Northwest Calgary continues to be a haven for those thirsting for outdoor adventures in an urban cityscape. Nestled in the heart of Alberta, this enthralling neighborhood will make you fall in love with the exciting activities and natural wonders it offers.
Whether you’re a true and blue Calgarian or a curious traveller hoping to collect as many unforgettable experiences as possible, our trusty guide is here to capture the essence of Northwest Calgary.
Table of Contents
How to Get Around
Taxis: One can easily grab a taxi anywhere in Calgary. You can flag down the one passing by in the street, contact a dispatch company (403-777-1111), or find one in one of the cabstands.
Bus: To help you navigate your bus ride better, you can check out this website for the bus route schedules. Do note that to pay for your bus ride, you can download the MyFare app beforehand. Alternatively, you can also pay using cash or the monthly pass card.
The C-train: Not only is the C-train convenient, it’s actually pretty cheap too! A single ride will cost you only around CA$3.50! Make sure to have the moovit app on your phone if you want the convenience of knowing which stop you should alight at and what time your train arrives.
Cycle: If you want to stay active during your trip and save cash in the process, cycling your way through Northwest Calgary might be the best idea. Calgary is one of the most bike friendly places in the world, so you should have a hard time navigating the streets!
Where to Stay in Northwest Calgary
Red Carpet Inn & Suites
Address: 4635 16 Ave NW, Calgary, AB T3B 0M7, Canada
Phone: +1 403-286-5111
Pricing: $
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Red Carpet Inn & Suites is an affordable accommodation in Northwest Calgary. It’s clean and has all the basic amenities that one might need, so it’s actually quite a steal.
This one’s perfect for budget travellers, who prefer spending more money on experiences rather than on their hotel rooms.
Along River Ridge Bed and Breakfast
Address: 1919 52 St NW, Calgary, AB T3B 1C3, Canada
Phone: +1 403-247-1330
Pricing: $$
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It’s exactly what its name says – Along River Ridge Bed and Breakfast is an accommodation that’s right next to a river.
This spot is perfect for those who like nature scenes more than cityscapes and tranquil getaways more than exciting adventures.
They have 5 different types of rooms all of which have access to an outdoor BBQ area and fireside lounge area. We suggest booking the lower level rooms for the fantastic river view dining bar!
Where to Eat in Northwest Calgary
Church’s Texas Chicken
Address: 125 Sage Vly Cmn NW, Calgary, AB T3R 1T8, Canada
Phone: +1 587-350-2456
Pricing: $
Website
Church’s Texas Chicken is an American fast food chain that serves, dare we say, one of the best fried chicken in Northwest Calgary.
It’s juicy, crispy, and fresh – basically everything you would want with your fried chicken. While their chicken is obviously what we most recommend, their Mexicana wrap is also to die for.
The Bro’Kin Yolk
Address: 12580 Symons Valley Rd NW #130, Calgary, AB T3P 0A3, Canada
Phone: +1 587-317-5743
Pricing: $$
Website
If you’re looking for one of the best breakfast, lunch, or brunch places in Northwest Calgary, The Bro’Kin Yolk might just be the one to answer all your gastronomic prayers.
While they have numerous items on their menu, the chicken & waffles is what we mostly order. Call us old-fashioned but it’s not a breakfast classic for nothing!
Lazy Loaf & Kettle
Address: 8 Parkdale Crescent NW, Calgary, AB T2N 3T8, Canada
Phone: +1 403-270-7810
Pricing: $$
Website
Lazy Loaf & Kettle is a cozy restaurant that serves delicious baked delights and home cooked meals from recipes passed down from generation to generation.
Their eggs benedict and rocky mountain pancakes are arguably the best from their whole menu. Feel free to try the other food choices because they truly know what they’re doing back in the kitchen!
Additionally, they have seasonal drinks you should check out. Ask one of their friendly servers to see what they have available.
Tuk Tuk Thai
Address: 151 Crowfoot Terrace NW #59, Calgary, AB T3G 4J8, Canada
Phone: +1 403-455-4026
Pricing: $
Website
Tuk Tuk Thai offers authentic homemade Thai cuisine, which is a must-try if you’re a curious and adventurous foodie.
While they don’t have an overwhelming number of items on their menu, they have enough to satisfy your hunger for good, quality food. Try their beef masman curry to see what we mean.
Kanika’s Kitchen
Address: 735 Ranchlands Blvd NW #19, Calgary, AB T3G 3A9, Canada
Phone: +1 403-241-9299
Pricing: $$
Website
Kanika’s Kitchen offers delicious East Indian cuisine that you’d want to rave about to your friends as soon as you leave the restaurant.
We say this based on experience because we just came back from having dinner here for 3 nights in a row! What we enjoyed the most was the chicken biryani, veg samosa, and the chicken bhuna.
Cosmic Pizza & Donair
Address: 150 Nolan Ridge Ct NW UNIT 145, Calgary, AB T3R 1W7, Canada
Phone: +1 403-571-8221
Pricing: $
Website
Cosmic Pizza & Donair is a pizza chain in Alberta. Their pizzas are crafted excellently which is why every bite is top-notch.
