Calgary/Southeast

Southeast Calgary is a district in Calgary, Alberta. Southeast Calgary is a large area that has urban, suburban, and industrial neighbourhoods.

Understand

Inglewood is Calgary's oldest neighbourhood and the site of the city's original downtown. It is also one of Calgary's most culturally influenced and eclectic areas. Immediately to the east is Forest Lawn, a former town that amalgamated with Calgary in the 1960s, that has a blue collar and international roots. South of the industrial parks are newer, suburban neighbourhoods.

Get in

By CTrain
See also: Calgary/Southwest#By CTrain

The westernmost portion of Southeast Calgary is serviced by the CTrain Red Line, part of the light rail transit system operated by Calgary Transit, running parallel to Macleod Trail.

By bus

Southeast Calgary is connected to other parts of the city by Calgary Transit. The following routes are good ways to get in and around:

  • #302: express bus with limited stops; connects the deep southeastern communities, including the South Health Campus, with the City Centre; major streets include Heritage Drive and 18 Street SE.
  • MAX Teal (#306): express bus with limited stops; connects Douglas Glen (near Deerfoot Trail & 24 Street SW) and the Quarry Park business park to the Heritage CTrain station, continuing into Southwest Calgary; major streets include 11 Street SE, Odgen Road, 24 Street SE, and 52 Street SE.
  • MAX Purple (#307): express bus with limited stops; connects the Inglewood and Forest Lawn to the City Centre by following 9 Avenue SE and 17 Avenue SE ; runs along a dedicated transitway in the form of a bus rapid transit (BRT) line east of 16 Street SE.
  • #1: runs down 9 Avenue SE and 17 Avenue SE (west of 52 Street SE); runs along a dedicated transitway east of 16 Street SE.
  • #23: runs down 52 Street SE (north of McKenzie Towne), continues into Northeast Calgary.

By car

Deerfoot Trail (Highway 2), is the main north-south freeway through Calgary connects with Northeast Calgary, with Stoney Trail (Highway 201), Calgary's ring road, also connecting with other regions of the city. Memorial Drive provides access to the City Centre from Deerfoot Trail, with 9 Avenue SE (via 17 Avenue SE) serving as a good alternative route. Macleod Trail, the general line between Southeast and Southwest Calgary, is also a major arterial into the City Centre; Blackfoot Trail and 52 Street SE are good north-south alternatives. Glenmore Trail and Anderson Road are the main east-west arterials connecting Southwest Calgary.

See

Neighbourhoods of interest
  • 🌍 Inglewood. Inglewood is Calgary's oldest neighbourhood and the site of the city's original downtown. It is also one of Calgary's most culturally influenced and eclectic areas. Inglewood contains everything from stores targeted at bikers, to unique boutiques, antique stores, galleries, and restaurants. It is not as developed as some of the city's downtown districts, but it is quickly becoming one of the city's most popular "urban chic" neighbourhoods. It lies immediately east of downtown (east of 1st Street E) and is concentrated along 9th Avenue SE. Just to the north is the Bow River and the Calgary Zoo. (updated Apr 2019)
  • 🌍 International Avenue (Forest Lawn), 17 Avenue SE (between 26 St SE & 61 St SE). International Avenue, focussed in the neighbourhood of Forest Lawn, is known for its diverse culture, with the city's best Vietnamese, Lebanese, African, and Central American eateries lining 17th Avenue SE between 26th St SE and 61 St SE. Forest Lawn has a very large immigrant population, which is why it is home to diverse restaurants and businesses. Due to being a low income part of the city, it has a reputation for being one of the less-safe areas of Calgary, but International Avenue is definitely worth a visit to explore Calgary's diverse population. This area is home to Elliston Park, which is a very large urban park, best known for hosting Global Fest every August, a festival that showcases Calgary's diverse cultures and excites with its fireworks competition. (updated Apr 2019)
  • 🌍 McKenzie Towne. Located on the southeastern outskirts of Calgary (accessible via Deerfoot Trail and McKenzie Towne Boulevard). An exception to the "dull suburb" stereotype, this planned community features parks and classical home facades that come right out of a Norman Rockwell painting. Anchoring the area is High Street, a shopping centre disguised as a classic small-town main street. (updated Apr 2019)

Learn
  • 🌍 St. Mary's University, 14500 Bannister Road SE (near Fish Creek-Lacombe CTrain station), ☏ +1 403-531-9130. Office: M-F 8:30AM-4:30PM. Private Catholic university and offers degrees in the liberal arts, sciences and education. (updated May 2019)

