Guidebook for Calgary
Food Scene
Great for excellent Nepalese food! Try the Himalayan Lamb Grill! But really everything here is delicious. If you only eat at one place while in Calgary, this should be it!
23 locals recommend
Himalayan Restaurant
3218 17 Ave SWGreat for excellent Nepalese food! Try the Himalayan Lamb Grill! But really everything here is delicious. If you only eat at one place while in Calgary, this should be it!
Great for inventive sundaes and soft or hard ice cream. Flavours are always changing! To avoid the line in summer, head straight in and get a pint out of the freezer instead of waiting for a scoop.
69 locals recommend
Morgan's Pub on Seventeenth
1324 17 Ave SWGreat for inventive sundaes and soft or hard ice cream. Flavours are always changing! To avoid the line in summer, head straight in and get a pint out of the freezer instead of waiting for a scoop.
Want a fast lunch complete with warm cookies and coffee to go? This place has awesome and cheap lunches that feature grilled meat sandwiches. Steak is wonderful here too!
23 locals recommend
Charcut
899 Centre St SWant a fast lunch complete with warm cookies and coffee to go? This place has awesome and cheap lunches that feature grilled meat sandwiches. Steak is wonderful here too!
They have a few locations across the city and make pretty decent neapolitan style pizza. Best thing on the menu however are probably the prosciutto wrapped mozza balls.
27 locals recommend
Famoso Neapolitan Pizzeria
2303 4 St SWThey have a few locations across the city and make pretty decent neapolitan style pizza. Best thing on the menu however are probably the prosciutto wrapped mozza balls.
Awesome breakfasts! If it's a weekend expect to wait an hour for a table.
47 locals recommend
Monki Breakfastclub & Bistro
1301 10 Ave SWAwesome breakfasts! If it's a weekend expect to wait an hour for a table.
Twice fried potatoes cooked in organic duck fat anyone?? Creative breakfast place for brunch lovers. Huge menu but executed with love. They even have their own farm to supply the eggs. There is usually a line to get in but they use a special app called No Wait to avoid waiting in person.
77 locals recommend
OEB
222 5 Avenue SouthwestTwice fried potatoes cooked in organic duck fat anyone?? Creative breakfast place for brunch lovers. Huge menu but executed with love. They even have their own farm to supply the eggs. There is usually a line to get in but they use a special app called No Wait to avoid waiting in person.
Wonderfully creamy, local, artisanal, small batch ice cream. To avoid the lines head inside for a pint from the freezer and grab a couple spoons.
165 locals recommend
Village Ice Cream
431 10 Ave SEWonderfully creamy, local, artisanal, small batch ice cream. To avoid the lines head inside for a pint from the freezer and grab a couple spoons.
Instead of a greasy spoon you'll find creative and delicious meals to suit every palate. They serve breakfast through to dinner and even make cocktails. Located in Bridgeland, a new hip spot in Calgary for interesting restaurants.
76 locals recommend
Blue Star Diner
809 1 Ave NEInstead of a greasy spoon you'll find creative and delicious meals to suit every palate. They serve breakfast through to dinner and even make cocktails. Located in Bridgeland, a new hip spot in Calgary for interesting restaurants.
You can smell the grill as soon as you walk in! This place is a bit more fine dining but in a casual atmosphere. Enjoy char-grilled meat, seafood and pasta and don't miss out on the warm chocolate pudding!
74 locals recommend
NOtaBLE - The Restaurant
4611 Bowness Rd NWYou can smell the grill as soon as you walk in! This place is a bit more fine dining but in a casual atmosphere. Enjoy char-grilled meat, seafood and pasta and don't miss out on the warm chocolate pudding!
A busy Ramen place that closes when it runs out of broth and run out they do!
15 locals recommend
Muku Japanese Ramen
326 14 St NWA busy Ramen place that closes when it runs out of broth and run out they do!
For a great croissant and coffee try La Boulangerie. In warmer months you can people watch while sitting outside at their Parisian style cafe tables. Or take your treat to-go and find a bench along the pathways on the Elbow River one block south.
38 locals recommend
La Boulangerie Bakery Cafe
2435 4 St SWFor a great croissant and coffee try La Boulangerie. In warmer months you can people watch while sitting outside at their Parisian style cafe tables. Or take your treat to-go and find a bench along the pathways on the Elbow River one block south.
