Downtown Calgary Walking Tour

Photo Credit: Travel Alberta

What better way to explore Calgary than hitting up its downtown core, the heart of the city. Calgary’s downtown is much larger and more spread out than many other cities, offering a wide range of things to see and do, but all still within walking distance. Try this self-guided walking tour in summer or winter, or try it in both and see how different the experience is. It will take you from the old days to the new age one step at a time. Put on your walking shoes, get your family and friends out the door, and explore this fun, diverse, and interactive city.

A note on getting around: These are all walkable places, but there is public transport, taxis, ride share apps like Uber, or rentable scooters in the summer such as Lime to help you get around. You can also drive, but parking downtown can be a hassle at times, and you’ll end up walking most of the way anyway! We suggest using your preferred maps app to find each place as you go, or create a map before you go. Watch out for construction and be prepared to take alternate routes.

1. Fort Calgary

Credit: Fort Calgary

OKI, AMBA’WASTITCH, DANIT’ADA, TÂN’SI, BONJOUR, HELLO! Start your day at Fort Calgary to get a feel for what used to be. Where did Calgary start? Who was here and what happened way back then? Learn about Indigenous tribes such as Mohkinsstsis, Wîchîspa, and Guts’ists’i, early pioneers, and establishments like the North West Mounted Police. Your next stop is about a 20-minute walk.
Time required to visit: 1 hour
Address: 806 9 Ave SE, Calgary AB T2G 0S2
Hours:
Open Daily: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed December 24- January 1, Good Friday and Easter Monday
Admission
Adults $12.00
Seniors (+65)/Students: $11.00
Youth (7-17): $7.00
Children (3-6): $5.00
Children (3 and under: Free
How to get there: To reach the tower, walk a distance of 1.5 km ( 20 minutes) along 9 Ave SE (right from the Fort). The Glenbow museum is on the right. One can also use public transport. Route 1 or Route 305. Alight at SB 1 St @7 Av SE (Stop ID: 7830). Then walk south using the Calgary Tower as the landmark. If using a car, park at Museum parking lot or at any of the public parkades near the Calgary tower.

2. Calgary Tower

Credit: Calgary Tower

Once Calgary’s tallest building, the Calgary Tower is now nestled cozily among its successors. It remains as a symbol of Calgary and a must see. Check out the 360 degree views of the city you’re exploring.
Time required to visit: ½ hour
Address: 101 9 Ave SW
Hours:
September to May: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
June to August: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Admission
Adults (13-64): $18.00
Seniors (65+): $16.00
Children (4-12): $9.00
Children (3 and under): Free
How to get there: Next stop is right across the street from the Calgary Tower.

3. Glenbow Museum

Let Calgary’s art museum transport you across time. See work from the late 19th century all the way to today.
Time required to visit: 1 ½ to 2 hours
Address: 130 9 Ave SE
Hours
Monday: Closed
Tuesday to Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00PM – 5:00 PM
Admission
Adult (18+): $19
Senior (65+)/Student: $13
Youth (ages 7-17): $12
Child (6 and under): Free
How to get there: A quick 2 minute walk east on 9th Ave will have you at your next stop.

4. Central Library

Looking to reinvigorate its library scene, Calgary built this amazing structure with you in mind. Check out their workshops, views of the city, and great children’s play areas. If you’re in need of a coffee and a snack, hit up Lukes while you’re here for some local brews and treats.
Time required to visit: ½ hour – 1 ½ hour
Address: 800 3 Street SE
Hours
Monday to Thursday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Admission
Free
How to get there: Keep heading east on 9th Ave for 2 minutes for the next stop.

5. Studio Bell

Calgary’s Studio Bell houses the National Music Centre, offering 450 years of music history through historic pieces, over 200 functional instruments, and live performances. With 5 floors including Canada’s Music Hall of Fame, you’ll love this stop.
Time required to visit: 1 ½ to 2 ½ hours
Address: 850 4 Street SE
Hours
Open Daily: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day
Admission
Adult: $20
Senior/Student: $15.50
Youth (ages 3-12): $12
Child (3 and under): Free
How to get there: Walk (7 minutes) to Olympic Plaza by heading west on 9th Ave and turning right onto Macleod Trail until 8th Ave. Approximately 550 meters.

6. Public Art

Credit: Canadian Tourism Commission

Calgary has amazing public art displays throughout the city. If you’ve been following this guide, you’ll have seen TRIO at the Public Library. Check out more here, and keep an eye out as you walk the streets of Calgary!

7. Olympic Plaza & Stephen Ave

Stephen Ave is a fun shopping street with historic buildings, complete with some of the public art discussed above, such as Galleria Trees. Stop here for lunch at one of the many restaurants, such as Saltlik. Head onto Olympic Plaza, an urban park originally constructed for the medal ceremonies at the 1988 Winter Olympic Games.
Time required to visit: 10 – 30 minutes
Address: 7th Ave SE and Macleod Trail SE
Hours
Always open
Admission
Free
How to get there: Your next stop is along Stephen Ave on 3rd Street.

8. Devonian Gardens

The Devonian Gardens is here for your botanical getaway in the middle of the city. It recently underwent huge renovations. This epic undertaking has resulted in a full hectare of 500 trees, 50 varieties of plants, and a 900 square foot living wall. There are fish ponds, a playground, and lots more to explore.
Address: 400, 317 7 Ave SW (4th floors in the CORE Shopping Centre)
Hours
Monday to Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday to Friday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Admission
Free
How to get there: Your next stop is about a kilometre away. Head north on 3 St SW toward 7 Ave SW. Turn right onto 4 Ave SW. Turn left onto 1 St SW. The centre will be on the left. If you are planning to undertake the tour by car, pick up the car now and drive to the Chinese cultural centre. Park in the parking lot of Eau Claire Market .

9. Chinese Cultural Centre

Credit: Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre

This beautiful building is sure to amaze you. Check out it’s splendidly decorated hall, fun events, and museum. Check out the surrounding neighbourhood to immerse yourself in the thriving Asian cultures here in Calgary.
Time required to visit: ½ hour – 1 ½ hour
Address: 197 1st Street SW
Hours
Open Daily: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Closed Stat Holidays
Admission
Free
How to get there: Your next stop is about 2 km away, head to Bow River Pathway and follow west until you see the bridge.

10. Peace Bridge

Credit: City of Calgary

Designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, the Peace Bridge allows you to pass over the Bow River in style. A perfect stop for photos and some fresh air. This bridge will take you close to your next stop.

How to get there: If you are biking, cross the bridge, continue east along Bow River Pathway and use the north bridge to cross back to Prince’s Island Park. If you are walking, retrace your steps and reach Prince’s Island Park via the first foot bridge you see on your way back. This walk takes about 40 minutes (2 km – Cultural Centre to Peace Bridge to Prince’s Island Park).

11. Prince’s Island Park

Home to many amazing festivals, Prince’s Island Park is a favourite spot for locals to enjoy Calgary’s nature scene. No events happening? That’s fine: enjoy the buskers, many pathways, and serene green space in the middle of the city. Make your way to one of Calgary’s amazing downtown pubs, like the Barley Mill, nearby.
Time required to visit: ½ hour to 1 hour.
Address: 4 St & 1 Ave SW
Hours
Open Daily: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Admission
Free

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