Peace Bridge & Kensington Village are one of Calgary’s most photogenic combinations: a bright red pedestrian bridge over the Bow River leading directly into a lively inner-city district filled with cafés, boutiques, patios, and local character. In just a few minutes of walking, you can move from downtown towers to riverside pathways and into a street-level neighbourhood that feels like a small town inside the city.
This guide will help you explore Peace Bridge & Kensington Village: where they are, how to get there, what to see, and how to link them with other Calgary attractions.
Where Are Peace Bridge & Kensington Village in Calgary?
Peace Bridge & Kensington Village sit just northwest of downtown Calgary along the Bow River.
- Peace Bridge: spans the Bow River, connecting the Eau Claire / downtown side to the Sunnyside and Hillhurst side.
- Kensington Village: centred around 10 Street NW and Kensington Road NW, a short walk from the north end of Peace Bridge.
Key location points
- A few minutes’ walk from downtown across the river
- Direct connections to the Bow River Pathway on both sides
- Close to Sunnyside CTrain Station and various bus routes
- Easily combined with other inner-city neighbourhoods like Eau Claire and Sunnyside
Because Peace Bridge & Kensington Village are so close to the city centre, they are ideal for visitors with limited time who still want to experience Calgary’s riverfront and local culture.
Why Peace Bridge & Kensington Village Are So Popular
Peace Bridge: Calgary’s signature red river crossing
Peace Bridge has become one of Calgary’s most recognizable landmarks. Its features include:
- A bright red, tubular design with criss-crossing white elements
- A fully covered pathway, protecting walkers and cyclists from wind and light rain
- Separate space for pedestrians and cyclists, supporting active transportation
- Wide openings at both ends, connecting directly to riverside paths and neighbourhood streets
At any time of day, you’ll see locals commuting on bikes, runners crossing the river, visitors taking photos, and families enjoying the Bow River views.
Kensington Village: local, walkable, and full of character
Once you cross Peace Bridge and follow the short path into the community, you arrive in Kensington Village—a compact district known for:
- Independent coffee shops and bakeries
- Casual and upscale restaurants with patios in warm weather
- Boutiques, bookshops, record stores, and specialty retail
- A relaxed, walkable street grid with plenty of people-watching
Peace Bridge & Kensington Village together create a smooth transition from downtown skyscrapers to an urban village atmosphere.
How to Get to Peace Bridge & Kensington Village
Reaching Peace Bridge & Kensington Village is straightforward whether you’re walking, using public transit, or driving.
Walking from downtown Calgary
From most downtown hotels and offices, it takes about 10–20 minutes to walk to Peace Bridge:
- Head north toward the Bow River.
- Enter the Eau Claire area or nearby riverfront.
- Follow signs or paths along the Bow River Pathway until you reach Peace Bridge.
After crossing Peace Bridge, continue along the path and follow the short streets uphill to the heart of Kensington Village.
By CTrain (LRT)
The closest CTrain stop to Peace Bridge & Kensington Village is usually Sunnyside Station on the Red Line:
- From Sunnyside Station, walk south toward 10 Street NW and follow it toward the river and Kensington.
- You can reach Peace Bridge by heading to the riverbank and following the pathway west.
Downtown CTrain stations on 7 Avenue also work well if you prefer to walk through Eau Claire and along the river.
By car and parking
If you’re driving, you can typically find:
- Street parking and small lots in and around Kensington Village
- Parkades and surface lots on the downtown side near Eau Claire
- Time-limited and residential zones—always check signs carefully
Once parked, it’s an easy walk to Peace Bridge & Kensington Village and the Bow River Pathway network.
What to Do at Peace Bridge & Along the Bow River
Even if you only have a short time, there are plenty of ways to enjoy Peace Bridge & Kensington Village starting right on the river.
Take classic Calgary photos
Peace Bridge is a favourite spot for photography. Popular angles include:
- Standing inside the bridge, looking down the red tunnel toward downtown
- Shooting from the riverbank to capture the bridge, water, and skyline together
- Framing sunset or evening lights, when the bridge glows against the city backdrop
Because the bridge is busy, be considerate of cyclists and pedestrians when you stop for pictures.
Walk or bike the Bow River Pathway
Peace Bridge connects directly to the Bow River Pathway on both sides of the river:
- Heading east, you can walk toward Eau Claire, Prince’s Island Park, and downtown.
- Going west, the pathway continues toward residential neighbourhoods and additional parks.
You can easily build a loop that includes:
- Peace Bridge
- Prince’s Island Park
- Bow River Pathway on one or both sides
- A return through Kensington Village for food or coffee
This combination makes Peace Bridge & Kensington Village ideal for half-day city walks.
Enjoy the bridge in different seasons
Each season gives Peace Bridge & Kensington Village a different feel:
- Summer: bicycles, runners, and long evenings by the river.
- Autumn: colourful trees lining the pathways.
- Winter: snow on the riverbanks and dramatic contrasts between red steel and white snow.
- Spring: rising river levels and the first warm days bringing people back to patios in Kensington.
