Guide to Calgary
Nestled on the outskirts of the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, Calgary is the largest city in Canada’s province of Alberta. Home to over 4 million people, Calgary offers a unique blend of cultural hubs, historic sites, modern attractions, and culinary flair. Whether you’re attending an event at the Calgary Stampede or exploring the city, take the time to discover what Calgary has to offer.
Calgary’s Highlights
Aside from the Stampede and the annual July rodeo, Calgary is a sprawling city with plenty of opportunities to explore.
Downtown Core: The Downtown Core has it all – restaurants, pubs, arts and culture, and great public spaces. It features over 2,500 businesses scattered throughout 120 blocks of Calgary’s center. Explore experimental dining, stroll down the Bow River Pathway, or dive into the culture scene at the Alcove Centre for the Arts.
Chinatown: Chinatown is one of Calgary’s most distinct neighborhoods. It’s a gateway to downtown and a destination for vibrant cultural experiences. Today’s Chinatown tells a story of migration, settlement, and perseverance, and is a central hub of Asian culture, language, education, community and commerce. Sample the best of Asian cuisine and shop at locally owned small businesses.
Victoria Park: Rich with history, Victoria Park is one of Calgary’s oldest communities. It’s easily accessed by foot, bike, and transit. Here you’ll find independent retailers and some of Calgary’s best food and beverage offerings. Visit Victoria Park’s two food halls and indulge in famous dessert locations such as Village Ice Cream.
The Beltline: Extending from 2nd and 9th Street S.W. and 10th and 13th Avenue S.W., the BLOX in the Beltline is an incredibly vibrant neighborhood, full of small businesses and teeming with the industrial history of the Beltline area.
4th Street: Nestled between historic sites and new urban development, 4th Street is located in the Mission, Cliff Bungalow, and Beltline communities. It is home to over 300 businesses, including restaurants, shopping, and personal service proviers. Here, you can find the Fourth Street Public Art Society.
17th Avenue Business Improvement Area: The 17th Aven Business Improvement Area (BIA) is committed to preserving the diverse and energetic character of the area’s business community. Explore The Flea or Peaseblossoms Flowers in your free time!
Downtown West: Take a stroll around Downtown West to admire the vibrant murals and relax by the Bow River. Century Gardens sports sculpture and unique brutalist architecture. The Downtown West neighborhood is a bustling, quiet area along the Bow River – don’t forget to explore its beauty!
The Canadian Rockies and Banff: Just 127 km from downtown Calgary is the majestic beauty of the Canadian Rocky Mountains and some of the most famous sites in the range. Visit Lake Louise and Banff on your own or with a day tour to escape the city and indulge in the vast grandeur of the mountains.