On a summer weekend night in the Beltline, there’s a palpable buzz as Calgarians pop in and out of local bars; head to reservations at one of the 100-plus restaurants, lounges and cafés on the bustling 17th Avenue S.W. strip; or simply explore the area with an ice cream cone in hand. This energy, not to mention the neighbourhood’s walkability (it has a walk score of 91) and access to countless restaurants, shops and amenities, are all key draws for many residents, as well as the visitors.
The Beltine came to be when the Connaught and Victoria Park neighbourhoods merged in 2003, and the area takes its name from an early 1900s trolley streetcar route. Peppered with historical architecture dating back more than 100 years, the inner-city community begs to be explored with attractions like its many parks (for both humans and dogs), the first public library in Alberta (Central Memorial Library), and event hot spots like the Scotiabank Saddledome and BMO Centre. If that weren’t enough, active business improvement areas like the 17th Ave BIA, the Victoria Park BIA and The Blox ensure plenty of events and activations to enjoy throughout the year. — A.W.
Unique Challenge
It’s hard to build community in a neighbourhood with high turnover — neighbours just don’t have the time to get involved. According to the City, three quarters of current Beltline residents moved into the neighbourhood in the past five years. Compared to some of our other Best Neighbourhoods, that’s very high. In Saddle Ridge, more than half of residents have been in the community longer than five years and, in Elbow Park, two thirds have been in the community for more than five years.
What the Neighbours Say
“When I moved to the Beltline from the suburbs in 2020, I didn’t expect to make many connections. Surprisingly, I’ve made quite a few — the baristas at my favourite coffee shop, my neighbours on my floor, the folks at the run club that meets in Lindsay Park. There’s no shortage of things to do, people to meet and places to go in the Beltline.” — Tsering Asha, Avenue’s senior editor, who has lived in the Beltline since 2020.
Neighbourhood Highlights
BUMP Festival
Every August, the streets buzz with creative electricity as artists from around the globe scale buildings and make their mark on the city through giant painted murals, while alley parties pulse with music. BUMP leaves in its wake a living gallery.
Since 2017, this public art movement has painted life into every corner of the neighbourhood. Today, more than 360 installations cover the city’s buildings, each telling its own visual story.
“[We] foster a sense of community, encouraging residents and visitors to engage with their surroundings in new ways,” says Anna MacLaren, BUMP’s director of visual programming.
“BUMP has helped position Calgary as a leader in urban art, providing opportunities for both emerging and established artists to contribute to the city’s cultural fabric.”
Central Memorial Park
On the eastern edge of Central Memorial Park, the historic Memorial Park Library, Alberta’s first public library, adds a touch of architectural grandeur to this urban oasis. The western side of the park is dominated by the cenotaph that gives the park its name. On the southern edge lies the lovely Park by Sidewalk Citizen restaurant. And between them all is a delightful pocket of tranquility amidst the Beltline’s bustling streetscapes complete with manicured gardens, open lawns and two water fountains. In a neighbourhood where green spaces are rare, this park provides precious breathing room, lovingly tended by The City to become a summer showstopper that is a riot of floral colour.
First Street Market
With its converted warehouse feeling, soaring ceilings, exposed brick and bright modern finishes, this vibrant destination brings together an impressive collection of local culinary talent serving their most exciting concepts.
There’s something here to satisfy every craving, from Pure Viet’s authentic street food and K Town’s fried chicken, to La Mano’s handcrafted pasta and Moose & Poncho’s Mexican cuisine. Start your day with Friends with Benedicts’ breakfast classics, grab lunch from Hi-5 Burgers or Saffron Street’s Indian kitchen, or unwind with drinks in the evening.
With Alforno Bakery, Actually Pretty Good Pizza and Raw by Robyn’s fresh juices rounding out the offerings, the hard part is choosing what to eat, but that’s just another reason to keep coming back. — L.K.
By the Numbers
Population: 25,880
Median Household Income: $71,000
Housing Types: 86% apartments more than 5 storeys; 12% apartments less than 5 storeys
Percentage of owners: 25%
