We may not be as old as the East Coast, but we still have history!
Calgary was founded in 1875, and while cities like Halifax and Montreal might have a 200-year head start, our home still has lots of architectural gems hiding in plain sight.
The oldest buildings in Calgary are usually easy to spot thanks to their sandstone facades, like the iconic City Hall, Memorial Park Library, and Fairmont Palliser Hotel. But there’s more where that came from.
We dove into the archives of Canada’s Historic Places to find the oldest buildings in Calgary, and what they’re used for now.
Bank of Montreal
Address: 140 8th Ave. SW
Year built: 1932
Architect: Kenneth G. Rea
You’ve definitely spotted this one on Stephen Avenue as it’s currently home to Goodlife Fitness. But before it became a hallowed hall of gains, this building was home to one of the first financial institutions in Calgary, likely due to its link with the CPR.
Bank of Nova Scotia
Address: 125 8th Ave. SW
Year built: 1930
Architect: John M. Lyle
Another banking building, this former Bank of Nova Scotia, was designated a Provincial Historic Resource in 1981. Today, it’s home to the beloved Bank and Baron Pub, a great place to grab a bite and a beverage before you start your night out. Fun fact, the restrooms are located in the old money vault!
Palace Theatre
Address: 219 8th Ave. SW
Year built: 1921
Architect: C. Howard Crane
This old-school theatre was the go-to place for silent-era movie screenings before going on to host a couple of early radio broadcasts. It was later known as Flames Central before reverting to the Palace Theatre name in 2017. Now it’s a great place to catch a concert, rave, or disco-dance party.
Calgary Courthouse No. 2
Address: 530 7th Ave. SW
Year built: 1914
Architect: Allan M. Jeffer
Once upon a time, this courthouse served as the Calgary seat of the Supreme Court of Alberta. Now it remains the largest surviving courthouse from Alberta’s early years. While no one truly wants to go to court, this would be the most stylish place in Calgary to do it.
Fairmont Palliser Hotel
Address: 133 9th Ave. SW
Year built: 1914
Architect: Lawrence Gotch
Of course Calgary’s most luxurious downtown hotel would be on this list. Built by the Canadian Pacific Railway to host tourists arriving by train, you can still book a stay at the Palliser today.
Memorial Park Library
Address: 1221 2nd St. SW
Year built: 1912
Architect: Unknown
Located in Central Memorial Park, this was the first public library in Alberta, and you can still stop by to find your next read.
Old YWCA Building
Address: 223 12th Ave. SW
Year built: 1911
Architect: David S. McIlroy
Built as a hostel for single women new to the city, the old YWCA building also provided essential services like language classes for immigrants and recreational opportunities for women. It now operates as a community hub for grassroots and non-profit groups.
Calgary Fire Hall No. 1
Address: 450 1st St. SE
Year built: 1911
Architects: Lang and Major
While it currently sits vacant, this old fire hall remains an iconic Calgary landmark. Strongly associated with James “Cappy” Smart, one of Calgary’s most notable fire chiefs, it reflects advances in firefighting during Alberta’s pre-war boom. It was used as a car rental office in 1989.
Calgary City Hall
Address: 716 Macleod Trail SE
Year built: 1911
Architect: William M. Dodd
City Hall underwent major restoration beginning in 2016 and reopened in 2020. It used to house the mayor, council members, police, courts, and municipal phone system. Now, it’s the seat for the Calgary City Council downtown.
King Edward Hotel
Address: 438 9th Ave. SE
Year built: 1910
Architect: Unknown
Known as the King Eddy, it was Calgary’s second-oldest hotel and the city’s longest-operating bar before it closed in 2004. But don’t worry, you can still grab a drink here. It was acquired by the National Music Centre in 2008 and reopened in 2018 as a restaurant, bar, and live music venue.
Grain Exchange Building
Address: 815 1st St. SW
Year built: 1909
Architect: Hodgson & Bates
While it’s surrounded by far taller buildings today, the Grain Exchange used to be considered a downtown skyscraper. Now it’s home to several private retail businesses and organizations.
National Hotel
Address: 1043 10th Ave. SW
Year built: 1907
Architect: Unknown
Located in the historic Inglewood and close to the Canadian Pacific Railway station, this hotel once served as a tavern and accommodation for transient workers. Today, the Nash Restaurant and Lounge occupy the main floor, serving up fine cuisine and cocktails in one of the oldest buildings in Calgary.
St. Mary’s Parish Hall
Address: 141 18th Ave. SW
Year built: 1905
Architect: James O’Gara
Located in the historic French community of Rouleauville, this hall has been home to the Alberta Ballet Company’s studios since 1990. But it was originally known for its connection to the Roman Catholic Church before being repurposed as a Canadian Northern Railway station.
William Roper Hull Ranche House
Address: 15979 Bow Bottom Trail SE
Year built: 1896
Architect: James Llewellyn Wilson
This house links the early ranch industry in southern Alberta with the lifestyles of the ranching elite, particularly cattle barons William Roper Hull and Patrick Burns. Today, the building is an upscale restaurant within Fish Creek Provincial Park. It’s also a stunning place to take photos in the springtime.
A.E. Cross House
Address: 1240 8th Ave. SE
Year built: 1891
Architect: Unknown
Built in 1891, this charming red house was acquired eight years later by Alfred Ernest Cross, a prominent Calgary entrepreneur and politician. Today, the building is home to the popular restaurant Rouge, a quintessential icon of the Inglewood neighbourhood.
Lougheed House
Address: 707 13th Ave. SW
Year built: 1891
Architect: James C. Bowes
Last, but certainly not least, is the Lougheed House, one of the oldest sandstone buildings left in Calgary. This classic sandstone residence was designed in the High Victorian style and served as the home of Senator Sir James Lougheed and his wife. Today, Lougheed House and the surrounding garden are a museum and restaurant, hosting special events like high tea and trivia nights alongside its year-round programming.
Did the age of any of these buildings surprise you? Let us know in the comments below.
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