Fried chicken made by a local Canadian Master Chef contestant and All-Star winner!
24 locals recommend
Cluck N Cleaver - Beltline
1511 14 St SWFried chicken made by a local Canadian Master Chef contestant and All-Star winner!
Smoked brisket and live music in a dive bar atmosphere right in the heart of downtown!
34 locals recommend
Palomino Smokehouse
109 7 Ave SWSmoked brisket and live music in a dive bar atmosphere right in the heart of downtown!
A Calgary institution, but if we're honest the winner here is the cheese bun. It's melt in your mouth and worth the trip!
22 locals recommend
Glamorgan Bakery Ltd.
3919 Richmond Rd SWA Calgary institution, but if we're honest the winner here is the cheese bun. It's melt in your mouth and worth the trip!
All they make here are meat pies and desserts. Check out the Aussie meat pie!
21 locals recommend
Pie Junkie
1081 2 Ave NWAll they make here are meat pies and desserts. Check out the Aussie meat pie!
One of the few vegetarian restaurants in Cow Town! They do an excellent job and the place is always packed! The dragon bowl and cocktails are worth a try!
94 locals recommend
The Coup
924 17 Ave SWOne of the few vegetarian restaurants in Cow Town! They do an excellent job and the place is always packed! The dragon bowl and cocktails are worth a try!
The name says it all but they do those two things extremely well! We've loved them in Vancouver and we're so glad they set up shop in Calgary. Go there for amazing sandwiches with meat they carve right in front of you.
Meat And Bread
821 1 St SWThe name says it all but they do those two things extremely well! We've loved them in Vancouver and we're so glad they set up shop in Calgary. Go there for amazing sandwiches with meat they carve right in front of you.
By far, our favourite thing here, and the best you'll find in the entire city, and arguably Canada, is the RAMEN! IT IS AMAZING. However, the rest of the menu is an interesting and delicious fusion of Japanese and Italian food. The owner had a very successful ramen shop previously but felt he couldn't keep both restaurants and his sanity as it was just too much for one person. If you love ramen, make sure to go! The duck confit with yuzu is to die for!
Carino
2210 4 Street SouthwestBy far, our favourite thing here, and the best you'll find in the entire city, and arguably Canada, is the RAMEN! IT IS AMAZING. However, the rest of the menu is an interesting and delicious fusion of Japanese and Italian food. The owner had a very successful ramen shop previously but felt he couldn't keep both restaurants and his sanity as it was just too much for one person. If you love ramen, make sure to go! The duck confit with yuzu is to die for!
Come here if you want handmade juicy burgers, hand cut fries, thick authentic milkshakes made with real ice cream and tons of awesome burger toppings to choose from.
18 locals recommend
Flipp'n Burgers
330 10 St NWCome here if you want handmade juicy burgers, hand cut fries, thick authentic milkshakes made with real ice cream and tons of awesome burger toppings to choose from.
Great pizza and wine bar! They do small bites with Italian fare along side traditional pizza.
18 locals recommend
Posto Pizzeria & Bar
1014 8 St SWGreat pizza and wine bar! They do small bites with Italian fare along side traditional pizza.
This place has a little Italian grocery store, a coffee shop and a restaurant all in one. But we recommend stopping in for the cannolis on offer. They make a variety and they are pretty decent.
22 locals recommend
Sauce Italian Kitchen & Market
3326 17 Ave SWThis place has a little Italian grocery store, a coffee shop and a restaurant all in one. But we recommend stopping in for the cannolis on offer. They make a variety and they are pretty decent.
BEST CHOCOLATE CROISSANT IN THE CITY. They also have wonderful sourdough bread, sweet treats, sandwiches and creative salads. They have multiple locations but the one in the East Village is definitely worth a visit! Located in the historic Simmons building along with Phil and Sebastian Coffee and Char Bar restaurant. Afterwards, enjoy a stroll along the Bow River board walk where there are often pop up markets during the summer time.
68 locals recommend
Sidewalk Citizen Bakery
618 Confluence Way SEBEST CHOCOLATE CROISSANT IN THE CITY. They also have wonderful sourdough bread, sweet treats, sandwiches and creative salads. They have multiple locations but the one in the East Village is definitely worth a visit! Located in the historic Simmons building along with Phil and Sebastian Coffee and Char Bar restaurant. Afterwards, enjoy a stroll along the Bow River board walk where there are often pop up markets during the summer time.
