guide-to-inglewood-in-calgary

I Felt Like I Travelled Back in Time in Inglewood, Calgary

Not to sound like a “pick me” gal but I’m a bit of an old soul. I’ve always been drawn to old movies, vintage clothes, 60s and 70’s music, and the like. Sometimes, I even feel like I was born at the wrong time—yep, I’m sappy like that sometimes.

But with my job, I’m always surrounded by gadgets and screens. While it’s great to binge on my favourite shows and scroll on my phone, sometimes I get sick of it all and feel my brain rot. I just want to time travel to the good ‘ol days when life was simpler.

That’s when my friends told me about Inglewood. They said it’s a hidden Calgary gem with lots of historic charm. So, I decided to escape modern society and indulge in this natural beauty—and I loved it! Here’s the travel guide I made so you can enjoy it too.

What is Inglewood in Calgary known for?

Inglewood is known for being the oldest neighbourhood in Calgary—it’s also among the coolest! It offers a bunch of charming restaurants, boutique shops, and historic landmarks to explore. 

Best Time to Go

Depending on your preference, the best time to go to Inglewood in Calgary is summer or spring. You can take advantage of the sunny or mild weather to enjoy plenty of outdoor attractions and activities.

Things to Know

Entry Fees: Most attractions in Inglewood are free to enter. Nevertheless, some specific activities, guided tours, or events come with fees.

Operating Hours: The hours depend on the spots you’re visiting. Most shops open around 10 am to 6 pm.

Parking: Since Inglewood is close to downtown and businesses, it offers many parking spaces. Street parking is also available throughout Inglewood’s main and adjacent side streets. 

Washroom: Public washrooms are available in most establishments, while some spots can only provide limited access.

Dogs: Dogs must be on leash in all public spaces in Inglewood unless there’s a posted sign that says otherwise. Do note that places like Inglewood Bird Sanctuary and Inglewood Wildlands don’t accommodate pets.

How to Get Around 

Trains: Go to the closest CTrain station, which is in downtown Calgary (City Hall or Bridgeland/Memorial stations). From there, it’s a short bus ride or walk to Inglewood.

Buses: Calgary Transit buses, like routes 1, 101, and 307 go to Inglewood. I recommend checking the schedules beforehand for updated timings.

Taxis: For me, taxis are the most convenient transport option! Uber or Lyft are good for direct trips to and around Inglewood.

Car: If road trips are your thing, there’s parking available on 9th Avenue SE or at specific attractions like the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary. Just mind the parking fees or restrictions there.

What to Do in Inglewood in Calgary

Tour the Historic Inglewood District

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As Calgary’s oldest community dating back to the late 1800s, Inglewood showcases a classic aesthetic, so I say give it a nice tour! It’s got some interesting history and lovely heritage buildings I reckon you shouldn’t miss.

Just by walking along the street, you’ll find numerous architectural gems from the Victorian and Edwardian eras to early 20th-century buildings! You’ll also see a bunch of boutiques, cafes, bistros, live music venues, and art galleries. 

To get a more detailed view of its history, I recommend joining a heritage walking tour. In my opinion, Inglewood totally gives off a colourful vibe that you can’t find in many modern streets today. 

Explore the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary

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Website: https://www.calgary.ca/parks/inglewood-bird-sanctuary.html 

Address: Inglewood Wildlands, 2425 9 Ave SE

Are you a bird enthusiast? If so, you’ll find many beautiful winged creatures like magpies and woodpeckers at the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary! This place has been providing migratory birds a haven since 1929—that’s over 8 decades of conservation!

I believe you won’t run out of enchanting birds to look at since there are 270 species of them here. But if you’re a wildlife enthusiast in general, there are 21 mammal species and 347 plant species to see as well—good luck spotting them all at once!

Just keep in mind to stay on the designated rails for your safety. Also, remember to keep it clean and don’t disturb or feed the animals (no matter how tempting!).

Stroll along the Bow River Pathway

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If you’re looking for a romantic date idea, the Bow River Pathway is the palace to be. It’s among the signature walking, biking, and running spots here. It’s got 48 kilometres of paved path along and around the river, connecting to several parks and trails. 

And since this pathway extends to around 47 kilometres, I bet you only need to walk around 5 to 8 kilometres to complete your 10,000 steps for the day!

I think its serene vibe offers a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors—you can bask in the picturesque river views and the downtown skyline! I also suggest having a nice picnic at the tables, green lawns, or sitting areas to make the most of it.

Marvel at Art at the Esker Foundation

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Website: http://www.eskerfoundation.com/ 

Address: 1011 9 Ave SE 4th Floor

Contact Details: +1 403 930 2490, [email protected] 

Want a feast for the eyes? Esker Foundation is a modern art gallery that offers several exhibitions and a lovely view of the downtown skyline. I love that it offers free admission as well!

