Calgary/City Centre

The following neighbourhoods are a part of Calgary City Centre:

• DowntownContains the second largest concentration of head offices in Canada. The region is divided into several neighbourhoods.

• Downtown Commercial CoreCalgary's dense business area comprises the bulk of the downtown area. The commercial core is also divided into a number of districts including the Entertainment District (includes Stephen Avenue), Cultural District (includes Olympic Plaza), and the Government District.

• ChinatownCanada's third largest Chinatown. 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.

• Downtown East VillageThe East Village has seen a great amount of redevelopment since the late 2000s, including several restaurants in the historic Simmons Mattress Factory building, and several new condo towers, with several more under construction. The neighbourhood is host to the National Music Centre of Canada and New Central Library.

• Downtown West EndThe West End is a high-rise, high-density residential neighbourhood to the west of the Downtown Commercial Core.

• Eau ClaireA mix of riverside condominiums, shopping, restaurants, hotels, a large public plaza and urban parkland make Eau Claire one of Calgary's most popular areas. Contained within Eau Claire is the city's Festival District.

The Beltline and 17th Avenue17th Avenue SW is Calgary's première place to see and be seen. It boasts a large and eclectic variety of restaurants, unique shops, boutiques, and bars. This street is where Calgary parties, most notably becoming the "Red Mile" during the 2004 Stanley Cup ice hockey playoffs, where up to 100,000 cheering fans gathered to celebrate victories by the hometown NHL Calgary Flames. While the Beltline spans from the Stampede Grounds and Victoria Park on the east to Mount Royal on the west, the dense nightlife on 17th Avenue starts at about 2nd Street SW and goes to 15th Street SW.

Mission and 4th StreetThe 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 RoyalMount 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.

By CTrain

CTrain LRT lines both run on 7 Avenue S in downtown downtown: the Red Line (Route 201) runs from Tuscany station in the Northwest to Somerset/Bridlewood station in the south (serving both the Southeast and Southwest), passing attractions the Stampede grounds. The Blue Line (Route 202) runs from Saddletowne station in the Northeast, to 69th Street station in the Southwest. LRT platforms are labelled with reference to station termini rather than by compass direction, and the trains are well signed. 7 Avenue S is a free-fare zone.
There is no direct access to the Calgary International Airport; however, travelers can take the Blue Line to McKnight-Westwinds station and transfer to bus #100.

By bus

Calgary Transit operates numerous bus routes into the City Centre. Routes of interest include:
;Express (limited stops)

• #300 (BRT): connects to the Calgary International Airport via Centre Street.
• #301 (BRT): serves north/central Calgary (both Northeast and Northwest) via Centre Street; terminating at the North Pointe Park & Ride.
• #302 (BRT): connects the Southeast Calgary, including the South Health Campus.
• #305 (BRT): connects to Kensington and WinSport (Canada Olympic Park) in Northwest Calgary.
• MAX Purple (#307): connects to Inglewood, Forest Lawn, and East Hills in Southeast Calgary.
• ICE (Intercity Express Service: #901 & #902): operated by Airdrie Transit, connects to the city of Airdrie.

;Regular Service
There are numerous bus routes, see Calgary Transit for additional information. Routes of interest include:

• #1: Kensington and Bowness in Northwest Calgary to Inglewood and Forest Lawn in Southeast Calgary.
• #2: runs down 17 Avenue SW (west of 8 Street SW) and Centre Street.
• #3: runs down Elbow Drive, 4 Street SW, and Centre Street.
• #6: runs down 17 Avenue SW (east of 17A Street SW) and 1 Street SW.
• #90: runs down 11 Avenue SW (westbound) & 12 Avenue SW (eastbound) west of 1 Street SW.

