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Heritage Calgary Haunted Inglewood Walking Tour

Heritage Calgary Haunted Inglewood Walking Tour

What is up all you ghouls and goblins?! It’s almost Halloween – an extra spooky time of year where we indulge in sweet treats, dress up in our favourite costumes and dig into old slasher films of mask wearing, machete wielding maniacs. Whether you are out partying with Hellfire Club, trick-or-treating, or blissfully tucked in for a Treehouse of Horror marathon, there is absolutely something for everyone to enjoy this Hallow’s Eve – you can almost smell the sweet scent of candy corn in the air. Here In Inglewood, we are home to some of the city’s most haunted sites. With this in mind, Heritage Calgary has prepared a spooktacular, haunted walking tour of several of our community’s paranormal points for your viewing.

Deane House

While most people know the Deane house as one of the city’s top restaurants and brunch spots, the heritage home has a surprisingly haunting past. Originally built for the superintendent of Fort Calgary, it later became a rooming house in the thirties and carries a history of violence. Some report the faint smell of cigar smoke permeating through the rooms of the house, while other accounts include disconnected telephones ringing and the apparition of a pipe smoking man. One of the house’s greater paranormal occurrences is a blood-stain in the attic that changes in colour and size and a closet that reportedly unlocks itself. All things considered, the Deane House is a happening haunt in Inglewood. https://www.deanehouse.com/

Rouge (A.E. Cross Residence)

Built on the old A.E. cross residence, Rouge serves up some of the best dining in the city- paired with ghoulish phenomenon. The home’s first owner A.E. Cross was one of the original founders and financiers of the Calgary Stampede. Unfortunately, tragedy struck his family when two of his three children died of diptheria – some believe the Cross family may still haunt the building. Staff and visitors have reported mysterious apparitions of a floating woman, moving chairs, falling pots and doors slamming in the building while no one else is around – sounds pretty spooky to us. https://rougecalgary.com/

House & Hound (Fire Hall No. 3)

Before the Hose & Hound transformed into the popular neighbourhood pub as we know today, it was originally the city’s No.3 Fire Hall. What sets Hose & Hound apart from other local haunts on this list is the paranormal sounds and sights from the establishment come from the animal kingdom. Allegedly, the city’s Fire Chief Cappy Smart owned a pet monkey who was put down after attacking a child. Staff and patrons have reported the spirit of the monkey still causes mischief in the building – knocking cans off shelves, starting the dishwasher and messing about the billiard tables. Cappy Smart alsoowned a horse who tragically died in a fire. Apparently, some can still hear the sounds of phantom horse hooves and neighs throughout the bar. https://www.thehose.ca/

Suitor House

The suitor house is currently used by doctors as an office space, but it’s origins date back to a much more grim reality. A hospice of sorts, the building was originally intended as a space for sick, contagious patients to live out their final days. Later, it became a rooming house where the spirits of one young couple reportedly still haunt the venue. The husband fell fate to a gruesome death involving a rail car – he took pleasure in hopping on moving trains. The widowed wife parished shortly after of heartbreak and it is reported her spirit still stalks the halls of the suitor house.

New East Ward (Alexandra) School (Alexandra Centre Society)

The New East Ward (Alexandra) School is a long, rectangular, threestorey school of solid sandstone construction. A 1956 one-storey, concrete-block gymnasium addition which adjoins the southeast corner is situated in front of the school. At some point in this building’s 100-year-plus life, it had a caretaker named Joe. Joe was evidently a troubled man and one day he was found in the building’s stairwell, having hung himself. People working in the building say they see things in the shadows, and have heard footsteps coming from empty hallways, as if someone is still working their rounds.

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Car Free Sundays

Car Free Sundays #InInglewood

Ditch those clumsy automobiles, pesky cylinder motors and take a stroll through the community of Inglewood via the ‘shoelace-express’. What we mean is, lace up those sneakers and/or grab your bicycle – Inglewood is launching Car Free Sundays again in 2022 during the month of August to encourage Calgarians to stroll and roll through the neighbourhood and support local businesses.

The main vein of Inglewood (9 Ave. SE from 11 St. to 14 St.) will be closed to all vehicles each Sunday through the month of August (14, 21, 28) from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Businesses will have the opportunity to extend their storefronts to the sidewalk to allow for visitors to enjoy Calgary’s original mainstreet without the weekend hustle and bustle of cars and trucks. Community dwellers and Calgarians alike can enjoy the neighbourhood in its organic state with live music by buskers, dining on expanded patios, and ample sidewalk shopping at some of the city’s best local retailers. In collaboration with the City of Calgary, the Inglewood BIA has designated alternate parking areas for visitors to the area.

