Fourth Street is in the Mission, Cliff Bungalow, and Beltline communities.

Along with over 300 businesses, it features sculptures by Alberta artists installed by the Fourth Street Public Art Society. This is a walkable destination for explorers seeking a vibrant urban experience.

Best known for the annual Lilac Festival, it attracts thousands of Calgarians every spring. 

Urban Lookout  

Next to the Masters Gallery at 2115 – 4th St is a notable attraction: Van Gogh Observes (2018). This vividly coloured, 8 x 8-foot “painting in bronze” is by artist Joe Fafard (1942-2019). It is one of the largest pieces in his body of work.

Employing a technique of illusionism known as “hollow face,” the portrait is captivating. Van Gogh appears to be observing you, turning his head as you pass by on the street. When illuminated by the sun, it also leaves an impression when viewed from the back of the work.

It was originally meant to be a temporary display to advertise the sale of the sculpture. It has become a permanent landmark in the community.

Along with passers-by, Van Gogh observes the historic resources across the intersection. These buildings exemplify the early real estate boom that reached its apex in 1912. They contribute to the unique character of Fourth Street.

Historic Resources

The Lister Block, located at 2120 4th St, was constructed in 1912. It was renamed the Young Block in 1918. Presently, it houses Blowers & Grafton.

The building transitions from the Romanesque Revival style, with its paired round archways and oriel window, to a more straightforward Commercial style. It features red-brick cladding, sandstone detailing and a bold roofline cornice.

The Wright Block at 2204 4th St was renamed the Aberdeen Apartments around 1917. This Edwardian Commercial building was constructed in 1911 and boasts a brick exterior. It is adorned with pressed metal entablature, recessed storefronts, double-hung upper windows, and exterior metal escape stairs.

Further, along Fourth Street, you find the Bannerman Block at 2306 4th St. This is a two-story retail and apartment building. It was constructed in 1911.

Credit: Architectural descriptions from Heritage Calgary. You can learn more about the area by taking the Cliff Bungalow-Mission Walking Tour.

Urban Hiking

To fully explore the area, consider going on an urban hike. Start your journey heading west from the Masters Gallery. Walk approximately two blocks or 0.31 km until you reach Evamy Ridge, another urban lookout.

It has one of the best staircases in the city for a workout. You can also enjoy a great view of the city skyline. If you include the Mount Royal community and the Red Mile, you can experience the Best Inner City 5K Hike.

Heading north on Fourth Street to 17th Avenue, also known as the Red Mile, is approximately 1 km. It should take less than 15 minutes. In the alley of the northwest corner of the intersection is the pictured mural by Elena Bushan.

Walking 17th Avenue adds another 1.6 km to your journey, offering easy, flat concrete terrain to discover 17 other murals, heritage buildings, and green spaces. For pictures and more information, check out the Red Mile.

If you’re looking for a longer activity, head to the Elbow River to the south. There you can explore Mohkinstsis – Where Calgary Comes Together.