Calgary’s Chinatown, the third largest in Canada after Vancouver and Toronto, is a hopping, pedestrian-heavy community with the unique sights, sounds and smells offered by a diverse and culturally-rich population.

The community can be found on the north side of the downtown core between the Bow River and Fourth Avenue, with Centre Street running north-south through its heart.

You know you’ve arrived when the downtown office buildings’ reflective glass turns into neon and hand-painted street signs, and when the smell of coffee turns to tea.

Calgary’s Chinese community is as old as the city itself, formed by the labourers who arrived in the late 1800s to work on the Canadian Pacific Railway. Despite miserable, gruesome and dangerous working conditions – some estimates are that 1,500 Chinese labourers died while working on the railway – a strong Calgary Chinese community was created.

Today, that community has diversified with immigration from other Asian countries adding the flavours of Korea, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and others to the mix.

In 2006, the population of Chinatown was 1,361, with most people living in condominiums or rental apartments. 

Attractions

The Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre is an impressive landmark modelled after the Temple of Heaven in Beijing that offers cultural programs, art exhibits, Chinese language classes and meeting space.

Shopping and Restaurants

Visitors will find a number of shopping centres, the largest being Dragon City Mall, as well as dozens of unique bargain and gift shops and grocery stores.

Food is another reason to make your way down to the community: there are incredible culinary delights to be found in Chinatown’s many cafés and restaurants.

Transportation

Finding parking can be tricky (and expensive) for a visit to Chinatown, but the community is well served by public transit: the CTrain runs east-west along Seventh Avenue (for free downtown no less), and there are multiple bus routes that run north-south along Centre Street.