Breakfast

Coffee lovers must check out Caffe Beano. Located in the heart of 17th Avenue, Caffe Beano has been serving traditional coffee and baked goods for over 30 years. Be sure to get there early as they tend to sell out daily! Maven brings a world-influenced, Alberta-rooted brunch to 17^th Avenue.

Lunch

Available for dine in or take out, Alumni Sandwiches offers creative, delicious sandwiches perfect to grab and go for a lunchtime picnic on the beautiful greenspace at Western Canada High School located next door. Alternatively, BLANCO Cantina has a 30 seat patio where they serve up Tex-Mex cuisine in a casual dining environment. BLANCO’s menu features vegan, vegetarian, gluten-friendly, and lactose-friendly options. Looking for pizza? Pizza Face and Uncle Fatih’s Pizza each bring creative spins on the traditional pie.

Dinner

Rated as one of the top 100 restaurants in Canada, Model Milk is situated in a historic 1930’s dairy building. Featuring a fresh and local menu, their offerings change every few months keeping things innovative and comforting. Looking to try something new? Taqueria El Chefe specializes in Mexican street food and claims to have the best birria Calgary has to offer. Taste of Yemen brings authentic Yemeni cuisine bursting with rich and aromatic spices.

Dessert

Ollia hand makes classic French macarons with a modern touch. Visit them instore to check out their seasonal flavours.

In addition to talented street performers, the 17th Avenue neighborhood offers events all year round. 

Summer on 17^th brings free events five days a week to Tomkins Park. Between now and the end of September the park will host outdoor movie screenings and more than 80 live performances, ranging from musicians to improv groups to dance troups and more.

If you’re looking to enjoy live music, Betty Lou’s Library regularly hosts jazz bands, musicians, dancers and burlesque shows. Enjoy a tasty beverage in their vintage speak-easy space. Alternatively, Jamesons Pub is a popular, modern, Celtic themed pub with a DJ & dance floor on Friday and Saturday nights. 

Whether you’re shopping for a gift for yourself or a loved one, here are some local favorites worth checking out:

Bamboo Ballroom – a women’s curated boutique – carries clothing and accessories from brands such as Levis, OBEY Clothing, Ernest & Kelly, Free People and more. 

Western Laundry brings Canadian-made contemporary women’s western wear to Calgary’s greater downtown.

Rubaiyat has been offering unique items for the home and fine jewelry for generations. Visit this shop for exclusive Made in Canada gifts and more.

Looking to relax? Book a service at O2 Herbal Therapy Centre. O2 offers relaxing and pain management services using Ayurveda, the traditional Hindu system of medicine. De-stress and book an exclusive spa and body wrap experience at O2.

Established in 1915, 17^th Avenue is home to Tomkins Park. Nestled among the retail shops and restaurants, Tomkins Park features benches and a gazebo to enjoy the mature trees and beautifully maintained flower beds. Occasionally, the park hosts concerns, markets, and other events.

Visit one of the ten oldest houses in Calgary at Humpy Hollow Park. The historic McHugh House was built in 1896 and is an early, rare, and intact example of Queen Anne Revival-style architecture in Calgary. Humpy Hollow is a small fenced park with picnic tables, grassy area, and a playground.

Thomson Family Park is a newer, inner-city green space that was redeveloped to create a stronger sense of community. The park is surrounded by colourful, creative art, a playground for various ages, and although closed for the season, an outdoor skating rink.

Driving and parking

Check out the newest feature on Calgary Parking's MyParking app.

The Local Deals feature in the app will connect you with exclusive local deals from businesses you know and love! The feature unlocks coupon codes that you can use at your favourite participating YYC businesses. There are also several public parking lots in the area, and street parking is free on Sundays, holidays, and weekdays after 6 p.m.

Public transit

You can access 17^th Ave with Calgary’s Public Transit system. For more information on Calgary city buses or the CTrain, including schedules, maps, passes and fares, visit Calgary Transit.

Walking, biking, scootering

Calgary is home to an extensive network of bike lanes, pathways and cycle tracks, many of which run through its downtown core with access to 17^th Ave.

Once at 17^th Ave, most shops and restaurants are accessible by walking or wheeling. Alternatively, you can rent a Bird or Neuron e-scooter. Make sure you download the app in advance and familiarize yourself with applicable laws, road rules and City by-laws.

We encourage you to safely explore 17^th Avenue and recommend you check ahead with restaurants and shops to ensure they are open and to learn what safety precautions are required before you go. To find out more about 17^th Avenue’s shops, services, and restaurants, visit their neighbourhood page.