Guide: 8 underrated gems to check out in Kensington this summer
Photo via Travel AlbertaPhoto via @hsca.farmersmarketPhoto via @containerbaryycphoto via @carolynscottphoto InstagramPhoto via @behindthesuePhoto via Kensington YYCPhoto via @xdrella InstagramPhoto via @hotelartskensCuriocity Group Inc.
Aaahh, summer. How we’ve ached for your long, warm, lingering days. To make the most of the season we’ve teamed up with our good pals at Hotel Arts Kensington to bring you our fave things to do in Kensington this summer.
Once known as the Riverside Inn, the rebranded Hotel Arts Kensington overlooks the Bow River and reflects the downtown skyscrapers off the glass panes. You’re bound to have passed this quaint building on Memorial Drive (and if you haven’t, do you even live in Calgary?). The hotel is also home to Oxbow Restaurant, serving up uncomplicated foods with an imaginative take. We hope our guide will help you discover Kensington this summer.
Shop and Support Local
Need some fresh produce for dinner tonight? Or maybe flowers for a special someone? During the summer, local farmers and artisans set up shop outside the Hillhurst Community Centre. You’ll be able to pick up an array of items while enjoying live music. Since it’s located right next to Riley Park, pick up snacks and have a cute picnic while soaking in some rays!
Where: Hillhurst Community Centre
When: Wednesday 3-7pm
Cost: Free
Chill In A Shipping Container
Recycling is cool. Which, by proxy, makes Container Bar cool. Not only because it’s Calgary’s first and only fully recycled alley patio, but also because they serve up ingenious cocktails and delish food from Brasserie Kensington.
Where: Container Bar
When: Mon 4pm-10pm, Tues, Wed, Sun: 11:30am-10pm, Thrus 11:30am-11pm, Fri,Sat 11:30am-12am
LimeBike Along The River
One of the best things about Kensington is its location and proximity to the Bow River pathway. LimeBike’s recent launch makes it easy to experience all the goodies lined up along the river. Hop on a bike and ride to the Soldiers’ Memorial and over the Peace Bridge!
Where: Download the app for a map of available bikes
Cost: Minimum credit to load is $10, after that its $1 to start the bike and $0.30 every minute.
Have an Insta-shoot
Graffiti walls are Instagrammable AF. Kensington has two lanes for all your photo needs. One on the east side of 1118 Kensington Road, and the second next to Oak Tree Tavern.
Where: 1118 Kensington Road & 1133 Kensington Road
Cost: Free
Find Dale
If your phone battery is running low from all the IG photos and snaps, go find Dale. He’s situated on the corner of 10th Street NW and Memorial Drive. Oh- and FYI, Dale is a metal origami horse that can charge your phone by pedaling. Don’t go shouting for a human Dale.
Where: 10th Street and Memorial Drive
Cost: Free
Ghost Walk
Whether you believe in ghosts or not, this is a unique way to learn some history of the areas as well as spirits who haunt Kensington. Led by a guide with a cape and lantern, you’ll visit places including Julio’s Barrio, The Plaza Theater, Riley Park, and Kensington Pub.
Where: Kensington Pub
When: Various Dates
Cost: $20
River View Patio
Head into Oxbow for happy hour and enjoy some $5 featured wine and beer on their river-facing patio. They also have ½ price Wine Fridays after 4 pm. What better way to start your weekend?
Where: Oxbow, 1126 Memorial Drive NW
When: Happy Hour Mon-Fri 4pm-6pm
Staycation
With all the amenities of Kensington at your fingertips, Hotel Arts Kensington is the perfect home base for a staycation. They provide guests personalized boutique services like packing lunch from Oxbow if you want to go for a bike ride along the river. Bikes are also free for guests, AND you get access to Hotel Arts Downtown’s brand new pool (soon). It sounds like a win-win to us!
Where: Hotel Arts Kensington
Cost: Check hotel for rates
Needless to say, Kensington is a special place for Calgarians. Whether you decide to stay a little or stay a while, we hope these tips will help rekindle your love for this cute village in the city.
