Hidden inside Calgary is a 12,000 sq. ft. marketplace that feels like it belongs in another era. Ella Grace Marketplace is a two-storey vintage space that has quickly become one of the city’s most talked-about hidden gems.
According to Ella Grace Marketplace, the store is built on the idea of bringing together collectors, vendors, and shoppers under one roof. Over the years, it has grown into a space that mixes Calgary’s local history with a hefty dose of global nostalgia that you really can’t find anywhere else in the city.
An ever-evolving collection of Calgary’s history
The space feels less like a store and more like a living archive. With over 60 vendors, every corner offers something completely different. Throughout the space, you’ll see everything from sports memorabilia and automotive finds to mid-century furniture and handcrafted pieces.
I had the chance to visit the store earlier this year, and it was such a cool experience. I came across some absolutely amazing finds, including a chest filled with Beanie Babies and early 2000s toys that were pure nostalgia. I was also fascinated by all the vintage Calgary Olympic memorabilia on display; it really felt like a time capsule of the city’s history.
A big part of what makes the marketplace so unique is its connection to Western history. Ella Grace Marketplace states that many of the items come from local estate clear-outs, downsizing, and liquidation, meaning every object has a backstory tied to Calgary and the surrounding communities.
Despite only opening in 2021, Ella Grace Marketplace has already built a strong reputation, consistently voted Calgary’s top antique store by the Top Choice Awards since its launch. In fact, it has taken the top spot six times in just four years!
Spending time at Ella Grace Marketplace always ends up being way more fun than you’d expect it to be. I found myself wandering for at least two hours, just trying to take in all the different pieces, and educate myself a little more about Calgary’s history. It’s one of those places where there’s always something to notice, even after you think you’ve seen it all.
When: Open Monday to Sunday
Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: 7271 12th St. SE, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Free
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