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Calgary, Canada
Photo: Calgary Reviews, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Calgary City Centre refers to the most urban and dense area of Calgary. The area is best known as the location of the Downtown Commercial Core.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Rouleauville
The Mission district was established as a French and Catholic settlement (later called Rouleauville) at the same time that Calgary was founded. Historic displays at Rouleauville Square and the Elbow River Promenade tell the story of the area. In many ways, Mission acts as an extension of 17th Avenue. Like the Beltline, it is packed full of interesting restaurants and shops. It does not share 17th Avenue's late night reputation, however, and it generally lacks the bars and nightclubs. Mission extends from 4th Street SW to 1st Street SE and from 17th Avenue SW in the north to 26th Avenue and the Elbow River in the south.
Mount Royal is a neighbourhood south of the downtown with charming old homes on winding streets. The area houses some of Calgary's elite. It is a nice area to do a quiet stroll through, admiring old residences. Driving around the community can be challenging due to the preponderance of traffic calming measures and street closures to prevent cut-through traffic.
The Calgary Tower may not be quite as impressive as the CN Tower in Toronto, but it still commands a great view over the city and the surroundings. On a clear day you can see the Rockies to the west. It features a revolving gourmet restaurant, a bar, and an observation deck. The tower is best approached from 9th Avenue, as the 10th Avenue side is dominated by railway tracks, parking lots, & parkades.
Scotiabank Saddledome
On the grounds of the Calgary Stampede, Calgary's largest hockey arena plays host to the Calgary Flames (ice hockey), the Calgary Hitmen (junior ice hockey), the Calgary Roughnecks (box lacrosse), and many concerts. The Saddledome is set to be replaced in 2027 by Scotia Place, about a block to the north.
The site of Calgary's world-famous exhibition and rodeo, the Stampede Park is east of the Beltline in Victoria Park. Not only are the grounds the site of the excitement of every July's Calgary Stampede, they also house a conference and exhibition centre (the BMO Centre) and a casino.
New Calgary Central Library
Flagship branch of the Calgary Public Library, opened on November 1, 2018. 240,000 sqft interior centres around a four-storey central atrium topped by a skylight. The lower floors contain the library's meeting spaces and activity centres, while the upper floors feature book stacks with space for 450,000 titles and a reading room. Also features a 340-seat theatre, conference rooms, and small café. Named one of the 12 Most Anticipated Buildings of 2018 by Architectural Digest.
Offers year-round career programs that lead to certificates, diplomas, and post-diploma certificates, as well as adult upgrading and English language learning. Also offers career services and specialized services that help newcomers to Canada.
Located in Chinatown, the centre piece of the complex is modeled after the Hall of Prayers of the Temple of Heaven in Beijing. The Chinese Artifacts Museum is located on the lower level of the centre. Exhibits include the story of Chinese immigration in Canada, and the history of the Chinese community in Calgary. There are also replicas of different kinds of Chinese artifacts, including Terracotta warriors, mahogany furniture set, ceramics, sculptures, clothing, bronze pieces and art.
The Confluence (formerly known as Fort Calgary), a Northwest Mounted Police (NWMP, now RCMP) fort was built in 1875 at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow rivers (near modern Inglewood). It became the nucleus around which Calgary grew. The original fort was destroyed decades ago. Today, it is a museum and historic site focusing on the history of the city and of the RCMP.
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Beaulieu National Historic Site
Historical mansion and National Historic Site; it was built in 1891 by Senator James Alexander Lougheed (grandfather Peter Lougheed, 10th Premier of Alberta). Lougheed House has been a family residence, a training centre for young women, a women's military barracks, and a blood donor clinic before it was restored in 2000. The public can visit both the house and its gardens.
This ridgetop gives a great view of Prince's Island Park and downtown Calgary. Follow the pathway to a staircase going down the hillside for more varied perspectives.
Salisbury Street is in a residential area on the east side of Enmax Park. There are houses on one side of the street and, on the other, a great view of the Saddledome, Stampede Grandstand, Calgary skyline and the Calgary Tower.
The views of downtown Calgary from Nose Hill Park can only be accessed on foot or by bicycle. Park your car at one of the parking lots near the top of the hill (opposite Edgemont Blvd NW or Berkely Gate NW) and then head towards the southern edge of the hill.
The top of this very high riverbank overlooks the Stampede Grandstand. It is a good place to watch the fireworks which are scheduled every evening during Stampede week after the chuckwagon races and the stage show (11PM). The parking in the neighbourhood is 'permit only' so you must park elsewhere, walk up the hill and watch the fireworks for free.
Views of the confluence of the Bow River and Nose Creek, with the towers of downtown Calgary off to the southwest.
In Calgary's southwest on ridge above Sandy Beach, large designated off-leash area.