Parks
  • 🌍 Fish Creek Provincial Park (south end of Bow Bottom Trail; alternate access from Macleod Trail via Bannister Road), toll-free: +1-866-427-3582. 8AM to sunset. Fish Creek Provincial Park is one of North America's largest urban parks, covering 13.5 km2 (5.2 sq mi). This natural area park stretches along the banks of Fish Creek and the Bow River in south Calgary, from roughly 14 St SW in the west to the Bow River in the east. The park includes the Sikome Lake Aquatic Facility (a man-made lake open in summer), the Bow Valley Ranch Visitor Centre, The Ranche Restaurant and Annie's Café (both privately operated), picnic sites, group use areas, trails for walking, bicycling, mountain biking, and horseback riding, a native garden, and a sculpture garden. Free. (updated Apr 2019)
  • 🌍 Bow Valley Ranche (William Roper Hull Ranche House), Fish Creek Provincial Park, ☏ +1 403-460-1374, . Former ranch, now a historical site. Features interpretive walks, art gallery, artisan gardens, and restaurant. (updated Apr 2019)
  • 🌍 Sikome Aquatic Facility (Sikome Lake), Fish Creek Provincial Park, ☏ +1 403-476-4574. Seasonal 10AM-7PM. Man-made lake, a swimming area open during the summer as a public beach. No lifeguard. Adult (18-64) $5; senior (65+) $4; child (6-17) $3; child (0-5) free; family $10. (updated Apr 2019)
  • 🌍 Inglewood Bird Sanctuary & Nature Centre, 2425 9 Ave SE. Trails open sunrise–sunset, Nature Centre Tu-Su 10AM-4PM, closed M and statutory holidays, closed at noon on Dec 24. Registration for tours is recommended. The Nature Centre building, housing washrooms & drinking fountains, is closed until 2021. This 32-hectare wildlife reserve offers more than 2 km² of walking trails throughout the riverine forest. More than 250 species of birds and 300 species of plants, plus several kinds of mammals, have been observed in the area. As it is a bird sanctuary, no bicycles or dogs (except assistance dogs) are allowed. Free. (updated Nov 2020)
  • 🌍 Elliston Park, 1827 68 St SE (along 17 Ave SE between 60 St SE & 68 St SE). 5AM-11PM. A small park located along 17 Ave SE; the site of the annual Globalfest fireworks competition and home of the first BP BirthPlace Forest. (updated Apr 2019)
  • 🌍 Pearce Estate Park, 1440 17A St SE. 5AM-11PM. Pearce Estate Park is located in a bend of the Bow River; contains a 15-hectare (37-acre) reconstructed wetland and is home to the Sam Livingston Fish Hatchery and Bow Habitat Visitor Centre. (updated Apr 2019)
  • 🌍 Ralph Klein Park, 12350 84 St SE (from Stoney Trail, take 114 Ave SE (exit 90) east, turn south onto 84 St SE). Building: Oct-Apr: Tu-F 10AM-4PM; Sa 12-4PM; May-Sep: Daily 10AM-4PM Park: Daily 5AM-11PM. Ralph Klein Park is a 30-hectare (74-acre) park, which has a man-made wetland constructed specifically to improve stormwater quality before it enters the Bow River system. The Environmental Education Centre located at the park features an indoor classroom, resource library, and art studio. A community orchard that boasts five varieties of pear trees and eight varieties of apple trees. Named after Ralph Klein, Calgary's 32nd Mayor and Alberta's 12th Premier. (updated Apr 2019)

Do
  • 🌍 Harvie Passage, On Bow River downstream of Calgary Zoo. The area around Calgary Bow River Weir was remade into a Class II and III white water park for paddlers. Harvie Passage is meant only for experienced canoe and kayak paddlers; all others should portage around it. Free. 
  • 🌍 Loose Moose Theatre, 1235 26 Ave SE (in the Crossroads Market), ☏ +1 403-265-5682, . One of the originators of, and international leaders in, short-form improvisation and Theatresports (think Whose Line Is It Anyway?). Loose Moose does improv weekly, as well as the occasional original children's show or comedy. $10-15. 
  • 🌍 Stage West Theatre Restaurant (Stage West Dinner Theatre), 727 42 Ave SE, ☏ +1 403-243-6642. Offers unchallenging, tried-and-true shows, kids' theatre, and tribute concerts, along with a generic buffet dinner. $32-105. 
  • 🌍 Laugh Shop Comedy Club, 5940 Blackfoot Trail SE (Hotel Blackfoot), ☏ +1 403-255-6900. 

Gamble

Tours

Buy

Urban shopping
  • 🌍 Inglewood. Centred on 9 Ave SE, east of the Elbow River, this quirky neighbourhood is almost devoid of chain businesses (save maybe a Starbucks), leaving a sea of unique businesses. The highlights are the coffee shops, art galleries, trendy clothiers, and upscale furniture shops. Inglewood is an urban shopping area, an historic district, and a downloadable self-guided walking tour is available. 

