Calgary/Southeast

Southeast Calgary is a large area that has urban, suburban, and industrial neighbourhoods. Inglewood is Calgary's oldest neighbourhood and the site of the city's original downtown. It is also one of Calgary's most culturally influenced and eclectic areas. Immediately to the east is Forest Lawn, a former town that amalgamated with Calgary in the 1960s, that has a blue collar and international roots. South of the industrial parks are newer, suburban neighbourhoods.

By CTrain

The westernmost portion of Southeast Calgary is serviced by the CTrain Red Line, part of the light rail transit system operated by Calgary Transit, running parallel to Macleod Trail.

By bus

Southeast Calgary is connected to other parts of the city by Calgary Transit. The following routes are good ways to get in and around:

• #302: express bus with limited stops; connects the deep southeastern communities, including the South Health Campus, with the City Centre; major streets include Heritage Drive and 18 Street SE.
• MAX Teal (#306): express bus with limited stops; connects Douglas Glen (near Deerfoot Trail & 24 Street SW) and the Quarry Park business park to the Heritage CTrain station, continuing into Southwest Calgary; major streets include 11 Street SE, Odgen Road, 24 Street SE, and 52 Street SE.
• MAX Purple (#307): express bus with limited stops; connects the Inglewood and Forest Lawn to the City Centre by following 9 Avenue SE and 17 Avenue SE ; runs along a dedicated transitway east of 16 Street SE.
• #1: runs down 9 Avenue SE and 17 Avenue SE (west of 52 Street SE); runs along a dedicated transitway east of 16 Street SE.
• #23: runs down 52 Street SE (north of McKenzie Towne), continues into Northeast Calgary.

By car

Deerfoot Trail (Highway 2), is the main north-south freeway through Calgary connects with Northeast Calgary, with Stoney Trail (Highway 201), Calgary's ring road, also connecting with other regions of the city. Memorial Drive provides access to the City Centre from Deerfoot Trail, with 9 Avenue SE (via 17 Avenue SE) serving as a good alternative route. Macleod Trail, the general line between Southeast and Southwest Calgary, is also a major arterial into the City Centre; Blackfoot Trail and 52 Street SE are good north-south alternatives. Glenmore Trail and Anderson Road are the main east-west arterial connecting Southwest Calgary.

Neighbourhoods of interest

• InglewoodInglewood is Calgary's oldest neighbourhood and the site of the city's original downtown. It is also one of Calgary's most culturally influenced and eclectic areas. Inglewood contains everything from stores targeted at bikers, to unique boutiques, antique stores, galleries, and restaurants. It is not as developed as some of the city's downtown districts, but it is quickly becoming one of the city's most popular "urban chic" neighbourhoods. It lies immediately east of downtown (east of 1st Street E) and is concentrated along 9th Avenue SE. Just to the north is the Bow River and the Calgary Zoo.

• International Avenue

  address: 17 Avenue SE
  International Avenue, focussed in the neighbourhood of Forest Lawn, is known for its diverse culture, with the city's best Vietnamese, Lebanese, African, and Central American eateries lining 17th Avenue SE between 26th St SE and 61 St SE. Forest Lawn has a very large immigrant population, which is why it is home to diverse restaurants and businesses. Due to being a low income part of the city, it has a reputation for being one of the less-safe areas of Calgary, but International Avenue is definitely worth a visit to explore Calgary's diverse population. This area is home to Elliston Park, which is a very large urban park, best known for hosting Global Fest every August, a festival that showcases Calgary's diverse cultures and excites with its fireworks competition.

• McKenzie TowneLocated on the southeastern outskirts of Calgary (accessible via Deerfoot Trail and McKenzie Towne Boulevard). An exception to the "dull suburb" stereotype, this planned community features parks and classical home facades that come right out of a Norman Rockwell painting. Anchoring the area is High Street, a shopping centre disguised as a classic small-town main street.

Learn

• St. Mary's University

  phone: +1 403-531-9130
  address: 14500 Bannister Road SE
  Private Catholic university and offers degrees in the liberal arts, sciences and education.

