The main shopping district is downtown along 8th Avenue SW, between 5th and 1st streets SW. The lower part of 8th Avenue is a pedestrian zone called the Stephen Avenue Mall. Major centers lining 8th Avenue between 1st and 4th streets include the Hudson's Bay Company and Holt Renfrew. Check out Art Central, 100 7th Ave. SW, a visual-arts complex with over 30 artists' studios and galleries. A hip hangout for the young at heart, Kensington Village is just northwest of downtown across the Bow River, centered at 10th Street NW and Kensington Road. Crowded between the ubiquitous coffeehouses are bike shops and trendy boutiques. The stretch of 17th Avenue SW between 4th and 10th streets SW has developed a mix of specialty shops, boutiques, cafes, and bars that makes browsing a real pleasure.
Mountain Equipment Co-op, 830 10th Ave. SW (tel. 403/269-2420; www.mec.ca), is the largest outdoors store in Calgary, with everything from kayaks to ice axes. Come here before you head to the backcountry. If you like the look of pearl-snap shirts and the cut of Wranglers jeans, head to Riley & McCormick, 220 8th Ave. SW (tel. 403/262-1556), one of Calgary's original western-apparel stores. If you're looking for cowboy boots, Alberta Boot Company, 614 10th Ave. SW (tel. 403/263-4605; www.albertaboot.com), is Alberta's only remaining boot manufacturer.
The Inglewood neighborhood, south of downtown on 9th Avenue SE, is filled with antiques stores.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
