I once said, “Let’s just walk around Kensington and not spend anything.” My friend looked at me like I suggested eating soup with a fork. An hour later, we were buried in handmade jewelry and coffee beans—and definitely not empty-handed.
Kensington is that friend who convinces you to spend money you didn’t plan to spend—and honestly? You thank them for it later. This neighbourhood is packed with shops that make you go ”Ooh I didn’t know I needed that until just now.”
If you’ve ever walked in for a latte and walked out with a $60 candle and a new personality, you’re in the right place. I’ll share some of the best spots in Kensington for that unapologetic splurge you’re secretly hoping for.
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Bailey Nelson
– Media from baileynelson
Location: 104 10 Street NW
Contact: (403) 285‑9300
Operating hours:
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 12 PM – 5 PM
Pricing: $$
Bailey Nelson has a solid mix of stylish, well-made frames that won’t drain your wallet. Most prescription glasses start around $145, and their sunnies are just as sleek.
To make things even easier, you can get a full eye exam done right in-store. Licensed optometrists are available, and they also handle contact lens fittings and retinal—basically everything in one stop.
The space feels modern and welcoming, and they’ll adjust or clean your glasses anytime for free. It’s that kind of place that just makes the whole experience feel effortless.
Pro tip:
- If you’re getting a pair, ask about their second-pair offer. Sometimes, you can grab an extra set of frames for just $30, which is perfect if you like to switch up your look.
Gummi Boutique
– Media from gummiboutique
Location: 205 10 St NW
Contact: (587) 353‑0031
Operating hours:
- Monday–Thursday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Pricing: $
Gummi boutique is where I once grabbed a treat box for my niece, and ended up making a second one for myself. She couldn’t stop talking about the cotton candy-flavored lollipops and marshmallow-filled gummies.
After that visit, I realized they’ve got way more than just the basics. You’ll find everything from sour gummies and retro sweets to imported treats you won’t see at the grocery store—think Japanese KitKats, UK chocolates, and super rare sodas.
They also do custom bags and party favours, which are perfect for birthdays or little surprises. The whole vibe makes you forget you’re an adult for a minute.
Pro tip:
- Ask the staff what’s new or limited edition—they often bring in seasonal or hard-to-find imports that disappear fast.
Hot Wax Records
– Media from hot_wax_records
Location: 114 10 St NW
Contact: (403) 283‑0055
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Pricing: $$
Hot Wax Records is one of those spots that music lovers could spend hours in. I came here with a musician friend once, and we ended up staying way longer than planned—there was just so much to dig through.
They’ve got a solid mix of vinyl, CDs, cassettes, and even music books and posters. My friend went straight for the rare and local stuff, and I ended up flipping through records too.
The place has a super relaxed vibe, good tunes playing, and staff who clearly love music. Easy to lose track of time here.
Pro tip:
- Check out the discount bins near the front—my friend scored a rare pressing, and there are usually hidden gems if you’re willing to dig.
Kensington Florist
– Media from kensingtonfloristyyc
Location: 3 – 1145 Kensington Cres NW
Contact: (403) 270‑4026
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM
- Saturday: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Pricing: $$
Kensington Florist is one of those spots that feels warm and welcoming the second you walk in. That shop’s packed with fresh flowers, from classic roses to seasonal arrangements and unique stems you don’t always see elsewhere.
They offer same-day delivery, custom bouquets, and even floral subscriptions if you’re into regular blooms at home or the office. I went in to cheer up a friend, and they made the sweetest little bouquet in minutes.
The shop’s small but charming, and the staff are just genuinely nice. Honestly, it makes buying flowers kind of fun.
Pro tip:
- Ask about their seasonal specials. They sometimes have limited-time arrangements or extra add-ons like chocolates or candles that make great last-minute gifts.
Kensington Wine Market
– Media from kensingtonwm
Location: 1257 Kensington Road NW
Contact: (403) 283‑8000
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Thursday & Friday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Pricing: $$
Kensington Wine Market is one of those places where you can always find something interesting to drink. From rare whiskies to everyday wines and craft beers, they’ve got a little bit of everything—even zero-proof options.