They have all the classic pizza flavours like all meat, hawaiian, three cheese, and more. Of course, they also have donair and shawarma for those who want an eclectic mix of flavour and spices.
Urban St. Donair
Address: 4105 4 St NW, Calgary, AB T2K 1A3, Canada
Phone: +1 403-452-8540
Pricing: $$
Website
Urban St. Donair is the kind of place that will wow you on your first visit. The must-trys here are the baclava, donair spring rolls, and donair poutine.
Their delicious plates are served with a generous amount of portions and perfectly seasoned meats, so you’re sure to leave feeling full and satisfied.
Sahara’s Pizza
Address: 1107 48 Ave NW, Calgary, AB T2K 0J6, Canada
Phone: +1 403-289-2064
Pricing: $$
Website
Sahara’s Pizza has been around since the late 90s so Calgarians know and love this spot. This is the pizza place we love ordering from on a chill Friday night spent at home curling up in front of the tv.
Their specialties pizzas are what really put them on the map. The spinach feta cheese vegetarian and double sauce special are highly recommended by a lot of people from our staff.
Aside from their fantastic pizzas, they also serve baked lasagna (also extremely delicious), wings, salads, and more.
Cafe 100% YYC
Address: 30 Country Hills Landing NW #110, Calgary, AB T3K 5P4, Canada
Phone: +1 403-460-3728
Pricing: $$
Website
Cafe 100% is a trendy Hong Kong-style cafe that merges Asian and Western cuisine to make unique dishes. Their contemporary lounge-style store takes the unique Hong Kong-style dining all the way to Canada.
Their most popular dishes are smoked salmon pasta, Taiwanese popcorn chicken, and oyster rice pizza.
Where to Get Coffee in Northwest Calgary
Angel’s Cafe
Address: 4105 Montgomery View NW, Calgary, AB T3B 3E8, Canada
Phone: +1 403-452-0164
Pricing: $
Website
Located near the Bow River, Angel’s Cafe is a sanctuary for anyone looking to retreat somewhere calm with a nice cup of coffee. Aside from the beautiful view, peaceful ambiance and delicious coffee, people also go here for the delectable meals.
This includes pancakes & bacon, breakfast poutine, and beloved B.L.T. They also have vegan-friendly options like the delectable veggie burger. Furthermore, you can also ask them for their gluten-free choices.
Euphoria Cafe
Address: 8 Varsity Estates Cir NW #110, Calgary, AB T3A 2Z3, Canada
Phone: +1 403-313-0503
Pricing: $$
Website
Euphoria Cafe is a trendy spot where lots of cool locals seem to gather.
They have numerous drink options with both traditional and specialty flavours you’ll feel inclined to try. This includes bulletproof coffee (espresso, organic butter, and brain octane oil) and grizzly chai latte (50% less sweet organic chai, 50% more spice, and steamed milk).
While it’s not the most quiet spot where you can enjoy your drink, it doesn’t get too rowdy so you’ll still be able to have some peaceful time.
Weeds Cafe
Address: 1903 20 Ave NW, Calgary, AB T2M 1H7, Canada
Phone: +1 403-282-7940
Pricing: $
Website
Weeds Cafe is a cool spot for anyone looking for good coffee in Northwest Calgary. They have a welcoming atmosphere with their friendly staff and cozy leather seats.
Our favorite drinks to order whenever we’re here are the latte and surprisingly, the hot chocolate. Oh, and while patrons love them for their ambiance and coffee, their delicious food is also worth a shot.
They serve all-day breakfast plates as well as sandwiches, salads, and wraps. Additionally, you can also ask for mimosas, champagne, beer, and wine no matter what time of day it is!
Nove Nine Locals Diner & Coffee
Address: 3303 3 Ave NW, Calgary, AB T2N 0M1, Canada
Phone: +1 403-283-2394
Pricing: $$
Website
Nove Nine Locals Diner & Coffee is the perfect spot to start your full day filled with exciting adventures. They have delicious coffee and tea options to jumpstart your day in the laid back atmosphere patrons love them for.
Aside from drinks, they also serve utterly delicious dishes you can choose from their all-day breakfast, sandwiches, and curry bowls options.
Make sure to also check out their afternoon tea from 10 AM to 4 PM on Fridays to Saturdays to enjoy their lovely treats!
Where to Drink in Northwest Calgary
Moose’s Beanery & Bar Room
Address: 779 Northmount Dr NW, Calgary, AB T2L 0A1, Canada
Phone: +1 403-300-6670
Pricing: $
Website
Moose’s is one of the most fun spots you can visit here. While sipping on a drink from their variety of specials available, you can even play pool or watch a sports game.
We highly recommend getting a highball! They also have tons of food options that work great with alcoholic drinks like double cheese & bacon burger, tacos, nachos, and a lot more.
Brickwell Taphouse
Address: 6219 Centre St NW #11, Calgary, AB T2K 0V2, Canada
Phone: +1 587-353-9355
Pricing: $$
Website
Brickwell Taphouse provides a huge space where people can do various fun activities like playing pool, trying your luck at the VLT machine, listening to live music, or watching a hockey game on TV.