Memorial Park
Calgary’s oldest park. Completed in 1912 and redeveloped in 2009, the grounds were modeled after a formal Victorian garden featuring geometric pathways, elaborate garden beds, and rows of imported and native trees. The park features monuments for soldiers who fought in the Boer War and World War I.
A large indoor urban park in TD Square, above the shopping area.
This public square was built as the site of medal presentations during the 1988 Winter Olympic Games. It continues to host free public events and festivals. During the summer, waders can enjoy the water-filled plaza, while winter visitors can go skating. Also the site of Calgary's "Women are Persons!" sculpture, celebrating a landmark achievement in the status of women in Canada. Calgary's quaint old City Hall is across the street from the north-east corner of Olympic Park.
Calgary's largest inner city park is an island with a number of pleasant trails for walking and relaxing. In the summer, it plays host to Shakespeare by the Bow and it is also the site of one of the city's largest annual festivals: the Calgary Folk Music Festival.
Millennium Park
Canada's largest free outdoor skatepark, with 75,000 sq ft of skateable surfaces. The facility is also used to host events such as the Calgary International Reggae Festival.
Talisman Centre
Near the Stampede Grounds and just south of downtown, Repsol Sport Centre is a multi-sport centre used by both recreational and Olympic-level athletes. Facilities include two 8-lane 50 m long Olympic-size swimming pools, a dive tank with spring boards and platforms for 3 m, 5 m, 7 m, and 10 m dives, shallow teaching pool, 5 full-size gyms, 2 running tracks, fitness centre for cardio & weight training, basketball and volleyball courts, classes.
Barclay Parade (3 St SW) is a pedestrian-friendly section of downtown street that runs from Eau Claire Market in the north to Stephen Avenue (8 Ave S) in the south. It is home to a number of high end shops.
Canada's third largest Chinatown is in the northeast portion of downtown Calgary. It is the heart of Calgary's Asian diaspora, although much of northeast Calgary has a Pacific Rim influence. The area of about a half-dozen blocks is along Centre Street S, from 4 Ave S (on the south) to the Bow River (on the north). Calgary's Chinatown packs in a dense network of Chinese, Vietnamese, Japanese and other Asian restaurants, shops, housing and cultural facilities. The area along Centre Street on the north side of the river almost functions as a loosely organized "second Chinatown" with Chinese-oriented businesses stretching for 20 or more blocks.
8 Avenue S
One of Calgary's most famous streets, Stephen Avenue was declared a National Historic District by the Canadian government. The street is lined with many attractive older buildings. It is a major venue for boutique shopping, bars, pubs and restaurants. The mall is closed to vehicle traffic from 6AM-6PM daily.
Ats Commons hosts the three best-known professional theatre groups; the conservative Theatre Calgary, the more adventurous Alberta Theatre Projects (ATP), and the downright avant-garde One Yellow Rabbit Performance Theatre (OYR). The facility has two additional theatres, so other companies often produce shows here. Of special note is OYR's High Performance Rodeo festival, which runs for January and provides a wildly eclectic mix of performing arts (and performance art). Arts Commons is the venue for many other concerts and events throughout the year.
Jack Singer Concert Hall, part of Arts Commons, is a 1,800-seat concert hall and home to the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra which presents everything from buttoned-down traditional classical music to pops to symphonies for children.
is dedicated to producing mystery plays, ranging from musicals to straight-up whodunnits. A second studio theatre frequently hosts other companies.
formerly Theatre Junction GRAND
Offers a slate of highly contemporary theatre and performing arts, and the venue also hosts music and other events.
Two theatres in a historic brick waterworks building play host to a large part of Calgary's semi-pro and community theatre scene, with new productions here every week.
This unique theatre company produces exclusively one-act plays, during the weekday noon lunch hour. Typically lighter fare suitable for a downtown corporate crowd.
Mark Breslin's Yuk Yuks
Stand-up comedy.
Calgary's oldest opera company presents several operas each year at their Arrata Opera Centre and the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium.
Studio Bell
A collection of antique and notable musical instruments is available to the public by guided tour. The collection includes the Elton John songwriting piano and the famous TONTO synthesizer, as well as many antique pianos and organs, and the artifacts of the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame. Housed in Studio Bell, a $191-million building designed by the Portland architect Brad Cloepfil.
Basic indoor seating, lots of options on those poutine fries.
All-natural burgers with vegetarian and gluten-free options. Offers craft beer and house-made custard shakes.
Middle Eastern food, falafel, chicken and beef shawarma, and the best hummus in the city. Fresh-squeezed juice on tap.
Serves Nashville Hot Chicken.
