NEIGHBOURHOOD SPOTLIGHT: KENSINGTON

Kensington

It’s fun. It’s accessible. It’s kind of whimsical.

Kensington is known for small, independent businesses. Despite being in the heart of the city, this neighbourhood feels like a village of friendly, outgoing characters with a few surprises along the way.

The district takes up eight blocks, creating two sides of a square. It’s easily accessible. From downtown, cross the Peace Bridge and walk or bike the 2km path along the beautiful Bow River. Rent an e-scooter to get there faster, or get off at the Sunnyside LRT stop. There is also plenty of parking if you’re arriving by car.

Walking around Kensington on a sunny day takes about an hour and a half, longer if you explore what the shops and stops have to offer. Try the self-guided art walk to take in the murals and projects throughout the neighbourhood, or test your puzzler with the Alberta Food Finder (p 23) app and try the scavenger hunt that explores the area and businesses.

The neighbourhood is home to some unique places. Plaza Theatre (p 20) is a refurbished vintage theatre with a speakeasy style bar that screens new and classic movies. Regal Cat Café (p 25) is a feline lover’s Kensington is a small business district located just north of downtown along the Bow River. This historic district has been around for more than 100 years, and it hosts some great small businesses in the city. It zips together the residential communities of Sunnyside and Hillhurst, giving the area the feeling of a small village in the heart of the city.

paradise. They serve hand-made coffee, tea, and desserts and they have adoptable cats to cuddle. Espresso Café (p 24) is a luxurious place to enjoy a coffee or a bite of French cuisine. Relax in the deep purple couches under the chandeliers.

Satisfy your sweet tooth with magical creations. Both Crave Cupcakes (p 24) and CHUNK’D (p 23) have brick-and-mortar locations in Kensington. Their delightful cupcakes and cookies are the perfect summer treat, and both places have a huge local following.

Kensington is also home to exclusive retail stores, including InGear (p 21), selling designer jewellery and unique gifts, and Kismet Clothing (p 21), with a boutique selection of clothing, jewellery, and accessories from Canadian designers. The Beehive (p 20) is a little yellow shop selling organic natural remedies, skincare products, and, of course, natural honey.

The Hidden Gem (p 21) is a popular attraction south of Calgary, but it’s made its way into the city. This year-round indoor market features numerous local artisans, handcrafts, and products, all under one roof. It’s the perfect way for boutique businesses to get into a storefront location while working together to help the community.

Hungry? Kensington is the place where foodies unite. There’s great fire-roasted pizza at Pulcinella Restaurant (p 25) or try something surprising, like dill pickle on pizza, at The Mash (p 25). The Pie Junkie (p 25) sells sweet and savoury pies. Take a handheld pie to enjoy on a picnic by the river or order something custom for an upcoming event. Bodega Restaurant (p 23) serves fusion Caribbean Cuisine or get some classic fried chicken from Chicken on the Way (p 23). Container Bar (p 24) turns an ugly and unused alleyway into a cool space, and Eat Crow (p 24) serves simple, uncomplicated, and tasty food.

Wet your whistle at a local watering hole, or take home some unique labels to enjoy later. Kensington Wine Market (p 21) has been around for 30 years, and they continue to bring the best wine, beer, and whisky to the area. Find exclusive labels at Urban Cellars (p 23) and enjoy their excellent customer service. Sip wine and fill up on a homemade, tapas style menu at Winebar Kensington (p 26), or simply enjoy the views of the Bow River and the Calgary skyline with a fine drink and delightful snack at Oxbow (p 25) in the Hotel Arts Kensington. This cozy restaurant is one of the best in Calgary.

Whether you’re enjoying a specialty coffee, taking in the sights from a sunny patio, finding a unique food or shopping experience, or just enjoying summer, there is something everyone will love in Kensington.

Calgary Summer Neighbourhoods

Beltline

Named after an early streetcar route, the Beltline neighbourhood is immediately south of downtown, along the Elbow River. This is one of the most densely populated areas in the city, and it’s a great spot for unique nightlife, restaurants, and urban culture.

Bowness

In the northwest, this neighbourhood is a former town that amalgamated with the City of Calgary in 1964, and is most well-known for Bowness Park. During the summer, the park is an excellent attraction with picnic sites, walking trails, mini golf, and serene views along the Bow River.

Bridgeland

Northeast of downtown, Bridgeland is known for excellent walkability, multiuse pathways, and attractions like the Wilder Institute/ Calgary Zoo (p 20) and TELUS Spark (p 20). Bridgeland is a must-see during summer in the city. The area is also known for restaurants, summer markets, and shopping.

Downtown

The heart of the city is centred around pedestrian-only Stephen Avenue. Visit downtown for the height of Calgary’s culture including world class restaurants, theatre companies, and the spectacular downtown library. Find all your shopping dreams from boutique shops to high end brands and the giant CORE Shopping Centre (p 21).

Inglewood

As the original main street for Calgary, Inglewood’s history runs deep. Today, it’s known as the arts district, and it’s home to galleries such as The Esker Foundation (p 17) and Circa Vintage Art (p 17). It’s also known for unique shopping with vintage finds, boutique businesses, interesting eateries, the night market, music venues, and festivals.

Marda Loop

In the southwest, this community is known for outdoor shopping and trendy, small, locally owned stores, coffee shops, and pubs. It also hosts the annual Marda Gras Street Festival (p 5). It’s the perfect place to spend the day strolling in the summer sunshine and seeing what this unique spot has to offer.

Oakridge

Located along the Glenmore Reservoir, Oakridge is a popular spot for summer recreation. There are boat docks, hiking trails, multi-use pathways, and all the sunshine and water you need for the perfect vacation. Take in those rays at Glenmore Park or learn about Calgary’s history from Heritage Park (p 18).

Ramsay

South of Inglewood, Ramsay is a fun, inner-city community that has revitalized its industrial roots to become a hub of culture. The neighbourhood is a mixture of housing, craft breweries, cafés, and art spaces, including the Burns Visual Arts Society (p 17), the oldest artists’ cooperative in Canada.