Best Areas To Live In Calgary
There are so many areas in Calgary to consider where you would like your next home to be. When deciding on buying a house in Calgary, you will want to take your time in learning all about the areas and what they have to offer you. Each community has their own feel, function, location and even type of people that live there.
Knowing what you want prior to starting your search is going to be the key to your success in finding the best areas to live in Calgary. Doing a simple search isn’t going to help you with that. Drive around the city, get lost in areas you don’t know and explore. This is a sure way to get a feel for the area you are in and what it will offer you.
Sheraton Suites Eau Claire
This grand 4-star hotel in Downtown Calgary is an amazing place to stay. Sheraton Eau Claire is located in a fantastic area close to restaurants and bars, tourist attractions, and the amazing Eau Claire green park and market.
Sheraton Calgarys rooms are spacious, have an upscale vibe, and offers stunning views of downtown city-scape from its rooms. Add a swimming pool and on-site bar to the mix and it is your stay-cation heaven. You will definitely feel at home here, feeling welcomed by their awesome hospitality.
Sheraton Eau Claire offers an airport shuttle , has a currency exchange counter on-site, and is pet-friendly.
Things To See And Do In Victoria Park
- Dance the night away at the legendary Cowboys Dance Hall.
- Dont miss the exciting, lively, and world-renowned Calgary Stampede, which takes place every summer.
- Feast on mouthwatering Mexican fare at Native Tongues Taqueria.
- Root for the hometown Calgary Flames of the National Hockey League at the Scotiabank Saddledome.
- Sample one of the delicious and unique flavors available at Village Ice Cream.
- Savour Indian dishes at the Calcutta Cricket Club.
- Sip urbane drinks at the Proof Cocktail Lounge.
- Wander along the stunning Elbow River or rent bikes and explore the banks on two wheels.
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Where To Stay In Calgary For Luxury
The Hyatt Regency Calgary holds prime downtown real estate on pedestrian-only Stephen Avenue Walk, leading to the +15 pathway system, convention center, and scores of the best sights in the city. It’s literally in the shadow of the iconic Calgary Tower, and guests may easily walk to the Glenbow Museum, Centre for Performing Arts, and CORE luxury shopping center.
All 355 rooms & suites are 121 square meters of sumptuous comfort, decked out with a full contingent of top-tier conveniences, technologies, and tools. The gym, pool, and spa are complemented by delicious on-site dining options, gorgeous artwork, and generous business facilities.
Hotel Elan is located just off the stylish 17th Avenue boutique row in the hip Beltline District. Hipsters, bankers, poets, and cowboys who seek lodging with a distinct difference stay here. Spa-like bathrooms are featured in rooms and suites boasting unique décor, expanded color palettes, and comfortable amenities. Free breakfast is included, and the on-site gym is great for workouts.
Hotel Le Germain Calgary brings the winning French Canadian hotel group’s best talents to downtown Stampede City. Starting with an awe-inspiring location at the foot of Calgary Tower, this boutique hotel amalgamates several heritage buildings, adding an ultra-chic contemporary crown of steel and glass to enliven the finished structure.
Best Western Plus Calgary Centre Inn
We always love the value that Best Westerns bring and this one is no different. It features an indoor pool, hot tub, an on-site gym, free WiFi, and a continental breakfast that is served daily. Located on Macleod Trail, this hotel is just 5 minutes from the city centre and less than a 10-minute walk from the C-train. Chinook Mall is also nearby
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A Note About Our Hotel Recommendations In This Calgary Neighbourhood Guide
You may be wondering how we came up with all these hotel recommendations. The thing is, were always hearing from readers planning a trip, and asking about accommodation recommendations. And of course, were happy to help. But on our own travels, we can only stay in so many hotels. So nowe havent stayed in every hotel we recommend in our Where to Stay in Calgary guide. Especially since I lived there for so many years!
Our goal with this Where to Stay in Calgary Guide is to make sure you find the best area for your travel preferences and style. Thats why we only write guides when we can find a local or someone who knows the city well or have lived in the city to provide expertise.
We know all too well from personal experience that the area in which you stay can make or break a tripand we definitely want to help you make it.
Sothe hotel recommendations in our Where to Stay in Calgary Guide are based on what wed suggest to friends and family with different budgets and trip styles, if they were coming to Calgary. We havent personally been to these hotels, but weve researched them carefully: is it in a good area that seems safe? Is it in a good location for enjoying Calgary? Have past guests left fantastic reviews of the property? Would I tell my mother or sister-in-law that this is a good place to stay?
Happy Travels!
Best Hostel In Victoria Park: Wicked Hostels Calgary
The Wicked Hostel is our top recommendation for where to stay in Victoria Park because it has a wonderful location and a plethora of amenities. Guests can enjoy fast wifi, a filling breakfast, free laundry service and unlimited coffee, tea and hot cocoa. In addition to this, there are comfortable beds and spotless common spaces.
