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 Charming used bookshop |
912 - 16 Avenue Northwest Calgary, AB T2M 0K3 Canada +1 403 282 1330 http://anniesbookcompany.ca/ |
Too many used book shops have all the charm of a garage sale. Annie's is different. Dispersed among the well-stocked shelves are comfortable chairs, sofas and tables, and the cafe in the corner offers delicious coffees and teas to sip while you browse. With over 50,000 titles in stock covering every conceivable genre, there is plenty to look at. Annie also offers a book 'rental' service, and a literary salon, which is a separate room housing rare and antiquated books. A regular schedule of poetry readings and lectures are also available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Favourite used bookstore |
223 10 Street Northwest Calgary, AB T2N 1V5 Canada +1 403 283 9521 |
In a neighbourhood with no shortage of used bookstores, this popular shop is one of the best. In fact, Calgarians regularly vote Author! Author! Calgary's favourite used book seller. The selection of titles in all genres is impressive, over 50,000 titles in all, with most shelves stocked to the ceiling. There is a wide magazine section, including the ubiquitous yellow wall of National Geographic back issues. In addition to English titles, there is a small selection German and French books, and some secondhand sheet music. A short browse through this shop will surely yield a literary treasure or two. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A child friendly experience |
5111 Northland Drive Northwest Calgary, AB T2L 2J8 Canada +1 403 247 4143 |
This is a great, child-friendly store that teaches as it astounds, which is the best way to learn. There are, of course, the ubiquitous Beanie Babies (with quite a large selection by the way) as well as numerous colorful mobiles for hanging on the ceiling, or over a crib. There are also bird feeders, wind chimes and specialty cards. But the real treasures involve their huge selection of excellent educational games. Too numerous to mention, most are child-friendly and geared to bringing out the best in children, using different stimuli. There are also many interesting books geared to toddlers and under fives. For those with teenagers there are also interesting puzzles, toys and CD's. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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1,000s of magazines and international newspapers |
206 7th Avenue South West Calgary, AB T2P 0W7 Canada +1 403 262 2894 |
Located beside the downtown C-Train station, this is a convenient stop for the latest national and international news. Stocked daily with fresh editions of Canadian, British, American and European newspapers, it's a favorite stop for businesspeople getting off the train on the way to work. Along with newspapers, it also has a huge selection of magazines ranging from fashion periodicals to a wide variety of X-rated material near the back. There is also a display rack with dozens of brands of imported tobacco, cigarettes and Cuban cigars, as well as collector-quality Zippo Lighters. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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What's a fugue anyway? |
105, 1134 8th Avenue Southwest Calgary, AB T2P 1J5 Canada +1 403 290 1182 http://www.classics-plus.com/ |
This well-stocked store is Calgary's only music shop devoted entirely to classical music. It stocks a large selection of mainstream classical, opera and ballet CDs as well as videos and DVDs. The knowledgeable staff is happy to field questions and fill special orders. In addition to music, this friendly shop features a gallery of art related to classical music. Whether you are an intimidated but interested neophyte, or a seasoned aficionado who knows the classics like the Bach of his hand, there is something for you at Classics Plus. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Health-food heaven |
1304 10 Ave SW Calgary, AB T3C 0J2 Canada +1 403 229 2383 http://www.communitynaturalfoo... |
This large grocery is a paradise for the organically inclined. There are bookshelves loaded with health, lifestyle and herbalism books, racks of fresh organic produce, vitamins, bulk baking supplies, condiments and more varieties of lentils and soy milk than you ever thought possible. There is a small cooler of fresh beef (humanely slaughtered) to remind you that you are still in Cattle Country. The Sunflower Cafe serves up tasty vegetarian dishes, fresh juice and coffee—lunch or breakfast here will cost about CAD 5. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Stacy Kozakavich |
 Photo: Greg Burnison |
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A foodie paradise |
722-11 Avenue Southwest Calgary, AB T2R 0E4 Canada +1 403 265 6066 http://www.cookbookcooks.com/c... |
