Located in the beautiful province of Alberta, Southwest Calgary is considered a residential district that offers a multitude of things to discover.
Whether you’re a local or a tourist, traversing this dreamy destination can be an extremely rewarding experience. Of course, what better way to know how to make your way through the ins and outs of this city other than with this trusty guide?
With that in mind, add this to your bookmarks and let’s make your itinerary even more exciting together!
Table of Contents
How to Get Around
Taxis: Taxis are an easy way to get around Calgary, especially if you want to avoid the crowds you’d usually get at public transits. To get a taxi in Calgary, you can find one at taxi ranks, phone a dispatch company (403-777-1111), or flag one down if you see one on the street.
Bus: Calgary has about 160 bus routes that make commuting much easier. On the bus stops, there’s usually a sign that tells you about the specific route number, so that it can be easier to track where you are or where the bus is going. Inside the bus, you can pay using the monthly pass card, the MyFare app, or via cash.
By the way, you can check out this website for the bus route schedules. It shows real time bus schedules to help you plan accordingly.
The C-train: It’s easy to get around Calgary via train and pretty cheap too. With just CA$3.50, you can hop on the train for a single ride. The moovit app can help you figure out where to alight and what time the train will be arriving, so be sure to check it out if you want added convenience to your trip.
Cycle: Calgary is one of the most bike-friendly cities in North America. It’s cheap and it keeps you active. You don’t have to bring one if you’re coming here since there are a lot of places to rent one in the city.
Where to Stay in Southwest Calgary
The Inn on Officers Garden
Address: 150 Dieppe Drive SW, Calgary, AB T3E 7L4, Canada
Phone: +1 587-885-1995
Pricing: $$
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What a lot of people like about staying at The Inn on Officers Garden is it’s in close proximity to several museums (Glenbow Museum, etc.) and a park.
Moreover, the 3 different kinds of rooms available are all lovely and homey, which is perfect if you’re on vacation for a few days.
While you’re here, you should take a look around their garden and take pictures with their stunning gazebo. This is a specially perfect place to relax during sunny days.
Grey Eagle Resort and Casino
Address: 3777 Grey Eagle Dr, Calgary, AB T3E 3X8, Canada
Phone: +1 403-385-3777
Pricing: $$
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Grey Eagle Resort and Casino offers an exciting stay at their 4-star hotel filled with impressive amenities like an indoor pool, hot tub, gym, and more.
Of course, there’s a casino just below and an event space where thrilling live music performances take place.
Sandman Hotel & Suites Calgary West
Address: 125 Bowridge Dr NW, Calgary, AB T3B 3R6, Canada
Phone: +1 403-288-6033
Pricing: $
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If you want fun activities just waiting outside your door, you’d enjoy staying at the Sandman Hotel & Suites. From here, you can easily make your way to the Canadian Rocky Mountains where you can go mountain biking, skiing, hiking, and other fun outdoor activities.
If you suddenly have a late night craving, Denny’s 24 hour restaurant is there to serve you anytime. There’s also the Bar One Urban Lounge if you want a nightcap.
Furthermore, they also have tons of amenities to make your stay more convenient – like the gym and pools.
Where to Eat in Southwest Calgary
Crispy Crust Pizzeria
Address: Crispy Crust Pizzeria, 464 B Woodbine Blvd SW, Calgary, AB T2W 5H7, Canada
Phone: +1 403-251-3329
Pricing $
Website
Crispy Crust Pizzeria offers numerous classic pizza options like cheese, pepperoni, and hawaiian. They say that they have the cheesiest pizza in all of Calgary and after everyone in our team tried a piece, we found it true to their claim.
That said, their specialty pizzas are really what will entice you and make you want to order over and over again.
This includes bacon cheeseburger, Greek, and Mediterranean. Each of their flavors can be served in 10”, 12”, or 14”.
Aside from pizza, they also have wings in different flavors, salads, and drinks. You can even make your own pizza flavor!
Yum Yum BBQ Chicken
Address: 10233 Elbow Dr SW, Calgary, AB T2W 1E8, Canad
Phone: +1 403-457-5577
Pricing: $
Website
Of course, the worldwide craze over Korean chicken has also reached Southwest Calgary. If you’ve been meaning to try a piece, you should head over to Yum Yum BBQ Chicken.
While you can obviously never go wrong with their chicken, their BBQ beef and poutine are what we highly recommend.
Kinjo Sushi & Grill Millrise
Address: 150 Millrise Blvd SW, Calgary, AB T2Y 5G7, Canada
Phone: +1 403-452-6888
Pricing: $$
Website
Southwest Calgary is also home to one of the best sushi places in Alberta, Kinjo Sushi & Grill Millrise. They have various sushi and sashimi options on their menu like salmon, tuna, mackerel, toro sashimi, and more.
Aside from sushi, they also offer other popular Japanese dishes like teriyaki, tempura, ramen, and rolls.