Parks

• Fish Creek Provincial ParkFish Creek Provincial Park is one of North America's largest urban parks, covering . This natural area park stretches along the banks of Fish Creek and the Bow River in south Calgary, from roughly 14 St SW in the west to the Bow River in the east. The park includes the Sikome Lake Aquatic Facility (a man-made lake open in summer), the Bow Valley Ranch Visitor Centre, The Ranche Restaurant and Annie's Café (both privately operated), picnic sites, group use areas, trails for walking, bicycling, mountain biking, and horseback riding, a native garden, and a sculpture garden.

• Bow Valley Ranche

  phone: +1 403-460-1374
  address: Fish Creek Provincial Park
  Former ranch, now a historical site. Features interpretive walks, art gallery, artisan gardens, and restaurant.

• Sikome Aquatic Facility

  phone: +1 403-476-4574
  address: Fish Creek Provincial Park
  Man-made lake, a swimming area open during the summer as a public beach. No lifeguard.

Inglewood Bird Sanctuary & Nature Centre

address: 2425 9 Ave SE

Pre-registration for tours is recommended. The Nature Centre building is open. This 32-hectare wildlife reserve offers more than 2 km² of walking trails throughout the riverine forest. More than 250 species of birds and 300 species of plants, plus several kinds of mammals, have been observed in the area.

Elliston Park

address: 1827 68 St SE

A small park located along 17 Ave SE; the site of the annual Globalfest fireworks competition and home of the first BP BirthPlace Forest.

Pearce Estate Park

address: 1440 17A St SE

Pearce Estate Park is located in a bend of the Bow River; contains a reconstructed wetland and is home to the Sam Livingston Fish Hatchery and Bow Habitat Visitor Centre.

Ralph Klein Park

address: 12350 84 St SE

Ralph Klein Park is a park, which has a man-made wetland constructed specifically to improve stormwater quality before it enters the Bow River system. The Environmental Education Centre located at the park features an indoor classroom, resource library, and art studio. A community orchard that boasts five varieties of pear trees and eight varieties of apple trees. Named after Ralph Klein, Calgary's 32nd Mayor and Alberta's 12th Premier.

• Harvie Passage

  address: On Bow River downstream of Calgary Zoo
  The area around Calgary Bow River Weir was remade into a Class II and III white water park for paddlers. Harvie Passage is meant only for experienced canoe and kayak paddlers; all others should portage around it.

• Loose Moose Theatre

  phone: +1 403-265-5682
  address: 1235 26 Ave SE
  One of the originators of, and international leaders in, short-form improvisation and Theatresports (think Whose Line Is It Anyway?). Loose Moose does improv weekly, as well as the occasional original children's show or comedy.

• Stage West Theatre Restaurant

  phone: +1 403-243-6642
  address: 727 42 Ave SE
  Offers unchallenging, tried-and-true shows, kids' theatre, and tribute concerts, along with a generic buffet dinner.

• Laugh Shop Comedy Club

  phone: +1 403-255-6900
  address: 5940 Blackfoot Trail SE

• Cowtown Opera Company

  address: 1401 10 Ave SE
  The first new opera company to be established in Western Canada in 20 years, Cowtown Opera presents classic operas, sung in English, with a saucy twist. Past shows include Die Fledermaus: Revenge of the Bat, Phantom of the Opera Sing-a-Long, and The Magic Flute: Revised and in English.

Gamble

• Cash Casino

  phone: +1 403-287-1635
  address: 4040 Blackfoot Trail SE

• Century Casino

  phone: +1 403-287-1183
  address: 1010 42 Ave SE

• Deerfoot Inn & Casino

  phone: +1 403-236-7542
  address: #1000 11500 35 Street SE

Tours

• Big Rock Brewery

  phone: +1 403-720-3239
  address: 5555 – 76 Ave SE
  Tours of the Big Rock Brewery include tastings. Must be age 18 or older to participate.

• Village Brewary

  phone: +1 403-243-3327
  address: 5000 12A St SE
  Tours of the Village Brewery include tastings. Must be age 18 or older to participate.

Urban shopping

• InglewoodCentred on 9 Ave SE, east of the Elbow River, this quirky neighbourhood is almost devoid of chain businesses (save maybe a Starbucks), leaving a sea of unique businesses. The highlights are the coffee shops, art galleries, trendy clothiers, and upscale furniture shops. Inglewood is an urban shopping area, an historic district, and a downloadable self-guided walking tour is available.