Exploring Kensington Village from Peace Bridge
Once you leave the riverfront and move into Kensington Village, the focus shifts from scenery to street life.
Cafés, restaurants, and patios
Kensington Village is one of Calgary’s most popular neighbourhoods for food and drink. Expect:
- Independent cafés perfect for a mid-walk coffee
- Bakeries and dessert spots for a quick treat
- Casual dining with burgers, pizza, or international flavours
- Seasonal patios that spill onto sidewalks in good weather
A simple plan is to time your walk across Peace Bridge around a meal or coffee stop in Kensington Village.
Shopping and local businesses
Kensington combines everyday services with unique local shops, such as:
- Clothing and accessory stores
- Bookshops and record stores
- Specialty retailers and small galleries
Because the area is compact, it’s easy to browse from one storefront to another without needing a car.
Neighbourhood atmosphere
What makes Peace Bridge & Kensington Village special is less about a single attraction and more about the overall experience:
- Walkable streets
- Public art, murals, or creative storefronts (depending on the block)
- A mix of long-time locals, students, families, and visitors
It feels like a “city within a city,” just a short stroll from the downtown towers across the river.
Suggested Itineraries Combining Peace Bridge & Kensington Village
1. Quick evening walk
Perfect if you only have a couple of hours.
- Start in downtown Calgary and walk to the Bow River.
- Stroll along the Bow River Pathway to Peace Bridge.
- Cross the bridge, taking time for photos and river views.
- Head into Kensington Village for coffee, dessert, or a casual dinner.
- Return across the bridge or via Sunnyside CTrain Station.
2. Half-day river and neighbourhood loop
Ideal for a more relaxed visit.
- Begin at Prince’s Island Park or Eau Claire.
- Follow the Bow River Pathway to Peace Bridge.
- Cross into Kensington Village and explore shops and cafés.
- Walk further into Sunnyside and Hillhurst if you want more residential streets.
- Loop back along the river or use the CTrain to return downtown.
Practical Tips for Visiting Peace Bridge & Kensington Village
To get the most out of Peace Bridge & Kensington Village, keep a few simple tips in mind.
- Watch for bikes: Peace Bridge is a shared space. Stay aware of cyclists, especially when taking photos.
- Dress for the weather: Calgary’s weather changes quickly; layers and comfortable footwear are helpful.
- Use pathway etiquette: On the Bow River Pathway, keep right, pass on the left, and signal when cycling or running.
- Plan around meals: Kensington Village is at its best when you have time to enjoy a drink, snack, or meal.
- Check local event listings: Occasional neighbourhood events or riverfront activities can add extra interest to your visit.
- Evening safety: As in any city, stay in well-lit areas, walk with others if possible, and keep valuables secure.
Quick Overview: Peace Bridge & Kensington Village
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Main highlight | Red Peace Bridge over Bow River leading into Kensington Village |
| Location | Northwest of downtown Calgary, between Eau Claire and Sunnyside/Hillhurst |
| Access | Walk, bike, CTrain (Sunnyside), or drive and park nearby |
| Activities | Walking, biking, photography, dining, shopping, people-watching |
| Best time to visit | Afternoons and evenings, especially in spring–autumn |
| Typical visit duration | 1–3 hours, longer if combined with other riverfront areas |
FAQ about Peace Bridge & Kensington Village
Is Peace Bridge only for pedestrians?
Peace Bridge is designed for both pedestrians and cyclists. The covered structure has space for people walking, running, and biking. When you visit, stay aware of lane markings and other users so everyone can cross comfortably and safely.
How do I get from Peace Bridge to Kensington Village?
From the north end of Peace Bridge, follow the path away from the river and walk a few minutes into Kensington Village, centred around 10 Street NW and Kensington Road NW. Signs, storefronts, and the growing number of cafés make it easy to see when you’ve reached the heart of the neighbourhood.
Is Kensington Village family-friendly?
Yes. Kensington Village is generally considered a family-friendly neighbourhood, with walkable streets, cafés, and shops suitable for many age groups. Families often combine a riverside walk across Peace Bridge with a meal or treat in Kensington.
Can I bike between downtown and Kensington via Peace Bridge?
Absolutely. Peace Bridge & Kensington Village are part of a larger bike-friendly route. You can:
- Cycle along the Bow River Pathway from downtown
- Cross Peace Bridge
- Continue into Kensington and surrounding neighbourhoods
Follow local cycling rules, signal your turns, and reduce speed around pedestrians.
How much time do I need to visit Peace Bridge & Kensington Village?
You can:
- Spend 30–60 minutes on a quick photo stop and short walk, or
- Plan 2–3 hours for a fuller visit including riverfront pathways, coffee or a meal, and time to explore Kensington Village streets and shops.
Conclusion
Peace Bridge & Kensington Village showcase some of the best of inner-city Calgary in a compact, walkable area. The bright red bridge gives you river and skyline views, while Kensington offers the cafés, shops, and patios that make a neighbourhood feel alive.
Whether you’re crossing the Bow River at sunset, cycling through on the pathway network, or meeting friends for brunch, Peace Bridge & Kensington Village offer an easy and memorable way to experience Calgary’s urban side.