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 downtown core), or alternatively via 17 Avenue SE and 9 Avenue SE. Crowchild Trail passes on the western edge of the City Centre, and can accessed primarily via Bow Trail (becomes 6 Avenue S and 9 Avenue S in the downtown core), with both Memorial Drive and 17 Avenue SW providing alternate routes. Macleod Trail is the main access route from the south, while 14 Street W, Centre Street, and Edmonton Trail (becomes 4 Avenue S and 5 Avenue S in the downtown core) provide northern access. Centre Street between the downtown core and 20 Avenue N has lane reversal during peak periods, so be mindful of overhead electronic signs.
Calgary's downtown core is bounded by the Bow River to the north, the railway tracks to the south (between 9 Ave S and 10 Ave S), 11 St W, and 4 St E. Almost all of the roads in the downtown core are one-way, so look carefully at your map for the direction of traffic on each road when planning your trip. When driving in downtown, watch for one-way signs. 7 Avenue S in the downtown core is for Calgary Transit buses and C-Trains (trams) only; cars driving on 7th Ave may be ticketed and will definitely draw stares and glares from waiting transit commuters.
For many years, parking in downtown Calgary has been the second most expensive in North America, after New York City's. Parking fees of over $25/day are not unusual. Street parking in downtown (and many other parts of the city) is through the city's ParkPlus system. You will find a ParkPlus pay station in every block. Before you leave your parking spot, note the 4-digit ParkPlus zone number on a sign near your car. Also note your rental car's licence plate number. Go to the ParkPlus pay station, where you will need to type in that information, and pay for your parking either with a credit card or with coins ($2, $1, $0.25). If you set up a ParkPlus account before your visit, you can pay using your cell phone. The MyParking app can help you find available parking more quickly.

On foot

Downtown Calgary is a compact area which is easily accessible on foot. The pathway system, Eau Claire Market area and Stephen Avenue Walk (8th Avenue) are the primary walking destinations of downtown workers in the warmer months. In the wintertime, everyone navigates their way around the downtown core via the Plus 15 system, so called because the enclosed walkways joining buildings are approximately 15 feet (5 m) above ground.

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.)

• The 7th St SW cycle track goes from the Bow River to 8th Ave SW.
• There are cycle tracks along 5th St W, 8th Ave S-Stephen Avenue Walk-9th Ave S, and 12th Ave S.

Check the City of Calgary's cycle track map for details.
There are pathways along both the Bow and Elbow rivers. Cycling is not allowed on 7 Avenue S between 1 Street SE and 8 Street SW as it is reserved for Calgary Transit vehicles and emergency vehicles; offenders risk a $350 ticket.
Cyclists must obey the same rules of the road as other vehicles. All cyclists must have a working bell on their bike, and cyclists under the age of 18 are required to wear a helmet. Only cyclists under 14 may ride on sidewalks.

Landmarks

• Calgary Tower

  phone: +1 403-266-7171
  address: 101 9th Ave SW
  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.

• Saddledome

  address: 555 Saddledome Rise SE
  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.

• Stampede Park

  address: 1410 Olympic Way SE
  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.

Museums & educational attractions

• Calgary Central Library

  address: 800 3 St SE
  Flagship branch of the Calgary Public Library, opened on November 1, 2018. 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.

• Bow Valley College

  phone: +1 403-410-1400
  address: 345 6 Avenue SE
  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.

• Chinese Cultural Centre

  phone: +1 403-262-5071
  address: 197 1 Street SW
  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.

• Fort Calgary

  phone: +1 403-290-1875
  address: 750 9th Ave SE
  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's Fort Calgary is a museum and historic site focusing on the history of the city and of the RCMP.

• Glenbow Museum

  phone: +1 403-268-4100
  address: 130 9th Ave SE
  Western Canada's largest museum, with over of exhibition space on three floors. More than 20 galleries are filled with artifacts from Glenbow's collection of over a million objects, emphasizing local history. Permanent exhibitions include Indigenous Cultures, Western Canadian History, Asian Art, West African Art, and Military History. The Glenbow has changed focus to be more of an art gallery, and this is reflected in the temporary exhibitions. Free on the first Thursday of the month 5PM-9PM.

• Lougheed House

  phone: +1 403-244-6333
  address: 707 13 Avenue SE
  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.

Skyline

Many Calgarians are understandably proud of the city's collection of skyscrapers. What's more impressive are the clear views you can get of downtown from certain spots around the city, sometimes with the mountains in the background.
Some of these listings are in different districts. Their listings are in here because the views are of central and pertain to the article. At the end of the listings that are not in this district there are links to that district.

• Crescent Road viewpointThis 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.

• Enmax Park

  address: Elbow River Pathway
  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.

• Nose Hill viewpointThe 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.