Suburban shopping

• Deerfoot Meadows

  phone: +1 403 252-1256
  address: Heritage Dr SE at 11 St SE
  This sprawling outdoor shopping centre (power centre) includes big box stores like Ikea, Best Buy, Michael's, and Real Canadian Superstore.

• South Trail CrossingSuburban powercentre with big box stores.

• East Hills Shopping Centre

  address: 17 Avenue SE & Stoney Trail
  Suburban powercentre with big box stores.

Farmers' markets

• Calgary Farmers' Market

  phone: +1 403-240-9113
  address: 510 77 Ave SE
  Market with 75 vendors providing a variety of products such as fresh local meat and produce, art, organic goods and jewelry. There is also a large food court with two outdoor patios. The market includes special events like storytelling, demonstrations, dance shows and live music.

• Crossroads Market

  phone: +1 403-291-5208
  address: 1235 26 Ave SE
  Less than 5 minutes from downtown with ample free parking, Crossroads Markets is in an eclectic historical building. Crossroads Market is home to a flea market, antique market, indoor farmers' market, international food fair and a seasonal outdoor farmers' market.

Specialist shops

• Crown Surplus

  phone: +1 403-265-1754
  address: 1005 11 St SE
  Calgary's oldest (only?) army surplus store, Crown Surplus occupies a quonset hut and several adjoining buildings. A good place to look for camping and hunting gear, with plenty of military memorabilia on display. Where else can you buy a diameter parachute?

• Fair's Fair Books

  phone: +1 403-237-8156
  address: 907 9 Ave SE
  Second hand book store; second (warehouse) location located near Chinook Mall.

• Smithbilt Hats

  phone: +1 403-244-9131
  address: 1103 12 St SE
  The manufacturer of Calgary's famous white cowboy hat also makes other felt and straw hat styles.

Budget

• Blackfoot Truckstop Diner

  phone: +1 403-265-5964
  address: 1840 9 Ave SE
  Since 1956, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner 24 hours a day.

• Inglewood Drive In

  phone: +1 403-265-5198
  address: 802 12 St SE

• Kane's Harley Diner

  phone: +1 403-269-7311
  address: 1209 9 Ave SE
  50's style restaurant located. Residing in the former location of a Harley-Davidson Dealership (now located across the alley), Kane's combines some motorcycle enthusiasm with the feel of a classic diner.

• Spolumbo's Fine Foods and Deli

  phone: +1 403-264-6452
  address: 1308 9 Ave SE
  Owned by former Calgary Stampeders football players, Spolumbo's offers delicious Italian style deli foods: sandwiches, soups and salads. An in-house sausage plant makes some of Calgary's finest sausage, available here and in Calgary grocery stores. Try the Spolumbo's Special, a panini sandwich featuring mortadella, capicolla and genoa salami. Fresh and delicious.

Mid-range

• Diner Deluxe

  phone: +1 403-276-5499
  address: 106 Mahogany Centre SE
  Canadian, using local and sustainable ingredients.

• Jane Bond BBQ

  phone: +1 403-277-7064
  address: 2014 36 St SE
  Southern BBQ

• Lolita's Lounge

  phone: +1 403-265-5739
  address: 1413 9 Ave SE
  Mexican food, drink, and various shows as entertainment. Cover charge for entertainment.

• Scarpetta Italian Eatery

  phone: +1 403-455-4248
  address: 1003 9 Ave SE

• Without Papers Pizza

  phone: +1 403-457-1154
  address: 1216 9 Ave SE
  Thin crust pizza.

• Monki Breakfastclub & Bistro

  address: 4-1420 9 Ave SE
  Serves creative twists on favourite breakfast classics in an eclectic atmosphere with friendly service .

Splurge

• Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant

  phone: +1 403-476-1310
  address: 15979 Bow Bottom Trail SE

• Deane House

  phone: +1 403-264-0595
  address: 806 9 Ave SE
  Refined seasonal Canadian cuisine in a historic riverside home with a garden.

• The Cattle Baron

  phone: +1 403-201-9000
  address: 33 Sun Valley Blvd SE
  Recognized as Calgary's premiere casual steakhouse, the CattleBaron offers quality Alberta beef, carefully selected wines, and western hospitality and service.

• Rouge

  phone: +1 403-531-2767
  address: 1240 8 Ave SE
  In the historic A.E. Cross House (1891), Rouge's focus has long been on excellent cuisine with local food, including some grown in their own on-site garden. Tasting menu available. Bistro Rouge is their more casual & affordable restaurant in southwest Calgary.

