Billed as Calgary’s premier visitor destination, Stephen Avenue National Historic Site is a stretch of 8th Avenue running from 4th St SW to 1st St SE, ending at Olympic Plaza across the street from City Hall. 

Also known as Stephen Avenue Walk, the street was named after the first president of Canadian Pacific Railway, Lord George Stephen. It’s the pedestrian-friendly walkway in the heart of the downtown core and a year-round gathering place for visitors and locals alike. 

Constructed adjacent to the rail yards over a span of 50 years in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it was a testament to the emerging retail sector, lined with three dozen commercial buildings made of sandstone and brick that still stand almost one hundred years later, and it remains the retail and cultural hub of the city. 

The area’s cultural and historical significance extends far beyond the past one hundred years. Stephen Avenue is located on the traditional territories of the people of the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta. Looking beyond Stephen Avenue, the city of Calgary is located on the confluence of the Bow and Elbow rivers and is home to Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3.

For conference goers, the beauty of Stephen Avenue is the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre (CTCC), accommodations, amenities, and offsite venues and experiences are all within walking distance.

Grab a Coffee

Fuel your day with Deville Coffee – choose from four downtown cafés for hand-crafted magic. Missed breakfast? Try a toastie on rustic sourdough, bacon and egg on Brioche, or a vegetarian breakfast wrap.

Wellness Break 

Whether you need to take a call, stretch your legs, or are just looking for a few minutes to rest and recap all the learnings from your day, there are plenty of places to escape to. Head down to Olympic Plaza to sit by the fountains and watch communities come together. Take a stroll to check out the public outdoor art that graces the avenue, from bronze statues of suffragettes to businessmen deep in conversation, or the many gorgeous building murals, including the world’s tallest. 

Dinner and Drinks

From perfect patios to sky-high views, Calgary offers a variety of delectable dining options with unforgettable ambiance. 

• High atop the Calgary Tower is the city’s only revolving restaurant, Sky 360. Enjoy a bird’s eye view of the city while feasting on refined New Canadian fare and offerings from an award-winning wine list.
• Major Tom  is located on the 40th floor at Stephen Ave Place. Here you’ll find a 200-seat restaurant with not only extraordinary views but a menu to match. 
• Unique cocktails and a rooftop patio, Modern Steak  is conveniently located in the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre.
• With a selection over 300 whiskeys, ryes, bourbons and scotch, One 18 Empire is a truly an immersive bar experience.
• Spanning two floors in the historic Hudson’s Bay building built in 1913, The Guild is a steakhouse featuring one of the largest patios in the city.

Summer Experiences and Activities 

In the summer months, this pedestrian mall can see upwards of 5,000 to 10,000 visitors a day and is bustling with buskers, street performers and food vendors, especially in July during the famous Calgary Stampede.

Take in a performance at Arts Commons. Or, check out Vertigo Theatre or the Lunchbox Theatre, both located in the base of the Calgary Tower. 

A must-see is the Glenbow Museum, directly connected to the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre. For more than 50 years, the Glenbow has curated art that represents all aspects of Western Canadian history and culture, as well as cultural representations from around the world. The museum is currently undergoing a renovation, set to be complete in 2026. During construction, check out pop-up exhibits at the Glenbow Edison. Once the renovations are complete, admission to the newly renovated museum will be free!