visiting attractions in Ritchie.
And guess what? The visuals of the dishes they serve are totally Instagram-worthy, so if you feel like bragging about your hearty and tasty brunch, make sure to drop by Under the High Wheel!
What to Do in Ritchie
Explore the Mill Creek Ravine
Address: 76 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6B 2L8, Canada
Phone: 780-944-5555
Website
If you’re in Ritchie, the closest attraction you can visit is the famous Mill Creek Ravine. It’s the perfect destination to explore if you’re the outdoorsy type because the ravine offers a plethora of options for outdoor adventure.
Mill Creek Ravine features various green spaces and trails, so it’s a great spot to bond with your family and friends. You can go on a short walk or hike or maybe spend your day fishing or camping on the site.
Watch games at ICE District
Address: 10360 102 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 1B9, Canada
Phone: 780-414-5483
Website
Think about a bunch of sports and entertainment stuff packed into one buzzing venue – that’s what ICE District is like!
It’s a 10-hectare piece of land in Downtown Edmonton that is home to architectural sights, the home arena for the Edmonton Oilers and Edmonton Oil Kings, luxury hotels, and various entertainment and dining options.
A whole day is not enough to explore this district, so we suggest you prepare an itinerary and check out the concerts and live events for the day you plan to visit.
Alberta Aviation Museum
Address: 11410 Kingsway NW, Edmonton, AB T5G 0X4, Canada
Phone: 780-451-1175
Website
Are you a history buff? Or perhaps an aviation enthusiast? Well, if you are, don’t forget to drop by the Alberta Aviation Museum when you’re in town.
It’s like a treasure trove of vintage planes, jets, bombers, and other aircraft wonders, so exploring this place is like watching the evolution of flight firsthand. Make sure to listen to the guides as they explain how everything works, and try the flight simulators inside the museum.
Art Gallery of Alberta
Address: 2 Sir Winston Churchill Sq, Edmonton, AB T5J 2C1, Canada
Phone: 780-425-5379
Website
The Art Gallery of Alberta is an iconic state-of-the-art architectural structure in Edmonton. It’s well-known for its distinctive and contemporary exterior and facade, which makes the structure a fine piece of art even from the outside.
And what of the art inside? Well, just remember that this is one of the largest galleries in Canada for Reinassance and modern paintings, sculptures, and other installation works. Hard to go wrong here if you’re an art buff!
Neon Sign Museum
Address: 104 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 0K7, Canada
Phone: 780-496-5281
Website
Neon Sign Museum is the first of its kind in the country. It’s the only museum that’s literally out in the streets – no fancy gallery or whatnot, just pure neon.
Along 104 St and 104 Avenue, you’ll be able to see sparkling and unique neon signs from old and demolished buildings in the city that are rediscovered and restored.
And you know what’s the best thing about this museum? Admission is free, and it’s open throughout the day, seven days a week! You can conveniently visit this famous photo spot any time you want.
Where to Shop in Ritchie
Ritchie Market
Address: 9570 76 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6C 0K2, Canada
Phone: 587-525-8589
Website
Ritchie Market is a real jewel in Ritchie. Aside from being the nearest shopping and grocery spot, it’s also a multi-use community hub where residents and tourists can access a range of local businesses and services.
Make sure to drop by Bierra or Blind Enthusiasm to get your daily dose of caffeine before you explore the whole market. Also, there’s a range of restaurants inside, so you don’t have to go outside to grab munchies.
New Life Clothing
Address: Rear of building, 10012 79 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6E 1R5, Canada
Website
True to its name, New Life Clothing gives new life and color to vintage clothing.
This store is the best place to shop for unique and customized pieces. We’re talking about handpicked second-hand garments from local artists and reworked gender-neutral fits that no one else has!
Plus, you can save some money and help the environment by investing in long-lasting and sustainable clothing.
Earth’s General Store
Address: 9605 82 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6C 0Z9, Canada
Phone: 780-439-8725
Website
Earth’s General Store is not an ordinary grocery store. It’s like a goldmine of organic, local, and environmentally-friendly products and goodies you can’t find elsewhere in Ritchie.
Most of what they offer is sourced from local farmers and manufacturers, so as you shop, you’ll also be supporting the community!