Simple menu but good food. There are four sandwiches, mostly focusing on roasted or braised meat (the Porchetta is the signature sandwich), and two sides that change daily. The bread is pretty dense but the portion of meat is generous so it's a filling meal.
previously Pho Pasteur Saigon
Pho City Saigon is a favourite Vietnamese noodle joint. Filling and tasty and all for around $8. If they're busy, try Pho Hoai, inside the mall.
Sophisticated outpost featuring seafood, wood-fired steaks & craft cocktails, plus a rooftop patio.
This all-vegetarian restaurant serves a variety of interesting flavours from largely organic and local ingredients. You may have to wait to get a seat in the cozy 32-seat dining room, since they take no reservations and seat at most six per table, but ask for a drink from their bar (called "Meet") as you wait. Try the yam fries as a side to the El Taco grilled tortilla wrap with shredded beets, or the War and Peas soba noodle salad. Plenty of vegan options. Serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The pub is in a historic building and its interior has a nice vintage decor. Mixed review on food: Jalapeño & bacon burger was nice; Atlantic Salmon was overcooked.
Jewish-inspired (mostly) traditional deli featuring knishes, latkes, and Montreal smoked meat.
formerly Naina’s Kitchen
Canadian comfort food featuring stuffed burgers and poutine.
Excellent Kashmiri Indian restaurant. Second location in Midnapore Mall.
Second location at #110 222 5 Ave SW
Modern and casual interpretation of the classic diner
Vegetable-anchored menu.
Very popular creative pizzas. No reservations, so go early, order take out, or line up.
Updated, small-plate versions of familiar Indian dishes & cocktails in a stylish, lively atmosphere.
Rustic-chic daytime restaurant serving burgers & hearty breakfasts.
Informal restaurant for plant-based pub fare, including burgers, tacos & fries, plus cocktails. Second location serving vegan tacos located in Inglewood (in Southeast Calgary).
Canadian cuisine.
Julius Caesar's Steakhouse and Lounge
A downtown Calgary institution since 1972, some say that Caesar's is a classic steakhouse, while others feel it's outdated & tacky. Second location in south Calgary.
An great place for lunch or dinner if you're looking for meat; very few options for vegetarians. The slow roasted prime rib and chicken are their specialties, as well as the made-in-house cured meats. The wine list is varied and there is a selection of microbrews from across Canada.
Classy steakhouse that has served Calgary for over 60 years.
Carnivorous delight, with your choice of Alberta or US beef.
A high-end steakhouse in the core of downtown, extremely popular with the people working in the core for good reason. Food and service are generally excellent with a cosmopolitan atmosphere. Steak is, as expected, quite good. More extravagant steak houses exist, but tend to be for the expense account crowd.
Lactophobes need not fear a dairy-heavy menu. The restaurant's name is taken from the name of the dairy which occupied this building from 1932 until 1965. The restaurant's very popular fixed-menu Sunday supper ($35) is served until 10PM.
formerly La Caille
An epicurean journey of discovery that will make your tastebuds very happy.
One of Calgary's first locavore restaurants, River Cafe is in the middle of Prince's Island Park (see map). It's right on the lagoon where the Bow River passes through downtown, thus has no parking. Nearest parking lot is not far, but this can cause problems in bad weather or for diners with mobility issues.
Revolving restaurant with a view. Ride up the Calgary Tower to restaurant is free with purchase of main dish.
Italian fine cuisine in a magnificent heritage building. Tasting menu available.
Mexican cuisine with 200+ tequilas.
A teppan and steak house, they offer meals cooked with flair in front of your eyes. Tends to rush diners through.
One of the city's long-standing Indian restaurants, Rajdoot has operated from its 4th Street S.W. location for 25 years.
Chinese cuisine.
Serving fried and rotisserie chicken.
Trendy ice cream shop with dairy-free options.
One of the most popular nightclubs in the city for the younger (18-mid 20s) crowd. Plays a selection of hip-hop and dance music. Good drink prices on Saturdays, and a very energetic atmosphere.
Commonwealth's darker, more lowkey cousin. Plays a variety of genres from rock to punk to hip-hop, but Saturday hip-hop nights tend to bring the biggest crowds. Energetic and varied clientele.
Cowboys Dance Hall
Nightclub.
100 local and international beers, including a one-of-a-kind weekly cask brew, and an extensive list of wine, cocktails and spirits.
A great live music pub with cheaper drinks than most places on 17th Ave. Tuesdays host the must-see Broken Toyz, an exceptionally talented glam-rock band who have become local legends. Get there before 9PM to avoid long line-ups. Often has a slightly older crowd than other establishments on 17th Ave, with more late 30s and 40s drinkers.
National Fine Food, Beer & Spirits
Restaurant & entertainment venue inspired by North American tastes, with games and events, extraordinary food, and select craft beers.