Suburban shopping
  • 🌍 Deerfoot Meadows, Heritage Dr SE at 11 St SE (take Deerfoot Trail southbound to the Southland Drive exit or northbound to the Heritage Drive exit), ☏ +1 403 252-1256, . This sprawling outdoor shopping centre (power centre) includes big box stores like Ikea, Best Buy, Michael's, and Real Canadian Superstore. 
  • 🌍 South Trail Crossing (130 Ave SE between Deerfoot Tr & 52 St SE). Suburban powercentre with big box stores. (updated Apr 2019)
  • 🌍 East Hills Shopping Centre, 84 Street SE at 17 Avenue SE (from Stoney Tr, take 17 Ave SE (exit 81) east, north on 84 St SE). Suburban powercentre with big box stores. (updated Apr 2019)

Farmers' markets
  • 🌍 Calgary Farmers' Market, 510 77 Ave SE (just off of Blackfoot Trail and Heritage Drive SE), ☏ +1 403-240-9113, . Th-Su 9AM-5PM. Market with 75 vendors providing a variety of products such as fresh local meat and produce, art, organic goods and jewelry. There is also a large food court with two outdoor patios. The market includes special events like storytelling, demonstrations, dance shows and live music. 
  • 🌍 Crossroads Market, 1235 26 Ave SE (Blackfoot Trail and Ogden Rd), ☏ +1 403-291-5208. Indoor market: F-Su 9AM-5PM, outdoor market: F-Su 8AM-5PM (summer). Less than 5 minutes from downtown with ample free parking, Crossroads Markets is in an eclectic 100,000 ft² (9,300 m2) historical building. Crossroads Market is home to a flea market, antique market, indoor farmers' market, international food fair and a seasonal outdoor farmers' market. 

Specialist shops
  • 🌍 Crown Surplus, 1005 11 St SE (Inglewood), ☏ +1 403-265-1754. M-F 8:30AM-5:30PM, Sa noon-5PM. Calgary's oldest (only?) army surplus store, Crown Surplus occupies a quonset hut and several adjoining buildings. A good place to look for camping and hunting gear, with plenty of military memorabilia on display. Where else can you buy a 100 ft (30 m) diameter parachute? 
  • Fair's Fair Books. Second hand book store with two locations. (updated May 2021)
  • 🌍 Inside Avenue Antiques, 3419 8 St SE (Blackfoot Trail & 34 Ave SE), ☏ +1 403-287-1988, . M-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su noon-5PM. Large antique mall. (updated May 2021)
  • 🌍 Smithbilt Hats, 1103 12 St SE (in Inglewood, near Festival Hall), ☏ +1 403-244-9131. M-Th 9AM-5PM, F 8AM-4:30PM. The manufacturer of Calgary's famous white cowboy hat also makes other felt and straw hat styles. 

Eat

Budget
  • 🌍 Blackfoot Truckstop Diner, 1840 9 Ave SE (Inglewood; near Blackfoot Tr & 19 St SE), ☏ +1 403-265-5964. 24 hours. Since 1956, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner 24 hours a day. (updated Apr 2019)
  • 🌍 Inglewood Drive In, 802 12 St SE (Inglewood), ☏ +1 403-265-5198. Daily 10AM-8PM; Su 11:30AM-8PM. (updated Apr 2019)
  • 🌍 Spolumbo's Fine Foods and Deli (Spolumbo's), 1308 9 Ave SE (Inglewood district), ☏ +1 403-264-6452. M-Sa 8:30AM-5:30PM, Su during summer 10AM-4PM. Owned by former Calgary Stampeders football players, Spolumbo's offers delicious Italian style deli foods: sandwiches, soups and salads. An in-house sausage plant makes some of Calgary's finest sausages, available here and in Calgary grocery stores. Try the Spolumbo's Special, a panini sandwich featuring mortadella, capicolla and genoa salami. Fresh and delicious. Soups $4-8, sandwiches $9-12. (updated Nov 2018)

