Explore Downtown
#ExploreDowntownYYC Explore Downtown Calgary
In the city of possibility, downtown is the face and the place of Calgary’s future.
It’s a mix of bold entrepreneurship, where dreams become reality and where creative curiosity is unleashed; it’s toes tapped to music and dipped in the river, drinks sipped from a rooftop and art and culture appreciated up close and personal.
Downtown is where it all happens – it’s the pulse of our city and no matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find it here.
Events in the Spotlight
Check out what's happening downtown this week.
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Market Collective Holiday Markets
December 6-8 & 13-15, BMO Centre Hall DMarket Collective’s Holiday Market Series is family-friendly event where visitors can experience interactive workshops, live performances, galleries, food and beverage, over 150 local vendors, and more special surprises!
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ZOOLIGHTS
November 15 – January 5, Calgary ZooBack for its 28th season, the city’s favourite sparkling spectacle is sure to ignite your festive spirit as the zoo transforms into a magical winter wonderland. Experience the magic of twinkling lights and dazzling displays, where the festive spirit brings you closer to family, friends, and the heart of the community. With ice skating, axe throwing, delicious treats, animal facts, and more, there are so many memories to be made on chilly nights under the twinkling lights!
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Plaza Palooza
Every Friday - Sunday from November 29 - December 22, Olympic PlazaGet together outdoors with your friends, family and fellow Calgarians to check out four weekends of free festival fun at Olympic Plaza! Everyone is invited to come down for the family-friendly fun including live music and entertainment, dazzling festive lights and spectacular light art displays, games, ice sculpture carving, roving buskers, photo opportunities, warming fire pits and more.
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Winter Wonderland at the Library
December 7-23, Central Library & Memorial Park LibraryThe Library's annual Winter Wonderland will feature seasonal fun during the month of December at Central and Memorial Park libraries. It will kick off with the Mayor's Holiday Storytime at Central Library on Saturday, December 7 with plenty of more family-friendly fun during the weeks to follow including movie screenings, sing-a-longs, time with special guests, and more.
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Studio Bell After Hours: Holiday Edition
December 14, Studio Bell, East VillageSleigh the night away at this holiday bash at Studio Bell. Enjoy an unforgettable after-hours experience featuring live performances from talented local artists, DJs spinning tunes for dancing all night long, beer gardens by Cold Garden, local vendors and brand activations, festive photo-ops, and holiday décor decking the five floors of Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre.
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Autistic Adult Art Therapy & Networking Event
December 14, The Royal Canadian Legion - 116 7 Ave S.E.Join the Autism for Life Foundation for a fun-filled day of art, networking, and connecting with other adults on the autism spectrum! This is an accessible event for Autistic and/or ADHD adults with a variety of activities, delicious local eats and performances.
Itineraries
Explore these sample itineraries to help guide your visit. New memories are waiting – start here, in downtown Calgary.
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This itinerary is based on all things ‘Holiday Magic.’ Enjoy this special time of year with friends and family and explore all the beauty and magic downtown has to offer!
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Choose your own downtown adventure and decide how you'd like to spend your day. Your itinerary could include a warm cup of coffee, a peaceful bookstore, a hearty meal, a thought-provoking film or a magical cocktail.
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Whether you’re looking for a festive skate under twinkling lights or just want to enjoy a classic winter activity, downtown offers several ice skating options!
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Downtown Calgary has miles of scenic pathways and beautiful parks. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll, a picnic in the park, or adrenaline-filled activity, we have you covered!
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There’s a wide variety of family-friendly activities to keep you and your kids entertained for hours!
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Calgary is home to some of the best chefs and restaurants in Canada, and downtown is where the culinary magic is happening.
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In the mood to go shopping or enjoy a day of window browsing? Look no further than Downtown Calgary, where you’ll find the very best in shops, services and unique handmade goods.
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Calgary is a city that never sleeps, with a vibrant night life scene that has a little something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for live music, dancing, or a cozy pub, you’ll be sure to find your perfect spot.
Neighbourhood guides
There are so many downtown neighbourhoods to explore! Use these guides to help plan your outing.
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Your guide to experiencing the Downtown Core
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Your guide to experiencing Calgary’s premier cultural neighbourhood
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Your guide to experiencing historic, urban Victoria Park
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Your guide to experiencing the eclectic Beltline neighbourhood
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Your guide to experiencing historic and modern 4th Street
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Your guide to experiencing Calgary’s red mile
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Your guide to experiencing the culturally rich Downtown West
Getting here
Get downtown by using one of these modes of transportation.
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Get downtown 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.
Photo credit: Colin Way
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Walk, wheel or run
Downtown is accessible by walking, wheeling, or running.
Photo credit: Colin Way
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For information about parking spots, promos and move, visit Calgary Parking. Don’t forget to enjoy free parking after 6 p.m. every day and all day on Sundays!
Photo credit: Calgary Parking
Stay connected
Don't miss a beat! Stay up-to-date on the latest downtown news.
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Keep connected about the latest downtown news! Expect an update every 4 months
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Follow us on social media and share your photos using #ExploreDowntownYYC