Where to purchase gluten-free baking and gluten-free food products, plus how to preserve flavour and nutrients when eating gluten-free.
Celebrate May's long weekend by paying tribute to Queen Victoria and her legacies.
Sandy Beach is one of the highlights of the Best Neighbourhoods Top 10
It’s no surprise a restaurant only a block away from the University of Calgary serves killer pizza. Opened in 1976, Matador doesn’t have the most up-to-date decor, but its customers don’t seem to mind. Matador’s pizza has a thick crust, baked just right, and the Caesar salad is a favourite.
4625 Varsity Dr. N.W., 403-286-3133, matadorpizza.com
One big, backyard playground for the residents of Wildwood, Edworthy Park is tucked away from Sarcee Trail and just minutes from downtown by car. Purchased by the city in 1962, the park’s highlight is the Douglas Fir Trail. The path is 2.5 km long and offers dramatic views of the Bow River Valley. With trees hanging oddly across the walk after a landslide accelerated gravity’s pull, keep an eye out for what the locals have named the “drunken forest.”
5050 Spruce Dr. S.W.
Residents choose this neighbourhood for its quiet, tree-lined streets, great schools and family atmosphere. But its position between 14th Street S.W., Macleod Trail and Southland Drive is what really sets it apart from other neighbourhoods. Downtown is easily accessible from the many transportation arteries that surround the community, and public transit is a breeze on Elbow Drive. The Heritage C-Train Station and #3 bus get commuters downtown in a jiffy.
Heritage Station, 12 Haddon Rd. S.W., calgarytransit.com
Although Signal Hill contains a Mecca of shops and services, the rich history of Batallion Park is an immaculately preserved nod to our past. Originally a pre-World War I military camp, the 93-hectare park was created on the lookout over the Sarcee Nation (now T’suu Tina). Soldiers hauled 16,000 stones up the hill to spell out the numbers of the four battalions of the Canadian Expeditionary Force (113,137,151,51) who trained there before the Great War. Access the lookout point from Signal Hill Drive S.W. for spectacular views of the southwest. 3001 Signal Hill Dr. S.W.
Although nearby North Glenmore Park is high on the list of local hangouts in the community, it’s Lakeview Bakery and its gluten-free and allergy-safe baked goods that pulls in Calgarians from all over the city. The bakery specializes in products for people with celiac disease and other dietary concerns, but even those without food sensitivities love their chocolate chip cookies.
6449 Crowchild Tr. S.W. 403- 246-6127
Home to a virtues-oriented elementary, a bilingual middle school and a couple of great parks, Fairview is full of residents who have lived in the community for years. Those with furry companions are fans of Flint Park, the off-leash dog park, located just off Fairmount Drive. Although there are many other amenities in this neighbourhood, dog lovers are chuffed to bring their pooches here to run off some steam.
Flint Road S.E. near Fairmont Drive
A fun-loving community full of residents who love to get out and enjoy their neighbourhood, South Calgary is rich with restaurants, parks and shops for all tastes. However, the precious months of mid-June to early September are cherished by community members of South Calgary who can be found lounging at this little gem all summer long. The South Calgary Outdoor Pool offers a six-lane swimming area, as well as a diving tank and, for those who don’t feel like a dip, there is a grass picnic area complete with lounge chairs.
3130 16 St. S.W., 403-221-3576, southcalgarycommunity.ca/pool
In a community that has just about everything, it’s difficult to put a finger on the best of the best in Hillhurst. Although the neighbourhood — which includes part of Kensington — is full of amenities and hip hangouts, residents know Higher Ground is the local hub for folks heading over to check out a film at The Plaza Theatre or just to catch up. From lattes to beer, and even tasty breakfast and lunch options, this always busy little joint is a great stop any time of day when you’re out and about in Hillhurst.
1126 Kensington Rd. N.W. 403-270-3780, highergroundcafe.ca
The oldest neighbourhood in the city, Inglewood has slowly been revitalized into an urban niche for artists, restaurateurs and locally grown businesses. The historic Garry Theatre is the new home to the Ironwood Stage & Grill, which serves up good music with a side of southern Creole cooking. You can enjoy Jambalaya complete with homemade buttermilk biscuits while checking out live music nearly every night of the week.
1229 9 Ave. S.E., 403-269-5581, ironwoodstage.ca
A neighbourhood chalk-full of outdoor spaces, an athletic park and schools nearby, Altadore is a family’s dream. It’s Sandy Beach, though, that draws the crowds to the neighbourhood. Although the term “sandy” actually translates into small pebbles in this location, this space tucked away in Altadore has picnic sites, off-leash dog parks, playgrounds and river pathways. It’s also a popular river float starting point in the summer.
4500 14A St. S.W.
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