Drinks & Nightlife
A low key pub with an eclectic crowd. Occasionally have live music.
147 locals recommend
The Ship & Anchor
534 17 Ave SWA low key pub with an eclectic crowd. Occasionally have live music.
Wild Rose Brewery Ltd
4580 Quesnay Wood Drive SouthwestGreat food and 8 different Wild Rose craft beers to try!
As close to a British pub as you'll find in Calgary. Bring friends and find a corner upstairs to socialize in.
12 locals recommend
Hop In Brew Pub
213 12 Ave SWAs close to a British pub as you'll find in Calgary. Bring friends and find a corner upstairs to socialize in.
People crowd into this small place to hear live blues bands and they bring in GREAT ones. Food and drinks are available. Be sure to arrive early or make a reservation for a table to get a seat.
67 locals recommend
The Blues Can
1429 9 Ave SEPeople crowd into this small place to hear live blues bands and they bring in GREAT ones. Food and drinks are available. Be sure to arrive early or make a reservation for a table to get a seat.
Dueling piano bar that takes audience requests and plays all the favourites. Very close to our home (walking distance). Great for a night of belting out tunes, drinks, and laughs. Call ahead to make a reservation as they are occasionally packed.
19 locals recommend
Aussie Rules Piano Bar
1002 37 Street SWDueling piano bar that takes audience requests and plays all the favourites. Very close to our home (walking distance). Great for a night of belting out tunes, drinks, and laughs. Call ahead to make a reservation as they are occasionally packed.
Everything from live music to DJ's to Karaoke depending on the night of the week. This place is usually buzzing. Check out their website for details. In summer there's also a rooftop patio.
30 locals recommend
Broken City
613 11 Ave SWEverything from live music to DJ's to Karaoke depending on the night of the week. This place is usually buzzing. Check out their website for details. In summer there's also a rooftop patio.
Laid-back haunt for drinks, pub grub & entertainment ranging from local bands to video-game events. Check out the SUPER eclectic crowd and music on Hang the DJ nights. Everything from Brit Pop and Classic Alternative to Industrial and Goth! Bit of a dive bar, but if you go with an open mind you'll enjoy the people watching if nothing else! :)
9 locals recommend
Dickens
1000 9 Ave SWLaid-back haunt for drinks, pub grub & entertainment ranging from local bands to video-game events. Check out the SUPER eclectic crowd and music on Hang the DJ nights. Everything from Brit Pop and Classic Alternative to Industrial and Goth! Bit of a dive bar, but if you go with an open mind you'll enjoy the people watching if nothing else! :)
A favourite in Calgary since 1982! It's a cozy tavern serving English comfort grub such as Yorkshire pudding along with pints & cocktails. They do a good job on the food and the atmosphere is wonderful. A definite recommend for a pint.
74 locals recommend
Kensington BRZ
203 10A St NWA favourite in Calgary since 1982! It's a cozy tavern serving English comfort grub such as Yorkshire pudding along with pints & cocktails. They do a good job on the food and the atmosphere is wonderful. A definite recommend for a pint.
Ready to embrace you're inner cowboy? This is a full on western bar with a dance floor, stage & mechanical bull. They often have live bands and the place is usually PACKED during stampede. Prepare yourself for line dancing, two step, and country music!
32 locals recommend
Ranchman’s Cookhouse & Dancehall Inc.
9615 Macleod Trail SEReady to embrace you're inner cowboy? This is a full on western bar with a dance floor, stage & mechanical bull. They often have live bands and the place is usually PACKED during stampede. Prepare yourself for line dancing, two step, and country music!
Shopping
An upscale grocery store featuring local products and specialty items. They also serve hot food for dine-in or take-out. A bit on the pricey side but the quality is great.
9 locals recommend
Sunterra Market
1851 Sirocco Dr SWAn upscale grocery store featuring local products and specialty items. They also serve hot food for dine-in or take-out. A bit on the pricey side but the quality is great.
For all things cycling explore this store filled with locals who are passionate about what they do. They repair and sell bikes and bike accessories.
