Mission, Calgary might be a small neighbourhood, but size doesn’t equate to impact here. In fact, this place is bursting with excitement and possibilities for exploration!
From the authentic Japanese omakase dining experience and luxurious Italian dishes to Elbow River’s hidden beach and thrilling karaoke nights, Mission is a hotspot for unforgettable stays in the lovely city of Calgary.
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How to Get Around Mission, Calgary
Taxis: Hail a taxi anywhere around the Mission neighbourhood and you’ll be in your destination in no time. You can also call for the dispatch company at 403-777-1111 or look for the taxi stand nearest you.
Bus: Another fantastic (and cheaper) option when you’re in the area is the bus. This website will guide you to the complete bus routes in real time. Another thing to prepare before your ride is the MyFare app. Though entirely optional, it’s convenient because it lets you pay for your ride through the app. Otherwise, you can always pay using the monthly pass card or by cash.
The C-train: The C-train is another affordable option to navigate the area. Have the moovit app on your phone if you want to see the updated train schedules. It also tells you where to board and alight.
Cycle: You can also discover new places in the Mission neighbourhood by cycling through the streets. It’s safe, efficient, and eco-friendly.
Where to Eat in Mission, Calgary
Famoso Neapolitan Pizzeria
Address: 2303 4 St SW # 105, Calgary, AB T2S 2S7, Canada
Phone: +1 403-455-3839
Pricing: $$
Website
If you find yourself in Mission, Calgary try out one of many Calgarians’ favorite pizza places when you have the chance. Famoso Neapolitan Pizza has an assortment of flavors any pizza addict would enjoy.
From classic selections to unique yet captivating flavors, they have all that (and more!).
Our top recommended pizza flavor is the margherita. If you’re not much of a fan of red sauce on your pizza however, we suggest trying the quattro formaggi.
You can also create your own pizza by choosing from the many sauces and toppings if you want to spice things up!
Blowers & Grafton
Address: 2120 4 St SW, Calgary, AB T2S 1W7, Canada
Phone: +1 587-391-4848
Pricing: $$
Website
Blowers & Grafton’s delicious (and photogenic) bites are sure to capture your interest. They focus on Halifax street food, which means the variety of dishes they offer includes donair, chowder, fish & chips, and more.
We found that one of the best items on their menu is what they call the garlic fingers. It’s basically made out of their homemade pizza dough with garlic butter and mozzarella cheese.
If their food items aren’t enough to entice you, they also have tons of alcoholic beverages you can indulge in.
La Boulangerie Bakery Cafe
Address: 2435 4 St SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2T4, Canada
Phone: +1 403-984-9294
Pricing: $$
Website
The aroma wafting from La Boulangerie Bakery Cafe invites various curious foodies in, including us. Their food displays crafted in an artistic and appetizing manner are enough to make your mouth water.
Their pastries are top-notch and are delectable enough to give out to friends during special occasions. Aside from sweet and savory treats, they also have other delicious bites like crepes, sandwiches, soups, and more!
Hoopla Donuts
Address: 2207 4 St SW, Calgary, AB T2S 1X1, Canada
Phone: +1 403-261-1885
Pricing: $
Website
It’s surprising how Hoopla Donuts fell under a lot of local foodies’ radar. They offer a lot of unique flavors you probably couldn’t get elsewhere.
We thoroughly enjoyed their cereal milk, churro, and coconut mango. They also have seasonal flavors available for a limited time such as watermelon and raspberry lychee.
Shokunin
Address: 2016 4 St SW, Calgary, AB T2S 1W3, Canada
Phone: +1 403-229-3444
Pricing: $$
Website
Shokunin is a Japanese restaurant in the mission neighbourhood that offers authentic Japanese comfort dishes. It earned quite a reputation in the local food scene because it’s the first yakitoriya in the city, meaning they specialize in yakitori.
They also offer a lavish omakase experience where your meals will be entirely up to the chef. It’s definitely a must-try, especially for those looking for an out-of-the-ordinary way to experience delicious food.
Mercato Mission
Address: 2224 4 St SW, Calgary, AB T2S 0H3, Canada
Phone: +1 403-263-5535
Pricing: $$$
Website
If what you’re looking for is a more luxurious experience, Mercato knows how to combine opulence and gourmet dining. They operate with an open kitchen, so guests who sit on the bar get an unhindered view of how the chef prepares their meal.
