An Appetite for Airdrie

By Karen Anderson

Green grassy banks line the length of Nose Creek as it winds its way south through Airdrie’s city center. People ride bikes, push strollers, jog, board and gather on the paths and parks that flow through the city along with the creek. While cars blast past on the QE2 Highway on the east side, those who stop in know that the rest of Airdrie is a peaceful haven where they can slow down and connect with family and friends. Connecting people and places is how Airdrie got its start.

Founded in 1909, Airdrie grew up around a railway siding stop on the line connecting Calgary to Edmonton.  Settler families came and stayed. Growth was originally slow. But today, Airdrie is one of Canada’s fastest growing cities. There are over 70,000 people. The trend is 6.8 people move to Airdrie every day. The city attracts newcomers from around the province, country, and the globe. 

Global immigrants bring diversity and that is reflected in Airdrie’s food scene.  There are multi-cultural cuisine offerings here and – erasing the idea of Airdrie as just a bedroom community – the population of mostly young families engages in the offerings morning, noon and night. One of the best places to get a taste of what’s on Airdrie’s collective plate is at the city’s weekly farmers’ market.  

WHERE TO EAT

in Airdrie

WHERE TO PLAY

Airdrie Local Food & Drink Activities

Airdrie is a city of neighbours, entrepreneurs and visionaries. We have experienced exponential growth over the past decade, bringing with it new residents, new businesses and new ideas. What hasn’t changed is our strong sense of community, welcoming nature and desire to chase opportunities.

Airdrie stands out as a vibrant, caring community rich in big city amenities and small-town atmosphere, with opportunities for everyone. We value a healthy, sustainable environment connecting people and places.

Whether you perceive it as a ‘small town feel’ or ‘small city attitude’, Airdrie is filled with rustic charm and authentic appeal, farm fresh experiences, innovative technologies, urban design, neighbourly sentiment and family-focused events that draws visitors in.

The City of Airdrie is located 10 minutes north of Calgary along the Calgary-Edmonton Corridor (Queen Elizabeth II Highway) – the busiest highway in Alberta and one of the fastest growing and wealthiest regions in Canada. Just a quick 15-minute drive from the Calgary International Airport, we offer a wide range of accommodations, dining establishments, attractions, and experiences with both a small town feel and big city amenities.

Airdrie is a family-oriented community, known for attracting residents from across Canada. Nearby mountain vistas, safe and friendly neighbourhoods, and quick access to Calgary’s world-class amenities, keep residents here.

Airdrie continues to be one of the fastest growing communities in Canada, with its population doubling in the last decade. This equates to an average annual growth rate of 5.16 per cent, and 6.8 new residents per day. Airdrie’s current population is just over 70,000.