When I was a kid, I used to get super pumped whenever my parents took me to the mall. There was just something magical about it, right?
But you know what’s even better? The malls that still manage to get you excited, even when you’re all grown up.
Some malls are just practical spots. You go there to grab what you need and bounce. But then there are those special ones that offer way more than just shopping. They’ve got that extra vibe or cool features that make the whole trip feel like an event.
My team and I have put together a list of our favorite malls in Calgary that totally bring the fun and keep that spark alive. Stick around if you want to know them!
Table of Contents
1. CF Chinook Centre
– Media credits: cfchinookcentre
Address: 6455 Macleod Trl
Contact details: +1 403-259-2022
Operating hours:
- Monday: 10 AM – 6 PM
- Tuesday to Saturday: 10 AM – 9 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM – 6 PM
Price: $$$
CF Chinook Centre is a massive place, with over 250 stores and a wide variety of things to do beyond just shopping. It’s a quick trip from downtown and getting there is easy, thanks to the nearby Chinook CTrain station and ample parking.
The luxury wing has high-end names like Louis Vuitton, Burberry, and Tiffany & Co. It also has brands that aren’t available elsewhere in Calgary, like Kate Spade and Stuart Weitzman.
For anyone not just looking to shop, there’s more to do here than you’d expect. The Cineplex with IMAX screens and whimsical flying machines gave the place some unexpected character.
Pro tip:
If you’re shopping with kids, break up the trip with a stop at the Bowladrome or the fun installations, like the Albertosaurus. It’ll keep them entertained and give you a breather.
2. Southcentre Mall
– Media credits: southcentremall
Address: 100 Anderson Rd SE
Contact details: +1 403-271-7670
Operating hours:
- Monday: 11 AM – 6 PM
- Tuesday to Wednesday: 10 AM – 8 PM
- Thursday to Friday: 10 AM – 9 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM – 8 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM – 6 PM
Price: $$$
With entrances from both Macleod Trail and Anderson Road, Southcentre Mall is hard to miss. There are over 4,000 free parking spots, and there are even dedicated spaces for RVs. However, there’s no underground or covered parking.
The mall has a solid mix of mid-range staples like H&M, Old Navy, and Winners. There are also some high-end and exclusive options like Crate & Barrel and Restoration Hardware. Decathlon is a good store for picking up affordable outdoor gear.
The food court is centrally located and well laid out. There’s a decent mix of international cuisine, fast food, and a few local vendors. However, seating can be a bit of an issue since there aren’t enough tables during peak lunch hours.
Pro tip:
If you have a child with sensory sensitivities, you can ask for a sensory backpack at Guest Services. It’s a great offering that’s easy to miss.
3. Sunridge Mall
– Media credits: sunridgeshopping
Address: 2525 36 St NE
Contact details: +1 403-293-8201
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 10 AM – 8 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM – 6 PM
Price: $$
Getting to Sunridge Mall is super convenient since it’s right next to Rundle Station. Driving in is easy as well, especially with how close it is to Deerfoot Trail. There’s lots of parking too!
The mall feels bright and spacious inside, thanks to the beautiful daylight atrium in the center. We also appreciate the benches underneath where you can actually sit and relax after walking around for a bit. The layout is simple and easy to navigate.
A few stores just feel a little dated or underwhelming, but you can still run errands and shop in one go here.
There’s an artificial animal ride near the atrium for kids. It’s around $9 for 0 minutes, and it’s not bad for keeping the little ones entertained while you take a break.
Pro tip:
Take advantage of Guest Services (on the main floor near Entrance 4). If you’re visiting with someone with mobility needs, you can ask them for a complimentary stroller or wheelchair.
4. CORE Shopping Centre
– Media credits: coreshopping
Address: 324 8 Ave SW
Contact details: +1 403-441-4940
Operating hours:
- Monday: 12 PM – 5 PM
- Tuesday to Saturday: 10 AM – 6 PM
- Sunday: 12 PM – 5 PM
Price: $$$
CORE Shopping Centre is Calgary’s biggest downtown retail hub, spanning three city blocks and four floors of stores. The massive glass skylight also impressed us. It’s refreshing, especially if you’re used to the usual fluorescent-lit shopping centres.