• Scotsman's Hill viewpointThe 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.

• Tom Campbell's Hill Park viewpoint

  address: 25 Saint George's Drive
  Views of the confluence of the Bow River and Nose Creek, with the towers of downtown Calgary off to the southwest.

• River Park viewpoint

  address: 4500 14A St SW
  In Calgary's southwest on ridge above Sandy Beach, large designated off-leash area.

Parks

• Central Memorial Park

  address: 1221 2 Street SW
  Central Memorial Park (also known as Memorial Park) is 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.

• Devonian Gardens

  phone: +1 780-987-3054
  address: 317 7 Ave SW
  The Devonian Gardens is a large indoor urban park in TD Square, above the shopping area. After closing for several years for extensive renovations, Calgary's Devonian Gardens reopened for visitors in 2012.

• Olympic Plaza

  address: 800 block of Macleod Trail SE
  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.

• Prince's Island Park

  address: immediately north of Eau Claire in the Bow River
  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.

• Shaw Millennium Park

  address: 1220 9 Avenue SW
  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.

Sports complexes

• Repsol Sport Centre

  phone: +1 403-233-8393
  address: 2225 Macleod Trail S
  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.

Walk & shop

• Barclay ParadeBarclay 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.

• ChinatownCanada'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.

• Stephen AvenueOne 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.

Gamble

• Cowboys Casino

  phone: +1 403-514-0900
  address: 421 12 Avenue SE

• Elbow River Casino

  phone: +1 403-289-8880
  address: 218 18 Avenue SE

Performing arts

• Arts Commons

  phone: +1 403-294-7455
  address: 205 8 Avenue SE
  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

  address: 225 8 Avenue SE
  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.

Vertigo Theatre

phone: +1 403-221-3708

address: 161, 115-9 Ave SE

is dedicated to producing mystery plays, ranging from musicals to straight-up whodunnits. A second studio theatre frequently hosts other companies.

The Grand

phone: +1 403-205-2922

address: 608 1 Street SW

Offers a slate of highly contemporary theatre and performing arts, and the venue also hosts music and other events.

Pumphouse Theatre

phone: +1 403-263-0079

address: 2140 Pumphouse Ave SW

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.

Lunchbox Theatre

phone: +1 403-265-4292

address: 160, 115 9 Ave SW

This unique theatre company produces exclusively one-act plays, during the weekday noon lunch hour. Typically lighter fare suitable for a downtown corporate crowd.

Yuk Yuks

phone: +1 403-258-2028

address: 218 18 Ave SE

Stand-up comedy.

Calgary Opera

phone: +1 403-262-7286

address: 1315 – 7 St SW

Calgary's oldest opera company presents several operas each year at their Arrata Opera Centre and the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium.

National Music Centre

phone: +1 403-543-5115

address: 850 4 Street SE

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.

• Eau Claire Market

  phone: +1 403-264-6450
  address: 200 Barclay Parade
  A unique market-style mall with interesting shops, restaurants and cinemas.

• Stephen Avenue Walk

  address: 8 Ave S between 1 St SE and 4 St SW
  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 Shopping Centre

  address: 333 7 Ave SW
  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.

• 17th AveCalgary'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.

Budget

• The Big Cheese Poutinerie

  phone: +1 403-457-2873
  address: 738 17 Ave SW
  Basic indoor seating, lots of options on those poutine fries.

• Clive Burger

  phone: +1-403-229-9224
  address: 736 17 Avenue SW
  All-natural burgers with vegetarian and gluten-free options. Offers craft beer and house-made custard shakes.

• Falafel King

  phone: +1 403-269-5464
  address: 225 8 Ave SW
  Middle Eastern food, falafel, chicken and beef shawarma, and the best hummus in the city. Fresh-squeezed juice on tap.

• Meat & Bread

  phone: +1 403-764-6225
  address: 821 1 Street SW
  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.

• Pho Pasteur Saigon

  phone: +1 403-233-0477
  address: 207 1 St SE
  Pho Pasteur 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.