So much more than a bookstore, this shop is a Mecca for the culinarily-inclined. Start with a cooking class in the basement cooking school, where there is everything from honey tasting workshops to Indian vegetarian classes to specialty dinners prepared by visiting chefs. Move back upstairs to peruse the nearly 3000 cookbook titles and the array of strange ingredients and foods. Is your cupboard bare of "killer" pecans? All out of pure grapefruit oil? Come to find the more intriguing items on your shopping list. Call for details on classes. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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International newspapers |
1004 17th Avenue Southwest Calgary, AB T2T 0A5 Canada +1 403 244 2060 |
If you're looking for a newspaper from London, New York, Hong Kong or Melbourne, chances are that this shop has it. Its front racks are stocked with papers from all over the globe, while its back shelves contain one of the largest selections of magazines in town. Hundreds of publications from all corners of the globe on sports, politics, fashion, computers, and lifestyles are available. Unlike many newsstands, the customers are allowed to browse and read through the magazines without purchasing them first. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Second-hand books galore |
907 - 9th Avenue Southeast Calgary, AB T2G 0S9 Canada +1 403 237 8156 http://www.fairsfair.com |
Buy your books the best way possible: second-hand. Fair's Fair is quality used books from wall to wall;and you can also sell or trade used books of your own. The books are displayed in easy-to-find categories and there is everything from New Age to Canadiana. If you can't find what you are looking for, they will write down the title you are interested in and let you know if it comes in. A real plus is the fact that you can re-trade your book once you have read it. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A great gift shop |
390 85 Street Southwest close to Canada Olympic Park Calgary, AB T3B 5V6 Canada +1 403 286 1932 http://www.highlandshoppe.ab.ca/ |
Face it—doesn't everybody want to be Scottish—at least a little bit? If you know someone who is, (or just wants to be) head to this quaint little shop for some really original gift ideas. The Highland Scottish Gift Shoppe specializes in interesting hand-made kilts and beautiful Celtic jewelry. The owners are accomplished bagpipe players and sell top of the line bagpipes and other Celtic treasures. The gift shop can be rented out for weddings and functions and is located just east of Canada Olympic Park. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Unusual and organic foodstuffs |
1167 Kensington Crescent NW Calgary, AB T2N 1X7 Canada +1 403 270 0621 |
Kensington Market boasts all the wholesome foods one could ever need or want. The potent aroma of spices stops visitors in their tracks, and a journey through the aisles yields a continued cocktail of lingering scents. The selection of organic and naturally processed pasta is impressive, and the produce displayed has a fullness not often found in supermarket wares. One corner is dedicated to herbal supplements ranging from broccoli and cranberry extract to powerful antioxidants and books on their proper use. For your reading pleasure, check out the section of alternative living magazines. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Derrick Budden |
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Bright French bookstore |
818-49 Avenue SW Britannia Plaza Calgary, AB T2S 1G9 Canada +1 403 244 6433 / +1 866 371 6433 http://www.librairiemonette.com |
This bright French shop is marked by a blue, white and red awning on a second floor window. There is a wide selection of French fiction, language dictionaries, plenty of children's books, as well as music, CDs, cards and videos. The staff is friendly and helpful and are happy to point you towards the small sunny cafe where you can relax with an afternoon latte or glass of pastis. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Mecca for hikers |
830 10th Avenue Southwest Between 8th Street and 7th Street Calgary, AB T2R 0A9 Canada +1 403 269 2420 http://www.mec.ca |
For any outdoor enthusiast who wants or absolutely needs the best equipment available for weekend camping or climbing Everest, this is THE spot. This place is filled with quality clothing and gear intended for the serious hiker, camper or climber. There are rows of water and tear-proof clothing, endless selections of sleeping bags and tents, and bins and racks filled with the portable clamps, clips, lights and utensils needed for adventurous pursuits. The staff is knowledgeable; some are actually climbers selling climbing gear, and so on: they know their stuff. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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For a different sort of gift |
142 10th Street Northwest Calgary, AB T2N 1V3 Canada +1 403 270 7272 |
