Neighbourhood Guide

Downtown

City Centre, Calgary

The epicentre for Calgary business, the Downtown core boasts upscale boutiques and fine dining on Stephen Avenue and an amazing arts & culture scene.

The city’s dense business district comprises the bulk of the city’s downtown core. This distinct area is populated with some of the tallest buildings in the country.

Busy retail and business sectors in the heart of the city. CORE Shopping Centre features the tropical indoor Devonian Gardens, boutiques and pedestrian friendly Stephen Avenue.

Downtown Calgary has a rich history dating back to the city’s establishment in the late 1800s. It has always been the city’s commercial and cultural center, growing in prominence alongside the development of the Canadian Pacific Railway and the oil boom of the mid-20th century. Over the decades, the skyline has evolved, with the construction of modern skyscrapers like the Calgary Tower, The Bow, and the TELUS Sky, creating a skyline that reflects Calgary’s position as a global energy hub.

In recent years, Downtown Calgary has undergone a transformation, with an increasing focus on residential development, public spaces, and cultural amenities, making it a sought-after place to live and work.

Location and Accessibility

Downtown is located in the city centre region of Calgary. The community is bordered by:

  • North: 9th Avenue SW
  • South: 3rd Avenue SW
  • East: Macleod Trail SE
  • West: 14th Street SW

Downtown Calgary’s central location makes it the city’s most accessible neighborhood, with excellent transit options and proximity to major roadways.

Education and Healthcare

Downtown Calgary is served by several reputable schools that include Western Canada High School, Connaught School and St. Monica School. Outside the neighbourhood, there are plenty of excellent schooling options for the kids. See our list of schools nearby here.

Just north of the community is The Foothills Medical Centre and the Alberta Children’s Hospital, one of Calgary’s largest hospitals. The hospital offers comprehensive medical services, including emergency care, specialized treatments, and outpatient services, ensuring residents have access to high-quality healthcare.

Life in Downtown

Living in Downtown Calgary means being in the center of everything the city has to offer. The area provides a fast-paced urban lifestyle, where work, entertainment, dining, and shopping are all within walking distance.

With its modern amenities, central location, and easy access to Calgary’s extensive public transit system, Downtown Calgary offers the ultimate urban experience.

On The Map

Downtown Calgary is located in the city centre region of Calgary and bordered by the Beltline, East Village, Downtown West End and the Bow River.

Downtown Schools

If you're buying a home in Downtown and looking for a school for your child, you'll be pleased to know that the neighbourhood has a number of schooling options to choose from.

Nearby Schools

  • St. Monica School – Mission: Website
  • Saint Mary’s High School – Mission: Website
  • Our Lady of Lourdes – Mission: Website
  • Western Canada High School – Cliff Bungalow: Website
  • Montessori School of Calgary – Cliff Bungalow: Website
  • Western Canada High School – Cliff Bungalow: Website
  • William Reid School – Elbow Park: Website
  • Connaught School  – Beltline: Website
  • Sacred Heart School – Sunalta: Website
  • Queen Elizabeth School – Hillhurst: Website
  • Hillhurst School – Hillhurst: Website
  • Sunnyside School – Sunnyside: Website

Calgary Schools

Amenities

Despite its urban setting, Downtown Calgary offers plenty of green spaces and access to the outdoors.

Located just north of downtown along the Bow River, Prince’s Island Park is one of Calgary’s most beautiful green spaces. This large urban park offers scenic walking trails, picnic areas, and is the site of major festivals.

Downtown Calgary is bordered by the Bow River, which features an extensive pathway system that’s perfect for walking, jogging, or biking. The RiverWalk connects the downtown core to neighboring areas like East Village and Inglewood, providing residents with a scenic route along the river.

Shop & Dine

Downtown Calgary is a shopping destination, featuring high-end retailers, department stores, and boutique shops.

The CORE Shopping Centre is the city’s premier indoor mall, offering a mix of high-end retailers, department stores, and local boutiques. The mall also connects to the +15 Skywalk, a unique system of elevated walkways that allows residents and visitors to navigate much of downtown without stepping outside during colder months.

Additionally, Stephen Avenue Walk is a pedestrian-friendly street is the heart of downtown’s dining and retail scene, lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes. Known for its historic buildings and outdoor patios, Stephen Avenue is a popular spot for lunch, after-work drinks, and weekend brunches.

Downtown is Calgary’s cultural center, home to iconic landmarks like the Glenbow Museum, the Calgary Tower, and Arts Commons, which hosts live performances, art exhibitions, and cultural events throughout the year. Residents can enjoy a rich variety of cultural experiences, from attending the Calgary International Film Festival to watching a live performance at the Jack Singer Concert Hall.

Downtown Real Estate

Downtown Calgary is known for its striking skyline, dominated by sleek modern skyscrapers and a mix of architectural styles.

The area boasts a combination of high-rise office towers, contemporary residential buildings, and heritage sites, reflecting the city’s evolution over time. In recent years, Downtown Calgary has seen a boom in residential high-rise development, with luxury condos and rental apartments providing urban living spaces for those who want to be close to the action.

Many homes in the area boast picturesque views of the sparkling city skyline and the curving Elbow River. There are plenty of properties to choose from, with prices ranging from affordable starters to prestigious luxury residences.

With Team Hripko’s expertise and extensive knowledge of the area, they will guide you through the available real estate options and help you find the perfect home.

Downtown Real Estate

See today's Downtown homes for sale.

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You deserve an easy, stress-free process with guidance with a team of professional Realtors® who know the Calgary & area market.

Find out more about our team of professionals – we are here to help you find exactly what you need.