RiverWalk Calgary: 5 Perks of Life on East Village's RiverWalk

The Jack and Jean Leslie RiverWalk is a vibrant, exciting part of Calgary, offering year-round recreation—especially for people who live in the nearby Downtown East Village area. Those moving to Calgary are easily drawn to this picturesque area. Located in Calgary's Rivers District, East Village is a lively modern neighbourhood that includes Fort Calgary, the oldest part of the city. Reasons to love living on the Calgary RiverWalk include access to parks and the city's centre, and the homes for sale in East Village are an excellent place to start your search around the RiverWalk.

You're Always Connected to the Heart of the City

In many areas, locals often have to choose between the convenience of living downtown and the open space of suburban and rural areas. The Calgary RiverWalk offers easy access to both, connecting the bustling waterfront to 700 km of trails and pathways via dedicated bicycle and pedestrian lanes flanking the Bow and Elbow Rivers.

This benefits residents who prefer a car-free commute and those who want to enjoy the riverfront in their downtime. The East Village area offers residents all the benefits of easy access to outdoor spaces alongside the amenities of a downtown core, with both new construction and historical roots—and everything in between.

Another major part of the appeal of living in a walkable city is the opportunity to enjoy downtown activities regularly. Not only does the RiverWalk have plenty of benches and viewpoints for people to enjoy the waterfront, but there are also spots like the RiverWalk Plaza that host events for locals and visitors, such as food trucks, farmers' markets, concerts, and festivals. In September, the Beakerhead festival merges arts and culture with science and technology via various exhibits, art installations, workshops, and entertainment.

Just across the Bow River from East Village are the walkable restaurants in Bridgeland-Riverside, which adds to the tremendous walkability in the area.

Stunning Condos For Sale

East Village has undergone significant redevelopment over the past 20 years. Approximately $2.7 billion has been invested in this mixed-use neighbourhood, including developing several new condominium towers, providing various options for anyone who wants to call East Village home.

Consider these real estate facts and figures for East Village condo living:

• Residences are available with one- to three-bedroom floorplans
• The average condo size in East Village is 1,000 square feet
• Condos list from $230,000 up to $1,000,000

East Village condos offer views of the RiverWalk and downtown Calgary, and most units include a dishwasher, microwave, range, refrigerator, washer/dryer, and window coverings. Individual community amenities vary, but you can expect a condo building to include elevators, resident and visitor parking, fitness centers, and spaces to host gatherings. Popular communities within an approximate 5-minute walk to the RiverWalk, including their exact distance from it, include:

• 325 3 Street Southeast (290 m)
• 510 6 Avenue Southeast (350 m)
• 619 Confluence Way Southeast (270 m)
• 333 Riverfront Avenue Southeast (400 m)
• 550 Riverfront Avenue (300 m)

Easy Access to St. Patrick's Island Park

Located just northeast of downtown, 31-acre St. Patrick's Island Park occupies an island where both rivers meet. It is widely considered a big backyard for nearby residents, offering several ways to enjoy the great outdoors without leaving town. Accessible via the George C. King Bridge, the park includes several areas for outdoor fun in all four seasons.

Confluence Plaza is located on the east end and includes picnic tables, a sun deck, and an amphitheatre. The Cove offers direct river access for those who want to fish, go rafting, or spend a day on the water. Lowland Channel is a riparian wetland providing an important habitat for various wildlife and featuring a boardwalk for viewing. Picnic Grove offers several wood-burning grills for enjoying a meal al fresco, while the Playmound includes several pieces of playground equipment, including different swings.

The Rise, a grassy knoll in the center of the park, hosts movies in the summer and serves as a sledding hill during winter. The Seasonal Breach provides a spot where visitors can wade into the river or relax on the unique pebble beach, and The Tip sits at the island's western edge and affords sweeping views of downtown.

Stroll to the EV Dog Park

East Village is not only a great place for people but also an excellent place for pets. The neighbourhood features a 12,000-square-foot off-leash dog park just south of the George C. King bridge. While the RiverWalk provides walkable spaces for people and their dogs, the EV Dog Park allows dogs to take a break from the leash. The park includes a gated entry, seating for owners, agility elements to let the dogs run, natural features, and artificial turf. It is also fully accessible for wheelchair and stroller use.

Best of all, the EV Dog Park is less than five minutes away from the RiverWalk on foot, making it easy to incorporate frequent stops on regular daily walks. Although the park was created for dogs to get exercise and fresh air, it's also a place for locals to meet and interact, adding to the area's vibrancy and outdoor friendliness.

Steps to Fort Calgary

Less than 20 minutes from the East Village, Fort Calgary is one of the oldest areas in the city, established in 1875. Year-round, Fort Calgary offers several events, virtual tours, interactive exhibits, and true crime walking tours that explore its history with something for visitors of all ages.

The site began as an outpost for the North-West Mounted Police (NWMP), a paramilitary police force assigned to maintain law and order in the region. Built at the confluence of the two rivers, Fort Calgary was also intended to facilitate a good relationship with local Indigenous Peoples. The fort was operational until 1914, when it was demolished for a train station.

In the 1970s, the municipal government of Calgary purchased the area and later designated it as a historic site. The government opened a museum that covers the history of the NWMP and the local area. Today, the museum is operated by the Fort Calgary Preservation Society. Visitors can explore replicas of the original fort and learn from the Royal Canada Mounted Police veterans.

Let the RiverWalk Be Your Home

Enjoying the Bow River is just one of the many benefits of homes in Downtown Calgary, especially when you make East Village your home. You're never more than a short walk or bike ride from the Calgary RiverWalk and the vast network of trails it connects directly to. Enjoy some alone time outdoors or spend a day with friends and family at the RiverWalk Plaza, St. Patrick's Island, Fort Calgary, or other spots along the waterfront. Nature-based activities such as fishing, rafting, and sledding are always within reach in just a few minutes.

If you're interested in Calgary real estate, contact Justin Havre Real Estate Team with eXp Realty with Calgary Homes at (403) 217-0003 to get in touch with a local real estate agent who can help you find your Calgary dream home today.