Calgary

17th Avenue

Calgary's best-known urban business street is home to chains like Best Buy and Pet Planet, and independent businesses like Gravity Pope. If you're dropping from all the shopping, the heart of the strip is little Tomkins Park at 17th Ave near 8th St, filled with nice shade and cozy benches.

A & A Deli

Jimmy's A & A Mediterranean Deli

This corner store and deli is known for serving up some of the biggest, drippiest, tastiest shawarmas in town, as well as other Mediterranean delights. A few tables outside.

Mon-Fri 9AM-10PM, Sat 10AM-10PM, Sun 10AM-8PM

Alberta Boot Company

Get the right gear for the Stampede with the only manufacturer of Western boots in Alberta. Custom orders are available.

Mon-Sat 9AM-6PM

Analog Cafe

Local coffee chain serving Fratello coffee (sister company). Additional location at Bow Valley Square (205 5 Ave SW).

Daily 6AM-11PM

Angel's Drive In

A classic 1950s diner in Bowness. Serves burger combos, sandwiches, donairs, and milkshakes.

Sun-Thu 11AM-7PM, Fri Sun 11AM-9PM·Mains $5-15

Bake Chef Co.

A hidden gem, Bake Chef serves delicious, high-quality Vietnamese subs and bread rolls at amazing prices. A favourite among University of Calgary students and the winner of a "Best Restaurant in Mac Hall" survey conducted by writers at The Gauntlet - the University of Calgary's student newspaper.

7AM-8PM

Barclay Parade

Barclay Parade (3 St SW) is a pedestrian-friendly section of downtown street that runs from Eau Claire Market in the north to Stephen Avenue (8 Ave S) in the south. It is home to a number of high end shops.

Belmont Diner

A traditional diner serving breakfast all day and lunch after about noon. On weekends get there early as the line can be half a block long. Breakfast can cost up to $15 but it's well worth it because there are generous portions and all made for your order.

Mon-Fri 7AM-3PM, Sat-Sun 7AM-4PM·$9-15

Big Rock Brewery

Tours of the Big Rock Brewery include tastings. Must be age 18 or older to participate.

Tours Tue-Thu 1:30PM, book by phone·$25

Blackfoot Truckstop Diner

Since 1956, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner 24 hours a day.

7am - 9pm

Bon Ton Meat Market

Locally famous for their hot meat pies ($3 each), Bon Ton also has a selection of cold salads and hot ready-to-eat meat dishes, all prepared in-house. Worth a visit just to see their butchers hard at work in their bow ties and bright blue aprons.

Mon-Fri 9AM-6PM, Sat 8:30AM-6PM, Sun 10AM-5PM·$5-10

Boogies Burgers

Large burgers on a fresh bun served in many one of a kind creations. Shakes made with real ice cream & milk; regular, spicy & yam fries.

Mon-Sat 11AM-9PM, Sun noon-9PM·$5-13

Boogies Burgers

Large burgers on a fresh bun served in many one of a kind creations. Shakes made with real ice cream & milk; regular, spicy & yam fries.

Mon-Sat 11AM-9PM, Sun noon-9PM·$5-13

Bow Valley Ranche

William Roper Hull Ranche House

Former ranch, now a historical site. Features interpretive walks, art gallery, artisan gardens, and restaurant.

Bowness Park

Bowness Park is along the Bow River between Stoney Trail and 85 St NW. A shallow lagoon runs along the along the park's southern edge, a favourite spot for paddle boating in the summer and ice skating in the winter. Bowness Park is highly used for picnicking and accessing the Bow River.

5AM - 11PM·free

Britannia Plaza

Small eclectic shopping centre offering a selection of exclusive stores independently owned by local entrepreneurs.

Broken City

Commonwealth's darker, more lowkey cousin. Plays a variety of genres from rock to punk to hip-hop, but Saturday hip-hop nights tend to bring the biggest crowds. Energetic and varied clientele.

Mon-Thu 4PM-2AM; Fri-Sun 11AM-2AM

Butterfield Acres

Farm featuring interactive kids' activities, including pony rides & goat milking, plus picnic spots.

CRAFT Beer Market

100 local and international beers, including a one-of-a-kind weekly cask brew, and an extensive list of wine, cocktails and spirits.

Mon 11AM-midnight; Tue Wed 11-1AM; Thu Fri 11-2AM; Sat 10-2AM; Sun 10AM-midnight

CRAFT Beer Market

100 local and international beers, including a one-of-a-kind weekly cask brew, and an extensive list of wine, cocktails and spirits.

Mon-Thu 11AM-midnight, Fri 11-1:30AM, Sat 10AM-1:30AM, Sun 10AM-11PM

Caesar's

Julius Caesar's Steakhouse and Lounge

A downtown Calgary institution since 1972, some say that Caesar's is a classic steakhouse, while others feel it's outdated & tacky. Second location in south Calgary.

Lunch: Mon-Fri 11AM-2PM; dinner: Mon-Sat 4:30-10PM

Calcutta Cricket Club

Updated, small-plate versions of familiar Indian dishes & cocktails in a stylish, lively atmosphere.

Calgary Bearspaw Farmers' Market

The small community of Bearspaw in Rocky View County is a few minutes west of the Calgary city limits.

Jun-Sep: Sun 10AM-2PM; also open pre-Christmas

Calgary Farmers' Market

Market with 75 vendors providing a variety of products such as fresh local meat and produce, art, organic goods and jewelry. There is also a large food court with two outdoor patios. The market includes special events like storytelling, demonstrations, dance shows and live music.

Thu-Sun 9AM-5PM

Calgary Opera

Calgary's oldest opera company presents several operas each year at their Arrata Opera Centre and the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium.

$37-163

Calgary Tower

The Calgary Tower may not be quite as impressive as the CN Tower in Toronto, but it still commands a great view over the city and the surroundings. On a clear day you can see the Rockies to the west. It features a revolving gourmet restaurant, a bar, and an observation deck. The tower is best approached from 9th Avenue, as the 10th Avenue side is dominated by railway tracks, parking lots, & parkades.

Jun-Aug 10AM-10PM, Sept-May 10AM-9PM·$19/adult, $17/senior, $9/child

Canada's Sports Hall of Fame

Home to Canada's highest sporting honour, celebrating a community of Honoured Members, 657 to date, that inspire Canadians in sport and life. Fully accessible.

Jul-Aug: daily 10AM-5PM, Sep-Jun: Wed-Sun 10AM-5PM·$12/adult, $10/senior, $8/youth, $35/adult

Cannibale

Serves cocktails, fine spirits, craft beer, wine and food. Classic full-service barber shop located inside.

Bar: Sun-Thu 4PM-midnight, Fri Sat noon-2AM; Barber Sun 10AM-4PM, Mon 10AM-6PM, Tue-Sat 9AM-9PM

Cat 'n Fiddle

Great place to head for a pint of almost any brew you can think of, sometimes with a touch of Irish.

Mon-Thu 11AM-1AM, Fri 11AM-2AM, Sat 10AM-2AM, Sun 10AM-midnight

CharCUT

An great place for lunch or dinner if you're looking for meat; very few options for vegetarians. The slow roasted prime rib and chicken are their specialties, as well as the made-in-house cured meats. The wine list is varied and there is a selection of microbrews from across Canada.

Mon Tue 11AM-11PM, Wed-Fri 11AM-1AM, Sat 5PM-1AM, Sun 5-10PM·Mains $20-35