We recommend bringing your own jars and bags, especially when shopping for organic spices and sauces in bulk. You see, the store aims to cut down on plastic waste, so they encourage customers to bring their own.
Mr. Derk
Address: 8025 102 St NW, Edmonton, AB T6E 4A2, Canada
Phone: 780-431-4293
Website
Mr. Derk is known to be one of the top destinations in the city when it comes to men’s fashion. And we’re not talking about plain tees and shirts here…
At Mr. Derk, you’ll be able to browse through an exclusive collection of quality tailored suits, casual wear, shoes, and even accessories to match the attire you have in mind.
That’s why if you want to look your best for a special occasion or event, visiting this place is a must. Just have a vision and budget for the attire you have in mind, and they will do the rest for you!
Village Goods
Address: 10432 82 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6E 2A2, Canada
Phone: 78-439-8349
Website
If you’re running out of gift ideas for your loved ones, we’re sure you’ll find one at Village Goods. Here you can find an array of non-profit jewelry, accessories, clothing, and food.
Apart from that, you can also browse through a bunch of crafts and trinkets here since they source some of their personal care items and housewares from the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
To top it off, Village Goods is a fair trade store. This means that they only sell products that are sustainably and ethically traded so that customers can enjoy guiltless shopping!
ACE Coffee Roasters – West Ritchie
Address: 10055 80 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6E 1T4, Canada
Phone: 780-244-0223
Website
ACE Coffee Roasters is nestled in the quiet residential area of West Ritchie. It’s not as fancy as other shops in the neighborhood, but it’s the best place to shop for everything related to coffee.
From freshly roasted coffee grounds to top-notch coffee gear like espresso machines, grinders, and both electric and manual brewers – you’ll find them all here!
But if you’re just curious about coffee and want to dive deeper into the brewing world, we recommend attending one of their comprehensive classes like the Espresso Program, Breville Program, and Pourover Program.
Which Neighborhoods to Visit Near Ritchie
Strathcona
Strathcona is filled to the brim with Edmonton’s art and history. If you’re in Ritchie and want to see more of the city’s vibrant culture and nightlife, the nearest place you can explore is Whyte Avenue in Strathcona.
Downtown Edmonton
You can undoubtedly find the best bars and restaurants in Downtown Edmonton. With its central location and accessible transit service, getting around this neighborhood will not be a problem.
Visit Downtown Edmonton if you prefer to explore a lot of popular attractions in the city in one go.
Hazeldean
Hazeldean is a charming neighborhood that’s worth visiting, especially if you have a penchant for exploring natural attractions.
Since Hazeldeanis bordered by Argyl Park and the Mill Creek Ravine system, you can quickie access an array of trails and green spaces and try out different outdoor recreation.
Allendale
If you’re searching for a quiet escape from the buzz and traffic of Ritchie, consider visiting Allendale. It’s a small community with convenient access to beautiful parks where you can have cute picnics and leisurely walks.
Bonnie Doon
Bonnie Doon is also a nice neighborhood to explore if you’re the outdoorsy type. You see, it’s located next to the North Saskatchewan River and Mill Creek Ravine, so there’s plenty of opportunity for outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, camping, and fishing.
What to Expect from Ritchie Weather
Spring: From March to May, Ritchie experiences an average temperature that’s around 11°C to 18°C. However, spring in Ritchie can be pretty unpredictable, so we recommend searching for indoor activities that you can still enjoy even if it rains.
Summer: Summer is the prime time to discover what Ritchie can offer. From June to August, you can expect warm sunny days that are perfect for getting around the top attractions and festivals in the neighborhood.
Fall: Welcoming fall in Ritchie (September to November) isn’t as bad as people think. Even if the temperature can be quite chilly, you can just throw on your favorite sweater and enjoy the velvety goodness of some pumpkin spice latte.
Winter: Winter in Ritchie is bone-chillingly cold, but it’s certainly not boring. Even if the temperature drops to 20°C, you can still make the most of your visit by attending action-packed winter races and fast-paced hockey games.
Apps to Download for a Trip to Strathcona
Uber: Ridesharing, ridehailing, food delivery, etc.
iOs | Android
ETS Live To Go: Real-time info about bus routes
iOs | Android
Transit App: Live ETS schedule, step-by-step navigation
Transit App
MyEPark Edmonton Parking: Account for parking payment
iOs | Android