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Great Places To Stay For Outdoor Activities
Calgary’s outer suburbs allow for easy access to the city, but they also open up a world of possibilities for enjoying the outdoors. Stay in Bowness in northwest Calgary to ski or snowboard at WinSport, the city’s only urban hill. Or, from here, hit the Trans Canada Highway toward the Canadian Rockies. If you’re willing to stay a bit farther out, Canmore is an excellent place to stay if you’re in town for a mountain holiday, particularly skiing. This quaint city is well located near many top ski resorts. Choose accommodations in Southern Calgary for the best access to the historic Cowboy Trail, set in high ranching country and an excellent choice to stay for a ranch vacation.
Fairfield Inn & Suites By Marriott Calgary Downtown
Although we live in Calgary, weve actually stayed at this hotel before, back when we were attending the International Salsa Festival. It offers modern spacious rooms, an on-site fitness center, free WiFi, and a number of nearby popular restaurants such as The Beltliner and Native Tongues Taqueria. Guests can also enjoy a complimentary breakfast.
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Grand Luxury Calgary Hotels
When you want the best amenities and the most comfort in your Calgary hotel you have plenty of luxury options.Few of the best and most expensive hotels or resorts in Calgary area Calgary Marriott Downtown Hotel, Hyatt Regency Calgary and Deerfoot Inn & Casino.Which are located in near landmark Century Gardens, Canada Life Assurance Building and Elbow Springs Golf Club.Most of these upscale boutique hotel choices are of 4 star and 5 star rating with guest rooms and suites with finest furnishings and decor.Often near tourist activities, offering access to both nearby attractions and public transit.
The Westin Hotel Calgary
The Westin Calgary is undoubtedly one of the best hotels in Calgary, and itâs easy to see why: the hotelâs aim is to help you âfind the right balance of inspiration and wellnessâ. Right in the heart of Calgary downtown, youâll find this oasis of calm, a place where guests are encouraged to take advantage of the signature bedding, the spa-like shower, and the gorgeous views overlooking Calgary. There are even in-room spa options if youâd really like to relax and unwind.
When youâre ready to leave the hotel, however, youâll find that youâre right on the doorstep of all of Calgaryâs best things to do, with a perfectly central location thatâs ideal for exploring.
Reasons to stay here:
The Westin photo via Booking.com
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Eau Claire/princes Island Hotels
Princes Island Park is the biggest and best park in Downtown Calgary, located along the beautiful banks of the Bow River, and offering large shady trees, flower gardens, a lagoon, walking trails, and the Riverwalk an extra-wide paved pathway along the Bow and Elbow Rivers. Youll find an upscale gourmet Canadiana restaurant called River Café, as well as Eau Claire Mall and Market, which is home to a number of restaurants, eateries, bars, and shops.
This is a popular area for locals to go biking, walking, or jogging, and its also home to a number of events, such as the Calgary Folk Fest and Shakespeare by the Bow. Its practically the heart of Calgary and is quite central to almost anything you would want to do. Its also 5-6 blocks away from the downtown Calgary C-train.
Final Thoughts On Where To Stay In Calgary
Calgary is a city that shouldnt be missed. Its a great sports town, has a world-class restaurant scene, and offers a variety of lively bars and vivacious clubs. No matter your age, budget, or interests, theres something for everyone to enjoy in Calgary!
If youre still not sure where to stay, you cant go wrong with Wicked Hostels Calgary. Its our favorite hostel in the city because of its central location, a variety of amenities, and its free breakfast.
Another excellent option is the Hilton Garden Inn. Situated Downtown, it boasts an excellent location, stylish rooms, and awesome amenities.
Do you own an awesome hostel, hotel or apartment? Want to be featured in our list? Email to find out how.
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Residence Inn By Marriott Calgary Airport
Another good airport hotel is the Residence Inn by Marriott. This Calgary Airport hotel features spacious guest rooms with fully equipped kitchens, free internet, free breakfast, free parking, and are ideal for long-term stays. It also includes a fitness center, indoor heated pool, and complimentary airport shuttle.
The hotel has a restaurant on-site and includes green space for leisure walking . Residence Inn by Marriott is located minutes away from the Cross Iron Mill as well. The hotel has a unique evening social mixers during weekdays in the evenings for guests to partake.
Hampton Inn By Hilton North Airport
Hampton Inn by Hilton is one of our favorite hotels in Calgary. The location is great quick access to the airport and Banff. Hampton Inn is also one of the newer hotel properties in Calgary.
It is a 3-star hotel but is packed with great value. Their rooms are spacious, clean, and beautiful. The hotel offers free breakfast every day. Parking, free airport shuttle and wifi and fitness center are included at the hotel property.
What we liked most about the hotel is how close it is to the airport, and their rooms offer great views of planes taking off and landing. Airport views are our weakness we had stayed at this hotel, just for those views of wanderlust! So, yes definitely recommend the Hampton Inn for a quick stay-cation as well.
