Cruising Through Calgary's Concrete Jungle

An industrial labyrinth of concrete, rusted train tracks and steel, Manchester Community and Industrial Park reminds visitors of Calgary’s industrious, working-class roots. 

Located between Macleod Trail S.W. and Blackfoot Trail S.E., the area east of Chinook Centre is home to just over 600 mostly apartment-dwelling residents. It transitioned from a more residential area into a primarily commercial and retail sector in the early 1970s; the closing of Manchester School in 1973 was the most obvious example of this shift. 

Now best known for furniture and automotive shops, Manchester still has several unique, tasty and even quirky surprises tucked among its trucks, tires and two-by-fours. 

And, if you’re in the area around sunset, you’ll find one of the best views of the city’s skyline, with the oft-overshadowed Calgary Tower still featured front and centre. 

Manchester Munchies

1. Alloy (220 42 Ave. S.E., 403-287-9255, alloydining.com)

Alloy’s exciting mix of Asian flavours, infused with Mediterranean and Latin influences, is subtly concealed in a nondescript, beige one-storey beside Timbertown Building Centre. But there’s definitely nothing ordinary about Alloy’s duck duo with roasted breast, confit duck leg, sour cherry ginger glaze and sweet potato gnocchi, or its frangelico French toast with house-made brioche, dulce de leche and blackberry compote.

2. Bagolac Saigon (6130 1A St. S.W., 403-252-5588, bagolacsaigon.com)

This Vietnamese and Thai restaurant has been in business for more than a decade and offers a chic dining experience with its elegant, modern decor. Stop in for one of the house specialties, including the grilled tiger prawn brochette. 

3. Holy Smoke Barbeque & Smoke Pit (4, 4640 Manhattan Rd. S.E., 403-605-9365, holysmokebbq.ca)

Sink your teeth into Holy Smoke’s down-home, meat-lover’s menu, complete with homemade sauces, coleslaw and checkered tablecloths for good measure. Whether you’re hankering for a slab of brisket, ribs or a little pulled pork, Holy Smoke offers a quick lunch stop as you explore Manchester’s industrial maze.

4. Sidewalk Citizen Bakery (5524 1A St. S.W., 403-400-3067, sidewalkcitizenbakery.com)

Local baker Aviv Fried’s artisan bread and scones are available at numerous shops and cafés around the city and, if you live in the inner city, he’ll even deliver a loaf right to your door on Wednesdays. But if you want to go straight to the source, check out Sidewalk Citizen Bakery’s store, just off Macleod Trail, open Fridays and Saturdays. Bread and scones are fresh out of the oven at 10 a.m. and a range of croissants, Danishes and other treats are out 30 minutes to an hour later. Just like home . . . but a little better. 

5. Pascal’s Patisserie (101, 5240 1A St. S.E., 403-968-6156, pascals.ca)

Channel your inner Julia Child with a take-and-bake treat from this French artisan bakery. With a selection ranging from classic croissants to petite pastry puff chouquettes and a list of mostly Canadian ingredients — except for a variety of chocolate only made in France — Pascal’s Patisserie serves up a mouthwatering mélange of French and Canadian flair.

Soles and Skirts

6.  Alberta Boot Company (50 50 Ave. S.E.,403-263-4623, albertaboot.com)

This custom cowboy boot manufacturer has been around for more than 33 years. And, with a wide selection of Western boot styles, offered in a range of hides and skins, including exotic options such as alligator, lizard and python, Alberta Boot Co. is a one-stop shop for your stampeding footwear. 

7. Moda Consignment (146 58 Ave. S.W., 403-454-0980, modaconsignment.com) 

This petite but well-stocked consignment boutique opened last summer and has already attracted a loyal group of consigners. With a wide selection, ranging from simple styles to Rock & Republic jeans, Moda is a smart stop for any consignment shopper. While you’re in the store, peer up at the decorated panels above the front door, which used to belong to a belly-dancing troupe. 

Design Inspiration

8. Nu-Way Floor Fashions (219 50 Ave. S.E.,403-252-3551, nu-wayfloors.com) 

With a showroom featuring a multitude of hardwood, carpet, tile and resilient floor-covering options from several different manufacturers, Nu-Way helps you visualize a design scheme tailor-made for your home. After 35 years in business, this crew offers the advice and expertise to kick your redecorating plans into high gear. 

9. Traders of the Lost Art (5915 1A St. S.W., 403-229-0234, traderstoo.com)

If you’re looking to add a piece of European opulence to your home or garden, Traders of the Lost Art is a treasure trove. With an inventory including anything from European doors to Venetian glass mirrors, this extensive boutique offers at least an afternoon’s worth of decor-hunting under its chandelier-laden ceilings. 

10. Icon Stone & Tile (525 36 Ave. S.E., 403-532-3383, iconstonetile.com)

With a sizeable showroom showcasing its design, fabrication and installation services, this importer is is the place to start for stone and tile design projects. Icon’s unique and vibrantly coloured agate stone products are sure to provide a conversation piece in any home or workspace. 

Prepare to play

11. Trains & Such  (6043 Centre St. S., 403-277-7226, trainsandsuch.com)

If you were raised on Thomas the Tank Engine or know a kid who’s crazy about the chipper blue fellow, a day at Trains & Such model railroad store is a must. In its new location on Centre Street, just off the C-Train tracks, the store carries a host of model brands and digital command control systems. Recreate your own slice of history with a Canadian Pacific Railway model. 

12. Castle Toys (101, 5718 1A St. S.W., 403-258-1100, castletoys.ca)

For the equal-opportunity toy enthusiast, Castle Toys offers a wide range of models, kites, games and whatever else you can exhaust your kids to sleep with. The store design is castle-themed, complete with shields, dress-up gear and dragon puppets. If it’s too cold for an hour at the playground, why not stop by this castle and stock up your toy box? 

13. Kart World Family Fun Centre (5202 1 St. S.W., 403-253-8301, kartworldcalgary.com)

Its faded exterior may reveal its lifespan of more than two decades, but Kart World Family Fun Centre isn’t slowing down, offering thrills and sharpened skills with go-karting, laser tag and mini golf. With high-speed, adult-only karts on offer, this playground isn’t just for kids. Buckle up! Open late March to fall.

14. Long & McQuade Musical Instruments (105 58 Ave. S.W., 403-244-5555, and 3404 5 Ave. N.E., 403-245-3725, long-mcquade.com)

Guitars, drum kits and speakers line the walls of the Calgary locations of Canada’s largest musical instrument retailer. Whether you’re looking to rent, buy or ogle, Long & McQuade’s sizeable showroom is sure to keep any music enthusiast enthralled.