Varsity Business & Community Reviews

Varsity is an established neighbourhood in the northwest quadrant of Calgary located on a plateau north of the Bow River valley. It is bounded on the north and east by Crowchild Trail, on the west by the Bow River, and on the south by 32nd Avenue NW. The neighbourhood borders Silver Springs and Bowness on the west side, and Montgomery and the University of Calgary campus on the south side.

Varsity comprises three major areas: Varsity Acres, Varsity Village, and Varsity Estates. The neighbourhood was primarily developed in the 1960s and early 1970s and is mainly composed of single-detached dwellings on wide lots. The easternmost portion contains the University of Calgary Research Park.

Varsity is primarily composed of single-detached dwellings on wide lots, reflecting its development era of the 1960s and 1970s. The neighbourhood also includes some townhomes and low-rise condominium apartments, particularly along the major thoroughfares. Varsity Estates features larger executive homes on premium lots, many backing onto the Bow River valley or the golf course.

The Varsity Community Association (VCA) is a non-profit organization registered under the Societies Act of Alberta and a charity registered with the Canada Revenue Agency. Led by a volunteer Board of Directors and professional staff, the association offers programs, activities, and civic engagement for its residents and members. Their mission is "Enhancing and Enriching the Quality of Community for Varsity Residents."

Located at 4303 Varsity Drive NW, the Varsity Community Centre offers:

• Banquet and event space
• Meeting rooms
• Hall rentals for private functions
• One of Calgary's largest out-of-school childcare programs
• Preschool and before-and-after school care

On the grounds, residents enjoy a 3/4 NHL-size ice rink, a pleasure skating rink, basketball nets, four tennis courts, and a large community garden.

The VCA offers a wide range of programs for all ages:

Children's Programs: Children's Art Classes (ages 5-12), Grassroots Soccer through South West Chinook Soccer Association, and Sportball multi-sport programs (ages 16 months to 5 years).

Adult Programs (18+): Gentle Hatha Yoga, Human Reformer Pilates, Tai Chi (Beginner and Intermediate), and Qi Gong Fusion Fitness.

Senior Programs (55+): Cardio Combo, Senior Fit, and Silver Swans Ballet Fitness.

Outdoor Recreation: Outdoor hockey rink, pleasure skating rink, and tennis courts (open May-October).

Varsity is home to several excellent schools within the Calgary Board of Education:

• Varsity Acres School (K-6)
• Marion Carson School (K-6)
• F.E. Osborne School (7-9)
• Nearby high schools include Sir Winston Churchill High School
• St. Luke School (K-9) – Calgary Catholic School District

The neighbourhood also provides convenient access to the University of Calgary.

Varsity features several parks and green spaces:

• Varsity Community Garden – Located at the community centre, offering garden plots for residents
• Varsity Park – Neighbourhood park with walking paths
• Dalhousie Park – Adjacent green space with sports fields
• Bow River Pathway System – Accessible via the western edge of Varsity
• Edworthy Park – Located south across the river

Varsity offers convenient access to several shopping centres:

• Market Mall – Calgary's premier shopping destination, located nearby
• Northland Village Mall – Additional retail options
• Varsity Plaza – Local shops and services along Crowchild Trail
• Brentwood Village – Grocery stores, banks, and restaurants

Varsity is well-connected by major roads and transit:

• Crowchild Trail – Provides quick access to downtown and the University of Calgary
• Shaganappi Trail – Connects to the northwest communities and Stoney Trail
• Brentwood LRT Station – Located on the Red Line at the northeast edge of Varsity
• University LRT Station – Also accessible
• Multiple bus routes – Serve the area with connections to the LRT system

The Varsity Community Association can be reached at:

• Address: 4303 Varsity Drive NW, Calgary, AB T3A 0Z7
• Phone: 403-288-9001
• Fax: 403-247-3100
• Email: info@vcacalgary.com
• Website: varsitycommunityassociation.ca
• General Manager: Doug Smith, gm@vcacalgary.com

Varsity has a population of approximately 12,158 residents. The average household income is $58,603. The neighbourhood has a mix of established families, professionals, and University of Calgary faculty and staff. Varsity is part of Ward 1, represented by Councillor Sonya Sharp.

Yes, Varsity is an excellent choice for families. The neighbourhood features several highly-rated public and Catholic schools, spacious homes on wide lots, numerous parks and playgrounds, the Varsity Community Centre with year-round programs, and the Varsity Community Garden. Its central location provides easy access to the University of Calgary and downtown.

Yes, Varsity is a dog-friendly community. The neighbourhood features numerous parks and green spaces, wide tree-lined streets perfect for walking, and easy access to the Bow River Pathway system, which offers scenic routes along the river. Many homes have spacious yards suitable for pets.

Varsity was established in 1963 and developed primarily in the 1960s and early 1970s. It is one of Calgary's established northwest communities, known for its mature trees, wide lots, and stable property values. The Varsity Community Association was registered as a charity with the CRA on September 1, 1975.