• Tubby Dog

  phone: +1 403-244-0694
  address: 1022 17 Ave SW
  Tubby Dog is a hot dog restaurant right on 17th Avenue, close to many of the bars. They offer huge hotdogs with toppings like nacho cheese, bacon bits, peanut butter and jelly, breakfast cereal, fried eggs, sausage, and potato chips. Some nights they have a DJ spinning in the corner, and other nights they have video game tournaments. Expect to wait in line if planning on going on a Friday or Saturday after partying on 17th. Second location at 731 10 Ave SW.

Mid-range

• Charbar

  phone: +1 403-452-3115
  address: 618 Confluence Way SE
  Sophisticated outpost featuring seafood, wood-fired steaks & craft cocktails, plus a rooftop patio.

• The Coup

  phone: +1 403-541-1041
  address: 924B 17 Ave SW
  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.

• James Joyce Irish Pub & Restaurant

  phone: +1 403-262-0708
  address: 114 8 Ave SW
  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.

• Grumans Delicatessen

  phone: +1 403-261-9003
  address: 230 11 Avenue SE
  Jewish-inspired (mostly) traditional deli featuring knishes, latkes, and Montreal smoked meat.

• N9NA

  phone: +1 403-263-6355
  address: 121 17 Avenue SE
  Canadian comfort food featuring stuffed burgers and poutine.

• Moti Mahal

  phone: +1 403-228-9990
  address: 1805 14 St SW
  Excellent Kashmiri Indian restaurant. Second location in Midnapore Mall.

• Orchid Room Fusion Cuisine

  phone: +1 403-263-4457
  address: 513 8 Ave SW
  A fusion of Vietnamese, Thai, and French cuisine with dishes like seafood phó soup, caramelized salmon, coconut prawn soup, and salad rolls stuffed with mango and shrimp.

• OEB Breakfast Co.

  phone: +1 587 356-6323
  address: 2207 4 Street SW
  Second location at #110 222 5 Ave SW

• The Beltliner

  phone: +1 587 955-1555
  address: 243 12 Avenue SW
  Modern and casual interpretation of the classic diner

• Ten Foot Henry

  phone: +1 403-475-5537
  address: 1209 1 Street SW
  Vegetable-anchored menu.

• Una Pizza + Wine

  address: 618 17 Ave SW
  Very popular creative pizzas. No reservations, so go early, order take out, or line up.

• Calcutta Cricket Club

  phone: +1-403-719-1555
  address: 340 17 Ave SW
  Updated, small-plate versions of familiar Indian dishes & cocktails in a stylish, lively atmosphere.

• Monki Breakfastclub & Bistro

  phone: +1-587-352-7131
  address: 1301 10 Ave SW
  Rustic-chic daytime restaurant serving burgers & hearty breakfasts.

Splurge

• Blink

  phone: +1 403-263-5330
  address: 111 8 Avenue SW
  Canadian cuisine.

• Caesar's

  phone: +1 403-264-1222
  address: 512 4 Ave SW
  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.

• CharCUT

  phone: +1 403-984-2180
  address: #101, 899 Centre St SW
  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.

• Hy's Steakhouse

  phone: +1 403-663-3363
  address: 751 3 Street SW
  Classy steakhouse that has served Calgary for over 60 years.

• La Chaumière

  phone: +1 403-228-5690
  address: 139 17 Ave SW
  French haute cuisine, local Alberta meats, game, and produce, excellent wine cellar. Banquet rooms for 14-100 people, patio in summer, business casual dress code. Reservations required.

• Ruth's Chris Steakhouse

  phone: +1 403-246-3636
  address: #294, 115 9 Ave SE
  Carnivorous delight, with your choice of Alberta or US beef.

• Saltlik Steakhouse

  phone: +1 403-537-1160
  address: 101 8 Ave SW
  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.

• Model Milk

  phone: +1 403-265-7343
  address: 308 17 Ave SW
  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.

• Q Haute Cuisine

  phone: +1 403-262-5554
  address: 100 La Caille Pl SW
  An epicurean journey of discovery that will make your tastebuds very happy.

• River Café

  phone: +1 403-261-7670
  address: 25 Prince's Island Park
  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 though 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.

• Sky 360

  phone: +1 403-532-7966
  address: 101 9 Ave SW
  Revolving restaurant with a view. Ride up the Calgary Tower to restaurant is free with purchase of main dish.

• Teatro

  phone: +1 403-290-1012
  address: 200 8 Ave SE
  Italian fine cuisine in a magnificent heritage building. Tasting menu available.