What makes it even more fun is their lineup of tastings, both in-store and online. There are also monthly subscription boxes that make trying new bottles feel effortless. I once tagged along to a whisky night and ended up learning way more than I expected.
If you need a gift or are just hunting for your next go-to sip, this place makes it easy—and actually enjoyable—to find something special.
Pro tip:
- Don’t skip the staff picks section—it’s a quick way to discover underrated bottles you might’ve overlooked.
Sunnyside Art Supplies
– Media from sunnysideartsupplies
Location: 132 10 St NW
Contact: (403) 475‑0608
Operating hours:
- Monday–Friday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Pricing: $$
Sunnyside Art Supplies is one of those spots that’s just fun to browse, even if you’re not a full-on artist. They’ve got all the good stuff—paints, sketchbooks, and even hard-to-find brands like Shiva Oils.
They offer student and instructor discounts, plus free parking out back and curbside pickup if you’re in a rush. I’ve also seen them host painting sessions sometimes, which is a fun bonus.
The vibe’s relaxed, and the staff really know their materials—it’s hard not to feel inspired there.
Pro tip:
- Ask about their demo products. They sometimes let you test certain paints or tools before you buy, which is super helpful if you’re trying something new.
Mañana Imports & Gifts
– Media from mananaimports
Location: 1132 Kensington Road NW
Contact: (403) 283‑6537
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Pricing: $$
Mañana Imports & Gifts is a treasure trove of handcrafted goodies from over 30 countries. You’ll find everything from fair-trade clothing and silver jewelry to singing bowls and percussion instruments—all ethically sourced and rich in cultural flair.
What makes it even better is the experience. The owners are often there and always down for a chat about where things came from—it makes the whole place feel more personal.
They’ll even let you sample incense or walk you through their newest finds. It’s the kind of place where browsing feels like a mini trip around the world.
Pro tip:
- If you’re shopping for a gift, they’ll help you put together a small bundle that feels personal without going over budget.
The Naked Leaf
– Media from nakedleaf
Location: Suite 200 – 1130 Kensington Rd NW
Contact: (403) 283‑3555
Operating hours:
- Sunday & Monday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Pricing: $$
The Naked Leaf makes tea shopping feel more fun than you’d expect. They’ve got everything from rare loose-leaf blends to everyday favourites, and the refillable tins are both practical and nice enough to gift.
They sometimes run tastings and community events, and I’ve caught them handing out stroopwafels for a good cause. If you’re in a hurry, they’ll even make you a cup to go.
Pro tip:
- Bring back your empty tea tin for a discount on your refill. It saves money and cuts down on waste, which is a win all around.
Pages Books
– Media from pagesbooks
Location: 1135 Kensington Road NW
Contact: (403) 283‑6655
Operating hours:
- Monday–Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Thursday & Friday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Pricing: $
Pages Books makes book browsing feel like a mini adventure. The shop is spread across three levels. The new fiction and kids’ reads are upstairs, non-fiction books are on the main floor, and used and bargain books are tucked away in the basement.
They offer free local delivery and teacher and book club discounts, and you can special-order anything you’re after. They also put on author readings and sidewalk sales that always draw a good crowd.
Pro tip:
- Sign up for their newsletter or follow them on social. They often post about upcoming author events and sales you won’t want to miss.
Nanao Kimono
– Media from nanao_kimono
Location: 215 10 St NW
Contact: (825) 747‑1559
Operating hours:
- Sunday & Monday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Pricing: $$
If you’re into Japanese culture, Nanao Kimono is a fun place to explore—there’s everything from stylish kimonos to adorable mugs and quirky boots.
As an otaku, I love going here to shop for little pieces of Japan I can’t find anywhere else. I picked up a fox-patterned tenugui cloth on my last visit, and it’s now one of my favorite display pieces at home.
They also host furoshiki wrapping workshops every Tuesday and offer free shipping across Canada on orders over $200. If you’re nearby, it’s easy to swing by for curbside pickup.
Pro tip:
- Planning a themed party or photo shoot? They rent kimono sets for special occasions, and they’ll help you style them too.
