Mission neighbourhood guide

Calgary’s Mission neighbourhood, originally a Francophone village called Rouleauville, is a bustling inner-city community. Its historic buildings, parks, and cafes are full of European flair. Mission is best explored on foot, but plenty of parking is available along 4th St. Three bus routes (3, 6, and 17) run through Mission, providing easy access from downtown.

Best restaurants in Mission

Since celebrity-chef Darren MacLean opened Shokunin in 2015, it has consistently made Canada’s Top 100 Restaurants . The 50-seat restaurant, modelled after a Japanese izakaya, is an intimate experience located right off lively 4th St. The charred yakitori and delectable small plates demand to be shared among friends with a bottle of sake.

Top restaurants for dinner

Dinner options in Mission span the globe.

• Anejo offers up contemporary Central Mexican cuisine in a bright sky-lit space. Fans of tequila will rejoice with over 200 options to choose from.

• If you are looking for a classic French dining experience, look no further than Fleur de Sel Brasserie . The family-run institution is well-known for their galettes and pâté.

• Aida, of Aida’s Bistro , has been perfecting her authentic Mediterranean dishes since coming to Canada from Lebanon in 1974. For over 20 years, locals and visitors alike have flocked to Aida’s Bistro for a taste of Lebanon.

• Ever since opening in 2023, Class Clown Hamburgers has been the talk of the town. It's smash burgers and crinkle fries are simple but unbelievably delicious. The 70s vibe of the interior adds to the charm.

Top bars and pubs

While nearby 17th Ave. is famous for its nightlife, Mission has its own impressive collection of pubs and bars.

• South Block BBQ is part brewery and part food hall, with live music every Friday and Saturday.

• With 72 beers on tap and a moody vibe, Joyce on 4th gives Mission a quintessential Irish pub.

• For a well-curated wine list, Vin Room is the place to check out. Guests are encouraged to explore the list of 80 diverse wines through sampling before choosing the perfect bottle.

Top bakeries

Two French bakeries are not to be missed in any visit to Mission.

• Yann Haute Patisserie sits in a quaint yellow house from the early 1900s. Most people frequent the patisserie for their hand-crafted macarons with flavours like blackcurrant/violet, salted caramel, and lychee.

• La Boulangerie Bakery Café is a fantastic choice for brunch with decadent options like the Dulce de Leche Crepe, or the Apricot Marzipan Croissant.

Best shops in Mission

One of the best parts about visiting Mission is exploring its collection of boutique shops and markets.

• Upscale lifestyle shop, Fieldstudy , has embraced the idea of buying fewer, better-quality goods. This comes through in their curated collection of clothes, homes goods, and accessories from North American artisans.

• Zero-waste boutique, Without Co. , is a well-equipped refillery and has an extensive collection of natural beauty and self-care products.

• For fresh bread, produce, and specialty meats Mercato Market is well worth a visit. Mercato has been serving visitors quality Italian ingredients for over 45 years at their market and restaurant.

• Those interested in specialty cheeses will be in paradise at Peasant Cheese Shop . Their extensive cheese list has been tinkered with for over 30 years providing the most delicious options, from brie to goat to bleu.

Even before Calgary was incorporated as a city, missionaries of the Catholic Church acquired the territory of Rouleauville. While the area was later added to Calgary, the cultural impact of this Francophone district can still be felt in the architecture of the Mission neighbourhood.

Historical walking tour

A free walking tour from Tourisme Alberta guides you through 14 points of interest in the former Francophone district, with audio clips that provide historical context. Start your walk at Rouleauville Square, once the heart of the Rouleauville village. The square provides fantastic views of the striking brick façade of St. Mary’s Cathedral, formerly known as Notre-Dame-de-la-Paix. The rest of the historical journey takes you along the pretty Elbow River pathway, through peaceful Lindsay Park, and up humming 4th St.