Winner: University District
For a long time, the most walkable neighbourhoods in Calgary were in the core. Then, the University District came to town. Developed on the parcel of land just west of the University of Calgary, this complete community of multifamily residences was designed from the ground up to be walkable. The main commercial area features a supermarket, restaurants and cafés, movie theatres and a soon-to-open LEED-certified location of Germain Group’s Alt Hotel chain. The outdoor recreation amenities are similarly well thought out: a central commons, complete with firepits and a splash pad, as well as a refrigerated skating rink during the cold-weather months; a dog park; an environmental feature that serves as both park space and stormwater treatment system. Walkable amenities bordering the community include the recreational facilities at the University and, kitty-corner to the northwest, one-stop shopping at CF Market Mall.
Honourable Mentions:
Beltline, Cliff Bungalow/Mission, East Village, Hillhurst/Sunnyside
[Correction: An earlier version of this story indicated Alt Hotel was open at time of posting. It is scheduled to open in July 2023.]