Five streets in Calgary with a storied past and where to find them
Calgary is a city with a rich history, and beneath the shiny skyscrapers and modern suburbs, you’ll find historic streets that set the foundation of the city.
If you’re a history buff, or just love a good walk, here are five Calgary streets that sure hold a lot of history.
8th Avenue SW
8th Avenue SW, better known as Stephen Avenue, has been the heart of downtown Calgary for more than a century. In the 1900s, Stephen Avenue served as Calgary’s main business hub.
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After the Great Calgary fire of 1886, a city bylaw required buildings to be constructed from locally sourced sandstone, many of which still stand today. Stephen Avenue was also home to Calgary’s first department stores, including one of the earliest Hudson’s Bay Company locations.
In 2002, Stephen Avenue was designated a National Historic Site of Canada. Today, the street remains lively, boasting dozens of stores, restaurants, and patios that keep the street buzzing day and night. It blends historic charm with modern energy, allowing Calgary’s past and present to co-exist in one place.
9th Avenue SE
In the middle of Calgary’s oldest neighbourhood, Inglewood, sits 9th Avenue SE. The street has been around since the 1880s and was once a bustling centre for trade in Calgary. Formerly known as Atlantic Avenue and Whisky Row, 9th Avenue was Calgary’s first main street.
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Today, the street is home to some of Calgary’s finest historic buildings. It showcases some of the city’s best heritage architecture while serving as a hub for boutiques, cafes, and art venues that keep the neighbourhood lively and vibrant.
4th Street SW
4th Street SW runs through Calgary’s Mission District, making it one of Calgary’s oldest neighbourhoods. Settled in the 1800s by French Catholic missionaries, it became a hub for community life.
By the early 1900s, a street car ran through the street, connecting residents to downtown, and Mission was considered an upper middle-class neighbourhood with thriving local businesses.
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Today, 4th Street SW is a vibrant corridor filled with restaurants, local shops, and cafes. Its unique European-inspired charm is reflected by the historic architecture and modern amenities. The street offers a perfect blend of local history and urban living.
17th Avenue SW
17th Avenue SW originally served as a boundary line for the town of Calgary. Over the years, it has evolved into a bustling commercial and entertainment district, and now the city extends far beyond it.
17th Ave BIA
In the 1980s, it was known as Uptown 17th and was recognized as a lively shopping and entertainment hub, becoming a popular destination for both locals and visitors. In 2004, the street picked up the name “The Red Mile” after the Calgary Flames made a successful playoff run, and fans took to the street to celebrate.
Today, 17th Avenue blends historic buildings with modern establishments and remains a centre for Calgary’s electric urban life, filled with shops, restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues.
9th Avenue NW
9th Avenue NW runs through Calgary’s Kensington neighbourhood, one of the oldest inner-city districts. It was originally developed in the early 1900s as a residential area. Small local shops and service businesses lined the streets, catering to those who lived in the area and nearby communities. The street was a commercial hub, connecting streetcar lines and supporting local business.
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Kensington has evolved, but many of its historic buildings still stand, showcasing the neighbourhood’s early 20th-century architecture, including stunning brick buildings and character homes. 9th Avenue is an energetic, pedestrian-friendly street, filled with cafes, shops, and local art. The preserved architecture is a great reminder of Calgary’s early days.