Whyte Avenue is a high-capacity urban road situated within the historic district of Old Strathcona. It’s part of a 40-kilometer (25-mile) continuous roadway in the south-central part of Edmonton.
Aside from being an important and iconic street, it’s also a place that showcases Edmonton’s arts and cultural community. Check out this simple guide to Whyte Avenue.
What You’ll See in Whyte Avenue
People in Edmonton also know Whyte Avenue as 82 Avenue.
However, the street is actually named after the superintendent of the Canadian Pacific Railway’s western division knighted by King George V in 1911.
This street is in the south-central part of the city, so it’s a hub for various entertainments and activities. Here are some of them.
Whyte Avenue Art Walk
The Whyte Avenue Art Walk is a traditional pop-up event that features a 4-kilometer (3-mile) stretch of art supplies, paintings, sculptures, sketches, and other unique art collections.
Since it’s like an outdoor art gallery, you can purchase artworks directly from over 500 undiscovered artists.
Whether you attended an art school or want to share your works, you can exhibit your pieces here. You see, the event is open to everyone!
Beercade
This place is perfect for you if you have a penchant for retro arcade games, craft beer, or burgers. Moreover, it’s also a good spot for a birthday bash or event because you can book the whole place.
Beercade offers a wide variety of craft brews and drinks. Whether you prefer draught beers, cocktails, or hard liquors, they have it in store for you.
If you don’t want to be drunk while exploring over 100 arcade games, you can also opt for non-alcoholic drinks.
Various Dining Options
If you fancy going on a gastronomic adventure with your friends, Whyte Avenue will not disappoint you.
For example, if you’re looking for a casual spot to enjoy an impressive list of burgers and beers, visit The Next Act pub. Alternatively, if you prefer to relish a steak tartare and some fancy wine, you can go to Ampersand 27.
Nonetheless, if you’re craving other cuisines, you can check out our listicles about the best restaurants around Edmonton.
- Best Italian restaurants
- Best German restaurants
- Best Mexican restaurants
- Best Japanese restaurants
- Best Korean restaurants
- Best Vietnamese restaurants
- Best seafood restaurants
- Best chicken restaurants
Vibrant Nightlife
Whyte Avenue is in the heart of Old Strathcona, which features the city’s vibrant and bustling cultural scene (especially at night).
If you enjoy cocktails with live music and bands, go downtown and visit Blues on Whyte, Empress Ale House, or the Backdaught Pub.
However, if you prefer a spiffed-up version of clubs where you can literally dance your night away, you can go bar-hopping! Some of the dance clubs in the area are Suite 69, Krobar, and Y Afterhours.
Note that even though there are parking spots nearby, the street can be a bit busy on the weekends so it might be best to book a taxi service instead.
Thrift Shops and Vintage Shops
Whyte Avenue is not just a street for night owls and party lovers. It also features a range of shopping opportunities.
If you want to buy souvenirs, visit the independent and vintage clothing shops on Whyte Avenue.
Whether you’re looking for bohemian clothing, shoes, home decor, or funky specialty items, you can easily find them all. Locals recommend the shops on 102 Street up to 107 Street.