Explore Downtown - Victoria Park
#ExploreDowntownYYC Victoria Park
Rich with history, Victoria Park is one of Calgary's oldest communities. It was named after Queen Victoria in 1889. It's easily accessed by foot, bike, and transit. Here you'll find independent retailers, service providers, and some of Calgary’s best food and beverage offerings. Read below for some of Victoria Park’s iconic locations!
Food and drinks
Victoria Park is home to many restaurants that are central to foodie culture in Calgary.
Breakfast
It all starts here. It is rumoured that people moved in across the street just to be close to the Belgian waffles and authentic cappuccinos crafted at Manuel Latruwe Belgian Patisserie & Bread Shop. Manuel Latruwe has served melt-in-your-mouth sweet and savoury goods for over 20 years. For vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and keto options check out ZCREW Cafe. Everthing is 100 per cent handcrafted with locally sourced, free-range ingredients. On the go? Joe’s in the Kahanoff Center has a seriously addictive breakfast sandwich.
Lunch
Victoria Park is home to not one, but two food halls! The District and First Street Market. If you're not sure and want to look around, these are a solid bet. Sushi, authentic Mexican, BBQ, and a sprinkling of some of Calgary’s top rated restaurants make Vic Park the perfect spot for a power lunch or a simple grab and go.
Dinner
Vic Parks restaurants are a favourite for those heading to an event or game. From fine dining experiences like Salt and Brick to casual hang outs like Bottlescrew Bills, you will find a pleasing diversity in Victoria Park.
Dessert
Village Ice Cream whips up rich, dense, creamy flavours with fresh ingredients. They offer 10 'always' flavours and rotating seasonal flavours. Village also offers dairy-free options! Discover a fresh take on roll cakes at KAN YOU CAKE for a delightful new experience. They craft exceptional, one-of-a-kind cakes with a fusion of French techniques and Asian flavours.
Events and culture
Victoria Park is the proud creator of Night Light, a light-art festival. It includes interactive art installations, projection-mapped architecture, and live performances. Experience the entertainment while fostering a culture of "seeding" the next generation of local artists. Check out last year's installations @nightlight_vicpark and #nightlightvicpark.
Experience the vibrant energy of Victoria Park, nestled alongside iconic Calgary landmarks. Vistit the Calgary Exhibition, Stampede grounds, and the Scotiabank Saddledome. The Saddledome is Calgary's foremost entertainment destination. It proudly hosts the NHL's Calgary Flames, the WHL's Calgary Hitmen, and the NLL's Calgary Roughnecks. Beyond thrilling sporting events, it sets the stage for world-class concerts and conventions.
Experience live entertainment by visiting Yuk Yuk's nestled within the Elbow River Casino. Here you can enjoy stand-up comedy shows, both professional and amateur.
Adventure with friends or family at A/Maze, an immersive escape room experience. Housed in a historic building dating back to 1911, step into rooms that transport you to a different era. Explore the 1916 Cabaret Voltaire, discover into the mysteries of Tesla's Study from 1936, or challenge yourself in the 1989 Max Baker vs. The Game. It's an experience that will captivate and intrigue you from start to finish.
Shopping and services
Looking to refresh your wardrobe with unique finds? Dive into the treasures awaiting you at Roadrunner Vintage, your go-to local destination for all things secondhand and vintage. Explore racks filled with carefully curated western-inspired attire, from rugged denim to timeless leather pieces.
Treat yourself to a facial at XO Treatment Room during a carefully curated appointment specific to your skin care needs.
Have a furry friend in your life and enjoy a good brew? Treat them and yourself to something special at Four Dogs Brewing!
Public Art and outdoor spaces
Haultain Park is a historic location that used to house two sandstone buildings built in 1894. These buildings were equipped with modern amenities like electricity and running water. Now, one of them serves as the office of Parks Foundation Calgary. The park features public tennis courts and a playground for kids.
Pixel Park offers a variety of amenities for everyone. Sports fans can make use of the basketball court and pickleball facilities. Skateboarders can enjoy the skate park. There's also a dog park for furry friends to play off-leash. Pixel Park is equipped with Tesla charging stations, catering to electric vehicle owners.
Bruno Catalano’s Van Gogh Monumental outside the Upten residences should not be missed. Both an artistic and technical masterpiece, a selfie here will be sure to generate FOMO amongst your friends.
Getting around
Driving and parking
Check out the newest feature on Calgary Parking's MyParking app. The app's Local Deals feature connects you with deals from businesses you know and love! The feature unlocks coupon codes that you can use at your favourite participating YYC businesses. There are also several public parking lots in the area, and street parking is free on Sundays, holidays, and weekdays after 6 p.m.
Public transit
You can access Victoria Park via the Victoria Park/Stampede LRT station. For more information on Calgary city buses or the CTrain, including schedules, maps, passes and fares, visit Calgary Transit.
Walking, biking, scootering
Calgary is home to an extensive network of bike lanes, pathways and cycle tracks, many of which run through its downtown core with access to Victoria Park.
Once in Victoria Park, most shops and restaurants are accessible by walking or wheeling. Alternatively, you can rent a Bird or Neuron e-scooter. Make sure you download the app in advance and familiarize yourself with applicable laws, road rules and City by-laws.
Visit the neighbourhood page to learn more about Victoria Park shops, services, and restaurants.
