Welcome to one of Calgary’s best neighborhoods, which gives its visitors a peek into a whole new world of delicious cuisine, exploration opportunities, exciting activities, and more!
Located in the busy downtown area, Chinatown is a must-visit spot for anyone interested in Chinese culture and all the good stuff Chinatowns always have to offer. See how to best enjoy this spectacular neighbourhood with this ultimate guide!
Table of Contents
How to Get Around Chinatown, Calgary
Taxis: It’s easy to get a taxi in Chinatown, Calgary. Flag one down on the street, contact the dispatch company at 403-777-1111, or go to the nearest taxi stand you can find.
Bus: For easy access to the updated bus routes, head to this website. To make your bus ride even more convenient, we recommend downloading the MyFare app beforehand to easily pay for your trip. Otherwise, you can always use cash or the monthly passcard.
The C-train: If you want to explore Chinatown using the C-train, a single ride would only cost you CA$3.50. We suggest preparing the moovit app beforehand to know the complete and updated train schedules.
Cycle: Since Calgary is a bike-friendly neighbourhood, one can easily navigate Chinatown on their own by cycling their way through different streets.
Where to Stay in Chinatown, Calgary
The Westin Calgary
Address: 320 4 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 2S6, Canada
Phone: +1 403-266-1611
Pricing: $$
Book Now
The Westin Calgary is a charming hotel in the Chinatown area known for being pet-friendly.
Most of their rooms offer spectacular views of either the Bow river or the surrounding skyscrapers. Moreover, there’s even a spacious balcony where you can indulge in a relaxing afternoon tea while enjoying the gorgeous scenery.
They also have specialty suites made especially for those looking for a more luxurious and sophisticated experience.
Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire
Address: 255 Barclay Parade SW, Calgary, AB T2P 5C2, Canada
Phone: + 1 403-266-7200
Pricing: $$
Book Now
The rooms at Sheraton Suites are designed with a tasteful neutral palette, which contributes to its homey and relaxing vibe. It’s stylishly furnished with the floor-to-ceiling windows as the cherry on top.
They also boast of their world-class amenities that feature a spa, fitness centre, and more. Be sure to check out their restaurant, Flower & Wolf, for some hearty bites and tasty drinks!
Where to Eat in Chinatown, Calgary
Chinese Cultural Centre Cuisine
Address: 197 1 St SW, Calgary, AB T2P 4M4, Canada
Phone: +1 403-457-9988
Pricing: $$
Website
The Chinese Cultural Centre Cuisine is a well-known eatery in the Chinatown neighbourhood to the Calgarian locals.
They have an extremely diverse menu, which is perfect for those who want to dive straight into the world of Chinese cuisine and try as many different flavors as they can. While their plates are generally tasty, we definitely recommend that you get the lamb sliced with leek on a hot plate.
U and Me (Centre St. Sw)
Address: 233 Centre St S #201, Calgary, AB T2G 2B7, Canada
Phone: +1 403-264-5988
Pricing: $$
Website
U & Me is another popular restaurant in Chinatown where you can get authentic Chinese dishes. This is the go-to spot of those who have late-night dim sum cravings because they’re open until 4 AM.
Their most-ordered dishes are steamed shrimp & pork dumplings and steamed shrimp or scallop dumplings. We also suggest you try the chef’s special fried noodles.
Silver Dragon Restaurant
Address: 106 3 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0B6, Canada
Phone: +1 403-264-5326
Pricing: $$
Website
Silver Dragon Restaurant is one of the few eateries in the Chinatown area that has been around for decades. They’re known for their extensive food menu which includes appetizers, hot pot, hot plates, chow mein, and many more.
Since they have a lot of options, we suggest going here in big groups so you can try as many as possible.
Great Taste Chinese Restaurant
Address: 123 2 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0B2, Canada
Phone: +1 403-265-9880
Pricing: $$
Website
Another great option if you’re seeking a worthy Chinese restaurant that serves delicious dishes is the Great Taste Chinese Restaurant. As the name states, you wouldn’t have a hard time finding something here that could please your taste buds.
If you’re unsure of what to order, we suggest getting the lobster, shrimp fried rice or chicken with spicy peanut sauce.
1 Pot
Address: 123 3 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0B7, Canada
Phone: +1 403-708-8088
Pricing: $$
Website
Winters in Calgary are long, which basically means the city has the perfect hot pot weather.
If you find yourself in the Chinatown neighbourhood and would like something warm to fill your tummies, we suggest 1 Pot.
Your experience can easily be customized because you get to choose the broth, meat, and dipping sauce.If you enjoy the burn that spicy food can give you, we suggest ordering the Szechuan spicy broth. Otherwise, the miso broth is also worth the try.
