Discover the best things to do in downtown Calgary, each offering unique experiences. Immerse yourself in Chinatown’s rich cultural heritage on a culinary journey or take a stroll through the historic district on Stephen Avenue. For year-round outdoor activities, visit the iconic Olympic Plaza or read a book by the fireplace at the Calgary Central Library.

If you’re a nature enthusiast, you can wander through a botanical oasis at Devonian Gardens or explore the colorful gardens and scenic downtown views at Prince’s Island Park. If you want to dive into Calgary’s arts scene, the Glenbow Museum and Contemporary Calgary offers inspiring and engaging art experiences. What are the best things to do in downtown Calgary?

  • 1

    Chinatown

    An amazing culinary journey and picnic at a park

    Chinatown
    • Budget
    • Food

    Embark on a culinary journey through Chinatown, one of the best things to do in downtown Calgary. As you explore the neighborhood on foot, your senses will be awakened by the vibrant sights, sounds and enticing flavors of Calgary’s Chinatown.

    Delve into the diverse culinary offerings of Asian cuisine and hospitality at restaurants where you can explore Asian cuisine across different countries and regions and recipes handed down over generations. Make a stop at the Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre, a community hub that celebrates the neighborhood’s shared heritages and diversity through educational and cultural programs. Enjoy a picnic at Sien Lok Park, a tranquil park located along the scenic Bow River Pathway.


  • 2

    Stephen Avenue

    Discovering Calgary’s past in a downtown historic district

    Stephen Avenue
    • Budget
    • Food
    • Shoppers

    Soak up the vibrant energy of downtown’s historic district with a stroll along the Stephen Avenue Walk. This inviting pedestrian mall is renowned for its diverse array of shops, restaurants and cultural attractions. After shopping, indulge in a delicious meal, listen to live music and re-energize in its lively atmosphere. Step back in time on a self-guided tour of the street’s historic buildings.

    Stephen Avenue was named in honor of the Canadian Pacific Railway's first president, Lord George Mount Stephen who played a key role in Calgary’s growth during the 1890s. Today the street is recognized as the Stephen Avenue National Historic Site of Canada.


  • 3

    Olympic Plaza

    An iconic urban park

    Olympic Plaza
    • Budget
    • Families

    Olympic Plaza is a delightful public gathering place that offers some of the best things to do in downtown Calgary throughout the seasons. In the springtime, the plaza is adorned by the vibrant colors of blooming flowers. Summertime transforms the plaza into a gathering place for popular outdoor concerts and festivals.

    Families enjoy spending long afternoons in the plaza soaking up the sun and splashing in the wading pool to cool off. In the fall, the plaza’s landscape is framed by the fiery hues of autumn. Winter transforms the plaza into a winter wonderland where locals and visitors gather to share the seasonal tradition of ice skating in the brisk winter air surrounded by festive holiday lights.

    Location: 228 8 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2P 2M5, Canada

    Phone: +1 403-268-2489

    Map
  • 4

    Calgary Central Library

    A library inspired by nature

    Calgary Central Library
    • Budget
    • Families

    Discover one of North America's largest library systems at the Calgary Central Library, a vibrant community hub, and an architectural gem. Inspired by the concept of a lantern, the library illuminates, transforms, and serves a practical purpose. With over 450,000 books, digital resources and multimedia materials, there are countless ways to explore what inspires you.

    Immerse yourself in the library’s nature-inspired aesthetics, including the five-story Wonder Wall and abundant natural light. Inside the Living Room, you can enjoy a book by the fireplace. Cedar from nearby British Columbia and Indigenous arts echo the natural beauty and heritage of Canadian Native communities.

    Location: 800 3 St SE, Calgary, AB T2G 2E7, Canada

    Open: Monday–Friday from 9 am to 8 pm, Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm, Sunday from 12 pm to 5 pm

    Phone: +1 403-260-2600

    Map
  • 5

    Devonian Gardens

    A tranquil botanical oasis with koi ponds

    Devonian Gardens
    • Photo
    • Shoppers

    Step into an oasis of nature at Devonian Gardens, adjacent to the Core Shopping Center. This indoor botanical garden provides the public year-round free access to bright, sunny gardens that feature 2.5 acres of trees, plants, colorful flowers and a children’s playground maintained by the City of Calgary Parks.

    Stroll along the garden’s inviting pathways and bring your favorite book from the Calgary Central Library to enjoy while relaxing in comfortable seating areas. Don’t miss the living wall, an impressive collection of plants growing on a vertical wall. Adding to the garden’s ambiance, you’ll find a classic grand piano in the terrace area for public use and two koi ponds with playful animated water features.

