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– International Women’s Day Edition
Check out what's happening downtown this week.
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International Women’s Day at Central Library
March 7-9, Central LibraryCelebrate the 30th anniversary of International Women's Day at Central Library. The events run all weekend long and include: Leadership & Empowerment for ALL Women & Girls, Women’s Health Symposium, Below the Belt Documentary Screening and STEM Stars of Tomorrow.
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YWHISPER Gala 2025
March 6, Central LibraryThe YWHISPER Gala, hosted by YW, has raised more than $5 million in the past 12 years to help women and their families achieve safety and economic stability. This year’s event features keynote speaker Kimberlé Crenshaw, a pioneering scholar in critical race theory and the creator of the concept of intersectionality. The evening will also include a panel discussion with acclaimed Indigenous journalist Brandi Morin, hosted by Jenny Steele and emceed by Global News Calgary’s Leslie Horton.
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She is...an International Women's Day Event
March 7, Calgary Petroleum ClubShe is... 2025 is the third annual gathering to celebrate International Women’s Day and to raise funds to support the families who work with Discovery House to recover and heal from the trauma of domestic violence. Celebrate a morning of inspiring and meaningful conversation and a delicious hot breakfast at the historic Calgary Petroleum Club in the heart of the city.
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Women’s History Walk
March 8, The Confluence Historic Site & ParklandCelebrate International Women’s Day with a one-hour outdoor walking tour around the lands of The Confluence! In this tour, you’ll discover some of the hidden histories of women who made an impact on the lands we now call Calgary—from First Nations and Métis women to new settlers on the prairies—and delve into why women have been long overlooked in stories about our history.
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Women + Wealth 10th Anniversary Gala
March 8, BMO CentreThis milestone event, hosted by Emcee, Joelle Tomlinson, will feature a keynote address from Miss Universe Canada, Ashley Callingbull, alongside an exclusive alumni speaker panel with serial entrepreneur Jess Tetu, Founder & CEO of Hillberg & Berk, Rachel Mielke, and Founder of The Matriarch Movement, Shayla Stonechild, sharing their journeys of success, resilience, and growth.
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