Explore communities in Calgary with interactive maps

Whether you're new to Calgary or a longtime resident, a fun fact about our beautiful city is that there is always something exciting happening in our vibrant communities. We also get it—parking can be a real hassle, especially when finding a spot seems to take the fun out of your plans. To make exploring communities in Calgary easier, we encourage you to use our interactive On-Street Parking Map to find convenient and affordable parking. At the same time, you enjoy discovering and supporting local businesses with unique experiences in Calgary's Business Improvement Areas (BIAs).

Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) are community-driven groups of businesses in an area that work together on local improvements to enhance the vibrancy in their neighbourhoods. Each BIA has its unique charm and plays a big role in the success of many local businesses in Calgary's busiest and most loved neighbourhoods. As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the first two BIAs in Calgary, let's explore how each BIA brings life to Calgary’s neighbourhoods and boosts our economy.

Calgary's iconic Peace Bridge.

Explore the BIAs

Here's a quick look at the 15 BIAs in Calgary with a few fun facts about each one.

17th Avenue Retail & Entertainment District

With over 700 businesses, the 17th Ave BIA is committed to preserving the diverse and energetic character of the area's business community. They advocate for public safety, revitalize public spaces, implement placemaking initiatives and collaborate with City departments to enhance economic well-being and attract new businesses, fostering a thriving and inclusive environment for all.

This month, the 17th Ave BIA will be lighting up the park every night with a stunning display of lanterns by local artist, Dylan Toymaker.

  • When: December 1 - 31
  • Where: Tomkins Park | 17 Avenue & 8 Street S.W.  

Parking options include:

For more information, explore the 17th Avenue District.

4th Street

With nearly 200 businesses, the mission of the 4th Street BIA is to represent the business interests of its members and to create, promote and maintain a unique, attractive, vibrant and prosperous business area that is appreciated and supported by the local market residents and by visitors from throughout the city and beyond.

Parking options include:

For more information, explore 4th Street.

Beltline

With over 300 businesses, the Beltline business community is a safe, fun, and vibrant destination for Calgarians and tourists. It is a central hub for business, shopping, dining, arts and community events that celebrate local diversity and talent.

Some fun winter highlights happening in this BIA include:

Bloxing Day

The Beltline community is gearing up for the highly anticipated Bloxing Day event! For just $10, attendees will receive a gift valued at $50, along with a complimentary beverage. This festive gathering is a perfect opportunity to connect with others and enjoy some seasonal surprises.

  • When: December 27
  • Where: Rodney’s Oyster House — (2nd Floor) 355 10 Avenue S.W.

Parking options include:

Barb Scott Park Outdoor Skating Rink

Barb Scott Park (1211 9 Street S.W.) offers a peaceful retreat in the heart of the Beltline. This winter, the park will feature an outdoor skating rink illuminated by a giant glowing Christmas tree, creating a magical setting. Visitors can also admire the Chinook Arc Installation, a local landmark perfect for photos and quiet reflection.

Parking options include:

  • On-street parking
  • MEC - 830 10 Avenue S.W.

Lougheed House Tour

Lougheed House, situated at 707 13 Avenue S.W., invites visitors to explore its museum, exhibition space, gift shop, and public event areas. During the holiday season, the historic site hosts a variety of festive themed pop-up events and exhibitions. After a tour, guests can enjoy nearby dining options, including coffee at Milano (602 11 Avenue #102), pho at An An Kitchen & Bar (1111 7 Street S.W.), ramen at Redheads Cafe (638 11 Avenue S.W.), or Middle Eastern cuisine at Layali Cafe (617 11 Avenue S.W. #101).

Parking options include:

The Beltline offers plenty of activities and events to make the season special for everyone!

For more information, explore the Beltline. 

Bridgeland

With over 140 businesses, Bridgeland is one of Calgary's most historical inner-city neighbourhoods and a destination for dining, shopping and recreation. Located across from downtown, it is a bustling neighbourhood that features restaurants, cafes, beautiful parks, community events, festivals and local landmarks like Telus Spark, Calgary Zoo, St. Patrick's Island Park and Tom Campbell's High Natural Park.

Some fun winter highlights happening in this BIA include:

  • 12 Weeks of Gift Card Giveaway – A supporting local business campaign
  • Arctic Adventure Feb 21-23, 2025 – Hosted by the Bridgeland-Riverside Community Association
  • YYC Hot Chocolate Fest Feb 1-28, 2-25 – Visit some of our participating cafes!

Parking options include:

  • Ample on-street parking

For more information, explore Bridgeland

Calgary Downtown Association

With over 2,300 businesses, The Calgary Downtown Association (CDA) advocates for – and activates – an area with over 50 million square feet of office, hotel, retail, restaurant, entertainment, attractions, cultural and government buildings. This is one of Calgary's oldest BIA’s, 30 plus years and is the largest BIA in Canada managing over 102 blocks in the downtown core. The CDA works diligently on numerous issues downtown and is committed to improving the daily Downtown experience for our members, their customers, residents and stakeholders.

Some fun winter highlights happening in this BIA include: 

  • Chinook Blast
  • The Culinary program YYC experience
  • Hotel and Culinary experiences with our Downtown Gift Card

Parking options include:

For more information, explore Downtown Calgary

Chinatown

With over 300 businesses situated in the heart of Calgary, on Centre Street along the Bow River, Chinatown is the hub of Asian (especially Chinese) culture, language, education, community, and commerce. The CBIA embodies the responsibilities to promote the cultural fabric through infrastructure, appearance and language together with Chinatown's residents, merchants, societies and associations, and civic partners.