Some of its exhibits are about topics like racial myths and plant cuttings. At times, it even features the work of high school students! On top of that, it offers many programs about arts and crafts, like making honey and chandeliers.

If you’re in the area and feel a bit lost, I say just look around and find the building with the wavery roof to find this art hub.

Chill at the Inglewood Community Centre

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Inglewood provides a wonderful mix of nature, food, history, and the arts. But sometimes, wandering around can be exhausting after a long day. To cap off your exploration, the Inglewood Community Centre is a great place to rest!

It’s located adjacent to the community hall. This park has playgrounds with swings, slides, and climbing structures, as well as lots of green space. Conveniently, you’ll get access to washrooms when the hall or skate shack is open as well.

Where to Eat in Inglewood

Madi’s

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Website: http://www.madisons1212.com/ 

Address: 1212 9 Ave SE

Contact Details: +1 403 452 4970, [email protected] 

Pricing: $$

Did you skip breakfast? In my book, Madi’s is the best spot to start the day at Inglewood! It provides a menu focused on brekkie food, nachos, and build-your-own poke bowls in a modern, rustic setting.

This place has among the biggest nacho selections I’ve seen in the community. My favourites are the lobster, mushroom and truffle, and Korean nachos. The apple pie nachos for dessert is a pleasant surprise for me as well!

To save some bucks, I suggest stopping by during its “Appy Hours” to get 25% off on appetizers. This is every 2 to 3 pm on weekdays, 3 to 5 pm on weekends, and late nights daily from 9 pm onwards. This doesn’t apply to the lobster nachos, though.

The Nash

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Website: http://www.thenashyyc.com/ 

Address: 925 11 St SE

Contact Details: +1 403 984 3365, [email protected] 

Pricing: $$$

The Nash is a restaurant bar set in a former 1900s hotel. It’s a chic dining spot that serves many inventive dishes and cocktails.

From the get-go, I say get your hands on the pork belly and signature burger! As for dessert, try the Nash-made macarons or the triple chocolate torte too. Plus, there are skilled mixologists who can craft you a special drink—my pick is the Vigilante cocktail!

And if you want a special dining experience for a birthday or anniversary, I recommend going to the Sunday Supper. This provides a 3-course, chef-curated menu with a new menu every week.

The Dirty Duck

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Website: http://www.dirtyduckpub.ca/ 

Address: 1336 9 Ave SE

Contact Details: +1 403 233 7574

Pricing: $$

Looking for a place to hang with your crew? The Dirty Duck is a casual English tavern in a century-old building where you can drink all night! It offers pub grub, happy hour, and pool tables to keep everyone entertained.

I love the cheese and “Three Little Pigs” pizzas here. But if you want, you can also make your own! You can select up to 3 toppings (from quite a long list), so I believe you’ll get the perfect flavour in no time. Don’t forget a cold pint of beer with that too!

And for dessert? No one actually knows—because it changes all the time! Just ask the server about the chef’s latest decadent delight and I bet you’ll be in for a pleasant surprise. Alternatively, there are various boozy dessert coffees to try as well.

Deane House

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Website: http://www.deanehouse.com/ 

Address: 806 9 Ave SE

Contact Details: +1 403 264 0595, [email protected] 

Pricing: $$$

Feeling fancy with your girls? Deane House is a sophisticated pick, offering seasonal Canadian cuisine. It’s set in a historic riverside home with a garden with live jazz, so I believe you’ll get plenty of opportunities to take Instagram-worthy photos and stories.

For the mains, I recommend the grilled organic chicken breast or the halibut. I think the fresh-shucked oysters make the dining experience extra luxurious too! Dessert-wise, I think the Opera Cheesecake with cherry “caviar” is worth a try.

When it’s chilly outside, I appreciate that the staff will turn on the gas heaters—they can even provide you with blankets! For me, you don’t get to find a refined yet comfy place like this every day.

Inglewood Drive In

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Website: http://www.inglewooddrivein.com/ 

Address: 802 12 Street SE

Contact Details: +1 403 265 5198

Pricing: $

Don’t have the time to sit around and eat? Inglewood Drive In is a no-frills stop serving a bunch of classic fast food to make your explorations more efficient.

I suggest fueling up with the tasty Angus beef burgers, as well as French fries or crispy onion rings. I also like the thick milkshakes, but you can always get juice or tea for a less sweeter option. 

Also, I feel you shouldn’t miss the creamy vanilla soft serve or tangy Dole Whip for a delightful treat before you drive away! I bet the kids and kids at heart would love them.

Where to Shop around Inglewood

Lemonceillo Home & Gift

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Website: https://www.lemonceillo.com/ 

Address: 1223 9 Ave SE

Contact Details: +1 403 475 8442

Searching for a souvenir or a gift? Lemonceillo Home & Gift is a handy spot in Inglewood that offers an amazing selection of unique, high-quality items. 

This local boutique has home decor, kitchen and bathroom essentials, scented candles, artisanal goods, animal figurines, artsy notebooks, and the like. In my view, many of these are colourful and beautifully designed!

