Victoria Park Neighbourhood Guide

Victoria Park is one of Calgary’s most storied inner-city neighbourhoods, blending historic roots with a quickly evolving culture and entertainment scene.

Located just south of the downtown core, the area is best known as the home of the Calgary Stampede grounds and the Scotiabank Saddledome. Beyond major event venues, Victoria Park also offers a great mix of top-rated restaurants, inner-city parks, and hidden gem attractions.

Here are the best places to eat and things to do in Vic Park.

Victoria Park packs a lot into a small area with most of the neighbourhood's restaurants line both sides of 1st St SW. In recent years, quirky cafés have also popped up throughout the neighbourhood adding to the community vibe. And don’t miss a visit to the original location of Calgary’s beloved Village Ice Cream.

Lunch and dinner

• Amihan Grill and Bakeshop - Modern-casual Filipino dining with street-food favourites, grilled plates and comfort dishes. The bakeshop makes it easy to finish with something sweet.

• Birria Cantina & Grill - Mexico-inspired food and drinks with bold flavours and a fun, nightlife-leaning vibe.

• Calcutta Cricket Club - Indian cuisine with a modern edge, built around share plates, curries, and bold spices. Lively atmosphere that works well for groups and nights out.

• Cardinale - Italian dining with house-made pasta and a strong cocktail and wine list. Polished but approachable. Date-night energy without the fuss.

• Embarcadero Wine & Oyster Bar - A go-to for oysters and seafood with a wine-forward feel. The menu goes beyond the raw bar, making it an easy choice for a full dinner.

• Kondattam Indian Kitchen & Bar - A wide-ranging Indian menu, from tandoor favourites to South Indian-style dishes. Good option for spice, variety, and a sit-and-stay-awhile meal.

• Letty - A casual-but-elegant neighbourhood spot known for pizza and shareable plates with seasonal touches.

• Micheal’s Restaurant & Pizza - A Calgary classic with an old-school, family-run feel and a menu built around pizza. Great stop before a big Flames game.

• Pat & Betty - A cozy dinette-style restaurant and bar with European-inspired flavours and a warm, neighbourhood feel.

• Ten Foot Henry - Vegetable-forward, share-plate dining that still satisfies everyone at the table. Great for groups who want to order a bunch of dishes and try a bit of everything.

• Yellow Door Bistro - A playful bistro known for brunch and a menu that puts a fresh spin on comfort classics.

Bars and nightlife

• Proof Cocktail Bar - Award-winning cocktail bar with one of the deepest back bars in the city, serving spirit-forward drinks and thoughtful small plates in a low-lit, date-night-ready room.

• Shelter Cocktail Bar - Shelter’s underground design creates a close, cocooned space for conversation, paired with classic cocktails, rotating features, and a deep spirits list.

• Sound Room - After the devastating fire of the Ol’ Beautiful brewery in 2024 (a staple in the Calgary brewery scene) the local brand opened Sound Room. This intimate and chill space is located beneath Calcutta Cricket Club and is perfect for low-key drinks.

• Tropical Downtown - Latin-inspired food and cocktails by day, a lively night club by night. A good pick when you want dinner that can easily turn into a full evening out.

Cafés and casual bites

• ZCREW Café - Well-loved café with specialty coffee and handcrafted bowls, perfect for breakfast or brunch.

• Semantics Café - A community and art focused coffee shop with a bright and open seating area.

• Velet Bike Ski Café - A fun 90’s throwback café where you can get your bike, skis, or snowboard tuned up while sipping on a Turkish coffee.

• Otie Bakehouse - Seriously impressive desserts and drinks in a bright space.

• Paradigm Spark - Unique coffee experiences, curated and crafted by expert baristas.

• Joe's On 12th - Located in the Kahanoff Center, Joe’s is known for great breakfast sandwiches to go.

• Rosso Coffee Roasters - Craft coffee and baked goods in a casual setting, ideal for a quick caffeine stop.

This foodie hangout deserves its own callout. First Street Market is an elevated food hall where you can mix and match some of the best Calgary-made eats all under one roof. Grab a burger, a slice of pizza, or authentic Indian street food and pair it with a local pint at the bar.

• Actually Pretty Good - New York-style pizza energy with playful toppings and a crispy-chewy crust that’s made for sharing.

• Alforno - The go-to for bakery comfort and Italian-leaning café staples, from fresh baking to easy lunch plates.

• Friends with Benedicts - Breakfast all day vibes, built around breakfast sandwiches and bennies in a fast, handheld format.

• Hi-5 Burger, Shakes & Chicken - Crispy fried chicken done as sandwiches and tenders, with a heat level that can swing from mild to “clear your schedule.”

• La Mano - Fresh pasta in a hurry, with rich sauces and that made-to-order feel that’s hard to beat in a food hall.

• K-Town Fried Chicken - Korean fried chicken with crunch, glaze, and serious chimaek energy, especially when you pair it with a cold beer.

