Pages on Kensington is a bit of a throwback. It’s one of the last few independent bookstores in Calgary, and entering its warm, cosy confines - with the nostalgic smell of books hanging in the air - is like going back in time. And it fits well with the characteristics of this entire northwest neighbourhood of Kensington.

Calgary’s Stephen Avenue may have the hype, 17th Avenue S.W. the hysteria, but when it comes to being the hippest spot in town, Kensington beats them all hands down.

Kensington Village, as it is lovingly called, is rooted in deep history, as well, and is the thriving business district of the community of Sunnyside-Hillhurst in the northwest. Established in the early 1900s, the area is replete with heritage buildings that give it a village ambiance, a time warp quality that recalls the small-town heart of Calgary.

Pages isn’t the only store that gives visitors this feeling of going back in time. Hot Wax on 10th Street is another throwback – a store thriving on the renewed popularity of vinyl records. Contemporary home designs are given a breath of fresh air at Metro Element on Kensington Road. They are but a few of the more than 270 businesses in the Kensington Business Improvement Area (BIA).

Sunnyside-Hillhurst is one of the older communities in Calgary, and Kensington at its heart has always been a centre of commerce and culture, and these efforts have been enhanced through the Kensington BIA.

Sunnyside-Hillhurst, in fact, is one of the most popular inner-city residential districts in the city, with its proximity to downtown, and Kensington itself has seen the advent of several apartment condo developments through the years.
This area is one of the earliest examples of “Live, Work, Play,” long before it became a buzzword in urban living, and has been a hotspot for new condos in the last 20 years. Battistella Developments made a name here with their Pixel and Lido condos, StreetSide Developments had one of their best-sellers St. John’s here, so did Minto Communities with Annex and Bucci Developments’ Ven and (appropriately named) Kensington projects.

Most recent is Theodore, a mid-rise apartment building developed by Graywood Developments, already well on its way to completion on the corner of 10th Street NW and Gladstone Road.

Kensington Village preserves the rich tradition of open-air shopping and casual dining with a friendly, urban village atmosphere. You can find everything from outdoor gear like bikes and blades, to fine lingerie and urban-chic fashion, cut flowers, arts and crafts, books, fine wines, and apparel. A perfect spot for Christmas shopping – or any other season - if you want to avoid the crush of people in the malls and one which offers the most unique of gift items.

The selection of restaurants, bars and eateries in the area span the entire globe - a veritable United Nations of restaurants that serve up a world of delectables. There are also more than a few homegrown coffee houses as well serving their own distinctive blends.

The Kensington Village scene is as gratifying an experience as can be imagined. Whether enjoying a 14 oz. Benchmark Angus Ribeye at Modern Steak, or the best Korean fried chicken in town at Wow Chicken, you will find a restaurant to suit your taste in Kensington. From the exotic to the everyday menu.

Among the most popular restaurants is Pulcinella, which serves authentic Napoletana pizza using only Italian type 00 flour and olive oil to farm-fresh herbs and toppings.

The Roasterie or Good Trade are great spots to get an afternoon caffeine fix. Ikemen Ramen, Pie Junkie, Pepino’s, Hayden Block and Red's Diner are also among local favourites.

Kensington consistently ranks at the top of Calgary’s most walkable communities, has its own grocery, and is just steps from the Sunnyside LRT Station.