From the shops and restaurants of 17th Avenue to the live music venues of Inglewood, there is no better way to experience Calgary than to explore one of its neighbourhoods. Wander the best neighbourhoods in the city, meet the locals, and get an insider’s view into what makes Calgary such a vibrant place. Here’s what to expect when you explore some of Calgary’s most unique neighbourhoods.
Inglewood is Calgary’s original main street and has the history to prove it. Today, this historic neighbourhood is a bohemian paradise of unique shops, restaurants, and live music venues that are all part of the Music Mile. Neighbourhood favourites High Line Brewing, Cold Garden, and Ol' Beautiful make Inglewood a great place to grab a pint. Get an education in Japanese knives at Knifewear, try the wood fired rotisserie chicken at The Nash, the weekend brunch at Deane House, shop at the Inglewood Night Market, or take in big band swing or live jazz standards at Ironwood Stage & Grill and you will see why Inglewood was named the Best Neighbourhood in Canada in 2015.
Check out the Inglewood Neighbourhood Guide for more!
Bridgeland might be known as Little Italy but has gained a reputation as the breakfast capital of Calgary and features several hole-in-the-wall restaurants you just have to try. Head to 1st Avenue NE and become a fan of brunch with the organic, homegrown eggs served up at OEB Breakfast Co. and the Bridgeland Breakfast Sammy at Blue Star Diner. It’s always a good idea to get in line early for the legendary ramen at Shiki Menya – only a limited number are made each day – before you flip through the vinyl record collection at Lukes Drug Mart, a family run business since 1951.
Check out the Bridgeland Neighourhood Guide for more!
Lukes Drug Mart in Bridgeland
Take a stroll through Olympic Plaza in Downtown Calgary.
Snap a must-have Instagram shot at the Peace Bridge before you walk across the Bow River to Kensington, one of the most walkable neighbourhoods in Calgary. Locals can’t get enough of the organic, fair trade coffee at Higher Ground. Sweet treats at Crave Cupcakes are always a favourite or you can get some kitten cuddles and a hot drink at the Regal Cat Cafe.
Check out the Kensington Neighbourhood Guide for more!
Container Bar in Kensington
Discover a stretch of art galleries and contemporary furniture showrooms along 10th, 11th, and 12th Avenues SW that make up The Beltline community known as the design district. Start your day with breakfast at Monki and check out their massive hot sauce collection, take a walking tour of public art and make the Chinook Arc light up using your phone, or check out Re:Grub for stacked burgers and out of this world milkshake creations that will make it easy to see why there is a lineup out the door. Or check out Park by Sidewalk Citizen in beautiful Central Memorial Park.
Check out the Beltline Neighbourhood Guide for more!
Park by Sidewalk Citizen in the Beltline
What started as a French speaking community in the heart of Calgary has become a collection of trendy shops and restaurants along 4th Street in Calgary. 4th Street is home to vibrant flavours and restaurants for every taste, like the contemporary Mexican cuisine of Anejo. The neighbourhood shows its true colours each June with Lilac Festival, a celebration to shake off the winter blues and jump into spring.
4th Street SW in Mission
Multiculturalism comes to life in Calgary with a trip down International Avenue . Murals celebrating the history and diversity of the community can be found throughout the neighbourhood while the annual GlobalFest celebrates its international flare with a fireworks show that lights up the night sky each year. Tour international cuisine with Around the World Food Tours and taste flavours of the world along 35 blocks and five continents.
Check out the International Avenue Neighbourhood Guide for more!
17th Ave SW is the centre of Calgary’s nightlife and the ultimate place to see and be seen. Grab a pint at National on 17th, shop local with a huge collection of boutique retailers, watch some European football at the Ship and Anchor, and be sure to follow 17th Avenue to Cowboys Dance Hall for live concerts and dance party atmosphere that will get you dancing in no time. With hot restaurants and cool boutiques, "17th" as the locals call it, is where Calgary comes to play.
Check out the 17th Avenue Neighbourhood Guide for more!
Ricardo's Hideaway on 17th Avenue
Great views of the Bow River in the neighbourhood of Eau Claire.
River Cafe in Prince's Island Park