Guru India
Address: 15 Millrise Blvd SW #30, Calgary, AB T2Y 1X7, Canada
Phone: +1 403-256-3368
Pricing: $$
Website
Guru India is a restaurant run by two Indian chefs both of which have years of notable experience working in exceptional Indian restaurants.
They have various things in their menu, but their Afghani tandoori chicken is the ultimate showstopper.
OM Cuisine of India
Address: 13 Southland Crescent SW #119, Calgary, AB T2W 0K3, Canada
Phone: +1 403-984-2896
Pricing: $
Website
What’s better than one Indian restaurant? You got that right – two Indian restaurants. Fortunately, Southwest Calgary is home to two excellent restaurants that serve authentic hearty Indian cuisine that a lot of locals can’t get enough of.
One of them being OM Cuisine of India. They have a copious amount of choices on their menu, but we always love recommending their Indian street food options.
You can order a samosa chaat, chicken samosa, or even an aloo tikki chaat and you’ll never find yourself disappointed.
A Ladybug Bakery & Cafe
Address: 2132-10 Aspen Stone Blvd SW, Calgary, AB T3G 0K3, Canada
Phone: +1 403-249-5530
Pricing: $$
Website
A Ladybug Bakery & Cafe’s menu is heavily influenced by European cafes where you can grab yourself some breakfast or brunch or opt to have a light meal of pastries and coffee.
The ambiance they offer is perfect for days when you want a peaceful day out with a steaming cup of coffee with a good book in your hand.
Empire Provisions
Address: 8409 Elbow Dr SW, Calgary, AB T2V 1K8, Canada
Phone: +1 403-244-0570
Pricing: $$
Website
Empire Provisions has delightful offerings of sandwiches in their cafe that are hormone-free and local.
While we urge you to try their delicious sandwiches like cubano and turkey, you shouldn’t miss the chance to shop in their store that sells wines, cheese, artisanal meats, espresso, and more.
Egg & Spoon
Address: 7729 Macleod Trail, Calgary, AB T2H 0M6, Canada
Phone: +1 403-300-3347
Pricing: $$
Website
Egg & Spoon is an excellent breakfast spot that would immediately become your go-to. They serve a lot of mouth-watering meals served in an exquisite plating that makes them look extra ravishing.
Their breakfast bowl and avocado & feta toast are definite must-try options. They also have wonderful choices for those who want gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, and other dietary restrictions.
Surprisingly, they also have an extensive alcohol menu. You know what they say, it’s always 5 o’clock somewhere!
Brekkie
Address: 20 Westpark Link SW #130, Calgary, AB T3H 0V5, Canada
Phone: +1 403-452-9005
Pricing: $$
Website
Located in the western part of town, Brekkie offers innovative breakfast options that promise complete satisfaction. This includes their Boston cream French toast, fried egg sammie, and fried chicken & waffles.
Each plate is made with locally-sourced products, so you’ll get to try Alberta’s best. And like the rest of the city, Brekkie puts emphasis on the importance of community, so they also offer a welcoming atmosphere that would make you feel like Calgary is your second home.
Where to Get Coffee in Southwest Calgary
Good Earth Coffeehouse
Address: 1502 11 St SW, Calgary, AB T2R 1G9, Canada
Phone: +1 403-228-9543
Pricing: $$
Website
Good Earth Coffeehouse attracts a lot of its patrons because of its relaxing atmosphere that will make you feel warm and toasty. Whether you’re working, relaxing, people watching, or meeting your date, this is a great location.
While they have numerous delicious drink options like cappuccino and chai latte, they also have pastries and sandwiches you should try.
Our Daily Brett Market & Cafe
Address: 1507 29 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2T 1M4, Canada
Phone: +1 403-457-0422
Pricing: $$
Website
While Our Daily Brett Market & Cafe doesn’t have a lot of coffee options, just one sip of any of their drinks will make you see that they don’t need any other gimmicks or specialties. You’ll surely come back for more of their vanilla latte and drip coffee.
Aside from their drinks, their sandwiches will also be the highlight of your visit. Try their breakfast sandwich to see what we mean.
Second Cup Café
Address: 1919 Southland Dr SW, Calgary, AB T2W 0K1, Canada
Phone: +14032557414
Pricing: $$
Website
Second Cup Café is considered the biggest local specialty coffee retailer. They’re very big on innovating their products and focusing on sustainable approaches to their business, which is also why we love supporting them.
They have numerous drink options to choose from, so there’s something new to try every time. However, we also look forward to ordering their caramel corretto and vanilla bean latte, which we find to be the best things to purchase.
If you’re more of a tea kind of person, they also have something for you like honey vanilla tea latte and brewed tea.
Where to Drink in Southwest Calgary
Kildares Ale House
Address: 19369 Sheriff King St SW #1202, Calgary, AB T2X 0T9, Canada
Phone: +1 403-719-0256
Pricing: $$
Website
Kildares Ale House offers diverse drink options which include beer, cocktails, ciders, wine, and spirits. It’s a great place to grab a few drinks with groups of 4 people or above looking for a more laid back, yet fun time.
