Downtown Commercial Core is the business heart of Calgary, in the centre of the city. Established with the city itself in 1875, it is home to Stephen Avenue Walk, the Bow Tower, and the densest concentration of offices, shops and restaurants in Calgary.
All Calgary community guides
Guide To Downtown Commercial Core
Parks And River
Prince’s Island Park and the Bow River pathway system are just north of the Commercial Core. Olympic Plaza and Devonian Gardens provide downtown green space.
Main Street
Stephen Avenue Walk (8 Avenue SW) is the historic pedestrian mall, lined with shops, restaurants and heritage buildings. The Calgary Downtown Association supports the area’s businesses. The neighbourhood is also home to Born Brewing.
Community Resources
The Downtown Core Neighbourhood Association (incorporated 2021) is a registered Alberta society but has no website. Find area information through the City community profile.
Explore The Area
Walk Stephen Avenue, visit the Bow Tower, and explore the Plus 15 network. Open Downtown Commercial Core in Google Maps.
Public Transit
Public Transit (Calgary Transit) does serve the area, as well as cabs/taxis and Uber.
Is there a c-train station?: Yes (7 Avenue stations, Blue and Red Line)
Main bus route: #1 Bowness / Forest Lawn
Outreach/Support
There are some resources in Downtown Commercial Core but make sure you’ve reached out to the Calgary Food Bank first, as well as 211.
Downtown Commercial Core news and updates
City of Calgary newsroom: Downtown Commercial Core
Source: City of Calgary Newsroom
History Of Downtown Commercial Core
Downtown Commercial Core traces its origins to 1875, when Calgary was founded. Stephen Avenue (8 Avenue SW) became the city's main commercial street and is now a National Historic Site. The area is served by the Calgary Downtown Association (the local BIA).
WikipediaLocal Organizations
Calgary Downtown Association
Downtown Commercial Core is served by the Calgary Downtown Association, the Business Improvement Area for downtown Calgary.
Ward 7 Councillor
Myke Atkinson
Ward 7 Councillor
Elected October 20, 2025
Myke Atkinson was elected as the Ward 7 councillor in the October 20, 2025 municipal election.