Mid-range

Splurge
  • 🌍 Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant, 15979 Bow Bottom Trail SE (Fish Creek Provincial Park), ☏ +1 403-476-1310. Lunch Tu-F 11AM-2PM; dinner Tu-Su 5-11PM; brunch Sa Su 10AM-2PM; afternoon tea (seasonal) Sa Su 2-4PM. Entrées $38+. (updated Apr 2019)
  • 🌍 Deane House, 806 9 Ave SE, ☏ +1 403-264-0595. Tu-Th 11AM-9PM, F 11AM-10PM, Sa 10AM-10PM, Su 10AM-9PM. Refined seasonal Canadian cuisine in a historic riverside home with a garden. $26+. (updated Apr 2019)
  • 🌍 The Cattle Baron (The Cattle Baron Alberta Steak House & Bar), 33 Sun Valley Blvd SE, ☏ +1 403-201-9000. Recognized as Calgary's premiere casual steakhouse, the CattleBaron offers quality Alberta beef, carefully selected wines, and western hospitality and service. Mains $16-49. (updated Apr 2019)
  • 🌍 Rouge, 1240 8 Ave SE (Inglewood), ☏ +1 403-531-2767. Lunch M-F 11:30AM-1:30PM; dinner M-Sa 5-10:30PM. In the historic A.E. Cross House (1891), Rouge's focus has long been on excellent cuisine with local food, including some grown in their own on-site garden. Tasting menu available. Bistro Rouge is their more casual & affordable restaurant in southwest Calgary. $38-48 per main dish (dinner). (updated Jun 2015)
  • 🌍 The Lake House, 747 Lake Bonavista Dr SE, ☏ +1 403-225-3939. M-F 11:30AM-8:45PM; Sa 5-8:45PM; Su 10AM-8:45PM. Upscale, lodge-like dining room with water views and a menu of refined meat & seafood entrees. (updated Apr 2019)
  • 🌍 The Nash, 925 11 St SE (Inglewood), ☏ +1 403-984-3365. Tu W 11:30AM-10PM; Th 11:30AM-11PM; F Sa 11AM-midnight; Su 11AM-9PM. Canadian cuisine. Mains $22+. (updated Apr 2019)

International

Take-out only restaurants
  • 🌍 Rocky’s Burger Bus, 1235 26 Ave SE (Crossroads Market parking lot), ☏ +1 403-603-8653, . M-Th 10AM-3PM, F-Su 9AM-5PM. An old transit bus parked next to Crossroads Market in SE Calgary. They proudly serve AAA Alberta beef to huge lineups at lunch time on any given day, regardless of the weather. Burgers, hot dogs, smokies, bacon on a bun. Fries, poutine, onion rings. Milkshakes, pop. One of the best burgers in town made from fresh, hand formed 1/3 pound 100% Alberta beef. $12 for cheeseburger, fries, & pop. (updated Nov 2018)

Drink

Cafés

Starbucks and Tim Horton's are everywhere in Calgary. If you're looking for something different, try one of these.

  • Analog Cafe. Local coffee chain serving Fratello coffee (sister company). Six additional locations in Calgary. 
  • 🌍 Analog - Farmer’s Market (Analog Cafe), #510 77 Ave SE (inside Calgary Farmer's Market), ☏ +1 403-910-5973. Th-Su 9AM-5PM. (updated Apr 2019)
  • 🌍 Analog - The Roastery (Analog Cafe), 4021 9 St SE (Highfield Industrial), ☏ +1 403-265-2112. M-F 7:30AM-3PM. (updated Apr 2019)
  • 🌍 Analog - Westman Village (Analog Cafe), 102 Mahogany Centre SE (Mahogany), ☏ +1 403-910-5973. M-Th 6:30AM-9PM; F 6:30AM-10PM; Sa 7AM-10PM; Su 7AM-9PM. (updated Apr 2019)
  • Rosso Coffee Roasters. Local coffee company with direct sourced coffee. Offers grab-and-go as well as a pour over bar. (updated Mar 2019)
  • 🌍 Rosso - Inglewood (Rosso Coffee Roasters), 1402 9 Ave SE (Inglewood), ☏ +1 587-353-7677. M-F 7AM-10PM; Sa 7AM-10PM; Su 8AM-8PM. (updated Apr 2019)
  • 🌍 Rosso - Ramsay (Rosso Coffee Roasters), 803 24 Ave SE (Ramsay), ☏ +1-403-971-1800. Roasterie location and original cafe. (updated Mar 2019)

Sleep

Mid-range

Splurge

Connect
  • Calgary Public Library, ☏ +1 403-260-2600. Wifi available, free memberships available only to Calgary residents, guest passes available. 
    • 🌍 Forest Lawn Library (Calgary Public Library), 4807 8 Avenue SE. M-Th 10AM-9PM, F 10AM-6PM, Sa 9AM-5PM, Su noon-5PM. (updated Apr 2019)
    • 🌍 Quarry Park Library (Calgary Public Library), 108 Quarry Park Road SE (inside Remington YMCA). M-Th 9AM-9PM, F 9AM-6PM, Sa 9AM-5PM, Su noon-5PM. (updated Apr 2019)
    • 🌍 Seton Library (Calgary Public Library), 4995 Market Street SE (inside Brookfield Residential (Seton) YMCA). M-Th 9AM-9PM, F 9AM-6PM, Sa 9AM-5PM, Su noon-5PM. (updated Apr 2019)

Stay safe

Go next
Routes through Southeast
Edmonton ← Northeast ←  N  S  → High River → Fort Macleod / Lethbridge
ENDS at ← Southwest ←  N  S  → Okotoks → High River
Northwest ← Northeast ←   N  W  → Southwest → Northwest
Northwest ← City Centre ←  N  S  → Southwest → END


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