If you’re going through something right now, you may feel the need for some illuminating wisdom. The best churches in Calgary can help you find some peace of mind.
Although half of the Calgarians are Catholic, Calgary is a still hub of diverse cultures. A significant population of Muslims, Sikhs, Hindus, Buddhists, and Jews also reside in the city.
Each of these cultures has different communities, but are always ready to teach and welcome you. And if you just want some quiet time, these churches can provide you with that space.
With this list, we will help you find the best churches in Calgary where you can start your journey towards spiritual enlightenment!
Table of Contents
- 1. St. Mary’s Cathedral
- 2. Akram Jomaa Islamic Centre
- 3. Dashmesh Culture Centre (Gurdwara Saheb Calgary)
- 4. Calgary Buddhist Temple
- 5. Hindu Society of Calgary
- 6. Marda Loop Church
- 7. Hillhurst United Church
- 8. Cornerstone Christian Assembly
- 9. Scarboro United Church
- 10. The Road Church
- 11. Calgary Life Church
1. St. Mary’s Cathedral
| BEST FOR | Catholics |
| PRODUCTS | Sacramental Preparations, Mass |
| WEBSITE | https://www.stmaryscalgary.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | 219 – 18th Avenue SW Calgary, AB T2S 0C2 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (403) 228-4170 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Weekly Mass Schedule:
Monday – Friday: 7:30 AM & 5:00 PM Saturday: 5:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM Confessions: Tuesday – Saturday: 4:30 PM |
St. Mary’s Parish Hall is one of the best churches in Calgary for Catholics. The church is conveniently located in the Mission district of Calgary.
They offer baptisms, first communions, and other sacrament preparations for your family members. The church also posts their schedules for events and masses on their website.
If you want to do more than just praying in the church, you can also volunteer at St. Mary’s Parish Hall. This volunteer program is to help in the upkeep and maintenance of the church for the public masses.
Highlights
- Volunteer work
- Sacramental preparations
- Daily mass schedules
Customer Reviews
These worshippers have found one of their favourite places of worship in St. Mary’s Cathedral. Here are the reviews praising the church for its meaningful sermons and calming space:
“Very nice, calm and serene place of worship.If you missed the morning mass, there is Sunday evening mass at 7.30pm here. Occassionally, during this evening mass, you can hear the Grand Piano from a very accomplished musician.The choir is devine and excellent”
“Went here to hear mass. I love the fact that the cathedral is big, lots of space and good sermons. They design the inside very well. Lots of mass times too.”
2. Akram Jomaa Islamic Centre
| BEST FOR | Muslims |
| PRODUCTS | Nikkah, Shahada, Funeral, Counselling, Jumua |
| WEBSITE | https://akramjomaa.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 2624 37 Ave NE, Calgary, AB T1Y 5V7 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (587) 997-9496
(403) 660-1451 (Gym Rental) (587) 225-0991 (Funeral Services) |
| OPERATING HOURS | Fajr: 6:30 AM, 7:00 AM
Sunrise: 8:00 AM Dhuhr: 1:22 PM, 2:00 PM Asr: 4:08 PM, 5:00 PM Maghrib: 6:42 PM, 6:52 PM Isha: 8:13 PM, 9:00 PM |
Akram Jomaa Islamic Centre is a part of the Muslim Council of Calgary, along with 11 other Islamic centres. The church is open for Nikkah, Shahada, funeral, or counseling services.
It is also one of the nine available locations for Jumua. They usually conduct the Friday prayer congregation at 1:30 PM, and they even post who the Khateeb will be for the Jumua.
The mosque also has a spacious parking lot and peaceful surroundings, perfect for some quiet time. Muslims are the third-largest religious population in Calgary, and you can find a welcoming community with Akram Jomaa Islamic Centre.