International

• Aňejo

  phone: +1 587-353-2656
  address: #2 2116 4 Street SW
  Mexican cuisine with 200+ tequilas.

• Japanese Village

  phone: +1 403-262-2738
  address: 317 10 Avenue SW
  A teppan and steak house, they offer meals cooked with flair in front of your eyes. Tends to rush diners through.

• Rajdoot Restaurant

  phone: +1 403-245-0181
  address: 2424 4 Street SW
  One of the city's long-standing Indian restaurants, Rajdoot has operated from its 4th Street S.W. location for 25 years.

• Regency Palace

  phone: + 1 403-777-2288
  address: 328 Centre St SE
  Chinese cuisine.

Take-out only restaurants

• Cluck N Cleaver

  phone: +1 403 266 2067
  address: 1511 14 Street SW
  Serving fried and rotisserie chicken.

• Village Ice Cream

  phone: +1 403-261-7950
  address: 431 10 Avenue SE
  Trendy ice cream shop with dairy-free options.

• Ceili's Modern Irish Pub

  phone: +1 403-265-1200
  address: 803 8 Ave SW
  Three other locations in Calgary: Royal Oak, Southland, & 4th Avenue downtown.

• Commonwealth

  phone: +1 403-247-4663
  address: 731 10 Ave SW
  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.

• Broken City

  phone: +1 403-262-9976
  address: 613 11 Ave SW
  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

phone: +1 403-265-0699

address: 421 12 Avenue SE

Nightclub.

CRAFT Beer Market

phone: +1 403-514-2337

address: 345 10 Avenue SW

100 local and international beers, including a one-of-a-kind weekly cask brew, and an extensive list of wine, cocktails and spirits.

HiFi Club

phone: +1 403-263-5222

address: 219 10 Ave SW

Live music venue, dance club and art gallery for those who aren't cowboys/cowgirls and want some different, alternative music.

Milk Tiger Lounge

phone: +1 403-261-5009

address: 1410 4 St SW

Included in Conde Nast's 2015 list of the "Greatest Bars in the World", this snug lounge offers a variety of cocktails and drinks.

Morgan's

phone: +1 403-244-6670

address: 1324 17 Ave SW

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.

NationalRestaurant & entertainment venue inspired by North American tastes, with games and events, extraordinary food, and select craft beers.

• National on 8th

  phone: +1 403-237-5556
  address: 360 240 8 Avenue SW

• National on 10th

  phone: +1 403-474-2739
  address: 341 10 Avenue SW

• National on 17th

  phone: +1 403-474-2739
  address: 550 17 Avenue SW

The Palomino Smokehouse and Social Club

phone: +1 403-532-1911

address: 109 7 Ave SW

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.

Rose & Crown Pub

phone: +1 403-244-7757

address: 1503 4 St SW

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.

Ship and Anchor Pub

phone: +1 403-245-3333

address: 534 17 Ave SW

An excellent place for live music, a lively young crowd, and cheap eats.

The Twisted Element

phone: +1 403-802-0230

address: 1006 11 Ave SW

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.

The Wednesday Room

phone: +1 403-452-5080

address: #100 - 118 8 Ave SW

A stylish and seductive 1960s-style cocktail lounge with a great selection of cocktails and interesting happy hour food items.

Wurst

phone: +1 403-245-2345

address: 2437 4 Street SW

German gastropub.

Cafés

Starbucks and Tim Horton's are everywhere in Calgary. If you're looking for something different, try one of these.

• Analog Cafe

  phone: +1 403-910-5959
  address: 740 17 Ave SW
  Local coffee chain serving Fratello coffee (sister company). Additional location at Bow Valley Square (205 5 Ave SW).

• Bumpy's Cafe

  phone: +1 403-265-0244
  address: 1040 8 St SW
  Great espresso in a retro-fifties setting. Two-time winner of the Krups Kup of Excellence.

• Caffe Artigiano

  address: #103, 400 4 Ave SW
  Calgary outlet of Vancouver-based artisan coffee chain.