10 locals recommend
Bow Cycle & Sports
6501 Bowness Rd NWFor all things cycling explore this store filled with locals who are passionate about what they do. They repair and sell bikes and bike accessories.
This is a great location for hungry foodies. There's everything from pastries and bread to cheese and spiced nuts. Tons of food stalls and local products.
63 locals recommend
Calgary Farmers' Market
510 77 Ave SEThis is a great location for hungry foodies. There's everything from pastries and bread to cheese and spiced nuts. Tons of food stalls and local products.
A HUGE mall with a movie theater and restaurants. Chinook is the place to go for shopping as everything is under one roof.
235 locals recommend
6455 Macleod Trail SW
6455 Macleod Trail SWA HUGE mall with a movie theater and restaurants. Chinook is the place to go for shopping as everything is under one roof.
In the heart of downtown between the C train line and Stephen Avenue. Be sure to venture onto the top floor as you'll discover the Devonian Gardens, a large indoor park space with tropical plants and fish ponds.
310 locals recommend
Core Shopping
324 8 Ave SWIn the heart of downtown between the C train line and Stephen Avenue. Be sure to venture onto the top floor as you'll discover the Devonian Gardens, a large indoor park space with tropical plants and fish ponds.
Not too big, you can always find parking easily and it has all the shops you're looking for. This is probably our favourite mall in the city.
181 locals recommend
CF Market Mall
3625 Shaganappi Trail NWNot too big, you can always find parking easily and it has all the shops you're looking for. This is probably our favourite mall in the city.
Plenty of shopping and big box stores can be found on the north and south side of Richmond Road. Everything from Chapters, Winners, and Michaels, to grocery stores, hardware stores, and clothing stores. It's a short drive down Sarcee trail - no more than 10 minutes.
25 locals recommend
Westhills Towne Centre
232 Stewart Green SWPlenty of shopping and big box stores can be found on the north and south side of Richmond Road. Everything from Chapters, Winners, and Michaels, to grocery stores, hardware stores, and clothing stores. It's a short drive down Sarcee trail - no more than 10 minutes.
Two minutes from the house! Not very big but it includes a Walmart, Safeway, Starbucks, Sport Check and small food court. There is also a Shoppers Drug Mart with a post office on the south side of the mall.
28 locals recommend
Westbrook Mall
1200 37 Street SWTwo minutes from the house! Not very big but it includes a Walmart, Safeway, Starbucks, Sport Check and small food court. There is also a Shoppers Drug Mart with a post office on the south side of the mall.
Looking to rent a bike? Skiis? Raft for floating down the bow river? This place has everything at reasonable rates. Call ahead to reserve!
14 locals recommend
Sports Rent
4424 16 Ave NWLooking to rent a bike? Skiis? Raft for floating down the bow river? This place has everything at reasonable rates. Call ahead to reserve!
Entertainment & Activities
Close by and nestled into surrounding restaurants and shopping. Ideal for a date night following dinner out.
32 locals recommend
Cineplex Odeon Westhills
165 Stewart Green SWClose by and nestled into surrounding restaurants and shopping. Ideal for a date night following dinner out.
A historic village that caters to kids and the young at heart. Learn about prairie life and take in a train ride or boat ride on the reservoir.
135 locals recommend
Heritage park
Heritage ParkA historic village that caters to kids and the young at heart. Learn about prairie life and take in a train ride or boat ride on the reservoir.
A great place to explore as a family on a sunny day! During the holiday season they also have "Zoo Lights" where the entire place is decked out in twinkling holiday lights and displays. Visitors walk through in the evenings to see the lights. Check out their website for tickets and information on special events.
745 locals recommend
Calgary Zoo
A great place to explore as a family on a sunny day! During the holiday season they also have "Zoo Lights" where the entire place is decked out in twinkling holiday lights and displays. Visitors walk through in the evenings to see the lights. Check out their website for tickets and information on special events.
If it's the beginning of July, grab your cowboy hat and head over to the Stampede grounds for live rodeo competitions, rides, food, music, shows and more. Tickets for certain events need to be purchased on-line but there's plenty to see and do that is free after admission. Be sure to check out cool things like the Heavy Horse pull competition, Cowboy Up Challenge, Stock Dogs competition and nightly outdoor concerts at the Coke stage. There are fireworks every night around 11pm at the grandstand and if you didn't pay to see the evening show you can still catch the fireworks from the Elbow river pathway or the Reader Rock Garden just south of the stampede grounds.