This initiative is also a homage to a time in Inglewood’s history when pedestrians were the only type of traffic. Inglewood is proud to be one of Calgary’s most accessible neighbourhoods by bike, with plenty of scenic cycling paths. It’s the perfect destination for those who want to leave their vehicles behind when visiting the neighbourhood for Car Free Sundays.

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Plant-Based Eats #InInglewood

Coming off the heels of Inglewood’s Plant-Based Stampede Breakfast, we figured there was no better time than the present to showcase some of the neighbourhood’s top spots for plant-based and vegan eats. Not just a trend, plant-based eating and veganism has seen a growing trend in recent years. For some, plant-based eating is a lifestyle and for others it is a welcome addition to their typical diet. Whether you’re a lifelong vegan, vegetarian or simply a weekday meat-eater, there are plenty of amazing plant-based dining options #InInglewood for you to try – here are some of our favourites.

A1 Burrito/Ol’ Beautiful Brewing Co

Nestled inside the comfy confines of Ol’ Beautiful Brewing co is a quaint food stand by the name of A1 Burrito. Self-proclaimed as Inglewood’s spot for authentic Mexican food, A1 Burrito serves a no-nonsense, tasty roster of burritos (obviously), quesadillas, tacos, chips and of course donas (donuts). Vegans and plant-minded eaters alike can typically count on chips with salsa and guac for a sans-animal dining experience, but the real home run is the vegan burrito. A delectable combination of pinto beans, poblano, white onion, guacamole and pico de gallo, the vegan burrito is a real crowd pleaser – best served with an ice-cold Mexican Lager from Ol’ Beautiful.

BiteYYC /Bea’s Cafe

Sibling shops BiteYYC and Bea’s Cafe certainly are a local favourite for Inglewood dwellers and YYC inhabitants alike. For starters, one can expect a quick, hassle-free shopping experience, complete with quality products. In addition, BiteYYC bolsters an impressive plant-based shopping section with a carefully-curated selection of plant based bites. Try Field Roast smoked apple & sage sausages for your next barbecue (a personal favourite), pasta sauces from local company Soul Bowl, or donair mheat from another local fave, Veghammer. For those looking to dine in, opt for the fattoush salad or avocado toast from Bea’s Cafe.

Vegan Street Taco Bar/The Attic

Sibling shops appear to be a common theme #InInglewood and Vegan Street Taco Bar and The Attic are no exception to this list. Brought to you by the owners of Vegan Street Beltline, the taco bar offers a 100% plant-based dining experience, serving tacos, bowls, and of course margs. Favourites include the No-Fish, Chipotle Chickin, Asada Portobello tacos and Lemon Tofu bowls. Stop by their gorgeous patio or upstairs terrace for the daily happy hour from 3-5 p.m. and 9-close for $5 dine-in tacos and draft beer. If you’re after plant-based pizza, then head upstairs to the attic for some ooey-gooey za, cooked to perfection in a stone-fired oven.

Madison’s 12/12

When we think of Madison’s, nacho’s immediately come to mind. Images of deliciously decadent tortilla chips, smothered in cheesy (or plant cheese) goodness and premium, piled-high toppings may flood one’s vision. For vegan and plant-based eaters, we suggest the Mac N’ Cheese Nachos – Macaroni noodles, cheese sauce (vegan), mixed cheddar (vegan), Spolumbo’s sausage, spring onion, house made ketchup, corn chips. Just as well, try the Mexican Nachos – Monterey Jack Cheese (vegan), lack bean corn salsa, jalapenos, Enchilada sauce, Greek yogurt (vegan), corn chips. And finally, if you’re not topping those nachos with delicious Jackfruit, then you’re missing out my friend.

Canela Vegan Bakery & Café

Seriously though, when’s the last time you paid a visit to Canela #InInglewood? If the answer is never, then lace up and check out their location immediately. Canela offers an entirely plant-based bakery and cafe menu, specializing in handcrafted vegan pastries and beverages made with love. Our recommendation – begin your Canela experience with a caffeine fix in the form of a warm and creamy oat milk latte from the cafe – next we’re off to the bakery. For first timers you must try the sausage rolls – they can’t be beat. If you’re after a little something to satisfy your sweet tooth, the cinnamon rolls and handmade pop tarts will not disappoint.

Highline Brewing

You can always count on Inglewood for a touchdown roster of local breweries and Highline Brewing is another which tops this list. While Highline may be notable for its craft brews and rotating cocktail menu, one of the best kept menu secrets are the veggie dogs. Sub out any hot dog for a veggie option and you’re good to go! The Sicilian is a real drool-inducer and comes topped with arugula; truffle mayo (sub out for vegan); fried mushrooms; nutritional yeast and served with house-made potato chips. For a beer pairing, try the Dadge Cucumber Ale, a refreshing summer brew that won’t over sweeten your taste buds.

