Your Route: for The Foodies
Exploring a city's culinary landscape requires seamless transitions between distinctive neighborhoods, the Edmonton Explorer allows you to focus entirely on the flavors rather than the logistics of getting there. For gastronomy enthusiasts and refined travelers utilizing the Matrix Hotel and surrounding area as their basecamp, connecting to Edmonton's most celebrated dining establishments is an effortless and scenic endeavor.
With your Edmonton Explorer ticket, you unlock exclusive dining privileges while entirely eliminating the stress of navigating traffic or securing parking in busy restaurant districts. By simply presenting your valid digital Edmonton Explorer ticket, guests receive an exclusive 20% savings on culinary experiences at our esteemed partner establishments, Loft 106 and Ampersand 27, provided the ticket is active on the day of your dining. Our 1920s-inspired trolleys serve as your elegant connection between these farm-to-table bistros, independent artisanal cafes, and riverside lounges. Review the curated route below, step aboard right outside your hotel, and let our hosts beautifully frame your dining experiences.
This relaxed itinerary is ideally suited for a 24-hour ticket, or serves as a wonderfully distinct culinary excursion during a 72-hour stay.
Your Route: Culinary Journey Through Edmonton
This curated 24-hour itinerary connects guests from the Matrix Hotel and surround areas to Edmonton's distinct culinary districts, pairing independent cafe explorations with exclusive 20% dining privileges at Ampersand 27 and Loft 106, before concluding with a relaxing riverside afternoon.
Breakfast & Culinary Storytelling
Start your morning with a fantastic breakfast at Ampersand 27, located seamlessly within the Matrix Hotel. Be sure to present your digital Edmonton Explorer ticket to unlock an exclusive 20% dining privilege on your meal before stepping outside to begin your journey. Board your 1920s-style trolley directly at the Matrix Hotel at 9:46 AM for a highly scenic ride, arriving at the vibrant 124th Street hub at 10:11 AM. Enjoy a generous 1.5-hour window exploring the boutique food markets and artisanal coffee shops that line this celebrated district.
The Farm-to-Table Lunch
A seamless transition across the river valley for an award-winning afternoon dining experience. Continue your culinary exploration by boarding your next vehicle at 124 St & 109A Ave at 11:41 AM. Relax during a quick 12-minute ride across the magnificent North Saskatchewan River, alighting at the Whyte Ave - 107 St hub at 11:53 AM. You have a wonderful 1.5-hour window to immerse yourself in historic Old Strathcona. Take a short stroll directly to Ampersand 27 within the Varscona Hotel, where you can once again utilize your digital pass to enjoy beautifully crafted, award-winning farm-to-table dishes.
Riverside Bites & Afternoon Relaxation
Descend into the lush river valley for peaceful waterfront views and local craft refreshments. Step back aboard the trolley from Whyte Ave at 1:23 PM to glide gracefully down into the river valley. Alight at the Edmonton Riverboat stop at 1:48 PM. Spend a peaceful 1.5-hour window relaxing by the water. This is the ideal moment to soak in the afternoon sun while seeking out local craft drinks or enjoying light riverside snacks before the evening begins.
Urban Scenic Ride & Dinner
A rolling tour of the downtown core concluding with an unforgettable evening meal. Catch the 3:18 PM trolley directly from the river valley for a continuous, highly scenic 28-minute ride back up into the city core. Enjoy a fantastic rolling tour right through the bustling Ice District at 3:34 PM. You will alight seamlessly back at your Matrix Hotel launch point at 3:46 PM. Take your time to freshen up in your room, then head back down to Loft 106 for a spectacular dinner, utilizing your digital Edmonton Explorer ticket to enjoy a final 20% culinary privilege to cap off a beautifully curated day.
