Inglewood is a historic Calgary neighbourhood just east of the Elbow River and its confluence with the Bow. The neighbourhood is home to local shops, cafes, and restaurants centering around 9th Avenue SE until it reaches Blackfoot Trail.
While I spend less time in Inglewood than Kensington, I have found a few favourite shops, restaurants, and activities here over the years. This guide details my recommendations along with a savable map that you can add to your own Google account to help you plan your itinerary, whether you’re visiting Calgary or looking for ways to explore more of your hometown.
What’s in this guide?
- Where to Eat in Inglewood
- Local Shops and Boutiques
- Cafes You Need to Try
- Arts, Culture, and History in Inglewood
- City Parks and Nature Walks In and Around Inglewood
- My Map of Inglewood
Where to Eat in Inglewood
There is no shortage of places to eat in Inglewood, no matter what cuisine you’re craving. Most recently, I visited Mumbai Bites, an Indian restaurant that serves dishes inspired by the street food of Mumbai. We ordered the pav bhaji, paneer tikka masala, and garlic naan and everything was delicious.
During the Inglewood Night Market season earlier this year, we also stopped by the new Brooklyn Dumpling Shop location near 10th Street. Open until 11:00 pm (midnight on weekends), it’s a great spot for a late night snack. I also loved Norley’s Authentic Colombian Street Food, just east of 12th Street.
Inglewood is also known for some long-time establishments that have Calgarians driving in from across the city. From the Spolumbo‘s flagship location to the Inglewood Drive In, Calgary holds tight to their favourite haunts.
For those craving classic pub fare, The Hose & Hound offers a chance to dine in a historic 1906 firehouse. If you’re interested in a more elevated, but still historic experience, try lunch, dinner, or afternoon tea at the Deane House.
If you’re looking for Asian flavours, Kups offers take-out style Korean fried chicken, beef bulgogi, and other bowls, while Tori Bar offers a full sensory dining experience with the customary small plates of a Japanese yakitori bar.
For those on a plant-based diet, Vegan Street and Canela Vegan Bakery offer some of the most highly-praised vegan food in the city, situated on 9th Avenue between 12th and 14th Street.
Local Shops and Boutiques
I love walking around Inglewood, even just to window shop. There are so many unique shops you can’t find many other places around the city. From STASH, a fiber artist’s paradise, to Moonstone Creation a hub of Indigenous arts and goods, there is plenty for crafters and artists to enjoy. The area is also home to various vintage and consignment shops, like Hello Vintage Inglewood, the Peacock Boutique, and Recordland Limited.
I also enjoy checking out the goods in Faire Living, Lemonceillo Home & Gift, and Boft Fine Rugs, each focused on different types of home goods, many of which are handmade.
Last, but certainly not least on my list of shops to see in Inglewood is The Next Page. This independent bookstore is a book-lovers dream come true. From the floor to ceiling shelves with a sliding ladder to the used books downstairs, there is plenty of items to browse. Grab a coffee and wander the store. They also have strong support for Canadian authors!
Cafes You Need to Try
There are a number of cute cafes to stop in along 9th Avenue. Cafe Gravity is a local favourite located beside Lina’s Italian Piazza on 10th Street. The cafe is locally and family-owned, and the original of three locations around the city. It is also the location which hosts music events periodically.
Rosso Coffee Roasters, a Calgary-origin roastery, also has a location in Inglewood. They have quality coffees, non-coffee beverages, and beans for sale, along with other related items like Drizzle Honey.
For those who (like me) prefer tea to coffee, Oolong Tea Shop has their second location in Inglewood. From steeped teas and tea lattes to loose leaf teas, mugs, and other tea-related items, Oolong is a must-stop spot for every tea lover. I just love being in here and smelling all the tea varieties they have available!
Last on my list is Good News Coffee. This corner coffee shop just off 17th Avenue (near the 9th Avenue intersection) offers a variety of beverages, including Vietnamese lattes, Italian soda, tea lattes, and, of course, all your traditional coffee favourites. They also serve breakfast croissants, avocado toasts, and flatbreads.
Arts, Culture, and History in Inglewood
The Inglewood neighbourhood stands on the east side of the Elbow River, right where it joins the Bow. This landmark has been known for countless years before Europeans settled the area, referred to as Mohkinstsis by the Blackfoot people. As European expansion continued westward, Fort Calgary was established here as an outpost of the North-West Mounted Police in 1875.
Today, the area is known as the Confluence Historic Site & Parkland, renamed in 2024 to expand the narrative of the area and include the diverse histories of the land. The site hosts regular events, from small workshops to large Canada Day celebrations and even music festivals.
Other important historic sites around the area include the Stewart Livery Stable, the Fletchers Elevator, and the Hunt House. Inglewood is also home to various statues and sculptures, such the Bronze Bison and the Circle of Life.
If you’re looking for more contemporary artwork, check out the Esker Foundation. This free art gallery frequently updates their exhibitions, so you can return again and again. Those interested in purchasing pieces will enjoy the Collectors’ Galley of Art, which represents established contemporary and historical Canadian artists.
Finally, check out the Ironwood Stage & Grill. With multiple live music events every week, the Ironwood remains a hub for local and emerging artists. Grab dinner or just a drink and enjoy the set.
City Parks and Nature Walks In and Around Inglewood
Sitting right on the edge of two rivers, Inglewood has plenty of nearby natural spaces and walking pathways to explore. From the Pearce Estates Park to the east, to St. Patrick’s Island to the north, and the riverwalk and the Confluence Historic Site to the west, you can find nature in nearly any direction.
During the summer, I’ve enjoyed walking from Pearce Estates, west along the Bow River until you reach the Confluence/Mohkinstsis View Point. From there you can cross the Elbow River, continuing upriver until the George C. King Bridge, where you cross into St. Patrick’s Island and circle back, or join with 9th Avenue and grab a bite in Inglewood.
My Map of Inglewood
See the map of my recommended locations below. Star the map to save it to your own Google account for easy itinerary building.
Inglewood sounds like a perfect mix of food, local shops, cozy cafés, and history. Love that you included a savable map too—super handy for both visitors and locals wanting to explore more.