Shopping · Calgary · Canada
Shopping in Calgary
Shopping streets, markets and souvenirs worth the suitcase space.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Craig Talbert, CC BY 2.0
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Quick answer
Calgary's lack of provincial sales tax makes shopping slightly cheaper than elsewhere in Canada. Western wear, Alberta-made goods and outdoor gear are the local specialities. Best souvenirs: Western wear, White cowboy hat and Saskatoon berry jam.
Key facts
- Shopping areas
- 4
- Markets
- 1
- Top souvenir
- Western wear
Where to shop
CORE Shopping Centre and Stephen Avenue
Downtown department stores and chains under a glass roof, connected to the Devonian Gardens.
Chinook Centre
The city's largest mall, south of downtown on the Red Line CTrain.
Kensington and Inglewood
Independent boutiques, record stores, vintage clothing and antique dealers.
17th Avenue SW
Fashion boutiques, home-design stores and outdoor-gear shops.
Markets
Calgary Farmers' Market
Thursday-to-Sunday market with Alberta meat, cheese, baked goods and crafts.
What to buy
Western wear
Cowboy hats, boots and belt buckles from long-established Calgary western-wear outfitters.
White cowboy hat
The white felt cowboy hat is the city's ceremonial gift to visiting dignitaries and a classic souvenir.
Saskatoon berry jam
Prairie berry preserves from the farmers' markets.
Indigenous art
Beadwork and prints by First Nations artists from galleries and markets; look for artist-signed pieces.
Outdoor gear
Calgary's outdoor shops are well stocked for Rockies trips, from hiking boots to bear spray.
Streets and markets worth a wander
Street · Downtown
Stephen Avenue Walk
Eighth Avenue SW is a pedestrian street of sandstone buildings from the early 1900s, now filled with restaurants, pubs and shops.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Food
- Shopping
- History
Food and drink to take home
Edible souvenirs travel best when they are dry or sealed: consider Caesar, Saskatoon berry pie, Taber corn and Alberta craft beer. Every bar and brunch spot in the city. Check your home country's rules on bringing food and drink back.
Shopping by neighbourhood
| Area | Price level | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown | $$$ | Office towers, Stephen Avenue patios and the +15 skywalk network |
| Beltline and 17th Avenue | $$$ | Dense restaurant and bar strip along 17th Avenue SW south of downtown |
| Mission and 4th Street SW | $$$ | Elbow River neighbourhood of cafés and restaurants along 4th Street |
| Kensington | $$ | Village-style shopping streets and cafés across the Bow River from downtown |
| Inglewood | $$ | Calgary's oldest neighbourhood, with heritage storefronts, vintage shops and live music |
| Airport and Northeast | $$ | Chain hotels close to Calgary International Airport |
Paying and bargaining
Prices are in CAD. Tip about 15–20% in restaurants and bars, a dollar or two per drink, and about 10–15% for taxis. Card terminals usually suggest percentages.
- Alberta has no provincial sales tax; only 5% GST is added, which makes shopping cheaper than in most of Canada.
When to shop
Shops and markets are quietest in January and November; the busiest months are July.
- February: Chinook Blast — winter festival with light installations downtown (usually February)
- June: Lilac Festival — street festival on 4th Street SW (usually early June)
- July: Calgary Folk Music Festival on Prince's Island (usually late July)
- August: GlobalFest — international fireworks festival (usually mid-to-late August)
- September: Calgary International Film Festival (usually late September)
Staying near the shops
$$$ · Best for first-timers, shopping and luxury
Downtown
Office towers, Stephen Avenue patios and the +15 skywalk network
Questions travellers ask
+What should I buy in Calgary?
Western wear, White cowboy hat, Saskatoon berry jam and Indigenous art.
+Where is the best shopping in Calgary?
CORE Shopping Centre and Stephen Avenue: Downtown department stores and chains under a glass roof, connected to the Devonian Gardens.
+What are the best markets in Calgary?
Calgary Farmers' Market.