Upstairs is a BBQ restaurant featuring various meats smoked over apple and cherry wood along with an expansive selection of bourbon, tequila and whisky. Fridays feature live rock-a-billy from 5-9PM while the downstairs bar features live music every Friday and Saturday evening.
Two level pub with a large wood fireplace during the winter. Live music, large beer selection. Once a funeral home, it is rumoured to be haunted.
An excellent place for live music, a lively young crowd, and cheap eats.
Twisted
Calgary's only gay nightclub (although there is a leather bar with a heavy gay presence), Twisted has an incredible variety of clientèle. Mostly gay and bisexual men and a variety of lesbian, bisexual, and straight women. Wednesdays and Thursdays feature amateur strip contests (among a number of themes) and good drink specials.
A stylish and seductive 1960s-style cocktail lounge with a great selection of cocktails and interesting happy hour food items.
Local coffee chain serving Fratello coffee (sister company). Additional location at Bow Valley Square (205 5 Ave SW).
Calgary outlet of Vancouver-based artisan coffee chain.
Phil & Sebastian buy green coffee and operate their own roasterie. Three additional City Centre locations.
Good place for coffee and cake or a meal.
Local coffee company with direct sourced coffee, offers grab-and-go as well as a pour over bar. Four additional City Centre locations.
"Waves" refers both to the Vancouver origin of this coffee chain, and also to the fact that every location has free wi-fi. Three additional City Centre locations.
HI Calgary Hostel
On the edge of the East Village district, near bars, restaurants, shopping centres and transit. Free breakfast and wifi. Very clean and friendly, lots of space inside and outside. There are no age restrictions, so be prepared for the possibility of sharing a room with a retiree and an 18 year old! Dorm beds and private rooms available.
63 bed independently-owned boutique backpacker/international youth hostel. Free amenities include breakfast, wifi, long-distance calling, parking, golf clubs, and bicycles. Rooms are quite small and crowded; a party atmosphere is prevalent (even encouraged) on weekends. Across from the Calgary Stampede grounds and the Victoria Park/Stampede LRT (tram) station. It is also near the 17th Ave entertainment district.
Alt Hotels by Le Germain
Modern suites in the heart of the Beltine, furnished kitchen, free wi-fi and local phone. Weekly and monthly rate available.
Near airport bus 300 stop; 1 block from CTrain; close to Stephen Ave Walk; 15 minutes walk from Calgary Tower. The hotel's buffet breakfast ($15/person) is available from 6:30am.
Downtown hotel with city's largest rooms, indoor pool, whirlpool and outdoor patio.
Fairmont Palliser
The landmark hotel in downtown Calgary was built in 1914 by the Canadian Pacific. Along with the other former CP hotels (the Banff Springs Hotel, the Empress, the Chateau Frontenac, Hotel York, etc.), this is one of the grand old dames. When booking a room, it may be in your interest to request a room opposite the rail line that runs behind the hotel.
Pet-friendly. Spa.
4 Star, 4 Diamond, all suite hotel in downtown Calgary, located near Prince's Island Park.
Modern 4-star hotel tower with 27 sqm rooms, in one of the more pleasant sections of central Calgary. Wireless internet free in lobby, available in-room for $13/daily. Formerly the Calgary Inn, this is where Calgary's famous Caesar cocktail was first poured by Chell.
A unique market-style mall with a Cineplex Cinema inside. Mall is mostly defunct with a few souvenir shops left inside.
Stephen Avenue Walk is a pedestrianized section of 8 Ave SW in the heart of Calgary's downtown core. It is home mostly to restaurants and some bars, but you will still find some major retail shops fronting it. Stephen Avenue is also home to most of the downtown mall called the Core. Stephen Avenue is also a Canadian National Historic District. A downloadable self-guided walking tour is available.
The Core - TD Square
The Core consists of TD Square, the Holt Renfrew building, and the former Calgary Eaton Centre, is the dominant enclosed shopping complex in the downtown core. It spans three city blocks and contains approximately 160 retailers on four levels.
Calgary's best-known urban business street is home to chains like Best Buy and Pet Planet, and independent businesses like Gravity Pope. If you're dropping from all the shopping, the heart of the strip is little Tomkins Park at 17th Ave near 8th St, filled with nice shade and cozy benches.
By bus
Calgary Transit operates numerous bus routes into the City Centre. Routes of interest include:
By car
Deerfoot Trail (Highway 2), is the main north-south freeway, passes east of the City Centre, and can be accessed primarily via Memorial Drive (which connects to 4 Avenue S and 5 Avenue S in the…
On foot
Downtown Calgary is a compact area which is easily accessible on foot.
By bicycle
Calgary has cycle tracks in the downtown core. (A cycle track is a bike lane that is protected from other traffic by physical barriers, such as concrete medians.)
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