International Avenue

International Avenue is a business district stretching through east Calgary featuring hundreds of shops selling goods and services from around the world. The street connects African and Middle Eastern markets, Indonesian spice merchants, and many other specialty retailers in one continuous shopping area.

The area was annexed into Calgary in 1961 as Forest Lawn, and in 1993 it became a Business Revitalization Zone designed to encourage diverse businesses in the neighborhood. This effort helped transform the street into a major shopping and business hub for international communities.

The street serves as a meeting place where merchants and residents from around the world have established shops and restaurants reflecting their backgrounds. Walking through, you encounter the daily practices and tastes of many communities all in one location.

The street is easy to walk and offers parking in many spots to shop comfortably at your own pace. You can explore different shops and restaurants as you go without needing to plan every stop in advance.

Each August, a major festival takes place at nearby Elliston Park combining music, dance, and fireworks from many cultures. The event draws crowds and highlights the international diversity that the street itself reflects.