68 locals recommend
Stampede park
650 25 Ave SEIf it's the beginning of July, grab your cowboy hat and head over to the Stampede grounds for live rodeo competitions, rides, food, music, shows and more. Tickets for certain events need to be purchased on-line but there's plenty to see and do that is free after admission. Be sure to check out cool things like the Heavy Horse pull competition, Cowboy Up Challenge, Stock Dogs competition and nightly outdoor concerts at the Coke stage. There are fireworks every night around 11pm at the grandstand and if you didn't pay to see the evening show you can still catch the fireworks from the Elbow river pathway or the Reader Rock Garden just south of the stampede grounds.
Home to concerts and special events, but most importantly, home to the Calgary Flames! Be sure to dress in red, gold, black and white to support the home team!
231 locals recommend
The Scotiabank Saddledome
555 Saddledome Rise SoutheastHome to concerts and special events, but most importantly, home to the Calgary Flames! Be sure to dress in red, gold, black and white to support the home team!
Feel like you need to hit the gym or do some laps? Repsol has an indoor track, fitness equipment, fitness classes including yoga, spin, and Pilates, a dive tank, two competition size pools, a 20 person hot tub and a pool perfect for kids. Entrance for adults for the day is $15.00 but it's all under one roof.
87 locals recommend
Repsol Sport Centre
2225 Macleod Trail SEFeel like you need to hit the gym or do some laps? Repsol has an indoor track, fitness equipment, fitness classes including yoga, spin, and Pilates, a dive tank, two competition size pools, a 20 person hot tub and a pool perfect for kids. Entrance for adults for the day is $15.00 but it's all under one roof.
A great recreation facility that is city run and packed full of kid and family friendly activities. The big wow are the indoor water slides and wave pool!
27 locals recommend
Southland Leisure Centre
2000 D Southland Dr SWA great recreation facility that is city run and packed full of kid and family friendly activities. The big wow are the indoor water slides and wave pool!
Home to the '88 winter Olympics in Calgary. In the summer they have mini golf, summer bobsleigh, zip lining, skyline luge, and mountain biking. In the winter there's a tube park, public skating, public luge, bobsleigh, and downhill skiing for those not ready to tackle the big mountains. They also have a great snowboard park. Check out their website for a full list of what they offer. It's a great place for kids, thrill seekers, or those wanting to try something new.
172 locals recommend
WinSport
88 Canada Olympic Rd SWHome to the '88 winter Olympics in Calgary. In the summer they have mini golf, summer bobsleigh, zip lining, skyline luge, and mountain biking. In the winter there's a tube park, public skating, public luge, bobsleigh, and downhill skiing for those not ready to tackle the big mountains. They also have a great snowboard park. Check out their website for a full list of what they offer. It's a great place for kids, thrill seekers, or those wanting to try something new.
Home to the '88 winter Olympic Speed Skating competitions. Public indoor ice skating is available at the University of Calgary's Olympic Oval where you can see how fast you can skate around the giant speed skating track. Check out their website for times and pricing. They do rent skates for a fee.
18 locals recommend
Olympic Oval
288 Collegiate Blvd NWHome to the '88 winter Olympic Speed Skating competitions. Public indoor ice skating is available at the University of Calgary's Olympic Oval where you can see how fast you can skate around the giant speed skating track. Check out their website for times and pricing. They do rent skates for a fee.
Parks & Nature
Great for excellent views over the city if you're on top of the hill or access to the Bow River pathways if you're in the valley.
81 locals recommend
Edworthy Park
5050 Spruce Dr SWGreat for excellent views over the city if you're on top of the hill or access to the Bow River pathways if you're in the valley.
There is a paved bike and walking trail that goes all around the Glenmore Reservoir in a giant roughly 18km loop. Unfortunately swimming is prohibited but you can canoe, kayak, sail and dragon boat on the water.
79 locals recommend
Glenmore Reservoir
There is a paved bike and walking trail that goes all around the Glenmore Reservoir in a giant roughly 18km loop. Unfortunately swimming is prohibited but you can canoe, kayak, sail and dragon boat on the water.