Highlights
- Affiliation with the Muslim Council of Calgary
- Parking spaces
- Quiet surroundings
- Gym property rental
Customer Reviews
What makes Akram Jomaa Islamic Centre one of the best churches in Calgary is that their prayer leader, the Imam, is always available. Take a look at these reviews:
“Peaceful prayer place, community centre, great lectures by knowledgeable scholars, celebration of life, tranquil ambience for quiet reflection!”
“SHEHZAD Awan Local Guide · 82 reviews · 2,040 photos a year ago Really good place for Muslims to go and pray 5 times a day. Friday prayers attract huge gatherings of Calgary Muslim Community. Very peaceful place to sit and read from the Holy Quran. Imam is always there to answer your questions if you have any. Very neat, clean, Spiritual environment to Pray and spend some time there. Neat Wudoo Place (cleaning Area) is available in case you need to perform the Wudoo.”
3. Dashmesh Culture Centre (Gurdwara Saheb Calgary)
| BEST FOR | Sikhs |
| PRODUCTS | Worship programs, Living spaces, Volunteer work, Beautification projects, Fundraising initiatives |
| WEBSITE | https://www.dashmesh.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | 135 Martindale Blvd NE, Calgary, AB T3J 2X5 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Phone: (403) 590-0970 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday–Sunday, 4:00am–7:00pm |
Among the best churches in Calgary, Dashmesh Culture Centre is best for Sikhs. The church is run mostly by volunteers, with over 100 people doing Seva for Sangat.
Their community promotes Sikhism education and healthy life skills. The Gurdwara also strongly believes in giving back to those in need, which is why they have assisted living services.
Their church is also very welcoming, and you can learn about Sikhism with them. Their kitchen serving Langar is also open for those who want to visit.
Highlights
- Daily worship
- Volunteer work
- Assisted living
- Free food and blanket services for the less fortunate
Customer Reviews
The Dashmesh Culture Centre has continuously been a safe and welcoming community, not only for Sikhs but also for those in need. They are also accepting of those who want to learn more about their Sikh teachings.
Here are some of their reviews:
“beautiful and very peaceful, the ragi jatha kirtan is melodious, Langar here is amazing, very simple yet finger licking gooood 🙂 Lots of parking space, very nice people to cater for any of your questions/queries. Monitoring the current covid situation and handling it very well within the premises”Balbir Singh
“It’s a place of worship for the people who are Sikhs. It is open to people of all kind of religion. You can go there and learn about Sikhism. And there is free community kitchen, which serves food to anyone, without discrimination.”Rattanpreet Singh
4. Calgary Buddhist Temple
| BEST FOR | Buddhists |
| PRODUCTS | Dharma Teachings, Meditation |
| WEBSITE | http://www.calgary-buddhist.ab.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | 658 1 Ave NE, Calgary, AB T2E 3Y1 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (403) 263-5723 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Wednesday – Thursday: 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM |
Calgary Buddhist Temple practices Shin Buddhism (True Pure Land Buddhism) and has weekly services to deliver Dharma to Calgarian Buddhists.
They also have programs like Kids’ Dharma, a parent-run initiative where children enjoy storytelling and crafts time. Calgary Buddhist Temple is also open to having new members who are willing to learn more about their religion through Buddhism 101.
However, like most small Buddhist monasteries, they have temporarily closed their temple for safety precautions during the pandemic. To continually provide service to their constituents, Calgary Buddhist Temple airs its programs online on Sundays at 10:00 AM.
Highlights
- Buddhism 101 services for new members
- Kids’ Dharma time
- Online live streaming of programs
Customer Reviews
Calgary Buddhist Temple is among the best churches in Calgary, not just for Buddhists but also for those curious about Dharma. These reviews will make you want to visit their temple:
“Very relaxing place to go and get in touch with your spiritual side. Everyone is welcoming and I enjoy going Sunday mornings, make sure you arrive 15 minutes beforehand.”
“I have been going to the Temple for 10 years, everyone is so warm and accepting. It’s my favourite place to be.”
