Fall into subtle luxury with a stay at Hotel Arts Kensington. The 19-room boutique property offers luxury rooms infused with artful touches, inviting beds, elegant bathroom finishes and a cozy charm. Located across Memorial Drive from the Bow River Pathway in the quaint neighbourhood of Kensington, this is the perfect place to set up your basecamp and explore Calgary.
Colin Middleton with Hotel Arts Kensington recommends his favourite local shops and stops in Kensington to visit during your stay.
skoah
116 10 St NW
www.skoah.com
Did you fall in love with the Hotel Arts bath amenities? We feature Canadian made skoah products, you can either drop by our front desk to pick up select items, or head to their Kensington storefront to check out their full line – and even book a facial!
Crave Cupcakes
1107 Kensington Road NW
https://www.cravecupcakes.ca
Freshly baked every day, made in small batches from family recipes Crave Cupcakes features delicious cupcakes, cookies and cakes. The Kensington location was their first store, which they opened in 2004 featuring their Grandmother’s chocolate cake recipe and their Mother’s secret to irresistible buttercream.
Livingston & Clavell Toy Store
1124 Kensington Rd NW
http://extraordinarytoys.com
The nostalgia based toy store was founded by two museum professionals. Their curated collection of unique and distinctive toys is the perfect place to find a gift for children of all ages (and is a gold mine for collectors!).
Purr Kensington
#101 1220 Kensington Rd NW
www.purrclothing.ca
One of Calgary’s favourite fashion boutiques, Purr offers unique brands and features local artists with one of a kind jewelry pieces. Shopping for your little ones? Check out the Purr Petite store just down the road.
Canary Refillery and Zero Waste Market
1221 Kensington Road NW
www.canarygoods.ca
Bring your own containers to Canary Refillery and Zero Waste Market, to refill quality cleaners, soaps and personal care products without all of the packaging waste. They have curated a wide selection of sustainably sourced lifestyle goods that are designed to last.
Gummi Boutique
205 10 St NW
www.gummiboutique.ca
A weirdly delicious candy store, visit their location in Kensington for novelty and retro candy.
The Beehive
311 10 St NW
www.thebeehiveonline.com
Located (appropriately) in a bright yellow house nestled on 10th Street, the Beehive is a local maker specializing in natural body and home products. For summer, we recommend their natural sunscreen!
Check out Kensington Village
All shopped out? Enjoy a stroll or bike along Memorial Drive. Located across the street for Hotel Arts Kensington, Memorial Drive is one of Calgary’s most cherished corridors for history and its scenic location next to the Bow River.
Poppy Plaza
Memorial Drive and 10th Street NW
The public space features an artistic war memorial featuring quotes from world leaders and Canadians cut into a steel wall and backlit. The diverse voices speak to honour, hope and sacrifices during war time.
Peace Bridge
Memorial Drive, between 9th and 8th Street NW
This iconic pedestrian and cycling bridge across the Bow River connects Sunnyside to Eau Claire Park. Designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava the Peace Bridge features a unique design that is well worth seeing in person!
Memorial Drive Trees: Living Testament
As you travel along memorial drive, you will notice it is lined with poplar trees. Each tree is a living testament to fallen soldier from World War I. Planted between 1922 and 1928 there are 3,278 commemorative trees.
