Monday, 5 September 2022

Neighbourhood spotlight: East Village, Calgary

Each month we will highlight a fascinating residential neighbourhood of one of Canada’s iconic cities. Get to know the communities, under-the-radar eateries and hidden parks that contribute to the unique personality of any great city. This month, read on to discover East Village in Calgary, Alberta.

Neighbourhood: East Village, Calgary, Alberta

Location within city: Eastern part of downtown

What makes it great: East Village is known for riverside pathways that meander along the Bow River, as well as heritage buildings, urban parks, and an innovative public arts program.

Slice of history: The King Edward Hotel (“The King Eddy”) was built in the early 1900s on Calgary’s Whiskey Row, gradually evolving into the Home of the Blues, where legends like Buddy Guy and Jeff Healey performed. In 2014, the building was restored as part of Studio Bell. Today, The King Eddy is a live music venue and home to local radio station CKUA.

Local eats: The Simmons Building, formerly a mattress factory, now houses three Calgary-founded eateries – Phil & Sebastian Coffee Roasters, charbar, and Sidewalk Citizen Bakery.

Cool activity: Take a cruise along some of the most extensive urban pathways in North America (stretching 1,000 kilometres) with an e-bike rental from Bow Cycle e-Bikes.

Local ambassador:
John Jackson and Connie DeSousa, local restaurateur duo, own two locally loved restaurants in East Village: charbar and CHIX Eggshop.

Afternoon itinerary: Have lunch at the Simmons Building (if visiting in late spring or summer, head straight to the Rooftop Bar). Walk to the Central Library and visit the short story dispenser – a “vending machine” that prints short reads on receipt paper. Pick up a treat from award-winning chocolatier cochu, then continue to Studio Bell and explore five floors of exhibitions that tell the story of music in Canada. End with a stroll over the George C. King pedestrian bridge to St. Patrick’s Island – a hike up the hill rewards with panoramic city views.

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