What is the best area to stay in Calgary?
By Joseph Birch. November 13, 2023
Thinking of visiting Calgary, but not sure where to stay? Located at the southern tip of the stunning Rocky Mountains, Calgary offers a dynamic blend of sleek, modern attractions and traditional charm. The city’s cultural attractions showcase its diverse heritage and artistic spirit, while the Calgary Stampede, known as “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth,” attracts over a million visitors per year. Calgary’s culinary scene features an array of restaurants offering delicious local and international cuisines. Its lively downtown core hosts year-round concerts and events, while the city’s proximity to the world-famous Banff National Park make it a must-visit destination.
The best area to stay in Calgary is downtown, given its proximity to the city’s major attractions, including the iconic Calgary Tower, the cultural treasures of the Glenbow Museum, and the lively Stephen Avenue Walk. Your stay in this safe, central district ensures effortless access to an array of must-see sights. Furthermore, its central location serves as a convenient starting point for exploring other parts of the city, whether on foot or via the extensive train and bus networks. With its vibrant atmosphere, diverse dining options, and wide range of activities, downtown is the perfect place to stay.On the map, which shows the most convenient area to stay in Calgary, you can see a selection of some of the best located hotels.
If you’re interested in finding out where to stay in Calgary, you may also want to know where to stay in Banff or where to stay in Vancouver.
Downtown, the best area to stay in Calgary
Sightseeing / Shopping / First Time
Downtown is the vibrant core of Calgary, ideal for first-time visitors, shoppers and diners. At its heart is Stephen Avenue Walk, a shopper’s paradise with a twist. Bankers Hall features some of the city’s trendiest retailers, while the CORE Shopping Centre boasts over 140 stores, and even its own botanical garden.
Connecting various eateries, the city centre is also home to the skywalk. You’ll discover a wealth of restaurants, cafes, and public artworks, creating a lively atmosphere. Notable attractions like the Glenbow Museum, the Calgary Tower, the National Music Centre, and the Convention Centre are all just a leisurely stroll away.
Additionally, you can explore scenic river walks, make your way to tranquil Prince’s Island, and easily access other destinations. The downtown area is not just a convenient base but also offers easy access to the Calgary Stampede grounds for events, trade shows at the BMO Centre, or hockey games.
Other areas to stay in Calgary
The Beltline
Nightlife / Restaurants / Entertainment
The Beltline is perfect for people who want to let their hair down. Named after the local Route No. 5 trolley, this area was home to many of the city’s first warehouses. Now, it’s filled with restaurants, bars, and nightclubs, with its famed 17th Avenue supplying a raucous atmosphere whenever the Calgary Flames are playing at the nearby Saddledome arena. It’s also home to the Calgary Stampede, which features rodeos, concerts, and stage shows, attracting visitors from around the world.
Despite its rowdy reputation, there are also residential areas, so useful amenities such as supermarkets, ATMs, and coffee shops are also nearby. Calgary’s oldest park - Central Memorial - is also situated here. It contains geometric pathways, ancient trees, and beautiful, elaborate flowerbeds. To get around, hop on a train or a bus or, if you’re feeling fit, use the system of bike lanes, pathways, and cycle tracks, many of which run through to the downtown core.
East Village
Families / Music
Families heading to Calgary might want to check out the East Village. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of downtown, this neighbourhood provides gathering places for all ages and walks of life. Modern architecture and picturesque pathways make this area a popular destination for visitors and locals alike.
It is walkable, bikeable, and well-connected to transit, with the nearby City Hall train station the perfect starting point for a day of exploration. It is also home to two of Calgary’s top fine dining experiences - Nupo and EIGHT - while those with a sweet tooth will delight in the treats at Parlour Ice Cream or the award-winning chocolates at Cochu Chocolatier.
A stay at in the East Village should also include stops at the Central Library and Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre. It features five floors of interactive exhibits celebrating Canadian music and continues to serve as the backbone of Calgary’s live music scene.
Kensington
Art / Restaurants / Parks
Kensington is the place for independent stores and cool restaurants. North of downtown, it is known for its hip brunch spots and eye-catching public art. It’s a trendy meeting location for the younger generation, while still maintaining an old-style charm to it buildings and infrastructure.
It houses over 200 unique businesses and services, in addition to a significant number of historical sites. This makes Kensington both a popular inner-city district for many local Calgarians, and a popular destination for shopping and accessing trendy and niche services within the city.
It is considered a business revitalisation zone, with the area having seen significant rejuvenation in recent years, and it features all the associated services one would expect. The Bow River, the Peace Bridge, Princes’s Island Park with its green spaces and playgrounds are also easily accessible from this base and Riley Park, with its outdoor wading pool, is just a stone’s throw away.
Eau Claire
Events / Nature Lovers
There is a full calendar of events on at the Eau Claire district. This area, along with Prince’s Island just across the Bow River, is home to endless festivals and one-off activities. The Calgary Folk Festival, Shakespeare by the Bow, Expo Latino, and Pet-a-Palooza are just some of the unique festivities you might stumble upon. Directly in the centre of Prince’s Island (and only accessible by foot) you’ll find River Café, a gourmet restaurant with picturesque views.
Those brave enough to paddle down the Bow River may choose to conveniently terminate their adventure at Prince’s Island, perhaps after spotting some of the resident beavers. In the winter, seasonal lights transform the area. The southern part of the river turns into a charming public skating pond, while the eastern wetlands within the park nurture native plants and birdlife, offering delightful vistas of the majestic Centre Street Bridge.
University District
Shopping / Parks / University
Situated in north-west Calgary, this area is great for a spot of retail therapy. Along with Market Mall and Northland Village Mall, you’ll also find North Hill Centre - Calgary’s first mall - and home to some of the best shopping in the city. These facilities also house some of the premier dining establishments in the area, such as local favourite ‘Moxies’.
Just down the hill from the University is the Douglas Fir Trail, a great introduction to Calgary’s natural environment. Alternatively, head to Nose Hill Park for a picnic or snap a picture at one of the many lookout points. Known as one of the most beautiful places in the city, Bowness Park, meanwhile, is a serene spot that has a lagoon, boat rentals, winter ice skating, a wading pool, and playgrounds.
Nestled between Shaganappi Trail and the LRT line, visitors can easily make their way into the city from the University District - by foot, bike, or transit.
Our recommended hotels in Calgary
Use the interactive map to navigate through our recommended hotels in CalgaryNote: Hotel prices can change daily due to promotions, seasons, and demand. Our $ - $$$$ scale shows the overall cost range rather than exact prices.