They have a few beers on tap, all of which are rather decent and worth the try. You shouldn’t miss out on their food too!
Bowness Pub
Address: 7930 Bowness Rd NW, Calgary, AB T3B 0H3, Canada
Phone: +1 403-288-8207
Pricing: $$
Website
The Bowness Pub dubbed themselves as the friendliest neighbourhood pub in Calgary. And you know, what? They might just be right about that.
Everyone here was all faces during our visit and not just the servers. The loyal patrons were quite friendly as well.
It’s easy to strike an engaging conversation here with a stranger over a nice cold beer and some wings.
4th Spot Kitchen & Bar
Address: 2620 4 St NW, Calgary, AB T2M 3A3, Canada
Phone: +1 403-984-3474
Pricing: $$
Website
4th Spot Kitchen & Bar is a lot of locals’ go-to for bigger gatherings.
Their menu comprises a lot of delectable comfort dishes made out of high-quality ingredients. Moreover, there are tons of different options varying from pizzas, burgers, tacos, and more.
Their alcoholic drink options are just as extensive. They have wines, cocktails, draught beers, and more!
Whether you’re here for a family reunion on a weekend or you’re hanging out with your old pals from school, you’d definitely have fun here.
Rising Tides Taproom
Address: 4545 Bowness Rd NW, Calgary, AB T3B 0A9, Canada
Pricing: $$
Website
Rising Tides Taproom is the perfect little pub if you’re looking to do some day drinking with your pals because of the bright and airy atmosphere.
However, they also like labelling themselves as more than just a taproom. They’re also a safe space where people of different backgrounds can connect.
They also aim to promote businesses led by BIPOC, LGBTQ2S+, and women throughout the country.
Their guests will have the opportunity to try locally crafted drinks, while munching on their delicious snacks like various baked goods, sandwiches, and cheese buns.
What to Do in Northwest Calgary
Bring back your child-like wonder at Nose Hill Park
Address: 6465 14 St NW, Calgary, AB T3K 2P6, Canada
Phone: +1 403-268-2489
Website
Located in the captivating northwest corner of Calgary is the remarkable Nose Hill Park that’s popular among locals. The land it sits on spreads across more than 11 square kilometres, so there’s plenty of space to do fun recreational activities.
Embark on a hike up this hill, appreciate the wildlife and plantlife, and make a day out of it!
Here’s a fun fact – it got its peculiar name because of the hill’s uncanny resemblance to a human’s nose. With just a pinch of child-like imagination, you’ll see what we mean.
Enjoy the wide open space at Baker Park
Address: Calgary, AB T3L 1S5, Canada
Phone: +1 403-268-2489
Website
Baker Park is located near Bow River and its gorgeous location made it popular for beautiful outdoor weddings. If that doesn’t tell you how beautiful it is, we don’t know what will!
Additionally, there are also picnic areas in the park as well as disc-golf courses, washrooms, promenades, and more.
Go paddle boating in Bowness Park
Address: 8900 48 Ave NW, Calgary, AB T3B 2B2, Canada
Phone: +1 403-268-2489
Website
Bowness Park is considered one of the most popular parks in the city and with good reason! There are a lot of activities one can enjoy here. However, the top highlight in this park is the lagoon where visitors can participate in paddle boating (in summer) or ice skating (in winter).
Aside from the lagoon, the park offers other exciting amenities like boat rentals, tea house, playground, picnic sites, wading pool, and children’s train ride.
Plus if you want a gorgeous view of the Bow River, you’ll find the perfect spot here.
Take beautiful photos at Botanical Gardens of Silver Springs
Address: 37 Silver Springs Dr NW, Calgary, AB T3B 4N3, Canada
Website
The Botanical Gardens of Silver Springs is a delightful Calgary gem with numerous spectacular gardens to explore.
It’s known to be a popular spot among locals where one can enjoy its natural marvels, feel the warmth of the sun, and partake in an engaging game of sports.
Where to Shop in Northwest Calgary
CF Market Mall
Address: 3625 Shaganappi Trail NW, Calgary, AB T3A 0E2, Canada
Phone: +1 403-288-5466
Website
The CF Market Mall is one of the largest shopping destinations in the city with 907,207 square feet of space to explore.
There are numerous shopping and dining opportunities here, so you can easily make a day of exploring this large-scale shopping centre.
Latino Food Market
Address: 101-4803 Centre St NW, Calgary, AB T2E 2Z6, Canada
Phone: +1 587-885-2342
Website
The Latino Food Market in Calgary offers a wide range of products and flavors from various Latin American countries. They have a variety of products, including hard-to-find ingredients.
Aside from offering authentic Latino food products, they also sell ready-made meals you can purchase to-go and provide money transfer services.
Italian Street Market
Address: 750 Nolan Hill Blvd NW #180, Calgary, AB T3R 1Y1, Canada
Phone: +1 403-516-1111
Website
At the Italian Street Market in Northwest Calgary, they make the dynamic taste of Italian cuisine available to all Calgarians.
They sell a variety of items ranging from freshly made pasta to delicious gelatos, as well as raw ingredients to entice customers to recreate their favorite Italian meals in their own kitchen.