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Inglewood Street Style

One of our favourite aspects of Inglewood is the colour, style and diversity the community frequently exhibits in its residents and habitants. Take a quick stroll down the 9th Ave stretch and see the intersecting fashion styles which highlight individual features in the community for yourself.

So what exactly is Street Style? By definition, street style is a specific fashion style and fashion culture – a comprehensive approach to fashion and includes styles which intersect, differ from mainstream fashion considerations and are based on individualism and not strictly focusing on current fashion trends. Street style is not about appearing ostentatious, pretentious, or flaunting affluence. Rather, it encapsulates self expression, authenticity and celebrates the distinct fashion choices which make up the community we work and play in. Frankly, Street Style is whatever you want it to be and by internalizing this sentiment, communities like Inglewood can effectively champion inclusivity, self expression and diversity in their neighbourhoods through a fashion vehicle. Individuals are able to express themselves wholly while being a part of a greater community.

To help celebrate Street Style #InInglewood all summer long, we encourage those to tag @inglewoodyyc in their photos of themselves in the community and use the hashtag #InglewoodStreetStyle. We would love to see what you’re wearing and celebrate the authenticity and diversity that YOU bring to our community.

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Mother’s Day #InInglewood

A huge shoutout to the Mother’s and the maternal figures in our lives. For those who are grateful to have such a positive presence, Mother’s Day is a day to express our gratitude and show our thanks for all of their hard work and love. While every day should be considered a special day for mothers, we wanted to highlight several of our amazing shops here #InInglewood carrying the perfect gifts for mom this Mother’s Day

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Fashion Revolution Week YYC/ Earth Day

Fashion Revolution Week is a global movement which raises awareness to the excess, overproduction, overconsumption and ethical concerns of the fast fashion industry, while placing a greater emphasis on slow fashion. In 2022, Fashion Revolution Week stretches from April 18-22, concluding on Earth day. Owner of Inglewood shops STASH Lounge and RICK RACK Textiles, Veronica Murphy is at the helm of the Fashion Revolution Calgary chapter and wants consumers to recognize more sustainable options and choices they may implement in their wardrobe. Veronica states “Fashion Revolution Week is about the true cost of doing business, the true cost of fashion – both environmental and social cost.”

So what exactly are the differences between fashion and slow fashion? Fast fashion emphasizes quantity over quality and focuses on the mass production of cheaply made, inexpensive garments, with considerable turnover. Veronica notes “fast fashion often sacrifices logical clothing design elements for the sake of saving pennies.”

The industry is responsible for ⅓ of global water pollution and up to 35% of microplastics found in our oceans. Alternatively, Veronica insists “slow fashion has more to do with creating a wardrobe made of quality pieces that last longer -the antithesis of fast fashion.” Veronica adds, “slow fashion really deemphasizes the cycle of fast fashion, so there is less manufactured, less textile waste.”

Slow fashion is all about sustainability, supporting local and the significance of ethical garment choices. It may be as simple as thrifting or researching your favorite clothing brands. Veronica urges consumers to take simple steps towards the slow fashion movement and individuals may achieve this by:

Consuming less
Supporting mindfully
Supporting local
Reusing and repairing garments
Thrift/second hand garments

This week Veronica visited some of her favourite shops #InInglewood which are doing their part to augment the growing movement of slow fashion. We hope you visit these locations when making your next clothing purchase and have a happy earth day friends.

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The Sounds of Inglewood

Do-re-mi-fa- So one of the brilliant things about the community of Inglewood is the plethora of venues we host that support live music. As one of the hardest-hit industries during the COVID-19 Pandemic, local live music requires our support more than ever. Unfortunately, it has always been one of the first institutions to lock down and one of the last to re-open. While many individuals consume vast quantities of music daily, we often do not stop to think about the various ways their existence contributes to our well-being. From the bonds and social ties, people create in music communities, to the cultural and economic bolsters they behold in many cities – live music benefits groups and individuals through a cornucopia of manners. Truly, we have all experienced a moment where a song helped us through heartbreak or let us healthily process our emotions? We know many of you are thirsty for some live entertainment, so we have compiled a list of some of our favourite live music venues along Music Mile #InInglewood

The Blues Can

The unofficial house of blues and a tried and true favourite #InInglewood is aptly named, The Blues Can. Featuring live music every night of the week, The Blues Can is a top choice for local music among many dwellers in the city. They are as famous for their hospitality as they are for the tasty tunes they deliver. Pop by for a show any night of the week or pay a visit on Saturday afternoons during their open blues jam which is best paired with a cajun fare.