The art of food plating is certainly being practiced because everything is presented perfectly with nothing amiss.
Some of the most popular dishes here are the tagliatte, caprese, and bistecca. Their rigatoni is also interesting.
N9NA Hamburger
Address: 121 17 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 1H3, Canada
Phone: +1 403-263-6355
Pricing: $$
Website
Sometimes, nothing beats the classic ‘ol burger. What better place to satisfy your craving than the N9NA?
The welcoming and neighbourly vibe of the place would surely entice anyone. However, the burgers are what keep them coming back.
The ¼ pound classic burger is a must-try, especially for first timers. The classic fried chicken burger comes in a close second.
Aside from burgers, they also have other usual bar grub like nachos, fries, and more.
Where to Drink in Mission, Calgary
Joyce on 4th
Address: 506 24 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2S 0K4, Canada
Phone: +1 403-541-9168
Pricing: $$
Website
Joyce on 4th is a charming Irish pub with a cool classic interior that has many curious onlookers intrigued. It’s fairly popular among locals because of the assortment of drinks. They have 72 draught beers on tap alone!
Oh, and if you’re into this sort of stuff, it’s a great spot to watch sports or mingle with the Calgary locals.
Gray Bar
Address: 104 18 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 1K8, Canada
Pricing: $$
Website
Gray Bar is a unique speakeasy with a lot of character. A part of its charm is its hidden location, but the way they’re actively supporting several charities make them even more worth the visit.
They have a lot of interesting concoctions and drinks from around the globe, so feel free to hang around and get yourself a couple of glasses. They have a homey vibe so you’ll feel right at home!
Ducky’s Pub and Restaurant
Address: 2100 4 St SW, Calgary, AB T2S 0H3, Canada
Phone: +1 403-245-6585
Pricing: $$
Website
If you need a fun night to unwind, Ducky’s Pub and Restaurant should be one of your options. Here, every night is karaoke night!
You can test your courage by taking the stage or you can also sit back and enjoy a pint of beer. What we enjoy most about the culture here is there’s a sense of community because of the music.
It’s a great place to make friends or hang out with your old ones!
Where to Grab Coffee in Mission, Calgary
Element Cafe
Address: 331 17 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2S 0A5, Canada
Phone: +1 587-352-7338
Pricing: $$
Website
Element Cafe is a well-known coffee shop in the Mission neighbourhood.
Its stellar ambiance and aesthetic are definitely one of the reasons it’s popular among the local cafe scene. Of course, their coffee is also top-notch and will make you want to be more experimental with your order.
Their must-try drinks are condensed milk latte, frozen latte, and Turkish coffee.
What to Do in Mission, Calgary
Go sightseeing at Elbow River
The Elbow River is one of the most famous rivers in the city. It’s filled with beautiful natural sights to explore, making it a unique respite from the urban views in the heart of Calgary.
We recommend bringing your camera with you because there are a lot of perfect photo opportunities just waiting for you here.
Meditate at the Rocky Beach
Rocky Beach isn’t known from its vast shores and bluer than blue waters like most resorts you’d come across. It’s actually just a very small piece of sandy (and rocky) land along the Elbow River.
There’s not much to it to be honest, but it’s a beautiful quiet spot where one can meditate, read a book, or dip their toes in the water. Other times, you can even get lucky and spot some wildlife.
Just remember to bring a beach towel or a chair if you want to make your stay a bit more comfortable.
Get a massage at The Art of Healing
Address: 2219 2 St SW, Calgary, AB T2S 1S8, Canada
Phone: +1 403-605-8039
Website
The Art of Healing is a small business headed by Meghan, a massage therapy school graduate. With the space alone, she knows how to make customers feel welcome and relaxed.
The minimalist aesthetic and generous sunlight certainly does make us feel closer to home. She can do a variety of therapeutic massages like dynamic cupping, perinatal, and rapid NFR.
Each message is meant to target specific problems, so it’s best to contact her beforehand so she can assess how she can best help.
Where to Shop in Mission, Calgary
Dollarama
Address: Roxboro River Shoppes, 2500 4 St SW, Calgary, AB T2S 1X6, Canada
Phone: +1 403-441-2157
Website
Dollarama is a dollar store that never fails to call out to the hearts of the people who are constantly on the hunt for some great deals.
There’s a wide variety of items you can get here such as seasonal home decor, snacks, beauty supplies, and more. For visitors, you can even buy some local goodies here to give to your loved ones when you get home.