5. Hindu Society of Calgary
| BEST FOR | Hindus |
| PRODUCTS | Worship, Schooling |
| WEBSITE | https://www.calgaryhindusociety.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 2225 24 Ave NE, Calgary, AB T2E 8M2 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Phone: (403) 291-2551 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday–Sunday, 10:00am–1:00pm, 5:00pm–8:00pm |
The Hindu Society of Calgary is an ideal space for worship and meditation. It is also accessible and has lots of parking space
Aside from being one of the best churches in Calgary, Hindu Society also offers education for the youth. The Hindu Vidyalaya teaches Yoga, Indian classical music, and the Hindu language, culture, and religion.
The temple is open to everyone, from Hindus to visitors willing to learn about Hinduism. The priests are also approachable and ready to answer any questions about the religion.
Highlights
- Peaceful surroundings
- Hindu Vidyalaya school for the youth
- Part of the global Arya Samaj
Customer Reviews
The Hindu Society of Calgary is not only a place of worship, but also a place of learning and meditation. Here are the reviews of some of their temple-goers:
“Great place to worship of God. Peaceful place and helpful people.”
“They organize Uganda every Sunday at 10am. No entrance fees. This is krishna temple with plenty of space to meditate. However there are some hours where it gets very busy. They celebrate all Hindu festivals like Diwali janmashtami and many more. It has parking inside and plenty on streets.”
6. Marda Loop Church
| BEST FOR | Church activities |
| PRODUCTS | https://mardaloopchurch.ca/ |
| WEBSITE | https://mardaloopchurch.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | 1638 30 AVE SW, Calgary, AB T2T 1P4 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | +1 403-244-3037 [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday: Closed Tuesday-Wednesday: 9am-2pm Thursday-Saturday: Closed Sunday: 9am-12pm |
Marda Loop Church is an urban church located in Calgary whose goal and mission is to engage God everywhere.
They strive to be a blessing to everyone especially to their neighborhood.
Highlights
- Open for space rentals
- People focused
- World reaching
Customer Reviews
Here’s a review from one of Marda Loop Church’s clients:
“I have been a member of this church for many years now and have always found the services to be inclusive and uplifting. This church has been instrumental in drawing me closer to Christ and the sermons, music, and liturgy have helped me along my journey.”
Here’s another one:
“I used to go to this church when I was younger and I found the church to be incredibly welcoming and helpful in starting or updating your journey with Christ. The Sunday School is brilliant for guiding young people to Jesus and the amazing things life with him has to offer.
7. Hillhurst United Church
| BEST FOR | Progressive Christian |
| PRODUCTS | Meditations, youth groups, live streams of sunday mass, etc |
| WEBSITE | https://hillhurstunited.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 1227 Kensington Close NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 3J6, Canada |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (403) 283-1539 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday 10am–3pm Tuesday 10am–3pm Wednesday 10am–3pm Thursday 10am–3:30pm Friday Closed Saturday Closed Sunday 10–11am |
Hillhurst United Church is a progressive Affirming Church that seeks to be inclusive for all people regardless of sexual orientations, gender identities, race, ethnicity, ability, age, religion, or economic status. Seeking to practice a healthy religion, they honour respect to all of God’s creations.
They offer several programs online like meditations, youth groups, and of course live streams of sunday mass. In Hillhurst United Church, learn not to be afraid, and experience Jesus’s accepting love.
Highlights
- They offer a wide array of programs for kids, youths, or parents that are inclusive of whatever background you may have.
- They are inclusive of all people, especially the LGBTQ2IA+, who they create programs and events to create affirming statements.
Customer Reviews
Here’s a review from one of Hillhurst United Church’s clients:
“I was visiting Calgary from Halifax, Nova Scotia and my minister from the Bethany United Church recommended Hillhurst. I went with a friend and really loved the church. Very welcoming congregational members, a beautiful church , and great services. I was especially happy to see the rainbow permanently incorporated into the church. This is one of the things that makes me the most proud of in the United Church in general. If you are shy, just drop in, and you will meet very friendly people.”
