Explore Downtown
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 Section
Check out what's happening downtown this week.
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YYC EXP | Food & Drink Experience
March 14-30, Various locationsGather your friends, families, neighbours and colleagues—it’s time to celebrate the amazing restaurant and culinary tourism scene in Calgary!
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Two Moons: A Folk Lullaby
March 14-22, The Pumphouse TheatrePart concert, part play, Two Moons: A Folk Lullaby is a poignant and intimate solo-show that delves into one woman’s journey with reproductive rights.
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Jupiter Theatre presents Winging It!
March 8 - April 5, Erratics Indie Arts ClubMixing short-form and long-form improv with a fantasy RPG à la Dungeons & Dragons, this show is a recipe for critical tales and epic fails.
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King James
February 25 – March 16, Martha Cohen TheatrePulitzer Prize finalist Rajiv Joseph’s clever and fast-paced comedy traces the arcs of two friends, dives into the heart of basketball fandom and highlights the profound connections that sports can cultivate.
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Penguin Walk
Ongoing until March 16, Wilder Institute/Calgary ZooA winter visitor favourite at the Calgary Zoo, watch as the king penguins step outside their habitat for a royal stroll through the zoo grounds each morning.
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 opportunities to be a tourist in your own city from boutique hotel experiences, to amazing attractions, local shopping and top restaurants.
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Downtown offers plenty of opportunities to ‘woo’ your loved one, from spa experiences, to fun date ideas and romantic dinners.
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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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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.
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 on the latest events, projects and all things Downtown Strategy – stay in the know!
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Follow us on social media and share your photos using #ExploreDowntownYYC