• DeVille Luxury Coffee and Pastries

  phone: +1 403-452-7777
  address: 807 1 St SW

• Lukes

  address: #710 800 3 Street SE

• Phil and Sebastian Coffee Roasters

  phone: +1 587-353-2268
  address: 618 Confluence Way SE
  Phil & Sebastian buy green coffee and operate their own roasterie. Three additional City Centre locations.

• Purple Perk Coffee Market

  phone: +1 403-244-1300
  address: 2212 4 St SW
  Good place for coffee and cake or a meal.

• Rosso Coffee Roasters

  phone: +1-403-264-7900
  address: 140 8 Ave SE
  Local coffee company with direct sourced coffee, offers grab-and-go as well as a pour over bar. Four additional City Centre locations.

• Waves Coffee House

  phone: +1 403-930-1009
  address: #205, 400 5 Ave SW
  "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.

Budget

• Hostelling International-Calgary City Centre

  phone: +1 403-269-8239
  address: 520 7 Ave SE
  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.

• Wicked Hostels

  phone: +1 403-265-8777
  address: 1505 MacLeod Tr SE
  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.

Mid-range

• Alt Hotel Calgary East Village

  phone: +1 587-441-6635
  address: 635 Confluence Way SE

• Best Western Plus Suites Downtown Calgary

  phone: +1 403-228-6900
  address: 1330 8 Street SW

• Hilton Garden Inn

  phone: +1 587-352-2020
  address: Suite A - 711 4 Street SE

• Holiday Inn Express & Suites

  phone: +1 403-269-8262
  address: 1020 8 Avenue SW

• Homewood Suites

  phone: +1-587-352-5500
  address: Suite B - 711 4 Street SE

• Hotel Arts

  phone: +1 403-266-4611
  address: 119 12 Avenue SW

• Hotel Elan

  phone: +1 403-229-2040
  address: 1122 16 Ave SW

• International Hotel

  phone: +1 403-265-9600
  address: 220 4 Avenue SW

• Nuvo Hotel Suites

  phone: +1 403-452-6789
  address: 827 12 Ave SW
  Modern suites in the heart of the Beltine, furnished kitchen, free wi-fi and local phone. Weekly and monthly rate available.

• Ramada Calgary Downtown

  phone: +1 403-879-1781
  address: 708 8th Ave SW
  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.

• Regency Suites

  phone: +1 403-231-1000
  address: 610 4 Avenue SW

• Sandman Hotel

  phone: +1 403-237-8626
  address: 888 7 Avenue SW

Splurge

• Calgary Marriott Hotel

  phone: +1 403-266-7331
  address: 110 9 Ave SE
  Downtown hotel with city's largest rooms, indoor pool, whirlpool and outdoor patio.

• Delta Calgary Downtown

  phone: +1 403-266-1980
  address: 209 4 Avenue SE

• Fairmont Palliser

  phone: +1 403-262-1234
  address: 133 9 Ave SW
  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.

• Hotel Le Germain

  address: 899 Centre St SW

• Hyatt Regency

  phone: +1 403-717-1234
  address: 700 Centre St SE
  Pet-friendly. Spa.

• Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire

  phone: +1 403-266-7200
  address: 255 Barclay Parade SW
  4 Star, 4 Diamond, all suite hotel in downtown Calgary, located near Prince's Island Park.

• Westin Calgary

  phone: +1 403-266-1611
  address: 320 4 Ave SW
  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.

• Calgary Public Library

  phone: +1 403-260-2600
  Wifi available, free memberships available only to Calgary residents, guest passes available.

• Central Library

  address: 800 3 Street SE

• Memorial Park Library

  address: 1221 2 Street SW

Urgent Care Centres

• Sheldon Chumir Centre

  phone: +1 403-955-6200
  address: 1213 4 Street SW
  Urgent care centres deal with issues which are not life-threatening but require attention within the same day or evening. For serious and life-threatening health concerns always go to your nearest emergency department, or call 911. Problems which urgent care centres typically deal with include broken bones, sprains, asthma, cuts, dehydration, infections, and pain.

Hospitals

There is no hospital in downtown Calgary. There nearest hospital is:

• Foothills Medical Centre

  phone: +1 403-944-1110
  address: 1403 29 Street NW
  For patients aged 15 and older. Patients under 15 years of age should go to Alberta Children's Hospital, which is very close to Foothills Medical Centre.