Here’s another one:
“AMAZING! Everyone at the church is super welcoming and friendly. This church is super inclusive, recognizes indigenous land and is super LGBTQ2+ friendly with an affirming ministry. Coffee tea and snacks are served at the back during service. You can drink coffee during church! My mind is blown. They refer to god as “She” sometimes. Super cool and very open to different ideas and expressions of spirituality while still staying true to a Christian context. Worth checking out just to see what it’s about!”
8. Cornerstone Christian Assembly
| BEST FOR | Non-denominational, Bible-based |
| PRODUCTS | https://www.cornerstonecalgary.com/ministries/ |
| WEBSITE | https://www.cornerstonecalgary.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 2640 Rundlelawn Road NE Calgary, Alberta T1Y 5X3 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Email: [email protected] Phone: 403-561-6936 Main Office: 403-285-1048 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Contact for more information |
Cornerstone Christian Assembly is a non-denominational and Bible-based Church that puts on its forefront emphasis is the Grace of God. They are committed to know Jesus and make Him known to other people in the community.
The Church also has several different events and features that are along and in order to accommodate different sectors who attend their services such as children, parents, infants, and the like. They have several different worship teams that lead every Sunday morning which brings the community a different flavor of music per week.
Having had worship service ever since 1994, the church has done its services in various locations such as in the Beddington Community Centre and Rocky Mountain College. Furthermore, they also have a Kids Church for children from the third to sixth grade in which parents can leave their children in their facility for worship, snacks, games, memory verse, and prayer time and can be dismissed back into their care by 12:00 pm.
We recommend this church for individuals who would like to be part of a warm and welcoming community that aims to have a deeper connection with Jesus and know Him better.
Highlights
- Offers Kids Church
- A wide variety of worship services
- Offers a Baby Break Room facility
9. Scarboro United Church
| BEST FOR | Worship services for all individuals |
| PRODUCTS | Inclusive Worship: Music, Message & Community. Wedding & Funeral Services, Concert Venue, Room Rentals, Recovery Meetings |
| WEBSITE | https://www.scarborounited.org/ |
| ADDRESS | 134 Scarboro Avenue SW Calgary, Alberta T3C 2H1 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Phone: (403) 244-1161Email: [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday – Friday: 9am -4:30pmSunday: 10am-12pm |
Scarboro United Church is an inclusive community that welcomes all people, whether they have been coming to church for ages, consider themselves ‘spiritual but not religious’, or have never been to a worship service. Everyone is welcome, wherever they are on their faith journey, however they identify, whomever they love, whatever their racial background, and whatever combination of disabilities and abilities they bring.
In the spirit of respect, reciprocity and truth, they honour that they are a part of Treaty 7, located on the traditional and present-day lands of the Blackfoot Confederacy, the Îyâxe Nakoda and Tsuut’ina nations. They acknowledge that this territory is home to the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3, within the historical Northwest Métis homeland. Scarboro United is committed to walking together on the path toward meaningful reconciliation.
They first opened their doors in 1929 and have been home to a vibrant community for over 90 years – worshiping, advocating, working and celebrating together.
In 2008 Scarboro United became an Affirming Congregation – a formal process within the United Church of Canada to publicly commit to inviting, welcoming and affirming all people regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity into full participation in, and leadership of, the congregation. Their building is accessible, with wheelchair access, an elevator, and gender neutral washrooms. They are a member organisation of the Calgary Alliance for the Common Good, and work with local organisations to support marginalized folks in Calgary and beyond.
The church also has a variety of events – such as Travel Tuesdays, Choir Rehearsals, Welcoming and Supporting our Community, and The Promise of Aging – in addition to weekly worship. Hybrid worship services are offered every Sunday at 10:30am both online and in-person. Expect intergenerational services with wonderful music and thought-provoking passages which are explored and contextualized in meaningful messages from Rev. Erin Klassen and others.
We recommend this church for individuals looking for a community to belong to no matter what background and orientation they are as they readily accommodate and welcome each one through their events and worship.
