
As Calgary’s oldest neighbourhood, Inglewood has endured many identity changes in its 150-year history. Located east of downtown at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow rivers, over the past 30 years, Inglewood has become known as one of Calgary’s pre-eminent arts and shopping districts, particularly attractive to shoppers in the warmer months.
Inglewood’s main street, 9th Avenue S.E., is lined with brick heritage buildings and single-level shops, some that date back more than a century to when the area was known as Brewery Flats.
Inglewood marks the east end of Music Mile, with the headquarters of Calgary Folk Fest and live music staple Ironwood Stage and Grill here. Hipster hotspots, vintage shops and brewpubs juxtapose with the grit of Inglewood’s past in the form of the Blackfoot Truckstop Diner and Proline Shooters, a gun shop located next to a florist. This mix of new and old creates a weird charm celebrated by residents and makes it an urban experience unlike any other in Calgary.
Inglewood’s proximity to the Bow River and its many green spaces — including Pearce Estate Park and the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary — makes it a haven for outdoor excursions, whether it be walking, cycling or water-sport activities at the Harvie Passage.
Unique Challenge
Many locals would like to stick to the KISS principle — Keep Inglewood Slightly Sleezy — as the neighbourhood continues to densify and decaying bungalows get replaced with shiny new infills. Character is a hard thing to quantify, but part of the creative heart of Inglewood lies in its old buildings and mix of retail, industrial and residential spaces, and many locals try to protect that from erasure. — S.Y.
What the Neighbours Say
“My wife and I really love Inglewood. We’ve got two dogs, so we spend a lot of time on the pathways and along the rivers. What’s made it more attractive as well are all the great dining options and breweries that have opened since I moved here from the Beltline. And I just love all the brick and just the rundown vibe of it here.” — Michael Magnan, a landscape architect who moved to Inglewood 10 years ago.
Neighbourhood Highlights
Esker Foundation

This dynamic, 15,000-square-foot gallery has a mission to break down the traditional barriers between contemporary art and everyday life. Throughout the year, Esker orchestrates three seasonal exhibitions: fall, winter and spring/summer. Its street-level Project Space serves as an artistic laboratory where emerging and established creators breathe new life into the neighbourhood’s cultural fabric.
Everyone’s invited free of charge to explore, engage and be inspired through thought-provoking exhibitions, illuminating publications and interactive programs that make contemporary art accessible.
espy

Since 2009, espy has transformed how Calgarians and clients worldwide approach fashion. The designer clothing boutique specializes in helping clients discover their unique style through professional styling services, an extensive collection of quality clothing and footwear (including work by Canadian designers), and expert denim fittings.
Recognized as one of Canada’s top independent fashion retailers, espy’s mission remains clear: making self-confidence through fashion accessible to everyone, regardless of age, gender or style, all while maintaining a range of price points that keep quality fashion within reach.
And beyond retail, espy has raised more than $350,000 for Calgary charities through innovative events like #nakedespy, an annual fundraiser for the Calgary Prostate Cancer Centre.
Inglewood Bird Sanctuary

The Inglewood Bird Sanctuary has been Calgary’s secret nature preserve since 1929. This 36-hectare slice of wilderness is a testament to urban wildlife at its finest, where curious visitors can wander two kilometres of serene trails and perhaps catch a deer peeking through the trees, spy a beaver in the lagoon, or spot one of the sanctuary’s feathered celebrities (think Mourning Warblers and Hairy Woodpeckers) among the 270 bird species that call the sanctuary home.
Bikes and four-legged friends (with the exception of service animals) need to sit this adventure out. The sanctuary’s Nature Centre stands ready to help you unlock the mysteries of its wild residents. This urban oasis proves you don’t need to leave the city to find yourself in the heart of the wild. — L.K.
By the Numbers
Population: 4,130
Median Household Income: $87,000
Housing Types: 28% single-detached; 27% apartments less than 5 storeys
Percentage of owners: 56%