• Pure Vietnamese Street - Vietnamese street food with a tight, dialled-in menu built for maximum flavour, combining bold, rich bases with bright herbs, fresh crunch and a chef-driven approach from Lam Pham.

• Raw by Robyn - Bright, plant-forward bowls and treats that feel equal parts healthy and indulgent, with a health forward vibe that still satisfies a sweet tooth.

• Saffron Street - A quick, craveable Indian counter for masala dosas, kati rolls and big spices, made even more memorable by a Guy Fieri visit .

• Mestizo Taqueria - Authentic Mexican street food built around fresh corn-tortilla tacos and cult-favourite birria, with plenty of classic fillings (pastor, carnitas, cochinita pibil) when you want to keep it traditional.

Every July, summer in Victoria Park kicks off with the Calgary Stampede. For 10 days, the neighbourhood transforms into the centre of rodeo, concerts, midway rides and late-night celebrations. Here’s where to catch a concert, take in the rodeo, and experience all the signature events.

• The Scotiabank Saddledome - Home of the Calgary Flames, the iconic Saddledome has been Calgary’s premier sports and entertainment venue since 1983, hosting NHL games, major concerts, and large-scale live events year-round.

• BMO Centre - New and improved, the BMO Centre is a 1 million sq ft venue that hosts international conventions, trade shows, concerts, and large public events.

• Big Four Building - A Stampede Park staple best known for concerts, festivals, and large indoor events, especially during Calgary Stampede and major touring shows.

• GMC Stadium - Home of the Calgary Stampede’s Rangeland Derby Chuckwagon Races and World's Largest Outdoor Rodeo, GMC Stadium is where the Stampede’s signature competitions unfold daily during the 10-day festival.

• Nutrien Western Event Centre - A versatile arena that hosts agricultural events, rodeo competitions, exhibitions, and community programming throughout the year.

• Cowboys Casino and Night Club - A legendary nightlife destination that offers table games, live music, DJs, and one of Calgary’s busiest party scenes, especially during Stampede season.

• SAM Centre - The history, culture, and impact of the Calgary Stampede is on display through immersive exhibits and multimedia experiences. Make sure to grab coffee or lunch at Maisie Eatery located inside the building.

Victoria Park is one of Calgary’s main entertainment hubs active throughout the year with exhibitions, festivals, and large-scale events. Casinos, music venues, and nightlife spots add to the area’s after-dark energy.

• Yuk Yuk’s - A classic stand-up comedy club featuring touring comedians and local talent, offering an easy night out with drinks and guaranteed laughs.

• Elbow River Casino - A downtown casino with table games, slots, live entertainment, and dining options, making it a popular stop before or after nearby events.

• Calgary Selfie Museum - An interactive, pop-art-style museum filled with themed photo rooms and playful installations designed for creative photos and social content.

• PinPointe Social - One of Victoria Park’s newest establishments, PinPointe Social combines great food, drinks, and next-gen darts gamification. Plus, it doubles as a night club on weekends.

• Night Light Festival - Every September, this annual multi-night festival transforms Victoria Park into an open-air gallery of illuminated art, interactive installations, and evening entertainment.

Victoria Park hosts a variety of independent boutiques, lifestyle shops, and specialty grocery stores, all within walking distance.

• Alberta Boot Company - Calgary-made and proudly western, Alberta Boot is where you go for handcrafted boots that feel built for life on the prairies, even if you’re wearing them in the city. The Victoria Park flagship adds a showroom feel, with a view of the workshop in the back.

• The Sunday Shop - A tropical plant shop that doubles as a small, feel-good lifestyle stop for candles, home details, and locally made goods.

• O’Connors - A long-standing local men's clothier that blends luxury brands with personal service and styling.

• Sunterra Market, Keynote - Part gourmet grocery, part lunch stop, Sunterra is the kind of place you pop into for great bakery items, ready-to-go meals, and an upgraded pantry haul.

• H Mart Calgary Downtown - A destination grocery for Korean and wider Asian staples, with aisles that make it easy to stock up on snacks, instant noodles, sauces, and fresh produce.

Here are some great places to walk your fury friend, get some exercise, or even hang out while charging your electric vehicle.

• Pixel Park - EV charging, pickle ball courts, and fenced dog park.

• East Victoria Park - Picnic tables and an extension of Pixel Park.

• Rundle Ruins - Historical site, great for photos.

• BLVD Bark - Fenced dog park.

• Humpy Hollow Offleash Dog Park - Fenced dog park.

Victoria Park makes an easy home base. With lots to do wrapped up within walking distance, these hotels allow you to spend less time commuting and more time exploring.

• Hotel Arts - Polished, design-forward hotel famous for its atrium outdoor pool (open year-round), upscale on-site dining, and central location between Victoria Park and 17th Avenue. Easy choice if you want walkability to major venues with a more elevated stay.

• The Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites - Modern, dependable hotel within walking distance of Stampede Park, the Saddledome, and the BMO Centre. Complimentary breakfast and efficient rooms make it a practical base for any style trip.