Parking options include:

For more information, explore Calgary Chinatown

Crescents Heights Village

With over 400 businesses, Crescent Heights Village BIA creates opportunities for all people to live, work, shop, eat and explore together. Crescent Heights Village offers shopping, services, cafes and casual dining activated by a vibrant, grassroots arts scene focused on expressing the diverse language, culture, food and art that exists in this community.

Parking options include:

For more information, explore Crescent Heights Village

Greenview Industrial

With over 300 businesses, the Greenview Industrial Business Improvement Area has been working with businesses and community members since 2017 to increase safety, promote the neighbourhood and businesses, and attract new visitors and residents. Greenview features a riverside pathway and several green spaces and parks.

Parking options include:

  • On-street parking

For more information, explore Greenview Industrial

Inglewood

With over 240 businesses, Inglewood is Calgary's oldest neighbourhood and main street, established adjacent to the Confluence Historic Site in 1875. The Canadian Institute of Planners placed Inglewood as number one in the Great Places Canada competition in 2014. Today, as the heart of Music Mile, Inglewood is an ever-evolving arts and culture-filled district with a concentration of live music venues, unique shopping, and microbreweries.

Some fun winter highlights happening in this BIA include: 

  • Inglewood: Historic Christmas Village
  • Christmas in Inglewood Saturdays
  • Holiday Window Wonderland Contest

Parking options include:

For more information, explore Inglewood.

International Avenue

With nearly 400 businesses, Calgary's Culinary and Cultural District, International Avenue, is a vibrant business district with a diverse ethnic composition located on 17th Avenue S.E. from 26th to 61st Street. The interesting mix of businesses represents the cosmopolitan neighbourhoods surrounding the Avenue. It is an area of one-stop shopping with access to a selection of restaurants and grocery stores from around the world, as well as a wide range of other retail goods and services.  

Parking options include:

  • On-street parking

For more information, explore International Avenue.

Kensington

With over 250 businesses, Kensington is a charming, small Village in the city where community and business thrive. You can walk and enjoy lots of art or sit and people-watch.

Some of its fun winter highlights include:

CHRISTMAS IN KENSINGTON🎄✨

Get into the holiday spirit with festive fun in Kensington every Saturday and Sunday from November 30 to December 22, noon to 3 p.m.

On Saturdays:

  • Snap a photo with Santa
  • Cozy up by the fire and roast marshmallows
  • Explore photo stations throughout Kensington
  • Write a letter to Santa
  • Play a game of bean bag toss

On Sundays:

  • Visit the Petting Zoo at Urban Cellars
  • Meet our “Green Mean Friend” (you know who!)
  • Enjoy live music
  • Roast marshmallows and warm up by the fire
  • Mark your calendars and make your holidays magical in Kensington!
  • Visit the outdoor plaza area along Kensington Road.

Parking options include:

For more information, explore Kensington.

Mainstreet Bowness

With over 60 businesses, the Mainstreet Bowness BIA is a vibrant business district located on Bowness Rd. N.W. from 62nd to 65th Street. It's an eclectic area with unique businesses offering anything from super foods, painting classes, coffee, full-suspension mountain bikes, restaurants, financial services, yoga classes, hair extensions, tech support and much more.

Parking options include:

  • On-street parking

For more information, explore Mainstreet Bowness.

Marda Loop

With over 180 businesses, the Marda Loop BIA is a friendly and walkable shopping, dining and business district in the heart of Southwest Calgary.

Parking options include:

For more information, explore Marda Loop.

Montgomery

With over 117 businesses, Montgomery on the Bow BIA represents a business community that is diverse, energetic and growing. Located just off 16 Avenue along the Bow River, you can walk, bike or drive to visit and support local businesses. The business community ranges from coffee shops, wonderful restaurants and local pubs to health services, salons, home renovation and more.

Parking options include:

  • On-street parking

For more information, explore Montgomery.

Victoria Park

With just over 400 businesses, Victoria Park is a place to shop, dine, and enjoy a night out. Find yourself immersed in vibrant shops, restaurants, and cafés. Check out the unique items offered by independent retailers. Discover a rich heritage and the exceptional people who foster this energetic community.

Parking options include:

For more information, explore Victoria Park.

Ready, Set, Explore Parking!

There's so much to see and do in Calgary. Exploring downtown itineraries or one of the 15 BIAs can be fun and easy when you know where and how to park! 

On-street parking is organized into different price areas, with various parking restrictions that change depending on the time and location. Each area has ParkPlus zones; you'll see the zone number on signs. You'll need this number to pay or register for parking.

Zone numbers are the four-digit numbers you see at the top of parking signs on the street.

Use our interactive on-street parking map to see time limits and prices in real-time. It's a simple way to find the best spot based on where you're going and your schedule. Try it out today!

The On-Street Parking Map being used to find on-street parking options at City Hall.

Learn how to use the interactive on-street parking map today. 

If you want to park off-street, check out our Calgary Parking Map to see what our safe, convenient, affordable lots and parkades offer you.

While not every community has a BIA, great local businesses across Calgary still shape our neighbourhoods and drive our economy. You can show your love for your favourite local businesses in our festive season's winter parking contest. Learn how to join the Calgary Parking winter contest before it ends on Tuesday, December 24, 2024. This parking contest is our way of saying thank you for supporting locally.

For more insights, news and updates on how The City supports local businesses, visit Support Local.

Categories: Announcement, Community

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