Best of Calgary, Canada Shopping: Markets, Malls, and More

Calgary is clearly a shopper's paradise with plenty of unique districts and one-of-a-kind shops. Thrifty shoppers will delight in the lack of sales tax and the numerous affordable shopping malls and chain stores, and those with fine taste will enjoy the city's upscale merchants. From books to bicycles and banking to beauty salons, Calgary offers a myriad of retail and service options.

Downtown Calgary features over 800 shops and stores, which range from the most affordable to truly exquisite goods. Here lies a five-block shopping development of more than 400 stores. The whole area is connected by indoor walkways, including TD Square/Calgary Eaton Centre, Bankers Hall, Scotia Centre and Penny Lane Mall. Another popular shopping area is Stephen Avenue walk, a stretch of shops housed in historic buildings, mixed with restaurants and galleries. Another truly unique downtown shopping experience awaits at Eau Claire Festival Market. Next to Prince's Island Park, the Market features specialty shops, food and entertainment. Visitors can also catch a movie, enjoy a concert, or see a parade.

Just outside the city's center lies Uptown 17^th Avenue, a shopping district for the most discerning shopper. Here are featured upscale shops and boutiques with the latest fashions, fine antiques and unusual crafts. In addition to the street shops, visitors will want to visit the Mount Royal Village, Calgary's most upscale mall.

Another shopping site is Crossroads Market. With 55,000 square feet and over 125 vendors, the Crossroads Market is a good place to purchase one-of-a-kind gifts and souvenirs. Crossroads Market showcases a Craft, Antique and Collectors Market. Shoppers may sample unique food at the Multicultural Food Fair, and wander through art displayed at the ArtSpace art gallery. In the summer, the Crossroads Market features an outdoor farmer's market with locally-grown produce; the farmer's market moves indoors during cold months.

The Kensington district is a shopping area with a small-town feel. Featuring more than 140 shops and 100 services, this open air village has something for everyone. Known as Calgary's Village in the City, Kensington's main street is over 100 years old, and has maintained its own personality and charm apart from the bigger, bustling Calgary city-center. In Kensington's shops, visitors will find home furnishings, grocery items, beauty products and sporting goods, to name a few.

Another shopping district within Calgary is Inglewood, the oldest part of the city. This is the place known for unique home furnishings, accessories, imports and antiques.

One more locale within Calgary is Chinatown. Since 1910 this neighborhood has been a cultural center and lively shopping area with shopping centers, bakeries and restaurants, bargain gift shops and grocery stores. The two-story buildings with hand-painted signs define the district, and set it apart from the skyscrapers of the modern city. Chinatown is located between the Bow River and 4^th Avenue SW.

Visitors in Calgary will certainly want to browse the city's shopping districts to find a unique souvenir or gift. Calgary is the perfect place to stretch a travel budget, as Alberta is the only Canadian province without sales tax, and American visitors will enjoy a good exchange rate. From affordable souvenirs to luxury items, Calgary's shopping areas have it all!