    Location: CORE Shopping Centre, 317 7 Ave SW 4 floor, Calgary, AB T2P 0W4, Canada

    Open: Monday–Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm, Sunday from 12 pm to 5 pm

    Phone: +1 403-268-2489

    Map
  • 6

    Calgary Tower

    Stunning city views and an unforgettable dining experience

    Calgary Tower
    • Couples
    • Families
    • Photo

    There’s no better place to enjoy awe-inspiring views of downtown Calgary and the Rocky Mountains than from the observation deck of the Calgary Tower. Enjoy an evening to remember when the city lights create an inviting ambiance. With its stunning view, it’s not a surprise that Calgary Tower is one of Calgary’s most sought-after spots for marriage proposals.

    Watch the sunset from the observation deck and then make your way to the restaurant level to unwind with cocktails while gazing at the vibrant hues of the sunset’s afterglow. Choose from chef-curated specialties that showcase traditional Canadian flavors and fresh local ingredients. Enjoy dining as the tower rotates every 60 minutes, treating you to stunning views of the Calgary skyline.

    Location: 101 9 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 1J9, Canada

    Open: September–May: daily from 10 am to 9 pm, June–August: daily from 10 am to 10 pm

    Phone: +1 403-266-7171

    Map
  • 7

    Peace Bridge

    An iconic bridge with scenic views

    Peace Bridge
    • Couples
    • Families
    • Photo

    Connecting to the southern Bow River Pathway and Downtown Calgary, the Peace Bridge was built to accommodate Calgarians who commute to and from work utilizing the city’s pathways. Its bright red color pays homage to the Canadian flag. Designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, the double helix tubular truss bridge spans 131 metres and was opened in 2012.

    A marvel of engineering, the bridge was designed to minimize its ecological footprint. From downtown, cross the Peace Bridge to explore the historic neighborhood of Sunnyside or venture to shops and cafes in nearby Kensington. Or you can opt for a stroll along the Bow River Pathway and then cross back over into Prince’s Island Park.


  • 8

    Glenbow Museum

    Inspirational art created by Indigenous Peoples across generations

    Glenbow Museum
    • Budget
    • History

    Discover a rich tapestry of human experience and engaging hands-on displays at Glenbow Museum. Curated over 50 years, the museum features a diverse range of collections and exhibits that represent the art and history that has shaped Alberta, and beyond.

    Whether your favorite medium is painting, sculpture or contemporary art, you’ll be inspired by the perspective of indigenous artists whose works represent a wide range of mediums across generations and various time periods. Delve into collections and a broad spectrum of topics that represent Indigenous Peoples from the northwestern Plains, including the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot-speaking people), Tsuut’ina, Cree and Anishinabe cultures.

    Location: 130 9 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0P3, Canada

    Open: Wednesday–Friday from 11 am to 7 pm, Saturday–Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)

    Phone: +1 403-268-4100

    Map
  • 9

    Contemporary Calgary

    Modern art and guided tours

    Contemporary Calgary
    • Budget
    • Photo

    Discover your creative side at Contemporary Calgary if you want to check out Calgary’s contemporary art scene. Housed in the former Centennial Planetarium, the building is for its brutalist architecture. This museum not only has an outstanding collection of art and exhibitions throughout the year, but it also has dynamic, inclusive public programming and an impressive artist residency program.

    Guided by its vision, Contemporary Calgary aims to foster conversation and encourage the exploration of new ideas and critical thinking. Whether you’re an artist or an art enthusiast, Contemporary Calgary is a place to find inspiration. Daily guided tours of current exhibitions are offered free of charge with admission.

    Location: 701 11 St SW, Calgary, AB T2P 2C4, Canada

    Open: Daily from 12 pm to 7 pm

    Phone: +1 403-770-1350

    Map
  • 10

    Prince's Island Park

    An island park with tree-lined pathways

    Prince's Island Park
    • Budget
    • Photo

    Prince’s Island Park, a picturesque urban park, is easily accessible by three bridges and a haven for nature enthusiasts. Stroll along picturesque tree-lined pathways through 50 acres of land that was donated to the city in 1947 by the Prince Family.

    Each year, the park hosts popular events and music festivals, including the Canada Day celebration and Calgary Folk Festival. For a unique perspective, visit the Downtown Mirror Pond where the downtown skyline reflects on the pond’s mirror-like surface. Relax and enjoy the view from a park bench or embark on a self-guided tour of the park’s sculptures. As you explore, you’ll find flower gardens bursting with vibrant colors.

    Location: 698 Eau Claire Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 5N4, Canada

    Open: Daily from 5 am to 11 pm

    Phone: +1 403-268-2489

    Map