Your Guide to NW Calgary

Picture-perfect parks, welcoming communities, and great access to the mountains; that’s Northwest Calgary. Here are some of NW Calgary’s best things to see and do!

The inner-city community of Kensington is packed with exciting restaurants to try. But the rest of Northwest Calgary is starting to catch up. Local favourites are starting to pop up in new communities like the University District. And almost every established neighbourhood has its own beloved cafe or dinner hotspot.

Here are some of NW Calgary’s best:

Breakfast

• Red's Diner Kensington

• Monki Breakfast Club & Bistro Greenwich

• Lazy Loaf & Kettle

• OEB Breakfast Co.

• Cadence Coffee

• The Bro'Kin Yolk Creekside

Lunch & dinner

• Jimmy’s A&A

• Edelweiss Village

• Lil' Empire Burger - Capitol Hill

• NOtaBLE

• Salt & Pepper

• Hayden Block Smoke & Whiskey

• Satsuki

• Pulcinella

• 4th Spot Kitchen & Bar

• Nick's Steakhouse & Pizza

• Big T's BBQ & Smokehouse

• Blowers & Grafton Creekside

Being a short drive from the Rocky Mountains makes NW Calgary the perfect place to stay the night before heading out of the city for a mountain adventure. Here are some of the best places to stay in NW Calgary:

• Aloft Calgary University

• ALT Hotel Calgary University District

• Best Western Plus Village Park Inn

• Days Inn by Wyndham Calgary Northwest

• Four Points by Sheraton Hotel & Suites Calgary West

• Hampton Inn & Suites By Hilton University Northwest

• Holiday Inn Express Calgary University

• Hotel Arts Kensington

• Sandman Hotel & Suites Calgary West

The NW is home to farmers markets, shopping centres, and malls that can make your next shopping trip a full day experience!

• Calgary Farmers Market West

• University District

• CF Market Mall

• Northland Village Mall

• North Hill Shopping Center

A large portion of NW Calgary is occupied by Nose Hill Park, which offers great city and mountain views, in addition to an extensive trail network. Other parks like Bowness are tucked along the Bow River and make you feel like you've entered a forest paradise.

Here are some of the best parks & greenspaces located in NW Calgary:

• Nose Hill Park

• Bowness Park

• Baker Park

• Confederation Park

• North Capitol Hill Park

• Bowmont Park

• Dale Hodges Park

• McHugh Bluff

• Riley Park

• Shouldice Park

These NW Calgary attractions make for a fun and memorable day in the city.

• WinSport (Canada Olympic Park) - Gaining global fame during the 1988 Winter Olympics, WinSport is now a home-grown icon to visitors and locals alike. You can ski and tube in the winter and mountain bike in the summer.

• Calaway Park - As Western Canada's Largest Amusement Park, Calaway Park is one of the most exciting Calgary attractions! Experience this fun-filled, family-friendly amusement park that features 32+ rides plus treats, games, and hours of entertainment for all ages.

• Shane Homes YMCA at Rocky Ridge - An architectural sight to see, this 284,000 square foot recreational facility features a world-class fitness centre, triple gymnasium, waterpark, theatre, and library

• LaunchPad Golf: Mickelson National - With innovative technology, a lively atmosphere, and delicious food and drink options, LaunchPad offers an unforgettable golfing experience with friends or family, no matter your skill level.

• The Plaza Theatre - Calgary’s oldest independent movie theatre is still in operation; The Plaza Theatre is an iconic landmark that offers much more than a boutique movie going experience. Check out their themed cafe, old school food truck, and cozy cocktail bar (perfect for dates).

• Trapped Escape Room Calgary - At 7,600 square feet and six different rooms, Trapped is Calgary’s largest escape room facility.