Calgary Tips: 22 City Centre things to see/do in the summer of ‘24
Here are 22 ideas for exploring and enjoying Calgary’s City Centre this summer for both tourists and locals. Some are obvious, others a bit more off-the-beaten path. Everything from picnics in parks, to dining al fresco, from art treasure hunts to heritage walks. And no it doesn’t include the Calgary Stampede as that would be too obvious. I have provided lots of links to additional information for many of the activities.
Be sure to read to the end, as I think I have saved the best for last.
1. Walk or cycle along the 12-km Bow River pathway from Edworthy Park to Harvie Passage enjoying the various public spaces and recreational areas along the way. Or you can do a the 5 km “Bow River Oval,” crossing the river at 14th Street Bridge and George King Bridge in East Village.
2. Wander downtown Calgary’s 16-km indoor skywalk that includes cafes, 100s of shops, 3 department stores and dozens of public spaces with public art including Devonian Gardens (pictured above). Yes you will probably get lost, but that is half the fun. Link: Calgary’s +15 walkway is like New York City’s High Line.
3. Explore Calgary’s new Central Library with its great reading room or wander over to Memorial Park where you will find Calgary’s first library a majestic 1912 sandstone Carnegie Library. Tip: Check out the Calgary history area at the Central Library, lots of very interesting books and info.
4. Take a Heritage Walk along Stephen Avenue home to 30+ early 20th Century buildings including the flagship Hudson’s Bay department store. Plan to have lunch on one of the patios and do some people watching. Link: YYC Walking Tours
5. Explore Kensington Village which is full of cafes, patios, shops, restaurants and check out the recently renovated Plaza Theatre an art house cinema. Kensington is home to one of Calgary’s oldest independent cafes - Higher Ground. Hot Wax Records is one of Calgary’s oldest vinyl shops. Another Dimension has been Calgary’s go to comic book store since 1983. Hidden Gems, the new kid on the block, showcases 80 local artisans.
6. Spend a few hours enjoying the 100s of public artworks in the City Centre. Take the kids on a public art treasure hunt. Can you find the horse pasture, the Big Head, the upside down church or the big spider. There is even a herd of funky cows in the +15. Guide to Calgary’s Public Art or Downtown Calgary’s Udderly Art Pasture!
7. Stroll Calgary’s original Main Street, 9th Ave SE in Inglewood where you will find not only the Esker Foundation Art Gallery (free parking), but several other commercial galleries, live music venues, shops, restaurants and a funky cafe and craft brewery scene. The Next Page bookstore (1217A 9th Ave SE) is one of the coolest book stores in Canada. Circa Vintage Glass, a unique mid-century art glass gallery not to be missed. Inglewood is also home to Knitwear’s signature store, offering Canada’s best selection of Japanese knives. Guide to Inglewood
8. Shop ‘til you drop at the CORE (picture above) or downtown’s three department stores Holt Renfrew, Simons & The Bay. Calgary’s downtown is a shopping mecca. The CORE’s two-block long skylight is one of the world’s longest glass roofs.
9. Enjoy a burger and a beer on 17th Avenue SW aka The Red Mile and enjoy the parade of characters walking by. The Ship & Anchor is 17th’s signature bar and patio. If you are into shoes you should drop by gravitypope. 17th is also home to Made By Marcus’ flagship ice cream shop, where the ice cream is “built” from scratch and the flavours are unique - Passionfruit Basil, Black Cherry & Anise or Sea Salt & Goat Milk.
10. Sip and savour at one of the many cafes and restaurants along Calgary’s 4th Street restaurant row in the Mission District. FYI: Make sure you stop by Mercato and pick up a Mamma Cathy’s donut, or perhaps the Date Walnut cookie or Nutella Kouign Amann at La Boulangerie Bakery Cafe is more to your liking. Yann Haute Patisserie just off of 4th Street (329 23rd Ave) is famous for its macarons.
11. Create your own Summer Art Walk visiting several of the dozens of Calgary commercial galleries in the City Centre. Masters Gallery not only showcases the art of some of the most distinguished Canadian visual artists, but on Saturdays they offer coffee and cookies. Link: Guide to Calgary’s Commercial Galleries.
12. Take a heritage walk along 13th Ave SW. Lougheed House and garden is a must see. There is also a restaurant with a great weekend brunch. Link: Calgary’s Secret Heritage Trail
13. Wander and have lunch at the Reader Rock Garden and Cafe 325 25th Avenue S.E.
14. Meander the exhibitions at Contemporary Calgary a former Planetarium transformed into a public art gallery. The Robert Houle: Red is Beautiful is up until September 18th and is not to be missed. Or if you are into music explore the new exhibits at the National Music Centre. The Glenbow has a temporary exhibition space in the Edison office tower that is also worth a visit.
15. Stroll the streets looking for statues like the one above. Link: Guide To Calgary’s Statues
16. Why not organize a picnic with a few of your best friends at one of the many City Centre parks. Best places for a picnic include St. Patrick’s Island, Prince’s Island, Riley Park, Memorial Park and Devonian Gardens.
17. Treat yourself or perhaps visiting family and friends to al fresco dining at one of downtown’s amazing outdoor patios - River Cafe, Bonterra, Carbar or the Guild are good options. Or perhaps rooftop dining at The Calgary Tower or Major Tom. Or, heritage dining at the Deane House, Rouge or Lougheed House.
18. Spend an afternoon hiking around the City Centre to see how many of the 50+ giant murals you can find. Link: Guide to Downtown Murals
19. Take in one of the City Center’s street festival, like this one in Chinatown, or Inglewood’s Night Markets. FYI: Chinatown has several good spots for Dim Sum.
20. Chill at the Calgary International Folk Festival or one of the many other festivals that take place each weekend in the summer.
21. Enjoy a Sunday Walkabout in Hillhurst that includes browsing the Hillhurst Flea Market, then perhaps wandering to Reader Rock Garden, watching a cricket match at Riley Park, grab a freshly roasted coffee at The Roasterie, or one of the many cafes along 10th Street and Kensington Road.
22. Check out one of nine speakeasies in Calgary City Centre, like Betty Lou’s Library in The Devenish Building (908 17th Ave SW). To get in you have to use this 1920s telephone that reaches the librarian who will let you in. Guide to Calgary’s Speakeasies
Last Word
I hope one or more of these tips will resonate with you to give them a try. Feel free to email me (rwhiteyyc@gmail.com) your Calgary City Centre tips and I will add them to the list.
FYI: If you are thinking of visiting Calgary and are interested in private small group or couple guided tour, Alberta Blue Sky Tours might interest you. Use code "everydaytourist" to receive a 10% discount on your tour.If you like this blog, these blogs will interest you:
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