We noticed that the mix of stores has a nice balance. The luxury anchors like Holt Renfrew and Brooks Brothers offer that high-end vibe. But there’s also a good range of casual and youth-focused shops, so it doesn’t feel too exclusive or intimidating.
There’s also a botanical garden on the fourth floor! It’s adjacent to the food court, so you can also eat here if there are no more seats there. It’s pretty relaxing with all the plants and fountains.
Pro tip:
If you’re visiting on a weekday, try to arrive after 3 PM to get free parking in the parkades. On weekends, remember the first three hours are free. It’s perfect for a casual afternoon visit without stressing over parking fees.
5. CF Market Mall
– Media credits: cfmarketmall
Address: 3625 Shaganappi Trail NW
Contact details: +1 403-288-5466
Operating hours:
- Monday: 10 AM – 6 PM
- Tuesday to Friday: 10 AM – 9 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM – 8 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM – 6 PM
Price: $$
CF Market Mall’s layout stood out to us. The single-level, race-track design made it super easy for all of us to get around without constantly backtracking or getting lost.
The mall manages to offer a variety of stores without feeling cluttered. We liked that it wasn’t all big chains. The independent boutiques added some personality and made the shopping feel less generic.
The food court was nice enough, especially with the fireside seating areas. The heated underground parkade is also a lifesaver on chilly days. It gets crowded during peak times, so arriving early to find a spot is a smart move.
Pro tip:
Don’t forget to bring your kids’ essentials if you’re bringing them with you. The Monkey Around Playground is great, but packing some wipes and hand sanitizer is handy since the equipment isn’t always freshly cleaned.
6. Pacific Place Mall
– Media credits: viewgem_yyc
Address: 999 36 St NE
Contact details: +1 403-235-1507
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday: 10 AM – 7 PM
- Thursday to Friday: 10 AM – 9 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM – 8 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM – 6 PM
Price: $$
Our visit to Pacific Place Mall was quite the cultural dive into Asian shopping and dining. It’s a good spot if you love authentic Asian food and specialty groceries, but it feels more like a community hub than a polished mall.
The T&T Supermarket is the heart of it. The variety of fresh fruits and vegetables is really impressive here. They’re some of the best produce we’ve seen locally.
Prices were fair, though a bit higher for some specialty items.
For most of us, the food court is the highlight. There’s a solid range of Vietnamese, Cantonese, and Filipino dishes to satisfy any craving. You can even try different noodle styles here, like angel hair and flat noodles.
Pro tip:
If you want to avoid crowds, do your grocery shopping or food runs here on weekday evenings. The T&T Supermarket and food court are way less busy, and you might even catch some weekday discounts.
7. Marlborough Mall
– Media credits: marlboroughmall
Address: 3800 Memorial Dr
Contact details:
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 10 AM – 7 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM – 6 PM
Price: $$
Marlborough Mall’s location is fantastic. Being right next to the Marlborough C-Train Station makes getting there super easy if you’re relying on public transit. For those who are driving, though, parking can be a bit of a headache during lunch and dinner times.
It’s really spacious inside, with over 100 stores spread out. The recently renovated Walmart is more impressive since it feels bright, modern, and much easier to navigate. The variety of products is also great here, from groceries and electronics to clothing.
The mall is also surprisingly clean, especially the washrooms. Sinks and stalls are spotless and well-sanitized.
Pro tip:
While you’ve got your usual food court suspects like Tim Hortons, we suggest checking out a few underrated local gems inside the mall. Vietnam Palace Grill and Noodle House is worth checking out.
8. Northland
– Media credits: shop_northland
Address: 5111 Northland Dr NW
Contact details: +1 403-974-0050
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 11 AM – 7 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM – 6 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM – 5 PM
Price: $$
Northland is positioned really well. It’s right where Crowchild Trail and Shaganappi Trail meet. It’s really easy to get to, whether you’re driving or coming from nearby neighborhoods like Brentwood or Dalhousie.
Some of the stronger stores here are Winners and Mark’s. Winners has a solid selection and doesn’t feel too cramped, which is nice for browsing. Dollarama is also super handy if you’re just popping in for quick essentials.
