Beltline heritage, gardens and contemporary art

Why go

Choose this route if you want a slower cultural day with a clear change of scene. Lougheed House offers a close look at a historic Calgary home. Central Memorial Park and the Memorial Park Library make a natural pair a short walk away, with time to notice both the landscape and the civic building. Contemporary Calgary takes the afternoon in a different direction with changing art exhibitions. The last walk is the longest, so plan a break before setting off west. The first three stops are close together; give the gallery enough time to justify the final leg. Check the venues' visitor information before you go.

The route, stop by stop

World itinerary estimate: 195–375 min

1. 01

   Main stop · 60–90 min

   Lougheed House

   Tour Lougheed House to see a historic Calgary sandstone mansion, furnished rooms and heritage gardens together in one Beltline visit.

   Explore

2. Walk · 8 min · Estimated

   02

   Main stop · 30–45 min

   Central Memorial Park

   Walk Central Memorial Park’s formal paths past Calgary’s cenotaph and Boer War memorial, with the historic Memorial Park Library anchoring this Beltline green space.

   Explore

3. Walk · 2 min · Estimated

   03

   Main stop · 30–45 min

   Memorial Park Library

   Step into Memorial Park Library, Alberta’s first public library, to see a working library inside a historic sandstone landmark beside Central Memorial Park.

   Explore

4. Walk · 27 min · Estimated

   04

   Main stop · 75–105 min

   Contemporary Calgary

   Choose Contemporary Calgary to see changing modern art exhibitions in the former Centennial Planetarium, where the building adds a second layer to the gallery visit.

   Explore