Explore Downtown - Beltline
#ExploreDowntownYYC The Beltline
Originally named after the Calgary Municipal Railway’s Route No. 5 trolley, the downtown Beltline was home to many of Calgary’s first warehouses, some of which still exist today. With strong ties to it’s past, the Beltline has seen significant development and population growth over the years due to investment and interest in urban living.
Managed by the Beltline BIA, The BLOX is a small (but mighty!) area in the heart of the Beltline neighbourhood. The area spans from east to west from 2nd and 9th Street S.W. and north to south between 10th and 13th Avenue S.W. The BLOX was created to promote growth and vibrancy within the neighborhood and to celebrate all the great businesses, experiences and reasons to visit the Beltline.
Photo: The Beltline - Travel Alberta / Chris Amat
Food and drinks
Offering a wide variety of hot and iced drinks, Milano also serves sweet and savoury food options. Stop by for a morning coffee and grab a snack to go. In the mood for brunch? Try Namo’s Beltline location for globally-inspired dishes, or Donna Mac for a meal that's fresh, indulgent, and delicious.
Rodney’s Oyster House offers a unique industrial-meets-east coast feel. They serve fresh seafood with Maritime hospitality. Redheads Japa Cafe makes for the perfect lunchtime treat. Wander in for authentic Japanese dishes in cozy surroundings.
Last Best Brewing & Distilling is rooted in history. Their name pays tribute to the accomplishments of the Last Best initiative of the Canadian government in the late 1800’s. Last Best serves up delicious well-crafted beer, spirits and Alberta-inspired cuisine. Check them out for a fun, interactive experience. Venture to 8th St. S.W. for yummy pizza at Posto Pizzeria & Bar, or rustic Italian cuisine at Bonterra Trattoria.
REGRUB is a boutique burger and shake bar offering unique milkshake flavours. They also offer vegan, dairy-free milkshakes! SUCRE Patisserie & Café is a perfect place to end the day with a book, take a break, or catch up with a friend. SUCRE is an authentic French bakery that serves handcrafted French pastries, sandwiches, soups, and more!
Events and culture
BUMP Murals is part of The Beltline Urban Murals Project. It is a community driven initiative that is transforming downtown into an open-air urban art gallery. Since 2017, the festival has commissioned over 270 public artworks. The art features local talent alongside world-renowned street artists. Visitors can take guided tours of these incredible murals, led by BUMP tour guides.
Since 2007, Sled Island's thoughtful, eclectic programming and independent spirit has produced a one-of-a-kind festival experience. Each June, the five-day music and arts festival brings together a community of music, comedy, film and art. Over 30,000 people gather across multiple venues, earning rave reviews from attendees, artists and media across the globe. You can check out Sled Island’s programming at numerous Beltline venues, including Commonwealth, Modern Love and the BLOX Arts Centre.
Shopping and services
Calgary’s Beltline has shopping destinations for amateur to advanced adventurers. MEC offers top quality gear for all experience levels whether you’re hiking, camping, or climbing. The Bike Shop has an amazing selection of bikes to get riding, or to upgrade with trade in options. For winter gear or urban shredding gear, The Source Snowboards carries top quality snowboard, skateboard, apparel and accessories. STUFF for Him and Momentum stock fashion-forward clothing, accessories and home goods.
The Beltline is also home to numerous health and wellness businesses. SKA Thermal Spa offers hydrotherapy and spa services. Treat yourself to a mani-pedi at Posh Nail Lounge or At Hangs. Relax and unwind with a massage from Leela Eco Spa or Massage Heights.
Treat yourself to a high-quality salon service at GOAT. They offer cuts, colour, styling, and hot shaves. With their curated retail selection, there’s something for everyone.
Public Art and outdoor spaces
If you find yourself in the Beltline when the sun goes down or during the dark winter months, enjoy the interactive and illuminated presence of the Chinook Arc. The shape of the Arc draws on the historic Beltline Streetcar that once encircled the neighborhood and the chinook arch phenomenon that sometimes blankets the sky.
Known as Calgary’s oldest park, Central Memorial Park was complete in 1912. It is modelled after a formal Victorian garden. The geometric pathways, elaborate flower beds, and mature trees make it the perfect place to enjoy a milkshake from REGRUB.
Beaulieu Gardens is a massive terraced garden featuring tiered lawns and beautiful plants and flowers. The Gardens surround the historic sandstone Lougheed House. The House dates back from 1891 and is currently run as a museum open Saturdays and Sundays. The Gardens are perfect for outdoor photos and are free daily!
Another ideal spot for outdoor photos is HIGH PARK. Located on the rooftop of the Centre City Parkade, HIGH PARK features landmark murals commission by BUMP, and expansive views east and west.
The iconic Beltline bike rack located in front of Last Best Brewing & Distilling received a facelift earlier this year. The bike rack was transformed by Chloe Purcell, a local artist who brought forth a vision of ‘One is All’. The design was created to represent diversity and inclusion while also creating interest and vibrancy within The BLOX.
Getting around
Driving and parking
Check out the newest feature on Calgary Parking's MyParking app.
The Local Deals feature in the app will connect you with exclusive local deals from businesses you know and love! The feature unlocks coupon codes that you can use at your favourite participating YYC businesses. There are also several public parking lots in the area, and street parking is free on Sundays, holidays, and weekdays after 6 p.m.
Public transit
You can also access The Beltline 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.
Walking, biking, scootering
Calgary is home to an extensive network of bike lanes, pathways and cycle tracks, many of which run through its downtown core with access to The Beltline.
Once in The Beltline, most shops and restaurants are accessible by walking or wheeling. Alternatively, you can rent a Bird or Neuron e-scooter. Make sure you download the app in advance and familiarize yourself with applicable laws, road rules and City by-laws.
We encourage you to safely explore The Beltline. We recommend you check ahead with restaurants and shops to ensure they are open and to learn what safety precautions are required before you go.