Their food is scrumptious, with lots of options for sharing like pizza, nachos, and more. From time to time, they would host live music. If you’re interested, check their Instagram to stay updated.
Schanks Sports Grill
Address: 9627 Macleod Trail, Calgary, AB T2J 0P6, Canada
Phone: +1 403-253-7300
Pricing: $$
Website
There’s no better way to meet fellow sports fans in a new place than going to the local sports pub. If you find yourself in SW Calgary during hockey season, you can trust that Schanks Sports Grill will be brimming with friendly locals who are extremely passionate about the Calgary Flames.
In this pub, not only can you engage in an engaging conversation with someone, you can also enjoy the lively atmosphere with a nice, cold beer and a plate of chicken wings, perhaps?
Leopold’s Tavern
Address: 1201 1 St SW, Calgary, AB T2R 0V3, Canada
Phone: +1 855-522-5367
Pricing: $$
Website
Leopold’s Tavern dubbed themselves as your friendly neighborhood bar and rightly so. You won’t stick out like a sore thumb because of the welcoming ambiance.
Moreover, this local tavern will remind you of your go-to bar back home because of its cozy atmosphere and overall friendly crowd.
The Royal Exchange Bankview
Address: 2905 14 St SW, Calgary, AB T2T 3V5, Canada
Phone: +1 403-452-4792
Pricing: $$
Website
The Royal Exchange Bankview offers a lot of local drafts which is perfect for anyone looking to try Calgary’s very own. To pair with that, they also offer burgers, paninis, and other awesome delights.
We suggest going here on Wednesday for trivia night or Saturday for karaoke night. Additionally, if you have a dog, you can bring your fur baby here because they’re dog-friendly!
Schooner’s Neighborhood Pub
Address: 6416 Old Banff Coach Rd SW, Calgary, AB T3H 2H3, Canada
Phone: +1 403-240-2424
Pricing: $$
Website
If you want to experience a pub that offers the true Canadian experience, add Schooner’s Neighborhood Pub to your itinerary.
They have numerous game options that make boring nights next to impossible. This includes arcade games, pool tables, and more.
Come have a pint or two and you’ll be sure to leave with one of your memorable experiences during your time in Calgary.
Bitter Sisters Brewing Co.
Address: 510 Heritage Dr SW, Calgary, AB T2V 2W2, Canada
Phone: +1 403-287-8811
Pricing: $$
Website
The Bitter Sisters Brewing Co might as well be an oasis for craft beer enthusiasts. They’re also big on community just like the rest of Calgary, so this pub is typically filled with friendly faces who share the same love for craft beers.
If you want to hop on an exciting journey of indulging yourself in artistic brews, you’ve found your people. Explore new and exciting flavors in this cool part of town!
What to Do in Southwest Calgary
Watch a movie at Landmark Cinemas
Address: 16061 Macleod Trail SE Suite 100, Calgary, AB T2Y 3S5, Canada
Phone: +1 403-974-0472
Website
Catch the latest movies currently showing at the Landmark Cinemas. They have comfortable recliner seats that would make you feel like you’re watching a movie from your own bed.
Another interesting feature they have here is their alcohol service. Yes, you can drink while watching the latest film!
Moreover, they also have a marketplace where you can shop numerous food items like sweets, candy, and even healthy food options.
Learn about local history at Heritage Park Historical Village
Address: 1900 Heritage Dr SW, Calgary, AB T2V 2X3, Canada
Phone: +1 403-268-8500
Website
Heritage Park Historical Village is a historical park that gives its visitors a glimpse of the world of local history.
Have fun while learning about it along with the exciting activities they offer. You’ll get to see adorable animals at the agriculture area or enjoy Heritage Park at Carnivàle’s dazzling lights.
As of writing, there are about 180 exhibits that hold 55,000 interesting artifacts!
Enjoy the local scenery at Lawrey Gardens Park
Address: Bow River Pathway, Calgary, AB, Canada
Phone: +1 403-268-2489
Website
Calgary is popular for its green spaces, which is why this list wouldn’t be complete without something nature-related.
Lawrey Gardens Park isn’t well-known among visitors, which is why we consider it a hidden gem. Here, you’ll get to enjoy the tranquil atmosphere when you sit down in front of the lake.
You can also birdwatch, walk, cycle, and jog.
Check out the Military Museums
Address: 4520 Crowchild Trail SW, Calgary, AB T2T 5J4, Canada
Phone: +1 403-410-2340
Website
The Military Museums is a local institution that focuses on heritage, research, education, history, and art in relation to the Canadian Armed Forces.
Here, you’ll have the chance to witness interesting artifacts, an art gallery, and a library with fascinating stories.
Appreciate the beauty of nature at Marshall Springs – Fish Creek Provincial Park
Address: 2300 Fish Creek Blvd SW, Calgary, AB T2Y 0L1, Canada
Located in Fish Creek Provincial Park, Marshall Springs offers a number of recreational activities for visitors to partake in such as hiking, picnicking, dog walking, and cycling.
Take a break in the middle of your travels and experience the comfort nature brings.
