Local Guide: A Summer Weekend in Calgary
- natashazinkie
- Aug 11
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 14
🌞Planning a weekend in Calgary? Whether you’re visiting or just want to see the city I call a second home through a fresh lens; this laid back itinerary is built for coffee lovers, patio seekers, walking enthusiasts, and ice cream chasers.
Bonus: you don’t even need to leave the city to feel like you’ve had a mini escape.
Day 1: Caffeine & Rivers
☕Morning: Hidden Coffee with a View
Start at Apprentice Café & Creamery (tucked behind the Saddledome). This is my favourite hidden gem, I'm talking;
Killer espresso
Homemade focaccia breakfast sandwiches (mushroom is my go-to).
One of the best skyline views Calgary has to offer!
Honestly, this café was the hidden gem that made me think for the first time — how can I share joys like this with my friends (and other people)?
🚶♀️ Midday: Riverwalk to Inglewood
Stretch your legs with a stroll along the water. Take the Bow River Pathway over to St. Patrick’s Island and into Inglewood (about 3km / 45 min). As you take in this scenic walk, stop by the river as you please and just soak it in.
Once in Inglewood, explore the shops and vintage vibes, then grab lunch at Lina’s Italian Market. Think Pizza, meatballs, sandwiches, meats and treats.
🌊 Optional Adventures: Post Lunch
A. Inglewood Bird Sanctuary — 2.5km from Lina's (30 min walk or 7 min drive)
This quiet oasis will make you feel like you just left the city. It has lush trails, river views, and occasional heron sightings. Meander through this peaceful area and enjoy the nature escape it has to offer!
B. Harvie Passage — 2km from Lina's (25 min walk or 7 min drive
If it’s hot out and you’re feeling open to getting wet, Harvie Passage is a super unique activity. Here you can to watch kayakers tackle the whitewater or bring a floatie and join the fun!
No raft required but a life jacket is a must if you're planning on floating down this passage.
🧺 Not floating? Grab your lunch to go and have a picnic riverside and dip your feet in the shallow water.
Better yet! Do both A and B if you have the time and energy. They're just 1.7 km apart and each offer quite different experiences!
🌆Evening: Dinner in the Neighbourhoods
Stick to the areas you’ve been exploring all day!
Inglewood | Calgary's oldest (and arguably coolest) neighbourhood with an eclectic vibe
The Eden Bistro: a local family-run gem known for its seasonal menu
Business & Pleasure: a cozy and charming cocktail bar with dinner
Ari Sushi: a top rated locale for sushi lovers
Ramsay | Quirky area perched on a hill with sweeping city views and artsy energy
The Dandy: Phenomenal New York style pizza with local craft beer and a laid back after work vibe
🍺 Nightcap
Listen to me when I tell you to go to Cold Garden. Expect a laid-back brewery experience, funky decor, and dog-friendly vibes.
Day 2: Pastries and Patios
🥐 Morning: Bakery Bliss
Do yourself a favour and be sure to enjoy a good bakery at least one of your weekend days. Sidewalk Citizen Bakery is a local favourite with dreamy baked goods and no-fuss breakfast sandwiches. Worth whatever line you may see!
OR
Feeling something a bit lively (perhaps for a group of people)? Try the Beltliner — A retro-modern diner brunch with delicious mimosas flights if you are feeling a boozy brunch.
🚶♀️Afternoon: Downtown on Foot
Calgary truly has one of the most walkable downtowns (it is flat, grid patterned and easy to navigate) so take advantage.
From Sidewalk Citizen: Stroll the Riverwalk → Peace Bridge → loop back through downtown (stop at Stephen Avenue Walk (a pedestrian friendly street)) → 17 Ave SW .
From the Beltliner: Reverse it Stephen Avenue Walk → Riverwalk → Peace Bridge → loop back to 17 Ave SW.
Both are ~5.5 km (1 hr 15 min). Add Prince’s Island Park for extra green space (+30–60 min).
Destination: 📍17 Ave SW (Calgary's vibrant entertainment district) for shops, patios and the perfect place for a cold treat at....
🍦Made by Marcus — inventive ice cream like zucchini cornbread & honey butter or malted chocolate honeycomb or my favourite lemon curd blueberry.
Just try it — no questions asked ok?
🌇 Evening: Dinner and Drinks
Enjoy a good old fashioned Dinner along this main drag of 17 Ave SW !
Una Pizza + Wine: consistent crowd pleaser with good food, good wine and a lovely atmosphere
Bridgette Bar: a stylish spot with a buzzing patio and next-level cocktails
🍸 Post-Dinner Drinks:
Paper Lantern: Tucked away in a Chinatown basement lies a tropical and Vietnamese escape speakeasy. If you can find it, this place makes the most funky and flavourful cocktails downtown Calgary.
Proof: An old-school watering hole offering elevated cocktails in a stylish setting.
Day 3: Cozy Chill
☕️Morning: Slow start
Now I am not going to tell you to go to Apprentice Café or Sidewalk Citizen again …. But if you did a double feature I won’t judge you.
But in good conscience I must recommend you try one of the other amazing coffee shops Calgary has to offer:
Rosso Coffee Roasters
Monogram Coffee
Analog Coffee
Any of these options have multiple locations to choose from and come with treats, breakfast options as well as a cozy place to lounge while you sip.
🔍 Afternoon: Choose Your Mood
A. Crossroads market for artisan snacks and local goods. This massive market takes farmers market to a new level. It is the perfect place to explore, support local business and enjoy a lunch and a treat (or two)!
B. Central Library + Studio Bell if you are seeking a cultural architecture fix. Both are exceptionally well designed and worth popping into if you have never explored them before!
🥤Farewell Bite:
End at Peter’s Drive‑In for a retro burger or poutine & milkshake. Sit outside, people-watch from this old school shake shack and reflect on your weekend highlights.
❤️ Why This Weekend Works
It's the perfect mix of caffeine-first mornings, river walks, neighbourhood hangs, treats and relaxed evenings. You will get the pulse and peace of Calgary without rushing and enjoying some of the inner city nature escapes.
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