Chinatown Neighbourhood Guide

Filled with local experiences, Calgary's Chinatown  is a central hub of Asian culture, food, and entertainment. Its neighbourhood corridors and alleyways are packed with hidden gem restaurants and shops, with stunning views of the Centre Street Bridge and the Bow River.

Numerous bike lanes and walking trails that run through the downtown core provide access to Chinatown. For those travelling by car, street parking is available along 3rd and 2nd Avenue and in Lot 888 off Riverfront Avenue – a perfect starting point for exploring the area.

Calgary’s Chinatown is not only home to amazing Chinese cuisine, but it also features delicious Vietnamese, Korean, Japanese, and Thai options. Asian comfort food like subs, noodles, sushi, and hot pot are all on offer in Chinatown. Here are some of the best to visit:

• Silver Dragon – Perhaps the most iconic restaurant in Chinatown, Silver Dragon, has been serving authentic Cantonese and Sichuan cuisine since 1966. Decorated in a contemporary, Pan-Asian style with colours that create a warm ambience, this family-owned restaurant is best known for its ginger beef and dim sum trolley, with vegetarian and tofu options available.

• Bánh Mì Thi-Thi – There are many hidden gems in the area, but few that Calgarians will line up for no matter what the weather is like outside. Bánh Mì Thi-Thi offers delicious Vietnamese subs to go at very reasonable prices.

• Francine’s – After years of charming Calgarians as a pop-up, Francine’s has opened its first permanent location in Chinatown. This enchanting petit French bar brings classic Paris-style flavours and old-world charm to the heart of the city.

• U & Me – Known for classic Chinese noodle dishes like the Golden Mushroom and Pork Fried Yee Mei keep locals coming back time and time again.

• Point Sushi – Have your sushi and gyozas delivered via bullet train at this one-of-a-kind dining experience in Calgary.

• Paper Lantern – Tucked away in a side-street basement sits Paper Lantern, a unique speakeasy experience that offers a tropical and Vietnamese escape. The cocktail menu is fun and eclectic with creations like the ‘Pandan Pain Killer’ and ‘Saigon Sling’.

• Prosperity Bar – Set in the former legendary Golden Inn restaurant location, Prosperity Bar offers a wide range of tropical cocktails like the fun 'Golden Girl,' and the classic 'Mai Tai.' Plus beer, wine, and mocktail options, as well as a delicious snack menu.

• Sweet Tooth – Ever wonder if ice cream tastes better rolled? Find out at Sweet Tooth, where staff chop and scrape creamy ice cream into Thai-inspired rolled works of art.

• Royal Tea House – This popular bubble tea spot is in the heart of Chinatown and offers a wide selection of well-balanced, and well-priced boba options that are sure to quench your thirst.

Wandering around Chinatown is the best way to explore the neighbourhood, but there are a few stops to help direct your path.

• Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre – Known as the community hub for Chinatown the Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre offers programming and events to guests as well as a free museum that features rare replicas of Chinese artefacts and a permanent exhibition exploring the history of Chinese people in Calgary and Canada. Plus, the building itself is a cultural monument, with a main hall that boasts a 70-foot ceiling modelled after the Temple of Heaven in Beijing.

• TD Calgary Chinatown Street Festival – Every August, the TD Calgary Chinatown Street Festival brings people together from all walks of life to celebrate Chinese culture with performances, food stalls, and local vendors. It is the perfect way for your family to soak up a sun-filled summer day in Calgary.

• Chinese New Year Festival – A sensational celebration of Calgary's rich cultural tapestry. The Chinese New Year Festival is two weekends of multicultural performances, a vibrant vendor market, dragon and lion dances, art exhibitions, and more—all with free admission.&

• Sien Lok Park – Located on the southside of the Bow River Pathway, this park is a tranquil retreat from the energy of downtown. While relaxing at the park, make sure to check out ‘In Search of Gold Mountain’, a sculpture crafted from 15 tonnes of granite that honours Chinese history in Canada.

• Mural Alley – One of the most unexpected spots in Chinatown has become known locally as Mural Alley, or Graffiti Alley. Located on the backside of the Canton Block , the alleyway combines commissioned murals with street art to make for a mesmerizing passageway through Chinese culture.