Distant view of Edmonton City Hall near Varscona Hotel on Whyte

Things to Do in Edmonton

Discover the Historic Old Strathcona District

Varscona is situated on Whyte Avenue in the historic Old Strathcona district of Edmonton, Alberta. We are among some of the Edmonton’s best and local restaurants, boutiques, cafes and unique shops. The area is known for its intimate entertainment venues, theatres and festivals including North America's largest Fringe Theatre Festival. 

When planning what to do during your stay in Edmonton, our hotel staff will be happy to recommend popular attractions and things to both near the hotel on Whyte Ave and throughout Edmonton.

Alberta Legislature Grounds near Metterra Hotel on Whyte

Alberta Legislature Grounds

Experience the 23 hectares of parkland and the historical monuments that make up the Legislature as we know it today.

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Distant view of Sir Winston Churchill Square near Metterra Hotel on Whyte

Edmonton City Hall

City Hall is an Edmonton landmark, the home of our civic leadership and a gathering place for the community.

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Exterior view of Royal Alberta Museum near Varscona Hotel on Whyte

Royal Alberta Museum

The Royal Alberta Museum is a museum of natural history and anthropology.

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Exterior of Art Gallery of Alberta near Varscona Hotel on Whyte

Art Gallery of Alberta

The Art Gallery of Alberta (AGA) is the only museum in the province strictly devoted to the exhibition and preservation of art and visual culture.

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Exterior of Shaw Conference Centre near Metterra Hotel on Whyte

Shaw Conference Centre

The Shaw Conference Centre is Edmonton`s premiere convention centre, an iconic place where people gather to learn, innovate, trade and celebrate.

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Font view of Rogers Place near Metterra Hotel on Whyte

Rogers Place

Rogers Place is home ice for the NHL's Edmonton Oilers and WHL's Edmonton Oil Kings, and the epicentre of live entertainment in Edmonton.

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Two Girls cycling on 4th Street Promenade near Varscona Hotel on Whyte

4th Street Promenade

A sophisticated neighbourhood in the heart of Edmonton that offers an urban atmosphere in which you can admire the arts, fine food, and unique boutiques.

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124 Street logo image used near Varscona Hotel on Whyte

124 Street

The 124 Street area is one of Edmonton’s most vibrant shopping districts, and is home to some of the city’s finest restaurants, boutiques and galleries.

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Exterior of Edmonton City Center near Varscona Hotel on Whyte

Edmonton City Centre

Edmonton City Centre is your downtown destination of choice for shopping, dining and enjoying Edmonton's urban centre.

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Logo of The Marc Restaurant near Varscona Hotel on Whyte

The Marc Restaurant

Traditional bistro fare. Honest, fresh and satisfying. The vibe is knowingly casual, but a smooth professionalism underpins service.

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Logo of a Corso 32 Restaurant near Varscona Hotel on Whyte

Corso 32

An intimate 34-seat restaurant located in the heart of downtown Edmonton. Corso employs local and seasonal ingredients to interpret traditional Italian dishes.

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Logo of The Common Pub near Varscona Hotel on Whyte

The Common

The Common is a gastro-lounge where typical pub and comfort foods are elevated to uncommon heights.

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The landscape view of River Valley near Metterra Hotel on Whyte

River Valley

As the largest urban park in Canada, with more than 160 kilometres of maintained pathways and 20 major parks, the River Valley is a natural wonder for all Edmontonians to be proud of.

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People in Sir Winston Churchill Square near Varscona Hotel on Whyte

Sir Winston Churchill Square

Churchill Square is a great place to enjoy a relaxing lunch break, take a stroll with family and friends, or watch world-class performances and festivals year-round.

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Old Strathcona Farmer’s Market near Metterra Hotel on Whyte

Old Strathcona Farmer’s Market

Edmonton's biggest indoor year round farmers' market. Fresh from the farm to your family!

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Logo of Have Mercy dining & bar near Metterra Hotel on Whyte

Have Mercy Southern Table & Bar

Where we eat good food, drink booze, and talk loud! Delicious Southern food, wonderful whiskeys, craft cocktails and live entertainment in a honky-tonk just steps off Whyte Avenue! Have Mercy!

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Close-up of Mexican foods served at Metterra Hotel on Whyte

El Cortez Mexican Kitchen + Tequila Bar

El Cortez specializes in modern Latin food and tequila. Located just off Whyte Avenue, El Cortez Mexican Kitchen + Tequila Bar is a creative combination of arresting décor, culinary arts, fine tequila and craft cocktails.

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Logo of Fringe Theater Adventures near Metterra Hotel on Whyte

Fringe Theatre Adventures

Fringe Theatre Adventures produces the Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival, present a theatre arts season through Arts at the Barns, and operate and manage the ATB Financial Arts Barns.

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Logo of The Old Strathcona near Metterra Hotel on Whyte

Old Strathcona

Finding the perfect outfit at a chic boutique, sipping and socializing on a summer patio and enjoying world-class festivals, entertainment and live music are just a few of the incredible experiences that you will have in Old Strathcona and on Whyte Avenue.

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The High-Level Bridge Streetcar near Metterra Hotel on Whyte

High Level Bridge Streetcar

The High Level Bridge Streetcar route from the Alberta Arts Barn (Gateway Boulevard and 84 Ave) to Jasper Plaza (109 Street and 100 Ave) between May and October each year.

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Sign of University of Alberta near Metterra Hotel on Whyte

University of Alberta

Aspiring to be a great 21st century research and teaching institution, the U of A aims to uplift leaders of tomorrow by creating a learning and research environment that is similar to and competitive with the world’s finest universities.

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Crowded area in William Hawrelak Park near Metterra Hotel on Whyte

William Hawrelak Park

William Hawrelak Park is a 68 hectare park in the river valley featuring a 5 hectare lake and open grassy areas.

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