— EAST VILLAGE (DE)TOURS
FOR DEVOTED HISTORIANS

The rich past of East Village has played a huge part in its transformation into a place where Calgary’s future is unfolding—and around every corner, there stands an ode to its origin stories. Here are the highlights of a story spanning tens of thousands of years, of a place as important to the past as it is to the future.

Don’t miss out on the great historic photo-ops all around the village— here are our top two to start you off!

#1 Gaze out at the sunset as you enjoy a refreshing cocktail on the rooftop patio at Connie & John’s Rooftop @ Simmons.

#2 Get a shot of the Sentinels at The Confluence Historic Site and Parkland —5 glass and concrete pillars depicting historical city figures, keeping watch over East Village.

1 // SIMMONS BUILDING

Built in 1912 as a mattress factory, this structure, which cost an estimated $20,000, was thought modern for its time. In 2015, it was carefully restored by Calgary Municipal Land Corporation, and today, it is an East Village icon, a gathering place for locals and visitors, and most importantly, a foodie paradise with a boutique eatery, an artisan bakery and coffee roasterie.

2 // WHEEL OF WOMEN

This contemporary ground-level installation at the base of the George C. King Bridge along RiverWalk™ celebrates 30 pioneering Calgary women who made great contributions in community and city-building. Decorative plaques tell each of their stories, paying homage to their role in paving the way for a bright future for our city.

3 // THE CONFLUENCE HISTORIC SITE & PARKLAND (FORMERLY FORT CALGARY)

A museum and National Historic Site, The Confluence narrates the origin stories of the confluence of two rivers and its significance to the Indigenous People who have inhabited this area for tens of thousands of years. Learn about the Europeans who first crossed the Bow River, Calgary’s origins as a Northwest Mounted Police Outpost, and its eventual evolution into the birthplace of a metropolitan city.

4 // ST. LOUIS HOTEL

In the old days, this hotel was best known as a raucous basement tavern, where politicians held court as they munched on chicken and chips, as (imaginary) horse races were hosted every Friday. Of course, the hotel also had a sparkling cameo in 1984’s Superman 3.

5 // HILLIER BLOCK

Built in 1910, the Hillier Block was originally a billiards hall, barbershop and rooming house, featuring sandstone detailing on the window sills, lintels and parapet coping. Currently, it serves as renovated commercial office space, but still features ghost signs on both the east and west elevations.

6 // KING EDWARD HOTEL

Popularly known as The King Eddy, the hotel was built in the early 1900s on Calgary’s Whisky Row, gradually evolving into the Home of the Blues, where the likes of Buddy Guy and Jeff Healey performed. In 2014, the building was restored brick by brick (literally) to become part of Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre. Today, it’s both a live music venue and home to local radio station, CKUA.