Why Bowness is One of Calgary’s Best Neighbourhoods 2025

by avenuecalgary

A cyclist speeds past on a bridge in Bowness. — Photo by Jared Sych.

The town of Bowness was amalgamated into Calgary in 1964 and most of the small-town allure and timeless community spirit remains in this west-Calgary pillar.

Bordered by the Bow River to the north and east, and the Trans-Canada Highway to the south, and home to the iconic Bowness Park, the neighbourhood sees visits from nature-loving Calgarians, outdoor sports enthusiasts and families every season of the year.

Bowness is a socioeconomically diverse neighbourhood, with many of the former military houses (after the Second World War, the Canadian government offered one-acre plots to veterans in an area called “Soldiers’ Settlements”) sharing the community with large luxury homes lining the Bow River.

This diversity is also seen in the variety of commercial offerings. The community has a quirky vibe with restaurants such as Angel’s Drive In, a 1950s-style burger spot, and Cadence Coffee, a throwback diner space where locals gather for brunch. The Mainstreet Bowness Business Improvement Area features more than 60 businesses, including indie artisan shops like Light Cellar Super Foods and Grasby Art Studio, and enduring outdoor-recreation spots like Bow Cycle & Sports.

Unique Challenge

While Bowness boasts a strong sense of community and beautiful river access, its ongoing transformation brings challenges. Residents and civic leaders have urged The City to halt densification until aging infrastructure is updated. Last year’s Bearspaw South Feeder Main break occurred in nearby Montgomery, shutting down businesses and water service in both neighbourhoods. — S.Y.

What the Neighbours Say

“We originally moved to Bowness in 2021 because it was close enough to downtown and right on the river. But we immediately discovered that the real magic of this neighbourhood is the people. Folks will say hello to you on the street and some of my neighbours have become close friends. When the water crisis happened last year, we all found ways to take care of each other. I can’t imagine living anywhere else now.” — Gideon Mentie, volunteer board member at the Bowness Community Association.

Neighbourhood Highlights

Brewsmith Brewing

A dimly lit bar interior. — Photo by Jim Sansom.

Located on Bowness’s main street, Brewsmith Brewing opened last November and quickly established itself as a community-oriented, family-friendly space. “We’re really the only brewery in northwest Calgary, and we’ve got really strong ties to the neighbourhood,” says taproom manager Brian Cardwell. Visitors can enjoy board games, live music on Thursdays and rotating art exhibitions featuring two Calgary artists at a time.

The venue also offers local artisanal products including cards, art and soap. The establishment’s commitment to local partnerships extends to featuring Eau Claire Distillery cocktails and Tuesday Brewing non-alcoholic beer.

Bowness Park

Two people hold hands and skate. — Photo courtesy of Tourism Calgary/Roth and Ramberg.

This year-round park is where childhood memories are made: climbing trees, roasting s’mores, skipping rocks, paddle boating across the lagoon and skating under twinkling lights.

Before the First World War, local developer John Hextall designed the park as a weekend retreat for Calgarians in what was then the town of Bowness. Today, the park continues to offer year-round activities centred around the Seasons of Bowness Park restaurant and market where visitors can warm up with hot cocoa, or sit down for a meal. They also make a takeaway Picnic in the Park complete with a basket, blanket and Frisbee!

Park amenities include boat rentals, a children’s train ride, a wading pool, playgrounds and many picnic sites with shelters. Winter activities include cross-country skiing, rentable ice bikes and Crokicurl.

Bow Cycle & Sports

A person fixes a bike wheel in a bike shop. — Photo courtesy of Bow Cycle & Sport.

Located across from the historic streetcar on Bowness’s main street, Bow Cycle is a cyclist’s paradise stocked with everything from fat bikes and cargo carriers to mountain bikes and e-bikes, all available for purchase or rent. The iconic shop is a one-stop cycling haven, featuring a full-service repair department, walls adorned with race jerseys and mountain biking maps, and every accessory imaginable from garage storage solutions to car carriers, shoes and kids’ gear.

“Bow Cycle, this is where the fun begins” isn’t just a slogan — it’s the spirit that keeps this cycling hub rolling, welcoming everyone from training-wheel novices to seasoned road warriors through its doors. — L.K.