Downtown Calgary Map

Downtown Calgary stands as a dense urban district in the heart of Calgary, Alberta, proudly housing the second largest concentration of head offices in Canada. Despite being the fourth largest city in the country by population, Calgary’s downtown bustles with activity, divided into several distinct neighborhoods catering to residential, commercial, corporate, and mixed-use purposes.

Neighborhoods and Geography

Encompassing areas such as the Financial District (CBD), Eau Claire, Chinatown, East Village, Beltline, and the West End, Downtown Calgary is bordered by 14th Street W. to the west, the Bow River and Prince’s Island Park to the north, the Elbow River to the east, and the CPR mainline tracks to the south. While the Beltline and Mission areas, situated immediately to the south, are often considered extensions of downtown due to their business concentration and high population density, they are not technically part of the downtown area.

Demographics and Growth

From 2011 to 2016, the population of Calgary’s downtown experienced significant growth, adding several thousand residents. As of 2016, the combined population of the five downtown neighborhoods surpassed 18,000, showcasing a larger population than other Canadian cities of comparable size, such as Ottawa and Edmonton. The neighboring Beltline area also saw substantial growth, accounting for a major portion of residential development in inner-city Calgary with a population of 21,958 in 2016.

Transportation

Calgary Transit’s CTrain light rail system facilitates ease of movement through downtown, running along 7th Avenue S. with free rides offered in this section. The forthcoming Green Line is expected to enhance connectivity, running underground through downtown along 2nd Street in a north–south direction.

Neighborhoods

Commercial Core

Home to a dense array of skyscrapers, Calgary’s commercial core makes up the majority of the downtown area. Connected by an extensive network of elevated walkways and bridges spanning 18 km, known as the “+15,” the commercial core boasts a robust selection of retail, dining, and entertainment options. Stephen Avenue, a pedestrian mall lined with historic buildings, forms the heart of Downtown Calgary’s primary retail area, flanked by major shopping centers and department stores.

Government District

Centered around Macleod Trail, between the commercial core, Chinatown, and Downtown East Village, the government district houses crucial governmental and educational institutions, including the City Hall, Calgary Public Library, and Bow Valley College.

Cultural District

Situated around the Burns Building and Olympic Plaza, the cultural district features educational and cultural venues like Bow Valley College, Glenbow Museum, and Arts Commons, contributing to the vibrant arts scene in downtown Calgary.

Entertainment District

Focused along 8th Avenue South, the entertainment district is rich in restaurants, shops, enclosed shopping centers, art house cinemas, and recreational areas, offering a lively atmosphere and diverse options for both locals and visitors.