One of Calgary’s quirkiest little photo spots
📸 PHOTO SPOT
Location: Beside the Metro Element building in the Kensington business district
Best for: Couples • Portraits • Quirky photos • Instagram
Time needed: 5 minutes
Cost: Free
Season: Changes with installations
📸 PHOTO POTENTIAL ★★★★☆
Why it’s worth the stop
You don’t have to fly to London to step inside a classic red British phone booth. Tucked along Kensington Road, this restored phone booth has become one of the neighbourhood’s more unexpected photo opportunities.
The old British-style phone booth in Kensington is one of those little Calgary details that is easy to walk past. Installed by the Kensington BIA (Business Improvement Area) in 2017, the booth doubles as a space for temporary art and seasonal installations — meaning its appearance can change seasonally, throughout the year.
The Harry Potter Connection
In 2017, Kensington held a Harry Potter-themed event that transformed parts of the neighbourhood into a sort of Diagon Alley. A Ministry of Magic phone booth was installed next to Swizzlesticks as part of the event, and at the time, it was determined the booth would remain on permanent display in Kensington afterward.
💡 Calgary Uncovered Tip: Check the booth when you’re already exploring Kensington rather than making it your sole destination. Pair it with the neighbourhood’s murals, shops, cafés and other little photo opportunities.
📸 How to get the shot: Get inside the booth. That’s the obvious one — and honestly, it’s much more interesting than simply photographing it from the sidewalk. If there’s a seasonal installation inside or around the booth, use it to frame your subject rather than trying to avoid it — that’s often what makes the photo unique to the time of year.
Good to Know…
- Free admission
- Outdoor/Indoor: Outdoor setting, and weather-dependent
- Busyness level: Expect a bustling village life on weekends, evenings, summer and during events
- Parking info: Park anywhere in the very walkable Kensington area and enjoy the stroll.
