Stephen Avenue National Historic Site

Between the 1880s and 1930, Calgary's Stephen Avenue reflected the growth of a typical Canadian prairie city. Built near the rail yards and train station along six blocks of 8th Avenue, the two- to six-storey buildings made of sandstone and brick became a bustling retail hub. The avenue still serves the same purpose today. Known as Stephen Avenue Walk, it remains the heart of the downtown core and Calgary's only pedestrian mall, with nine major shopping centres, boutiques, galleries, performing arts spaces, upscale restaurants, pubs and cafés – a vibrant gathering place for Calgarians and visitors alike.