Five Calgary inner-city communities to visit this spring

Sometimes people that live outside of Calgary think our city consists of cowboys and ranching. While that can be said for at least part of the year — we’re looking at you Calgary Stampede — the city is actually full of cool communities, unique events, and a dynamic variety of subcultures. One just needs to take a trip to one of the city’s trendier communities to find a wide variety of local shopping, food, drink, and nightlife not to mention cool markets and shops. Here are a few of our favourite neighbourhoods that just seem to have everything you need on a weekend.

Kensington: Located off the Sunnyside LRT, Kensington has always been a hub of interest that draws people from all quadrants of the city with its variety of shops and restaurants. You can take a walk along the river, nerd out at Another Dimension Comics, check out the tees and patches at Charisma, or grab some food and drink at one of the many restaurants in the area.

Marda Loop: Located off Crowchild Trail SW, Marda Loop is a community that has grown a lot over the years. With 150 different businesses and regular community events, there’s always something for everyone to enjoy. Check out the classic Belmont Diner, grab a brewski at the Marda Loop Brewing Company, or head into the neighbourhood and visit My Favourite Ice Cream Shop while walking your dog.

Inglewood: Calgary’s original main street, Inglewood has been a part of this city since 1875. Since then, it has become a hotspot in Calgary for live music, art, and is known as having some of the most well-known restaurants and breweries in the city. With Revival Brewcade and Cold Garden, the Ironwood and Recordland, as well as all the historic architecture to look at, it’s easy to spend an entire day exploring the area.

East Village: East Village calls itself Calgary at its most dynamic and creative. Located at the eastern edge of downtown, East Village offers plenty to do for the whole family, especially since it’s located right along the river. East Village has the crossroads playground, and in the summer you can often catch people rollerblading or walking their dogs. Did we mention the Central Public Library and Studio Bell anchor this community?

Mission: Technically known as Cliff-Bungalow Mission, this community manages to capture some of Calgary’s history while bringing it into a new age. Located south of 17th Ave between 4th St SW and 1st St SE, Mission also lines the Elbow River. So, while it’s easy to get out for a day along the river for a jog or an easy outdoors walk, Mission also offers a place for people to try different kinds of foods with quirky shops mixed in.

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