stephen avenue walk

JacyW76

plenty of interesting stores but too busy for my liking. I go to shop and try out new foods but the crowds can get to you. It is downtown so if you are staying close to there I would recommend a stroll down stephen avenue

trancebliksem

Pedestrian friendly strip in downtown Calgary. Tons of restaurants and shops both sides of the street. Runs parallel to The Core shopping mall. One block north of the Calgary Tower. If you're in Calgary, it's a definite spot to check out!

CJDFNS

It's a short stroll in a rather bland setting. They're trying but it's still nothing that special. Lots of shady characters asking for money. We stopped at a pub for lunch and basically walked down one side and up the other side and felt like the afternoon was wasted. It was rather disappointing. And what's up with the downtown core clearing out after 6pm or so? What a depressing city core.

Pinkgoose

A pedestrian street right in the heart of Calgary. During Summer, that place is full of activities. During the week at lunch time, all the offices are empty and everybody have a drink or two on the fews patio on Stephen Ave. Nice new shops. Good restaurant. During winter, with the lights it feels magical. Stephen Ave IS Calgary.

babyboomer2013

It stretches for blocks with shops on both sides and lots of vendors selling miscellaneous goods from jewelry, hats, clothing, to art.If you get there early enough you can sit down on a bench & just people watch if that is your thing.There is a large mall off Stephen Avenue that goes from The Bay to Holt Renfrew (2-3 blocks of 3 level shopping).

Sara782

Lots of activities and places to shop. You can watch the Parade of Wonders before Comic Con or grab fish and chips on an outdoor patio. Fairly quiet after dark, though. Lots of the shops close at 6. Check hours of your chosen establishment before going down.

166patc

Lots of restaurants, cafés, and some stores. Many had outside seating. Closed to traffic. Many hanging baskets, so it was very colorful.

ConnieD729

We found this street on the last day in Calgary and didn't get to spend much time there, but this is the place to go for souveniers, dining and entertainment all in one place. They block 4-5 blocks off to traffic and you can just walk down the middle of the street where vendors have their wares. Lots of interesting dining (indoor and outdoor) dining options, although we didn't have time to partake. Don't waste time at the BIG mall in the center of town, lots of name brand high priced stores there, no local flavor, just another mall. Go to Stephen Avenue Walk instead.

oilersfan95

Stephen Avenue is a walkable main street downtown. It is lined with boutiques and cafes. It feels like you are in Europe in the middle of a busy city. It has beautiful architecture and you can feel the history of the city as you walk. You can see people casually talking on the sidewalk near a cafe and people quickly walking in suit and tie. It's beautiful.

YYC_traveler_10

Stephen Avenue Walk is about a 4 or 5 block pedestrian mall. It is closed to traffic during the daytime but allows cars after 6:00 pm. Compared to other pedestrian malls in world cities, it is rather short and not very exciting, but for Calgarians, where the car is king, it is nice to be able to stroll downtown without having cars all around.

Altius10

This street is several blocks long and is designated for pedestrians only during the day. In the evenings cars are allowed -- so be careful where you are walking.During the day there are often street vendors and market tents set up - as well as entertainers. Both sides of the mall have numerous restaurants and some smaller independent shops. This is a great place to shop for 'Official Stampede' wear as there are two western clothing shops to visit.The walk along the mall takes you from Calgary's downtown premiere shopping center to Olympic Plaza and City Hall. Definitely worth taking the time for a stroll.

584FamilyR

I loved walking this avenue and we have something similar in Denver but ours has buses that run up and down it and this one is just for pedestrians only so it was much more enjoyable to walk.

Peggah

If you like afternoon walks and watching people, go ahead and check out Stephen Avenue. There are lots of shops, bars and restaurants to choose from. Very touristy and busy at certain times. But since it is close to other Calgary attractions, taking a stroll here would be a good idea.

mys_terry78

If you have a day in Calgary and want to get a sense of the city and eat out - its probably a good idea to visit - lots of restaurant options in the area. Some shopping as well - but dont expect more. Restaurants seemed very busy and it was difficult to get a table in many of them on a Saturday evening. Very well connected by public transit.

P9780QIpaulm

Looking for legacies...notice the dates on the foundations stones; looking for bargains...notice the prices that make fingers fidget around purses; looking for a good meal with good friends...notice the open-air venues that give you a chance to call over a passing acquaintance...Stephen Avenue has what you are looking for. Expect surprises...bands, jugglers, street entertainers...a piano to play...expect the pleasantly unexpected. Anticipate "Calgaria", square dancing during Stampede Week, chuckwagon breakfasts, wannabe rodeo heroes striding the streets...be ready for a bit of Calgary pride. Oh, yes...it can simply be a street, if that is what you are looking for; oh, yes, it can disappoint with disconcerting encounters with street people, but stay calm and carry on. Go at noon for alluring aromas; go at twilight for a wistful glance at the past; go in the morning and get your heart on tiptoes for a wonder! It will happen...if you are looking.