Calgary is a city of about 1.2 million people in the province of Alberta. Founded in the late 1800s, it received its name from Calgary on the Isle of Mall in Scotland.
The city lies within the foothills of the Parkland and Grassland Natural regions. It also is located between the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and the Canadian Prairies and about 80 kilometers east of the front ranges of the Canadian Rockies. Downtown Calgary is about 1,042 meters above sea level. Because of its location and elevation, many Calgary neighbourhoods offer amazing views of the Rocky Mountains. Here is a list of the best neighbourhoods with mountain views.
Arbour Lake
Arbour Lake is in the city’s northwest quadrant bounded by Country Hills Boulevard on the north, Crowchild Trail on the south, Nose Hill Drive on the east, and Stoney Trail on the west. It is Calgary’s first lake district and was founded in 1992 and named for Arbor Lake in Newport Beach, California. It features a trout-stocked, 10-acre lake and wonderful mountain views. It is about 26 minutes from downtown.
Housing styles vary from condos to single-family detached homes. Prices also vary, beginning in the C$200,000s for condos and topping C$1 million for a 3,000 square foot detached home. The average price is about C$500,000.
The community is located next to Crowfoot Crossing, which is one of the city’s largest outdoor malls. It contains 350 local and national stores, dining, and entertainment venues, including a multiplex theater and a YMCA. The Amaranth Whole Foods Market and Co-op and The Keg Steakhouse +Bar are two examples.
Neighbourhood Amenities
- Fishing, boating, and similar lake activities
- Arbour Lake Community Centre, which runs several programs
- LRT station
- Walking paths, ravines, and greenbelts
Aspen Woods
Aspen Woods, or Aspen as the locals sometimes say, was founded in 2001 and is in southwest Calgary. The community was planned around the stands of aspen trees and sits on a rise known as Signal Hill. It features panoramic views of the city and the mountains. It has a suburban feel yet is near the city core and is marked by signature fountains and a shopping centre. The Aspen Landing Shopping Centre features 175,000 square feet of retail space and 40,000 square feet of office space. The Redwater Rustic Grille is a fine-dining restaurant in the Centre; Mercato West is an Italian bistro and market.
Homes in Aspen Woods are typically larger than 2,000 square feet and sit on large lots. Prices range from about C$700,000 to more than C$6 million, with a typical price being C$1.1 million. Contemporary, transitional, and traditional home styles are the norm, but some townhomes are available. The neighborhood is growing, and new construction homes also are available.
Aspen Woods’s southern boundary is 17 Avenue SW, which provides quick access to downtown. It also is a quick commute to the University of Calgary, Foothills Medical Centre, and the Alberta Children’s Hospital. Highway 8 is nearby and connects to the Trans-Canada Highway.
Neighbourhood Amenities
- Westside Recreation Centre, which includes aquatic parks, skate parks, a climbing wall, and a wellness centre
- Six parks or other green spaces
- LRT station
- Numerous yoga and exercise studios
Bridlewood
Bridlewood is located in the far southwest quadrant of Calgary, and its borders are Spruce Meadows Trail, 22x to the south, and 162 Ave SW to the north. It was established in 1998 and built on former pasture land. On the east, residents can view preserved natural wetland areas, and to the west, they can view rolling foothills and mountains.
The community was designed so that the homes would have plenty of green space for community activities, and parks and bicycle pathways interlace the community. Bridlewood has a variety of housing types and styles, including condos, bungalows, and two-storey single-family detached and semi-detached homes. Most homes are moderately priced, beginning around C$200,000 and with an average price of about C$350,000. The neighbourhood has a small-town feel and is about 25 minutes by car from downtown.
A small commercial district within the community includes Sobeys Grocery Store, the Donair Grill, and the Bull & Finch Pub. The community also is a few minutes from Shawnessy, which features several shopping centres.
Neighbourhood Amenities
- Bridlewood Wetlands Park, which has trails and a platform for viewing several species of waterfowl and aquatic vegetation
- Accessible to C-Train light rail, with an extension planned
- Four local parks or playgrounds
- Community events hosted by the Somerset Bridlewood Community Association
Crescent Heights
Crescent Heights is about six minutes north of downtown. Most of its houses are situated above or on the north escarpment of the Bow River Valley. Crescent Heights is known for its amazing views of the valley, and those homes at the top of the escarpment also have fantastic city views. Founded in 1895 by Archibald J. McArthur, it is one of the city’s oldest neighbourhoods. It is close to several main arteries, and 16th Avenue connects it to the rest of the city.
The neighborhood features historic character homes, newer single-family homes, and condos. Because of its proximity to downtown, prices here are a little more expensive; however, condos can be found for less than C$200,000. Historic homes can run as much as C$5 million or more.
The Bow River has a bicycling path, and residents can find road bikes at Calgary Cycle in the neighbourhood. Other neighborhood hot spots are Pulse Dance Studio and Don’s Hobby Shop, featuring costumes and masks.