Polar Bear Kitchen
Address: 328 Centre St S Unit 170, Calgary, AB T2G 4X6, Canada
Phone: +1 403-269-8399
Pricing: $$
Website
Another great Chinese restaurant option in the Chinatown neighbourhood is the Polar Bear Kitchen.
Compared to the others on this list, this one’s not that well known. However, they serve a variety of delicious meals you’d really enjoy.
Their deep fried squid, sweet chili shredded potato, and eggs and shrimp on rice certainly steals the show every time. In fact, they’re a few of the most ordered items on the menu!
Where to Grab Sweet Beverages in Chinatown, Calgary
Try Again Beverage House
Address: 111 3 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 4Z4, Canada
Phone: +1 403-234-0666
Pricing: $$
Directions
Chinatown wouldn’t be complete without any bubble tea option! Try Again Beverage House is a small shop that gives off a friendly neighbourhood cafe vibe.
We heard it’s run by two women who surely know how to whip up delicious drinks. A lot of regulars would tell you to get the Hong Kong style milk tea or the Hojicha tea.
Hey I am Yogost
Address: 328 Centre St S, Calgary, AB T2G 4X6, Canada
Phone: +1 403-452-3622
Pricing: $$
Website
When you’re not in the mood for the usual bubble tea but still want something sweet, check out the yoghurt drinks at Hey I am Yogost.
You can choose among their rice yoghurt, yoghurt slush, fruit yoghurt, and such. Our ultimate favorite is the strawberry mochi yoghurt.
Do note that if you want it less sweet, you can adjust the sweetness level. We found that 50% is still a bit sweet for those who don’t really have a sweet tooth, so feel free to customize your drinks accordingly!
What to Do in Chinatown, Calgary
Stroll around Sien Lok Park
Address: Riverfront Avenue & 1 Street Southwest, Calgary, AB T2P 0X2, Canada
Phone: +1 403-268-2489
Website
Leave Calgary for a minute and step into the world of Chinese culture at Sien Lok Park.
It certainly gives this part of town a more unique character with its interesting pagoda, Chinese lion sculptures, and more, which are beautiful sights to appreciate while walking around.
Here, you’d see several locals running, doing tai chi, or sitting on the benches.
Join fun programs at Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre
Address: 197 1 St SW, Calgary, AB T2P 4M4, Canada
Phone: +1 403-262-5071
Website
The Calgary Chinese Culture Centre focuses on the importance of community by providing entertaining and educational programs in which anyone can join.
This includes Mandarin classes, makeup & beauty classes, Chinese calligraphy classes, and many more. They also host events from time to time, which are worth checking out especially for those who want to indulge themselves in Chinese culture.
Go thrift shopping at Good Neighbour Community Market
Address: 149 5 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 5T1, Canada
Website
Thrift shopping has garnered a lot of curious consumers over the years who are interested in sustainability, cheap items, or unique finds.
In the Chinatown neighbourhood, there’s the Good Neighbour Community Market to quench your thirst for shopping great deals. We don’t know about you, but we always have this sense of accomplishment whenever we find a one-of-a-kind piece at the thrift store.
Painted on the store’s walls are the words “take what you need, leave what you can, and pay what you want”. It’s a unique store where you can see people in the community helping each other out.
Watch live performances at Inside Out Theatre
Address: Market, 200 Barclay Parade SW Unit A02, Calgary, AB T2P 4R5, Canada
Phone: +1 403-282-4801
Website
Inside Out Theatre is a uniquely inclusive theatre company that focuses on making theatre accessible for all, especially to the deaf community.
Their shows are also made by artists with disabilities, which makes shows more lively because of their first hand experiences. For available shows, you can check out their website for the complete schedule.
Buy Chinese snacks at Hang Fung Foods
Address: 119 3 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0B7, Canada
Phone: +1 403-269-4646
Website
Hang Fung Foods is an Asian grocery store where you can get snacks you might have a hard time finding in other parts of the city.
If you’re planning on whipping up an Asian dish at home, this store might have everything you need!
Where to Shop in Chinatown, Calgary
Dragon City Mall
Address: 328 Centre St S, Calgary, AB T2G 4X6, Canada
Website
The Dragon City Mall is a unique shopping mall in Calgary because of how it’s filled with Chinese motifs left and right including red lanterns and dragon designs.
It’s a treasure trove for little treasures like jewellery, cosplay paraphernalia, and more.
Qalala
Address: 328 Centre St S, Calgary, AB T2G 4X6, Canada
Phone: +1 403-701-1338
Website
Qalala is where you can get various Asian candies and snacks. With their extensive collection, you can find almost anything under the sun!
For example, they have numerous Kit Kat flavors, a Jagabee bag of chips, candies with Hello Kitty on the cover, and so much more.
