Eau Claire Market
Calgary’s Eau Claire Market is one-of-a-kind for shopping, dining, fresh food and entertainment. Locally-owned specialty stores offer unique gift items, original fashions and works of art. One of Calgary’s newest attractions, for families it features the IMAX Theatre, the Cinescape arcade and a food court, for adults it features a dozen restaurants and bars with patios, including on nearby Prices Island.
Chinatown
Calgary’s Chinatown – around since 1910 – is found nestled downtown between between the Bow River and 4th Avenue. Canada’s second biggest Chinatown hosts a wide range of Chinese import stores, bakeries and restaurants, plus the Dragon Mall (on 4th Avenue) which is Canada’s largest Asian mall.
4th Street SW
This district, between 15th Avenue and Elbow Drive, is filled with restaurants and bars, plus many shops and galleries. The district is anchored by Earl’s and Mission Bridge on the south, and Rose & Crown Pub and Topo’s towards downtown. In the last weekend each May, 4th Street hosts thousands for the “Lilac Festival”.
Kensington / 10th Street NW
This district is located just across the Bow River from downtown (you can get off at first LRT stop on the Northwest LRT line). It’s a trendy hangout for students from SAIT, U of C, and the Alberta College of Art, all just up the hill. It has an alternative/granola feel, with many fine restaurants, coffee houses and small shops, centered around the Plaza Theatre. Just after Stampede Week in July, Kensington sponsors the “Chili Cook-off”.
Inglewood/Atlantic Avenue
This is Calgary’s original neighbourhood, dating back to before the CPR. It is found between the Calgary Zoo and Fort Calgary, and is renowned for its cluster of antique and furniture stores. This neighbourhood, once rundown, is the latest focal point of trendy developers.
“International Avenue” 17th Avenue SE
In the multi-cultural East part of the city, International Avenue features a wide range of restaurants and specialty shops catering to Canada’s most recent immigrants. This a great place to stop off when travelling to/from pretty Lake Chestermere, east of the city.
Marda Loop
Along 33 Avenue, between Crowchild Trail and 20 Street SW,you’ll find a quaint little shopping district. Named for the former turnaround point for the Marda Streetcar Line (hence the “loop”). A little south of the Loop is the renowned “My Favourite Icecream Shop”.
Stephen Avenue Walk/8th Avenue SW
Calgarians and tourists flock to Stephen Avenue year-round, but especially during the summer months. Stephen Avenue is home to restored historic buildings dating back to the start of the century. The Mall is anchored by Holt Renfrew on the west and City Hall at the east. It also is the location of TD Square, Banker’s Hall and Eaton Centre shopping centres (collectively called “The Core”). The mall itself is closed to traffic during the days, making it the perfect downtown area to stroll whether you’re in the mood for a bite to eat, to shop or just to hang out. Evenings, the streets are open to cars, providing easy access to the restaurants, galleries, theatres and nightclubs.
“Uptown 17” 17th Avenue SW & Mount Royal Village
This area is centred around Mount Royal Village, and has a cluster of fine art galleries and boutiques. Many outdoor murals and paintings are located along 17th Avenue, also called the “Red Mile” for its playoff street parties celebrating the Calgary Flames. Due to its proximity to the wealthy Mount Royal neighbourhood, there are a lot of very good restaurants. Its inner city proximity provides a lot of hangouts for hip young adults.