Neighbourhood Amenities
- Ample parks, including Rotary Park, which has recreational amenities and an amazing view of the city
- Accessible to public transportation with 15 daily bus routes
- Wide range of ethnic restaurants and stores along Center Street
- Bow River Valley and trails
Cougar Ridge
Cougar Ridge is a newer neighbourhood in southwest Calgary, about 15 minutes from downtown. Its borders are Paskapoo Slopes and Canada Olympic Park on the north, 69 Street W on the east, 101 Street W on the west, and Old Banff Coach Road on the south. As its name suggests, it sits on a ridge and provides spectacular views of the city and the Rocky Mountains.
The neighbourhood features spacious homes in natural surroundings. Housing options vary and include townhomes, single-family homes, and estate homes. Sizes range from 1,200 square feet to more than 3,000 square feet. Almost all homes have been built since 2001, and some are new construction homes. Prices also vary, beginning in the mid C$200,000s and topping C$1 million.
The area is primarily residential, with open spaces and natural surroundings; however, a small commercial corridor is along Old Banff Coach Road. Restaurants, including Jerusalem Shawarma and The Chopped Leaf are located in that corridor. Most shopping is done in nearby Westhills. Residents also use the nearby Westside Recreation Centre and participate in activities of the West Springs/Cougar Ridge Community Association.
Neighbourhood Amenities
- Ski jumps and bobsled and luge tracks
- Several parks
- Paskapoo Slopes, which include walking and mountain biking trails, six forested beaches, and other environmental and natural features
- Canada Olympic Park, which offers events throughout the year
Discovery Ridge
Discovery Ridge is in the southwest quadrant of the city and is bounded by Stoney Trail on the north, 69 Street W on the east, Rocky View County and the city limits on the west, and the Elbow River and Tsuu T’ina First Nation reserve on the south. Calgarians referred to the area as Jackson’s Valley before its development began in the late 1990s. It offers sweeping views of the Western Foothills and the Rocky Mountains, and, in some cases, residents feel as if they are living in the mountains. It is about 22 minutes from downtown via AB8 E.
Home options include condos, townhomes, and single family homes in various styles. Some new construction homes also are available. Sizes range from about 700 square feet to more than 3,000 square feet. Prices also vary widely, starting in the upper C$200,000 and topping C$1 million.
The neighbourhood features abundant green space and borders natural wetlands. Residents also have shopping options within the neighbourhood at Cornerstone Shopping Centre, including wellness and health services, a barbershop, a nail salon, a wine and spirits store, and a coffee shop. Dining options within the neighbourhood include the Maharajah East Indian Restaurant and Earls Kitchen + Bar.
Neighbourhood Amenities
- Discovery Ridge Pond, which offers opportunities for hiking and birdwatching
- Griffith Woods Park, which is a natural habitat park with trails and recreational fields
- Bus and CT train routes
- Many recreation facilities and open areas
Springbank Hill
Springbank Hill is a suburban community established in 1999 and overlooking the prairies and the mountains. Its borders are 17 Avenue SW to the north, Stoney Trail to the south, 69 Street SW to the east, and 101 Street SW to the west. It is a mixed residential and luxury community just north of Delaware Ridge. Many homes enjoy sweeping views of the Foothills and Rockies.
Most of the homes in the community are single-family detached and range in price from the upper C$400,000s to more than C$2 million. Sizes range from 1,200 square feet to more than 4,500 square feet. The neighbourhood has some condos, selling in the C $200,000s, and some row houses.
Springbank Hill is home to Ambrose University, which hosts about 900 students on a 40-acre site. Residents can travel to nearby Aspen Woods for significant retail. Restaurants within the neighbourhood include the Indian Accent Kitchen and Bar and a Subway. The Springbank Hill Community Association offers recreational opportunities and events.
Neighbourhood Amenities
- Quick access to downtown and area attractions via major roadways
- West LRT station
- Recreational opportunities, including skating rinks, soccer, and T-ball
- Several parks, including Springbank Hill Community Park
Valley Ridge
In the northwest quadrant, Valley Ridge offers a beautiful mix of city and mountain views. It is located between the Bow River and the Trans-Canada Highway, bordering the Stoney Trail on the east. The community was first developed in 1992 and is about 15 minutes from downtown.
Open spaces and natural elements characterize the neighbourhood, which has spectacular views of the Bow River Valley and Nose Hill Park. It is a golf-course community, and the Valley Ridge Golf Course is located at its northern end. Housing options consist primarily of single-family detached houses with a few condos. Prices are moderate, ranging from the C$200,000s and up.
The community has a small shopping centre at its entrance. Restaurants within the community include the Van Gogh Grill and Bar and CPG Calgary Pizza. The Valley Ridge Golf Course also has a restaurant, Mulligan’s Lounge. Crowfoot Town Centre is nearby. More than half of the community is green space.
Neighbourhood Amenities
- Biking and hiking trails
- Outdoor rink
- Canoeing and fishing on the Bow River
Love the Mountains?
Many Calgary neighborhoods provide magnificent views of the Rocky Mountains and Foothills. They also offer outstanding opportunities for outdoor recreation. Mountain lovers can find homes in various styles and prices that suit any budget.