In the winter Bowness Park has the best outdoor skating rink in the city (in our humble opinion!). It is HUGE and there are fires to warm your toes up by. In the summer, it is the launching point for many people to float down the Bow River. On warm days you'll see people inflating rafts and inner tubes to float all the way to the East Village downtown on the Bow. If you join in on the fun be sure to have a life jacket as the river is patrolled and fines can be handed out to those without PFD's.
128 locals recommend
Bowness Park
8900 48 Ave NWIn the winter Bowness Park has the best outdoor skating rink in the city (in our humble opinion!). It is HUGE and there are fires to warm your toes up by. In the summer, it is the launching point for many people to float down the Bow River. On warm days you'll see people inflating rafts and inner tubes to float all the way to the East Village downtown on the Bow. If you join in on the fun be sure to have a life jacket as the river is patrolled and fines can be handed out to those without PFD's.
On warm days people swamp here to dip into the cool Elbow river. Lots of folk also launch rafts and inner tubes to float leisurely down the river towards downtown.
32 locals recommend
Sandy Beach Park
4500 14a St SWOn warm days people swamp here to dip into the cool Elbow river. Lots of folk also launch rafts and inner tubes to float leisurely down the river towards downtown.
Trails criss cross the park for many miles in any direction. You can also swim at Sikome Lake which is surrounded by beach and has warm shallow water.
183 locals recommend
Fish Creek Provincial Park
Trails criss cross the park for many miles in any direction. You can also swim at Sikome Lake which is surrounded by beach and has warm shallow water.
Come here for hiking trails and iconic scenes of the city skyline.
189 locals recommend
Nose Hill Park
6465 14 St NWCome here for hiking trails and iconic scenes of the city skyline.
This place is great for picnic lunches, leisurely strolls and in the winter, outdoor ice skating! In the summer there is also weekly free Shakespeare in the Park. There's lots to explore as it's on the river and a short walk from Eau Claire which has lots of shopping and food options.
419 locals recommend
Prince's Island Park
698 Eau Claire Ave SWThis place is great for picnic lunches, leisurely strolls and in the winter, outdoor ice skating! In the summer there is also weekly free Shakespeare in the Park. There's lots to explore as it's on the river and a short walk from Eau Claire which has lots of shopping and food options.
Seldom visited but beautifully landscaped and with stunning views of the city. This garden oasis is brimming with flowering plants in the warmer months and is a great place to get a skyline view of downtown. During Stampede you can also watch the nightly fireworks for free from this vantage point!
15 locals recommend
Reader Rock Garden
325 25 Ave SESeldom visited but beautifully landscaped and with stunning views of the city. This garden oasis is brimming with flowering plants in the warmer months and is a great place to get a skyline view of downtown. During Stampede you can also watch the nightly fireworks for free from this vantage point!
Arts & Culture
Filled with tons of exhibits, this brand new music center has lots to see and do for all things music!
261 locals recommend
Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre
850 4 St SEFilled with tons of exhibits, this brand new music center has lots to see and do for all things music!
This is an art and history museum in the heart of Calgary. Their collections are diverse but often have a focus on Western Canadian culture and art. Check out their website to see what's on offer as exhibitions change regularly.
492 locals recommend
Glenbow Museum
130 9 Ave SEThis is an art and history museum in the heart of Calgary. Their collections are diverse but often have a focus on Western Canadian culture and art. Check out their website to see what's on offer as exhibitions change regularly.
An interactive Science Museum that adults and kids will love! One night a month they even hold adult only evenings where drinking is allowed and exhibits are meant for adults only. Check out their website for events and ticket information.
362 locals recommend
Telus Spark
An interactive Science Museum that adults and kids will love! One night a month they even hold adult only evenings where drinking is allowed and exhibits are meant for adults only. Check out their website for events and ticket information.
Getting Around
A 15 minute walk from the house and will take you downtown where you can connect with the other c-train lines.
6 locals recommend
EB 45 Street CTrain Station
A 15 minute walk from the house and will take you downtown where you can connect with the other c-train lines.
A 25-30 minute walk from the house or a five minute bus ride on route 412 that stops near the house. Bus 412 runs every twenty minutes during the day.
24 locals recommend
Westbrook LRT Station
A 25-30 minute walk from the house or a five minute bus ride on route 412 that stops near the house. Bus 412 runs every twenty minutes during the day.