If you're looking for a book on raising your puppy holistically or seeking a crystal to draw bad energy away from your body, this is the place you should visit. Cluttered with books on Native American Folklore, Ancient Eastern medical practices, and new-age living, this store lies outside the mainstream. The staff are friendly and know exactly where everything is—even the most obscure topics and titles. With its unusual and sometimes fascinating collection of books and wide assortment of crystal jewelry, there is enough here to keep even the most skeptical visitor interested for hours. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Award-winning bookseller |
1135 Kensington Road North West Calgary, AB T2N 3P4 Canada +1 403 283 6655 http://www.pages.ab.ca/ |
It is not surprising that a store part-owned by award-winning author Peter Oliva is an award-winning bookstore--Pages was a Canadian Booksellers Association Bookseller of the Year. This small, two-level store boasts a wide collection of fiction on the first floor and nonfiction on the second. Regularly scheduled author readings add a nice dimension to the experience. Shoppers determined to help wage a small-shop war against the encroaching book superstores pack the aisles. Once you find your latest treasured tome, wander out into the surrounding Kensington neighborhood and one of its coffee-driven retreats. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Andy van der Raadt  |
 Unique cards and stationary |
141-200 Barclay Parade Southwest Eau Claire Market Calgary, AB T2P 4R5 Canada +1 403 262 0389 http://www.paperrootstudios.com |
If you're tired of sending tacky tourist postcards, sample some of the original material in Paper Root Studios. It sells independently-designed cards, postcards, stationery and envelopes, many of which are printed on post-consumer recycled and unbleached paper. While some of the cards have the traditional overly sentimental or silly verses and pictures, most feature original and thought-provoking essays and themes. Occupying a store in the creative Eau Claire Market, all of its products are of exceptional and original quality. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
 One of a kind treasures |
722 17th Avenue Southwest Calgary, AB T2S 0B7 Canada +1 403 228 7192 http://www.rubaiyatgallery.com/ |
The Rubaiyat Gallery is a mainstay for people who are shopping for unique, one-of-a-kind artifacts. These handcrafted pieces come from all over the world and can be a little on the pricey side, but many of these treasures are destined to become precious heirlooms. The Gallery carries sculptures and wooden engravings from Africa, Japan and India, as well as beautiful hand-made jewelry, furniture and Christmas decorations. The studio downstairs specializes in stained glass windows. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Classic used books |
201, 1019 17th Avenue Southwest Calgary, AB T2T 0A4 Canada +1 403 245 2440 |
The relaxed atmosphere of this shop invites patrons to browse through the fascinating collection of new and well-aged books. The focus here is on antiquarian volumes for collectors and scholars, classic fiction, and books on history and current global problems. Music plays quietly in the background, and large, comfortable chairs are provided for readers who wish to thoroughly peruse a selection. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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For the soul |
No. 3-213, 19th Street Northwest West Hillhurst Calgary, AB T2N2H9 Canada +1 403 270 0410 |
Located in the West Hillhurst Shopping District, Soul Food Books has a wide and impressive display of metaphysical books and crystals. The store also has an extensive collection of beautiful candles and jewelry for its female customers. And for those who believe that the future is predictable, Soul Food Books offers Tarot card reading. Call for timings and other details. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Books to the rafters |
911 17th Ave SW Calgary, AB T2T 0A4 Canada +1 403 245 6407 |
The colorful facade of this shop stands out amongst the mostly drab buildings that surround it, inviting shoppers into the well-organized used bookstore within. With a selection comparable to that of large chain stores, its books are in good condition and cataloged precisely, making it easy to find titles. It carries fiction, non-fiction, and some specialty titles. The prices are reasonable, most books priced at half what they would be new. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Graphic Design Inspired Gallery Bookstore |
100 7th Ave SW Calgary, AB T2P 0W4 Canada +1 403 283 5318 http://www.uppercasegallery.ca |
This gallery/bookstore in the heart of downtown Calgary offers graphic design inspired art, books and paper goods, and shows the works of selected illustrators, graphic designers and photographers. Find amongst its shelves a selection of truly collectible books on art, fiction, graphic design, fashion and pop culture. The demand for beautifully crafted paper goods has also hit Calgary and Uppercase carries file folders, notebooks, sketchbooks and journals. The resident graphic designer also designs greeting cards that offer vignettes of Calgary life. A clear sign of things to come is the gallery's book publishing section with offerings on fiction and illustration. - Jasmin So-Armada Review © 2007, Wcities |