But if you can’t take home everything you like here (since there’s a lot to love), I recommend using the shop’s delivery services instead.

The Peacock Boutique Consignment

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Website: http://www.peacockboutique.ca/ 

Address: 1218C 9 Ave SE

Contact Details: +1 403 452 5009

The Peacock Boutique Consignment specializes in used women’s clothes from mid- to high-end brands. Some of these are my personal favourites—Zara, Levi’s, Lululemon, and Anthropologie. 

Here, you can find business wear, capsule wardrobe (versatile pieces), seasonal items, and more! Even if the clothes are secondhand, I feel there’s no need to worry about stains, rips, or fading because everything goes through a thorough selection process.

You can drop off your own clothes here too (just 1 large bag at a time)! If your item sells, you get 40% of the revenue. And the good thing is, if your item is left unsold, it can still be donated to a local charitable organization with your go signal.

Kent Of Inglewood Calgary

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Website: http://www.kentofinglewood.com/ 

Address: 1316 9 Ave SE #100B

Contact Details: +1 403 457 1595

When was the last time you bought a knife? Kent Of Inglewood Calgary is a knife store where you can find a bunch of sharp essentials in one place. 

This typically includes fish filleting knives for precision and flexibility, fixed-blade knives for hunting, and folding knives for portability and everyday safety. There are also shaving sets, axes and hatchets, bucksaws and folding saws, and so on. 

I find it handy that you can get these tools sharpened in this shop as well! Should you want to take it a step further, consider taking its sharpening and shaving classes too!

Blush Lane Organic Market Bridgeland

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Website: http://www.blushlane.com/ 

Address: 617 Meredith Rd NE

Contact Details: +1 587 393 4041, [email protected] 

Blush Lane Organic Market Bridgeland is a natural goods store where you can get fresh fruits, vegetables, milk, bread, and meat, as well as a bunch of dry goods. 

I love that there are gluten-free and dairy-free foods here as well! Moreover, you can replenish your vitamins and supplements to complete your health checklist.

Many products here are also a dollar or two cheaper than those of other stores in town! I believe you can save more, especially when buying in bulk for big family picnics or restocking your fridge.

Where to Stay around Inglewood

HI Calgary City Centre

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Website: https://hihostels.ca/en/destinations/alberta/hi-calgary 

Address: 520 7 Ave SE

Contact Details: +1 403 269 8239, +1 866 762 4122 (toll-free), +1 778 328 2220, [email protected]

Pricing: $

Book Now

HI Calgary City Centre is a 2-star accommodation just a 4-minute walk from a light rail station—great for commuters on the go! This minimalist hostel is designed for simplicity and functionality which I think is ideal for budget travellers.

It offers basic mixed and single-sex dorms with bunk beds and lockers, as well as reading lights and shared bathrooms. I think this is also good for small families since its family rooms can cater to up to 5 people. The free amenities include a game room too!

Moreover, it’s a 12-minute walk from both the Calgary Tower and Fort Calgary which seems very handy for history buffs and casual explorers.

Inglewood Bed and Breakfast

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Website: http://www.inglewoodbedandbreakfast.com/ 

Address: 1006 8 Ave SE

Contact Details: +1 403 262 6570

Pricing: $$

Book Now

If classic aesthetics are your thing, you might just love Inglewood Bed and Breakfast. It’s set in a Victorian-style home near the Bow River, which I feel sets a very chic vibe.

This haven provides all the basics, with 3 casual classic rooms, en suite bathrooms, TVs, minifridges, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

In addition, this bed and breakfast is 0.5 kilometres from Fort Calgary and 1.6 kilometres from the Calgary Stampede. I believe this is convenient if you want to wander about.

Tips When Visiting Inglewood

Now that you’re in the know about this old yet timeless community, here are a couple of tips to make your travel more seamless:

Visit during festivals.
While there’s a lot to see here during regular days, you can maximize your trip if you time it during special events. For example, check out the stylish Inglewood Sunfest in the summer or the chill Glow Fest in the winter!

Prep for weather changes.
The weather can change quickly in the city, so it’s smart to prepare ahead. If you’re spending a lot of time outdoors, I recommend dressing in layers, wearing a windbreaker, bringing an umbrella, or reapplying sunscreen when needed.

Plan for parking.
Parking can be a challenge in this busy community, so it’s best to arrive early at your preferred spots. Alternatively, I suggest using public transport or rideshares for a more convenient day.

Try new foods or flavours.
Some Inglewood dining spots serve very creative or quirky takes on traditional dishes. Why not look for dishes with wild game meats or experimental sweets for a totally new experience?

Save energy for evening strolls.
While there’s a lot to do during the day, I believe Inglewood is even more stunning at night—I say don’t skip walking around the gorgeously-lit streets and cozy spots. I think this is also perfect for an evening coffee, decaf drink, or tea!
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