Calgary: A Few Hidden Gems
Every city has their hidden gems - cafes, bookstores, pubs or shops - tucked away off the beaten path, that even some locals aren’t aware of. Here are five Calgary hidden gems for locals and tourists who like to explore off the beaten path.
Aquila Books, 826, 16th Avenue NW
Who would think the little building with the blue awning on the Trans Canada Highway (aka 16th Ave N) is home to one of North America’s - if not the world’s - great antiquarian bookstores? Aquila specializes in books dealing with Polar Expeditions, Western Canadiana, Mountaineering and the Canadian Pacific Railway. As much a museum as a bookstore with antique maps, prints, photos, letters, postcards and scientific instruments, it even has an Inuit kayak hanging from the ceiling.
Recently, owner Cameron Treleaven published Mount Everest’s 60th Anniversary book of George Lowe's letters written to his sister while climbing Everest in 1953. The book is signed by Jan Morris, Huw Lewis-Jones and Peter Hillary and includes a cutting of Lowe's sleeping bag used during the expedition, making this an extraordinary addition to any book collection.
Note the Inuit kayak hanging from the ceiling - very cool!
More info: Flaneuring The Trans Canada Highway
Café Rosso, 803 - 24th Ave SE
Every city needs a signature café. In Calgary Café Rosso in Ramsay’s industrial district is one of ours. Yes, they have other locations but this is the original Rosso with its own Probat L12 roaster, Marzzoco machine and Anfim grinder. They arguably serve up the city’s best espressos and lattes. It is also a great bakery for those craving a muffin, banana bread, scone or a tangy sandwich.
Located in the 1927 Riverside Iron Works complex whose roots were as a small machine repair shop, which grew into a major steel manufacturer. Today, the site is home to many funky businesses including Ladacor Ltd., a sea container construction company and F&D Scene Changes fabricators of public art, parade floats, theme park structures, theatre and film set designs. Ramsay, one of Calgary’s oldest neighbourhoods, is a great place to explore on foot.
Everyone loves Caffe Rosso in Ramsay!
More Info: Calgary's FFQ Industrial District
Heritage Music, 1316 - 11th Ave SW
For music collectors, Heritage Music is THE place to be. Before going inside be sure to check out the wall of records on the north side of the building with remnants of the iconic Rolling Stones’ Tongue.
And don’t let the 1927 quonset-style former service station building fool you. Inside you will find not only vintage vinyl, but new and out-of-print music, rare concert tour and gig posters, photos, movie posters and just about anything “music” you can think of. Holger Petersen of Stony Plain Records says, “Heritage Music has the best collection of Blues, Folk, Roots and Jazz records in Canada.”
More info: Calgary's Rail Trail Stroll
Heritage Music's fun, funky and quirky street art facade.
Louche Milieu,3401- Spruce Dr. SW
Midcentury modern maniacs will adore this little shop authentically located in the mid-century Spruce Cliff Shopping Centre. “Louche” is a French term for decadent, flashy, sketchy, dubious, shady and disreputable and “milieu” means an environment or setting, but there is nothing shady or decadent about Louche Milieu. Full of well curated treasures it’s a “must visit.” Plan around its limited hours, Friday and Saturday 12:30 to 6 pm or call to make an appointment 403-835-1669.
Next to Louche Milieu is Little Monday Café, which serves up tasty homemade muffins and cookies with a full range of caffeine drinks. It is very popular with young families as evidenced by the chalkboard artwork.
More info: Spruce Cliff Shopping Centre Revitalization
Lots of hidden gems here.
Crescent Heights Steps
Memorial Drive at 2rd St. SW parking lot.
For those looking for a uniquely Calgary workout, try climbing the McHugh Bluff stairs. Not only will you get a great workout, but you will be rewarded with an amazing view of Downtown skyline, mountains and river valley from the top.
With 167 steps divided into 11 flights, most people find once is enough. But there is fun challenge on the net, based on 10 laps starting at the bottom and finishing at the top.
<17 minutes = Olympian
17 – 20 minutes = Professional, top amateur
20 – 24 minutes = Very athletic
24 – 28 minutes = Athletic
28 – 35 minutes = Average
35 – 37 minutes = Somewhat out of shape
>37 minutes = Out of shape
Don’t be surprised if you find yourself in the company of one or more Calgary Stampeders, Flames or a Canadian Olympic athletes working out. Bring your phone or camera as you are definitely going to want to take pictures.
Lets make this challenging and carry my bike up the stairs also.
Last Word
Calgary is full of hidden urban gems...happy exploring. Love to hear from both locals and tourist what are your favourite!
PS...no I have not taken up the Crescent Heights Stair Challenge.