Hell's Half Acre
Hell's Half Acre in Calgary is an urban cultural district known for its legacy dive bars, music venues, and late-night eateries. Once a rough-and-tumble part of the city, today it blends historic taverns, boutique cafes, and emerging arts spaces.
Learn More
Geography
| Address | 17th Ave SW, Calgary, AB, Canada17th Ave SW approximate or varies |
|---|---|
| Continent | North America |
| Region | Western Canada |
| Subregion | Prairies and Plains |
| Country | Canada |
| State | Alberta |
| County | Calgary Region |
| District | Downtown Calgary |
| City | Calgary |
| Neighborhood | Victoria Park or Downtown (varies by definition) |
| Postal Code | T2G 1Z8 |
| Timezone | AmericaEdmonton |
| Latitude | 51.051 |
| Longitude | -114.085 |
| Maps |
7:14 PM LOCAL TIMEHell's Half Acre is an informal district roughly centered around the 17th Ave SW corridor of Calgary, Alberta. Historically a rough-and-tumble urban corridor — home to legacy dive bars, independent pizzerias, and late-night entertainment venues — it has transformed over decades into a mixed-use urban strip balancing residential, restaurant, and arts uses. Visitors today pass a mix of retro taverns, live-music spots, and modern cafes; the area is also notable for its multi-cultural eateries and street-level retail. Key landmarks can include iconic local watering holes, active event spaces, and the architectural turns of 17th Ave itself. To experience Hell's Half Acre, plan for biting neon at night, midday cultural walks, and trying a mix of local eats and pub fare. The district functions as a gateway to Calgary's inner city neighborhoods and offers a taste of urban vitality — ideal for architecture buffs, food explorers, and those seeking a local nightlife scene.
All content was written by our AI and may contain a few mistakes. We may earn commissions on some links. Last updated: Sun Dec 14, 2025, 2:55 AM