• The Lake House

  phone: +1 403-225-3939
  address: 747 Lake Bonavista Dr SE
  Upscale, lodge-like dining room with water views and a menu of refined meat & seafood entrees.

• The Nash

  phone: +1 403-984-3365
  address: 925 11 St SE
  Canadian cuisine.

International

• International AvenueNumerous independent restaurants located on 17 Ave SE.

• Alloy

  phone: +1 403-287-9255
  address: 220 42 Ave SE

• Deagla

  phone: +1 403-474-5489
  address: 5147 20 Ave SE
  Authentic Middle Eastern recipes featuring chicken shawarma wrap, tabouli salad, vegetarian falafel platter or charbroiled platters.

Take-out only restaurants

• Rocky’s Burger Bus

  phone: +1 403-603-8653
  address: 1235 26 Ave SE
  An old transit bus parked next to Crossroads Market in SE Calgary. They proudly serve AAA Alberta beef to huge lineups at lunch time on any given day, regardless of the weather. Burgers, hot dogs, smokies, bacon on a bun. Fries, poutine, onion rings. Milkshakes, pop. One of the best burgers in town made from fresh, hand formed 1/3 pound 100% Alberta beef.

• The Blues Can

  phone: +1 403-262-2666
  address: 1429 9 Ave SE
  Calgary's home of live blues music, also serves drinks.

• Ironwood Stage & Grill

  phone: +1 403-269-5581
  address: 1229 9 Ave SE
  Live music every night: folk, pop, country, and more. Shows usually start by 8PM Su-Tu, Th. Shows usually start by 9PM W, F-Sa.

• Mugshotz Sports Bar & Grill

  phone: +1 403-264-4441
  address: 12-2808 Ogden Road SE
  Sports bar with one of Calgary's largest selections of chicken wings.

Cafés

Starbucks and Tim Horton's are everywhere in Calgary. If you're looking for something different, try one of these.

• Analog CafeLocal coffee chain serving Fratello coffee (sister company). Six additional locations in Calgary.

• Analog - Farmer’s Market

  phone: +1 403-910-5973
  address: #510 77 Ave SE

• Analog - The Roastery

  phone: +1 403-265-2112
  address: 4021 9 St SE

• Analog - Westman Village

  phone: +1 403-910-5973
  address: 102 Mahogany Centre SE

• Rosso Coffee RoastersLocal coffee company with direct sourced coffee. Offers grab-and-go as well as a pour over bar.

• Rosso - Inglewood

  phone: +1 587-353-7677
  address: 1402 9 Ave SE

• Rosso - Ramsay

  phone: +1-403-971-1800
  address: 803 24 Ave SE
  Roasterie location and original cafe.

Budget

Mid-range

• Courtyard by Marriott Calgary South

  phone: +1 587-379-7599
  address: 3750 Market Street SE

• Glenmore Inn & Convention Centre

  phone: +1 403-279-8611
  address: 1000 Glenmore Court SE

• Holiday Inn & Suites Calgary South - Conference Centre

  phone: +1 403-745-8561
  address: 8360 Blackfoot Trail SE

• Hotel Blackfoot

  phone: +1 403-252-2253
  address: 5940 Blackfoot Trail SE

• Residence Inn by Marriott Calgary South

  phone: +1 587-349-8633
  address: 3710 Market Street SE

• Sandman Hotel & Suites Calgary South

  phone: +1 403-252-7263
  address: 8001 11 Street SE

• Service Plus Inns & Suites

  phone: +1 403-256-5352
  address: 3503 114 Avenue SE

• Wingate Calgary South

  phone: +1 403-514-0099
  address: 400 Midpark Way SE

Splurge

• Deerfoot Inn & Casino

  phone: +1 403-236-7529
  address: #1000 11500 35 Street SE

• Calgary Public Library

  phone: +1 403-260-2600
  Wifi available, free memberships available only to Calgary residents, guest passes available.

• Forest Lawn Library

  address: 4807 8 Avenue SE

• Quarry Park Library

  address: 108 Quarry Park Road SE

• Seton Library

  address: 4995 Market Street SE

• South Health Campus

  phone: +1 403-956-1111
  This new hospital was fully operational in July 2013. Located at southeastern edge of Calgary.