– East Village (De)tours
for avid instagrammers

It doesn’t matter if you have 100 followers or 100,000—Instagrammers of all kinds love sharing unique perspectives of the world. And here in YYC’s east end, there’s something worth capturing around every street corner. From awe-inspiring public art to architecture that was built to “wow,” you’re bound to create picture-perfect memories. Grab your phone or your Canon EOS Rebel—you’ve got a lot of ‘gramming’ to do!

We’re massive fans of public art, which is probably why the neighbourhood has transformed into a giant outdoor gallery. Instead of paying admission at an indoor museum, just take a stroll through East Village to admire world-class sculptures and impactful local art. Whether you’re posing in front of the colourful mosaic tiles of THESAMEWAYBETTER/READER or boomeranging the bobbing TRIO birds, our collection of permanent and temporary installations is sure to inspire, surprise, challenge and excite.

1 // CROSSROADS SHEDS

This trio of sheds is functional and a great community gathering space, but it’s also got a cool vibe to it. Located next to the Crossroads playground and EV Community Garden, the sheds are made from 3 shipping containers, connected by an overhead collage of geometrically-shaped steel. Standing in the centre, you almost feel you’re in a life-sized bee hive! On the outside, the containers’ meshpaneled sides and bold shapes make for a dream backdrop.

2 // GEORGE G. KING BRIDGE

Nicknamed the “skipping stone bridge,” this connector to St. Patrick’s Island has won quite a few awards for its elegant and graceful design. It’s also a favourite for all kinds of shoots: engagements, weddings, family portraits and more. Fun fact: The bridge deck was transformed into a catwalk by the Canadian fashion organization PARK for their 2018 PARKSHOW.

3 // C-SQUARE

Watching a train pass by might seem mundane, but C-Square makes it a true spectacle. It features aluminum posts with LED lights that interact with the CTrain, illuminating each post’s fin as the train passes; they also ‘dance’ when there are concerts at C-Square as they flicker to the beat of each song.

4 // #UPTHEALLEY

Get carried up, up and away at our interactive mural featuring a giant bouquet of colourful balloons on the St. Louis Hotel’s exterior wall. Join in and then follow along at #UpTheAlley on Instagram— you’ll be “blown away” by how creatively some Instagrammers have captured the installation!

5 // THE BOUNCE GAMES PARK

If you think a basketball court could never be photogenic, we’re (not) sorry to say you’re mistaken. The Bounce is all about bright, vibrant colours and flaunting city-themed murals by local artist duo, MAUD. Mixed-media textures of asphalt and brick shine against a backdrop of three of YYC’s most notable heritage buildings and the architectural marvels of Studio Bell and the Central Library.

6 // CORRIDOR OF CONNECTION

This giant mural along the 4th Street SE Underpass is a temporary installation by local artist Michelle Hoogveld and a snapshot hotspot. Post the giant lips, a pup, the paint-covered peace sign or a closeup of your Village Ice Cream cone—the choices are endless.