Hampton Inn by Hilton is also minutes away from the Cross Iron Mills Mall . Hampton Inn is different from Hampton Inn Suites both located in the airport area. Hampton Inn is located closer to the airport, and this is what we recommend, based on our experience staying there.
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Understanding Calgarys Street Numbering And Quadrant System
When choosing where to stay in Calgary, its helpful to know a little about the street numbering and quadrant system.
The city as a whole is divided into four quadrants, south-east , south-west , north-east and north-west , and you will see the abbreviations on most mailing addresses.
Add to that, Calgarys downtown is laid out in a grid system that makes use of the quadrants for its street names. Centre St. marks the border between east and west, with one block to either side being 1 St SE and 1 St SW. If you are east of Centre Street, all addresses will have SE to it, and if youre west of Centre St., all addresses will have a SW added.
The Bow river is the border between north and south streets, meaning most of the streets in the downtown core are south streets, and those north of the river are north streets. However, as a general rule, the east-west streets are called avenues, at least in the downtown area.
When downtown, the streets and avenues are numbered, starting at Centre Street and the Bow River/Memorial Drive . If you walk straight west from Centre Street in the south part of downtown, youll cross 1st Street SW, 2nd Street SW and so on. And if you walk straight east from Centre Street in the south part of town, youll get 1st Street SE, 2nd Street SE, etc.
Once you figure out this system, it is easy to navigate anywhere in downtown, and figure out how many blocks you have yet to go!
Where To Stay In Calgary East Village
Great area for: Business Stampede Concerts Hockey Games Tradeshows Sightseeing
A recently revived area just north of the Calgary Stampede grounds at the east end of downtown, the East Village is home to the recently opened and beautiful StudioBell , an anchor venue that incorporates the King Edward Hotel, a beloved local live music venue.
The area was carefully planned from the beginning to be an active community, and includes riverside walkways, connections to Calgarys vast network of cycling paths, St.Patrick Island on the Bow River, and easy access to downtown, Inglewood and the community of Bridgeland.
More and more businesses are opening in this area, making it a coveted new neighborhood in Calgary. So far, this hasnt translated into a wealth of hotel choices, with the 4-star Hilton Garden Inn being the main options in this area.
Hilton Garden Inn A new hotel in a newly revitalized area. The location is perfect, steps from downtown attractions like the Calgary Tower, and just a short walk to the Stampede grounds and the Saddledome. The LRT is also right outside. Rooms are clean and comfortable, everything youd expect from Hilton.
Check Availability & Pricing onBooking.com
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Where To Stay In Calgary Inglewood
Great area for: Longer Stays Fort Calgary Calgary Zoo
Inglewood is one of the more historic neighborhoods of Calgary, established in 1875. As such, it was Calgarys first downtown and the original main street is now 9th Avenue SE which runs through the heart of the district. A trendy neighborhood with local artisan shops, small theatres, cozy pubs as well as fine cuisine. A decent option for those looking for a a longer stay in the city, or those travelling with a car. The Saddledome and Stampede Grounds are about a 25 minute walk from the centre of Inglewood, as is the Calgary Tower and many of the other downtown attractions. There is no LRT serving this area directly, City Hall or Bridgeland stations are both a 20 minute walk from the centre of Inglewood, but there are buses that will take you into downtown that run along 9th Avenue.
For stays in Inglewood, wed suggest checking out HomeAway, VRBO, and of course Airbnb to find a holiday apartment.
Things To See And Do In The Beltline
- Choose from a wide range of Canadian craft beers at National on 17th.
- Dress to impress at Bespoke, an upscale lounge in the Beltline.
- Drink, dance, and party all night long at Twisted Element.
- Enjoy a night of good food and great drinks at Last Best Brewing & Distilling.
- Grab drinks at the Ship and Anchor.
- Indulge in a mouthwatering burger or outrageous milkshake at Regrub.
- Kickstart your day with a delicious breakfast at Monki.
- Sip creative and urbane cocktails at The Milk Tiger Lounge.
- Sneak a peek at the intriguing Chinook Arc installation.
- Spend a fun night at the Commonwealth Bar & Stage.
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The Best Places To Live In Calgary
Calgary has undergone considerable sprawl, and expats will find that housing is low-density and generally consists of separate, detached dwellings rather than the high-rise apartment blocks found in most cities. Living in a neighbourhood close to the centre tends to be more expensive than living in the suburbs. That said, expats who opt to live in the suburbs away from downtown Calgary will find the properties are more modern and spacious.
Theres something for everyone in Calgary. Expats with children tend to pick family-friendly neighbourhoods where the kids can walk to school and partake in extra-curricular activities, while single professionals and younger couples who prefer an urban lifestyle usually live close to the downtown core of Calgary.
Generally, the more popular neighbourhoods of Calgary tend to be in the northwest and southwest areas because of the attractive mountain views and proximity to the Rockies. Naturally, rent and property prices are higher in these areas.
Below are some of the most popular areas and suburbs in Calgary.