Best Shopping in Calgary: Croissiron Mills, CF Market Mall & More

With a prime location in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies in Alberta, Calgary is a city known for its outdoor recreational activities. Whether it's skiing in the winter, hiking in the summer, or getting out on the water in the Bow or Elbow Rivers, most people immediately think of the outdoors when they think of Calgary. However, there are many more things to do in Calgary, including a vibrant nightlife and world-class shopping.

There are a number of walkable shopping districts in Calgary, each distinctly different. No matter what one's budget is, whether they prefer independent boutiques or more traditional shopping malls, or if they're shopping for trendy new clothes or household essentials, they are certain to find it in Calgary. There is also no provincial sales tax in Alberta, which means that shopping in Calgary offers a slightly better value than in other provinces. Here's a list of the best shopping centers in and around Calgary.

CF Chinook Centre

Address: CF Chinook Centre, 6455 Macleod Trail, Calgary, AB T2H 0K8, Canada

Hours: Monday through Saturday 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. and Sundays 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

As Calgary's largest shopping mall, CF Chinook Centre features more than 250 stores, including three major department stores (Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, and Hudson's Bay). This shopping centre also features a large movie theatre as well as a 32-lane, 5-pin bowling alley. Located just south of downtown Calgary, the Chinook Centre has both above-ground and underground parking and is also accessible via the Chinook Calgary Transit C-Train station. There are plenty of Calgary condos in downtown that give residents easy access to the Chinook Centre and other malls, and plenty of Calgary hotels for those who are on vacation in Cowtown.

CORE Shopping Centre

Address: CORE Shopping Centre, 324 8 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 2Z2, Canada

Hours: Monday through Saturday 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and Sundays 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

The CORE Shopping Centre is downtown Calgary's premier shopping destination and has so much to offer that it can easily keep visitors occupied all day. More than 15 walkways connect this elaborate network of four-story indoor shopping malls, totalling more than 160 stores spread across three city blocks. Stylish stores of all types can be found, ranging from traditional Canadian retailers like Simons to high-end luxury stores such as Harry Rosen.

Visitors and Calgary locals alike come to the CORE Shopping Centre just as much for the shopping as for the stunning Devonian Gardens, a one-hectare indoor botanical park and a true oasis in the heart of the city. Devonian Gardens features a 900-square-foot living wall, more than 500 trees and 50 plant species, fountains, and a children's playground.

The CORE Centre has a secure underground parking garage and is also easily accessible via the C-Train and city bus. Complimentary valet parking is offered, and garage parking is free on weekdays after 3:00 p.m. and all day on weekends.

Stephen Avenue Walk

Address: Stephen Avenue Walk, 340 8 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 1C1, Canada

Hours: 6:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. daily, though specific store hours vary

This pedestrian-only shopping district in the heart of downtown Calgary spans three city blocks and is a designated National Historic District. The picturesque streets are lined with shops, delicious Calgary restaurants, cafés, nightclubs, and art galleries housed in charming historic buildings. There are often festivals, street performers, and food trucks, so every trip here is different. The Stephen Avenue Walk is also home to the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre and numerous hotels.

CrossIron Mills

Address: CrossIron Mills, 261055 Crossiron Blvd, Rocky View County, AB T4A 0G3, Canada

Hours: Monday through Saturday 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. and Sundays 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

CrossIron Mills is the premier destination for those wanting to find a deal in Calgary, with more than 200 stores (including 100 outlet stores) in over 1.4 million square feet. This mall is located 20-30 minutes north of Calgary and just 5 km from the YYC Calgary International Airport.

As the largest single-level shopping centre in Alberta, CrossIron Mills offers much more than shopping. Designed to take visitors on a tour of Alberta, everything is organized into six themed neighbourhoods: Fashion, Fossil, Resources, Sport, Ranch, and Entertainment, each incorporating cultural and geographic icons significant to the region.

This is an especially great one-stop-shopping destination for visitors, as CrossIron Mills caters to out-of-towners with internet access points, an exclusive visitors savings booklet, and the ability to purchase a Parks Canada Discovery Pass before heading to the many nearby national parks.

CF Market Mall

Address: CF Market Mall, 3625 Shaganappi Trail NW, Calgary, AB T3A 0E2, Canada

Hours: Monday through Saturday 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. and Sundays 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Over the past few years, the CF Market Mall has undergone extensive renovation and transformation. Still a traditional indoor shopping mall, there are increasingly more upscale international brands coming to the Market Mall as well as entertainment options. In addition to well over 200 shops, a movie theatre, and many restaurants, those searching for things to do with kids in Calgary will be delighted by the 1,800-square-foot children's play area with plenty of comfortable seating for parents. Market Mall has complimentary above-ground and underground parking and is also accessible via the C-Train and the #8 bus route.

Calgary Farmers' Market

Address: Calgary Farmers' Market, 510 77 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2H 1C3, Canada

Hours: Thursday through Sunday year-round

This year-round market features far more than fresh local produce—though you'll find that here too, and the selection is tremendous. Come to the Calgary Farmer's Market to shop from more than 75 vendors offering premium meat, dairy, and seafood products, ready-to-eat dishes, artisan crafts, pet products, fresh flowers, clothing, health and wellness supplements, and much more. The market follows "the 80/20 rule," meaning at least 80% of the vendors grow, bake, or make the products they sell. A second market location, named Calgary Farmers' Market West, is set to open in Greenwich sometime in late 2021.

17th Ave Retail & Entertainment District

Address: Shoppes at the Devenish, 1550 8 St SW #306, Calgary, AB T2R 1K1, Canada

Also known as The Red Mile, this vibrant shopping and entertainment hotspot features over 400 upscale boutiques, galleries, and antique stores, interspersed with well-known international brands. 17th Ave Retail & Entertainment District spans 13 blocks, is near the iconic Calgary Stampede Park, and contains the high-end Mount Royal Village mall as well as the dog-friendly River and Altadore Parks. Because of its incredible diversity, 17th Ave is a destination where visitors can spend their entire day, starting with morning coffee and finishing with dancing the night away.

Whether someone is a casual shopper or it's their favourite hobby, Calgary offers many premier shopping districts for them to discover near many of the upscale homes in Calgary. Regardless of their budget or what they are shopping for, people will find what they need at these shopping options in Calgary, Alberta.