A Guide to Lougheed House in Calgary That’ll Make You Feel like You’ve Stepped Into a Fairytale
Whenever I have some downtime, one of my favorite things to do is watch period shows. I adore the aesthetics of Bridgerton and Downton Abbey. Honestly, a part of me wishes that I could experience that era.
So when one of my friends told me all about Lougheed House, I grabbed the chance to go. This historic site has been around for more than a hundred years, but its beauty is still unmatched.
We spent a lovely afternoon there eating, strolling, chatting, and of course, taking photos at every corner.
For those who are interested in visiting this picturesque attraction, this guide will tell you everything you need to know about Calgary’s Lougheed House.
Where is Lougheed House?
Lougheed House can be found at 707 13 Ave SW. It’s located within the Beltline community, which is south of Calgary’s downtown.
How to Get to Lougheed House
Via Light Rail: The closest light rail station to Lougheed House is at Wb 4 Street SW Station. It’s only a 3-minute walk away from the site’s entrance.
Via Bus: There are several bus stops near Lougheed House. Transport lines 2, 3, 90, 304, and 698 can take you there.
Via Private: Use your car’s GPS or a navigation app like Waze to find out what route you can take. Lougheed House provides free parking for its visitors.
What to Do in Lougheed House
Join a tour of the house
– Media credit: lougheedhouseyyc
For most of us, wanting to take pictures is just half of the reason why we want to visit Lougheed House. The other half is wanting to know all about its history.
For a house that’s been around for over a hundred years, it must’ve seen things. Luckily, there are guided tours that’ll answer all of your burning questions.
You’ll have a chance to explore the house and learn about its architecture and hidden secrets. The tour guides will give you a glimpse of what life was like back when the house had its original inhabitants in the late 1890s and early 1900s.
Architecture fans will also love hearing all about how the house was restored from a dilapidated building to its former glory as a resplendent mansion. Just check their website to know the schedules of their upcoming tours.
Have a pleasant stroll in the gardens
– Media credit: lougheedhouseyyc
Part of what makes Lougheed House so charming is the Beaulieu Gardens. It contains a variety of plant species that make the house’s surroundings look all the more vibrant and colorful.
There are several sections that you can visit. If your goal is to snap photos, you can head over to the Formal Garden or the Brawn Family Rose Garden. Having the blooming flowers here as your background will make you look radiant in pictures.
Pet owners will be happy to know that their beloved pups are welcome here as well. You can enjoy a walk with them as long as you keep them on a leash.
Take advantage of its beauty as a venue
– Media credit: lougheedhouseyyc
Although we find the Lougheed House striking enough to be the subject, it can also serve as the backdrop in a beautiful shot.
This historic site is available for rent for weddings, corporate events, movies, and more. You can either reserve the entire house or just a specific space.
Whatever you rent it for, their lovely staff will be with you every step of the way to ensure that everything goes according to plan. They can even connect you with a limo service to make your special day extra special.
Where to Eat near Lougheed House
Una Pizza + Wine
– Media credit: unapizzaandwine
Address: 618 17 Ave SW
Phone: +1 403 453 1183
Pricing: $$
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 11:30 AM to 11:00 PM
Una Pizza + Wine seems to be a melting pot of cultures. Their menu is full of Italian food, their flavors are inspired by California, and their service embodies that signature Canadian hospitality. It’s this blend that makes it so unique and worth coming back to.
It’s common to find the place lively and busy even so late at night. Despite this, you’re not going to have to fight for attention because their servers never miss a beat.
Their pizza is also one-of-a-kind. Until this place, we never thought that crust could be just as good as the toppings.
They’ve got over 10 choices of flavors, but everyone agrees that the Quattro Carne is the best. Get this to share with a bunch of friends and you’re guaranteed to have a great night.
The Coup
– Media credit: thecoupcalgary
Address: 9244 17 Ave SW
Phone: +1 4033 541 1041
Pricing: $$
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM
- Sunday – 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Since 2004, The Coup has been one of the top sources of good vegetarian food in the city.
Their goal seems to be to satisfy any kind of craving out there but in a healthy way. The extensive menu has vegetarian options from a variety of cuisines, such as falafels, gyozas, and burgers.
We highly recommend getting the Eggplant Nigiris and the Spicy Tofu Rice Bowl. They’re so flavorful that they just might convert the most passionate carnivore you know.
It’s also a nice touch that they offer the option to have their desserts with or without dairy. Either way, the Ube Cheesecake is the perfect end to any meal here.
Where to Stay near Lougheed House
The Dorian, Autograph Collection
– Media credit: thedorianhotel
Address: 525 5 Ave SW
Phone: +1 403 300 6630
Pricing: $$$
Operating Hours:
- 24-hour front desk
Those who have read the story of Dorian Gray would be familiar with his opulent lifestyle. The Dorian allows guests to indulge just as Oscar Wilde’s eternally youthful protagonist did.
The design of the rooms in this hotel pays homage to several elements in the book, from the wallpaper to the furniture. But you don’t have to read the novel to fully enjoy the premium toiletries that they provide.
However, nothing will prepare you for the luxury that you’ll experience at The Wilde Restaurant. Each dish that comes out of the kitchen is a culinary masterpiece that’ll have you wishing that your meal never ends.
At night, you can head up to the rooftop bar to enjoy a cocktail and see breathtaking views of the city that you’ll remember for the rest of your life.
Le Germain Hotel Calgary
– Media credit: legermainhotels
Address: 899 Centre St S
Phone: +1 403 264 8990
Pricing: $$
Operating Hours:
- 24-hour front desk
Le Germain Hotel is perfect for those who want to experience the best of Calgary. From the entrance, you won’t have to walk far to see iconic attractions such as the Arts Common Centre and Calgary Tower.
However, we have a feeling you might find it hard to leave the hotel, much less your room. Previous guests always say that they spend way longer than they should be sleeping on their plush beds or luxuriating under the bathroom’s rain shower head.
You also won’t have to look far to enjoy some local cuisine. The on-site restaurant CHARCUT Roast House serves some of the best poutines in the city. We’re sure you’ll crave it again long after you’ve left.
Ultimately, we think it’s the service that really elevates this hotel above others. The doorman will never forget to greet any guests with a smile and the front desk is there to make all your requests a reality.