Highlights
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Affirms and welcomes the 2SLGBTQIA+ community
-
Has numerous campaigns that promote equality
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Has volunteer opportunities and specific community groups
-
Has a legacy of excellent music and supporting the arts
10. The Road Church
| BEST FOR | Jesus-centered questioners |
| PRODUCTS | Sunday in-person gathering or Zoom livestream |
| WEBSITE | https://www.theroadchurch.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | 4039 Brentwood Road NW
Calgary Alberta, T2L 1L1 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | 403.693.5555 | [email protected]
Instagram: @theroadyyc |
| OPERATING HOURS | Weekly Schedule: Sunday 10 AM For pastoral care or other needs during the week, contact [email protected] |
The Road Church meets in a vibrant shared community space at the intersection of Crowchild Trail and Brisebois Drive in Brentwood. It is walking distance from the U of C and the Brentwood C Train station.
Worship gatherings at The Road Church creatively cultivate a welcoming space that fosters healing and full life through connection to God, others and ourselves. Their congregation is made up of a wide age range of people from an eclectic mix of mostly Christian backgrounds and some looking for a “post-evangelical” home.
They recently launched a “Creative Collective” to inspire makers to collaborate and create meaningful works of art for their Sunday gatherings or to share with the wider community.
Highlights
- Warm, LGBTQ2+ affirming community
- Deconstruction-friendly
- Intergenerational atmosphere
- Relaxed, contemporary style
- Kidzone for ages 3-11 and youth gr.6-12
Customer Reviews
Here’s a review about them:
“This is an awesome church – great preaching and wonderful music. A real sense of community.”
“If you don’t quite fit in the mainline churches or conservative evangelical world, you may just find a sense of solace, wonder and depth among the welcoming people at The Road Church. Preaching is Jesus-centered and intellectually honest while holding space for questions, mystery and uncertainty.”
11. Calgary Life Church
| BEST FOR | Online Worship |
| SERVICES | CLC online
Watch Live Previous Messages |
| WEBSITE | https://www.calgarylifechurch.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 11400 27th Street SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2Z 3R6 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | 403-239-9099 |
| SERVICE HOURS | Tuesday – Thursday, 9:00 AM – 4 PM
Friday, 7:00 AM – 9:30 PM Sunday, 9:30 AM – 1PM |
Calgary Life Church is a community of passionate individuals that’s created from a small bible study in their home in March of 1999. They excel in commiting to a lifestyle of consistent spiritual growth with genuine accountability.
Their founders Anthony & Madeleine, pioneered the Gospel in several unreached areas and have partnered with churches in planting and leadership training for many years before establishing Calgary Life Church.
With their infectious love for people and life, they have attracted people from all walks, nationalities, and ages and have spread their desire to help people discover the amazing value and purpose all people have through a relationship with Jesus Christ.
As an all exclusive community, they make sure that all people, Christian and non-Christian, are valuable to God and His Kingdom. Furthermore, they aim to provide people with a safe environment of love, acceptance, and forgiveness so they may progress on their spiritual journey.
Highlights
- Non-exclusive and dedicated community
- Does volunteer works
- 23 years of service
Customer Reviews
Pastor Anthony was ethentic, funny and it was a great message.
“Pastor Anthony was ethentic, funny and it was a great message. All the volunteers and staff were friendly and helpful. And their cafe has one of the best lattes I have had since moving back to Calgary…I will have to come earlier to try thier croissants as they sold out before and after the service.” – Rachel Litchfield
My church since I came to Canada, 2015.
“My church since I came to Canada, 2015. This is a bible based church and teaches everyone about the love of Jesus. Great pastors, Pstr. Anthony and Madeleine Greco! This church is for everybody and when I say, everybody, literally; no matter what background, age, nationality or gender. You will be home in this church ”
Now that you know where to find the best churches in Calgary, you can get some quiet time and learn to find your inner peace. These churches and temples can also give you advice on how to move forward with your life.
If you need more motivation to get back on track to the life you want, you can also try the best life coaches in Calgary!
