Explore Downtown
#ExploreDowntownYYC Explore Downtown Calgary
In the city of possibility, downtown is the face and the place of Calgary’s future.
It’s a mix of bold entrepreneurship, where dreams become reality and where creative curiosity is unleashed; it’s toes tapped to music and dipped in the river, drinks sipped from a rooftop and art and culture appreciated up close and personal.
Downtown is where it all happens – it’s the pulse of our city and no matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find it here.
Events in the Spotlight
Check out what's happening downtown this week.
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Bob-Sled 2025
January 21-26, The Palomino - 109 7 Ave SWA super fun six-day winter-fest presented by Sled Island, Eighty-Eight and The Palomino!
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Blue Neon
January 24 & 25, The Erratics Indie Arts Club - 625 11 Ave SWA solo performed entirely from the position of the squat - used as a cultural, political and aesthetic symbol of Asian being. Bleu Neon navigates between fantasized nostalgia, language loss and objectification – all widely experienced by Asian diasporic populations. Photographer: Kinga Michalska
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Chinese Lunar New Year Festival
January 25-26 & February 1-2, Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre - 197 1 Street SWThe festival will showcase captivating activities such as dragon and lion dances, multicultural performances, local vendors, an art exhibition, traditional handcrafts and a marketplace.
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Lunar New Year at The Confluence
January 25, The Confluence Historic Site and Parkland - 750 9 Ave SECelebrate Lunar New Year with a day of indoor and outdoor fun at The Confluence! Gather with family and friends for drop-in skating at our new-and-improved outdoor rink, then warm up inside with a family-friendly craft and stories about Chinese-Calgarian history with storyteller and former teacher Ronald Lee.
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Andrés Ruzo: Hunt for Sleeping Giants
January 26 & 27, Jack Singer Concert Hall - 225 8 Ave SEJoin Arts Commons Presents and National Geographic Live as Andrés Ruzo shares his remarkable encounters with the underworld in stunning high-definition photo and video from the field.
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High Performance Rodeo
January 14 - February 2, Various Downtown LocationsOne Yellow Rabbit presents the High-Performance Rodeo, an international festival of live art that takes over downtown Calgary. From theatre to dance, music to film, free lunchtime concerts and late-night cabarets, there’s something for everyone.
Itineraries
Explore these sample itineraries to help guide your visit. New memories are waiting – start here, in downtown Calgary.
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Downtown offers plenty of budget-friendly activities, from exploring the outdoors, to consignment shopping and happy hours!
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Choose your own downtown adventure and decide how you'd like to spend your day. Your itinerary could include a warm cup of coffee, a peaceful bookstore, a hearty meal, a thought-provoking film or a magical cocktail.
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Whether you’re looking for a festive skate under twinkling lights or just want to enjoy a classic winter activity, downtown offers several ice skating options!
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Downtown Calgary has miles of scenic pathways and beautiful parks. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll, a picnic in the park, or adrenaline-filled activity, we have you covered!
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There’s a wide variety of family-friendly activities to keep you and your kids entertained for hours!
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Calgary is home to some of the best chefs and restaurants in Canada, and downtown is where the culinary magic is happening.
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In the mood to go shopping or enjoy a day of window browsing? Look no further than Downtown Calgary, where you’ll find the very best in shops, services and unique handmade goods.
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Calgary is a city that never sleeps, with a vibrant night life scene that has a little something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for live music, dancing, or a cozy pub, you’ll be sure to find your perfect spot.
Neighbourhood guides
There are so many downtown neighbourhoods to explore! Use these guides to help plan your outing.
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Your guide to experiencing the Downtown Core
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Your guide to experiencing Calgary’s premier cultural neighbourhood
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Your guide to experiencing historic, urban Victoria Park
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Your guide to experiencing the eclectic Beltline neighbourhood
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Your guide to experiencing historic and modern 4th Street
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Your guide to experiencing Calgary’s red mile
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Your guide to experiencing the culturally rich Downtown West
Getting here
Get downtown by using one of these modes of transportation.
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Get downtown with Calgary’s Public Transit system. For more information on Calgary city buses or the CTrain, including schedules, maps, passes, and fares, visit Calgary Transit.
Photo credit: Colin Way
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Walk, wheel or run
Downtown is accessible by walking, wheeling, or running.
Photo credit: Colin Way
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For information about parking spots, promos and move, visit Calgary Parking. Don’t forget to enjoy free parking after 6 p.m. every day and all day on Sundays!
Photo credit: Calgary Parking
Stay connected
Don't miss a beat! Stay up-to-date on the latest downtown news.
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Keep connected about the latest downtown news! Expect an update every 4 months
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Follow us on social media and share your photos using #ExploreDowntownYYC