Calgary – Is It a Walkable City?

Calgary is the largest city in Alberta, Canada and it is also the fifth largest municipality in Canada with a population of over 1.4 million people. The question of whether Calgary is a walkable city depends on how you define “walkable.” For some, walking simply means moving from point A to point B without relying on a car or other form of transportation. For others, walkability implies finding a destination that is easily accessible by foot. Regardless of how you define it, Calgary certainly provides a variety of options for those who want to travel on foot. When looking at Calgary’s downtown core, for instance, there is no question that it is very walkable. The downtown area contains a dense network of sidewalks and pedestrian paths that connect residential neighborhoods to business districts, government offices, and cultural institutions. Visitors can take advantage of the public transit system to get around more quickly, but the option of walking is certainly available. Other areas within the city are also quite walkable, especially in neighborhoods like Kensington and Chinatown that have lots of boutique stores and restaurants close together.Beyond the walkability of Calgary’s downtown and surrounding neighborhoods, there is also a great deal of interconnected green space throughout the city. Calgary has extensive park areas, trails, and pathways that are perfect for exploring on foot. During the summertime, these same areas offer some of the best outdoor recreational opportunities in all of Alberta. In the wintertime, many of the trails and pathways update their paths for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. This makes it possible for citizens and visitors alike to stay active and explore even when temperatures are below freezing.

Safety & Accessibility

When it comes to walkability, another important factor is safety. All of Calgary’s major sidewalks and trails are well-lit and flagged for pedestrians, making it easier for those walking to stay visible and alert in the busiest parts of town. Additionally, all pathways are clean and maintained to ensure that visitors can enjoy their time outdoors without any potential hazards. Furthermore, Calgary is one of Canada’s most accessible cities, with ample ramps and elevators available to ensure that everyone can move around freely regardless of their physical abilities.

Areas That Lack Walkability

Not all parts of Calgary, however, are as easily navigable by foot as the downtown area or tightly knit neighborhoods. Many suburban townships are more spread out, making it difficult to travel between points without a car or public transit. Additionally, some areas may contain hills or lack certain infrastructure, making it more difficult or less enjoyable to walk through them. As far as ease of transportation goes, there is no denying that Calgary is one of the most walkable cities in Canada. From downtown to the surrounding neighborhoods, there is a wide variety of walkable paths and green spaces that make getting around by foot convenient and enjoyable. Although there may be some areas that are less accessible on foot than others, many of these can still be reached with the help of public transit or other forms of transportation. For those looking to move from point A to point B without relying on a car, Calgary certainly offers plenty of opportunities for walkers to do so safely and easily. For more information on Calgary’s walkability, visit Calgary’s Transportation Website from to get an in-depth overview on the city’s pedestrian connectivity.

Calgary – An Insider’s Guide

Calgary, located in the province of Alberta in Canada, is a thriving metropolitan city. It is surrounded by natural beauty, with the Rocky Mountains in the backdrop and the Bow River flowing through the city. It is also known for hosting the Calgary Stampede every July, which attracts thousands of visitors. This guide will help you explore the city, its attractions, dining spots, cultural experiences, local history and off-the-beaten-path suggestions.

Local Attractions

Calgary offers a range of attractions for all ages. Some of the must-visit popular places are:

– The Calgary Tower: Standing at 190 meters, it offers panoramic views of the city and Rocky Mountains.
– Glenbow Museum: It is one of the largest art and history museums in Western Canada, featuring a variety of exhibitions and collections.
– Heritage Park: It is Canada’s largest living history museum, spread over 127 acres, showcasing Western Canadian history in a fun way.
– The Calgary Zoo: Home to over 1000 animals from around the world, it is a perfect spot for a family day out.
– Spruce Meadows: It is a world-renowned equestrian facility featuring international show jumping tournaments and events.

Dining Spots

Calgary’s dining scene is diverse, with a mix of traditional and contemporary cuisine options. Here are some of our favorites:

– Charbar: It is an Argentinian-inspired restaurant located in the Simmons Building and overlooks the Bow River. It’s known for its meaty dishes and excellent cocktails.
– Model Milk: This award-winning restaurant offers a farm-to-table dining experience. It features local ingredients and serves classic dishes with modern twists.
– River Café: Situated in Prince’s Island Park, it’s one of the city’s most romantic and intimate dining settings. It serves Canadian cuisine and offers a seasonal menu.
– Bridgette Bar: This chic restaurant offers Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-inspired dishes. It also has an impressive cocktail menu.
– OEB Breakfast Co.: This breakfast spot offers elevated traditional breakfast dishes. They are known for their feature dish, ‘The Soul in a Bowl’.

Cultural Experiences

Calgary has a strong cultural scene, with a range of art galleries, festivals, and theatre productions. Some notable experiences include:

– Calgary International Film Festival: This festival takes place every year in September. It features over 200 multi-genre films from around the world.
– Studio Bell, Home of the National Music Centre: It is a museum dedicated to the celebration and preservation of Canadian music. It features interactive exhibits, artifacts, and live performances.
– The Calgary Opera: It produces multiple operas each year, including classics like Carmen, Così fan tutte, and The Barber of Seville.
– Theatre Calgary: It is one of the largest theatre companies in Canada. It produces and presents contemporary and classic theatre productions.
– Glenbow Museum: As mentioned earlier, the museum features exhibitions and collections that showcase art and history from western Canada.

Local History

Calgary’s history spans back to the early 1800s, with the fur trade playing a significant role in its development. Here are some sites that history buffs will appreciate:

– Fort Calgary: It is the location where Fort Calgary began, which was the birthplace of the city. It features an interpretive center that tells the story of the city’s beginnings.
– Heritage Park: As we mentioned earlier, Heritage Park is Canada’s largest living history museum. It has historical exhibits and recreations of life in Alberta from the 1860s to the 1950s.
– The Military Museums: It houses exhibits from various regiments and branches of the Canadian Military.
– Lougheed House: It is an 1891 Victorian mansion located in the Beltline neighborhood. It features exhibits and programs that celebrate heritage and arts.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

For those travelers who like to explore the lesser-known parts of a city, Calgary has plenty of options.

– Inglewood Bird Sanctuary: It is a peaceful wildlife refuge in the heart of the city. It features walking paths and over 270 species of birds.
– Reader Rock Garden: This garden is an urban oasis located in the Beltline neighborhood. It features a collection of over 4000 perennials and native plants.
– The Polar Park Brewing Company: It is a microbrewery that features an ice bar and a beer garden. It also offers tours and beer tastings.
– Devonian Gardens: It is an indoor garden oasis located on the 4th floor of The CORE Shopping Centre. It features over 500 trees, fountains, and sculptures.
– Calgary Farmers’ Market: It is a local market that offers fresh produce, artisanal products, and food vendors.

In conclusion, Calgary is a city that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and cultural experiences making it a must-visit destination. So, pack your bags, bring this guide along, and explore all that this incredible city has to offer!