The mall isn’t like your usual indoor shopping centre. It’s set up more like an open-air plaza. It’s easy to walk between stores, but it can feel a bit chilly on windy or rainy days since you’re outside most of the time.
Pro tip:
Since Northland has an open-air layout, we suggest parking close to the specific stores you plan to visit. If you’re going to Walmart or Best Buy, park on the east side. For Winners, Mark’s or Dollarama, park near the west entrance.
9. Deerfoot City
– Media credits: destinationdeerfootcity
Address: 901 64 Ave NE
Contact details: +1 403-333-5121
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 10 AM – 8 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM – 6 PM
Price: $$
We loved how Dearfoot City feels more like a small city than a regular mall. You can walk along wide streets, pass by landscaped areas, and there’s even relaxing music playing as you go from one store to the next.
At first, the layout could be a bit confusing. But once you get the hang of it, you’ll realize it makes exploring more fun.
The best thing about this mall is it’s not just for shopping and dining. It has dental clinics, fitness centers, and barbershops, which makes the place feel more like a community spot where you can get a lot done in one trip.
We just wish there are more cozy spots to sit and relax that aren’t attached to restaurants.
Pro tip:
If you’re with friends or family, leave some time to check out The Rec Room or watch people fly at iFLY indoor skydiving. They’re genuinely fun and worth including in your visit.
10. Aspen Landing Shopping Centre
– Media credits: aspenlandingsc
Address: 17 85 St SW
Contact details: +1 403-716-3162
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: Open 24 hours
Price: $$$
Aspen Landing Shopping Centre feels like a small village with character. The storefronts have a clean, slightly fancy look that makes the place feel modern.
That said, we noticed that the centre seems to have more banks than trendy spots. If you’re looking for fashion or entertainment, you might not find much to keep you around.
Shopping-wise, there’s a good mix, but it’s more practical. You’ll find big names like Safeway and Shoppers Drug Mart, which are great for grocery and quick pharmacy stops. There are also a few nice boutique stores and local gift shops.
Mayfair Diagnostics was a useful feature, which is tucked away near Safeway and Cobs Bread. If you’re running errands, you can squeeze in a quick medical appointment.
Pro tip:
Not all of their stores here open and close at the same time. If you’re trying to visit a specific shop or clinic, double-check their hours online before heading over.
11. Dragon City Mall
– Media credits: cmcalgary
Address: 328 Centre St S
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 9:30 AM – 10 PM
Price: $$
Dragon City Mall has a very specific atmosphere that’s hard to describe unless you’ve been to older malls in Asia.
The interior definitely shows its age. The lighting is dim, and the design is a bit dated. It’s quieter and more focused on function and community than aesthetics.
Rainbow Bakery is a good shop to visit if you’re into mooncakes and pineapple buns. You’ll also find Chinese snacks, ramen packs, and some oddly specific household items like rice steamers and ceramic soup spoons.
The anime and collectable shops are a real treat for anyone into cosplay or model kits. It’s a must-visit for Studio Ghibli fans or people who collect Hello Kitty stuff.
Pro tip:
Public washrooms inside the mall are limited and sometimes closed. It’s a good idea to use facilities nearby before heading in for a longer visit.
12. Township Shopping Centre
– Media credits: townshipyyc
Address: Corner of Macleod Trail and, 210 Ave SE
Contact details: +1 403-263-6550
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 10 AM – 8 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 11 AM – 6 PM
Price: $$
Since Township Shopping Centre opened its first phase in 2021, it has become a convenient spot for shopping and dining in South Calgary without needing to go downtown.
The shopping centre is really big. There’s a good variety of shops like Sobeys for groceries, Winners for clothes and home stuff, and even Petsmart for pet supplies. There are also places to eat, like Edo Japan, which was nice for a quick meal.
The mall’s design combines a modern look with some prairie-style touches, which makes it feel fresh and welcoming. There is also public art around the outdoor areas, which you can take lots of photos with.
Pro tip:
The centre occasionally hosts community events or seasonal activities. Check their website or social media before you go. You might catch a sidewalk sale or a family-friendly event in the plaza areas.
