Kensington Road NW
Within walking distance from Prince’s Island Park and the Peace Bridge, Kensington has a good selection of little boutiques and unique dining experiences. I especially enjoy Crave Cupcakes at one end of Kensington Road and Chicken on the Way at the far end of Kensington Road. Parking is often troublesome, but I can usually find a spot on the street further West towards 14th Street NW. The interesting part of Memorial Drive with the iconic street sign is also nearby.
Stephen Avenue SW
Just one street over from the downtown C-Train line and featuring The Core Shopping Centre, Stephen Avenue is very accessible and has lots to walk, shop and eat. Probably one of the best places to be on a patio. I’d park underground at Banker’s Hall on the weekend and go by the Galleria Trees sculpture. Those are really pretty at night around Christmas. At the other end of Stephen Avenue is Glenbow Museum and Arts Commons.
Uptown 17th Avenue SW
Home of The Red Mile, Uptown 17th Avenue SW is the place to go during the NHL hockey playoffs. When the Calgary Flames aren’t playing, 17th Avenue is still a great street to walk around. I like Reid’s Stationery, Tuk Tuk Thai and Analog Coffee. Not to the confused with the “scary part” of 17th Avenue. The South West portion near downtown Calgary really has nothing to do with that other part in the South East. 😉