Central Memorial Park is located in central Calgary's Beltline district, taking up an entire city block between 12th and 13th Avenues SW and 2nd and 4th Streets. Designed in 1889 and landscaped in Victorian style, this 4.68 acre space was named a National historic site in 2018 along with its Memorial Park Library. As you explore, you will discover significant historic monuments.
View the remarkable bronze equestrian statue created by sculptor Louis Philippe Hébert, which stands one and a half times life size and honours Albertans who fought in the Second Boer War. You will also see a First World War soldier statue erected by the Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire, as well as a cenotaph formally dedicated in 1928 flanked by granite benches with moving inscriptions. On the library's second floor, check out events hosted by Wordfest, or observe the SHAW PRIDE murals unveiled every August and connected by a rainbow sidewalk.
Across 4th Street SW sits the Sheldon M. Chumir Centre, formerly the Colonel Belcher Veterans Hospital. Whether attending annual April ANZAC Day or November Remembrance Day ceremonies, you will experience a deeply historical urban setting.
What to see at Central Memorial Park
- Memorial Park Library and Victorian-style landscaped grounds designated a National historic site in 2018
- Equestrian statue of Russell Lambert Boyle by sculptor Louis Philippe Hébert
- Historic cenotaph with inscribed granite benches and First World War soldier statue
- SHAW PRIDE murals connected by a rainbow sidewalk in park corners
- Wordfest author events hosted on the second floor of Memorial Park Library
Visiting tips
Visit the second floor of Memorial Park Library to experience literary events hosted by Wordfest.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: August or November
How to get there & what’s nearby
Central Memorial Park is easy to reach on Calgary’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Calgary Zoo and Glenbow Museum. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Calgary travel guide.
See the full Calgary travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.