Downtown Calgary - the Heart of the City

Description:

On the north end of downtown, just across the way from Prince's Island Park, Eau Claire Market has sought for years to establish itself as a trendy, unique marketplace to rival Uptown 17th Ave. and Kensington Village. Eau Claire is home to several trendy restaurants, such as Joey Tomato's Kitchen and Prego! It also houses some unique shops, wine and liquor stores, and professional offices. The IMAX theater has moved, since one opened in Chinook Centre, but the Cineplex Odeon cinema is still in business. Eau Claire Market, sadly, has never really lived up to its potential, but it is a great location downtown.

Description:

The Silver Dragon Restaurant has been serving Chinese food to Calgarians for over 30 years, so obviously they must be doing something right. They have an excellent reputation that not only spans three decades, but includes excellent quality and service. Because it is located in Chinatown, you are literally in the heart of downtown, so you are only minutes from five-star hotels as well as Prince's Island Park and the Eau Claire Market. The Silver Dragon serves both Cantonese and Szechuan cuisine, and you can choose from over 200 menu items. It offers dim sum on a daily basis. Private dining rooms and banquet facilities are also available. All of the tables have white linen tablecloths with centerpieces that add a touch of class and elegance to the surroundings. It is large and airy, with just the right amount of fresh air and muted lighting. Call for timings on Sunday.

Description:

When a cold north wind is howling and the mid-winter temperature is too frigid, this downtown greenhouse is a welcome oasis of greenery and warmth. It showcases many local and tropical plants, fountains, waterfalls, reflecting pools stocked with carp, wooden bridges and a small playground where harried parents can let loose their children.

Our Local Expert Says:

This is a great spot for people watching. If you are visiting during the summer, find a restaurant along Stephen Ave with a patio and sit and watch the power lunch rush, or the after-work drinks excitement.

Description:

Stephen Ave.'s cobblestone streets mark the core of downtown Calgary. Not only does it offer restaurants, bars and pubs, cafes, shopping, art galleries and more, several of the buildings along the street are more than 100 years old and beautiful architectural works. Check out the Old City Hall, the Hudson's Bay Company and the old Bank of Montreal Building. Also nearby are the Calgary Tower, the main library, and the downtown shopping mall.

Description:

For a good meal at a reasonable price, this popular chain is always a can't-miss option. The downtown location is no exception. Well-located in the base of the Banker's Hall tower, Earl's is jammed at lunch time, and with good reason: There are few places downtown where one can find fresh, moderately inventive fare for less than C$20 a plate. As a result, it tends to be jammed with tourists and aspiring junior executives whose paychecks don't quite match their ambitions. The menu is a catch-all, with samplings of multicultural fare (Thai green curry, south Indian curry, stir-fried Shanghai noodles), and an array of burgers, sandwiches, and salads. You can push yourself into the high-dollar range by ordering a steak for C$35, but if that's your plan, you'll want to go elsewhere. If you're looking for a quick lunch in a vibrant setting that won't break the bank, then Earl's is your place. Also features a lounge popular with the after-work set.

Description:

Built in 1951, this theatre is Calgary's best example of Art Deco architecture. The newly revamped interior contains the Uptown Stage for live performances, and the historic Uptown Screen for first run art-house films. Patrons usually arrive early to browse the visual art gallery and imbibe at the lobby bar. Movies show nightly, with weekend matinees and regular midnight shows rounding out the offering. As a treat, short Canadian films preceed each feature.