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Top five bars in… Calgary, Canada

Calgary may be best known for its famous Stampede, but there is more to this Canadian city than horsing around. Its bar scene has created a real reputation for diversity and quality – these are the venues worth paying a visit to.

Probably Canada’s most underrated region, Alberta offers riches – both hedonistic and cerebral – in abundance. Yet the regional capital, Calgary, is rarely on anyone’s travel bucket list, and indeed, it cannot claim to be North America’s most beautiful or iconic city. But, paradoxically, its relative anonymity is its secret weapon. It is rare to find such a vibrant metropolis that has remained ‘off the radar’, and therefore utterly unspoiled and almost free of tourists.

Calgary will surprise you with its dynamic cultural scene, diverse nightlife and long, worthwhile to‐do lists. Best of all, you’ll have those surprises (largely) to yourself.

There’s plenty of cutting‐edge nightlife too, as well as rodeo and sightseeing. After the sun goes down, party animals head to Downtown Calgary to sample the city’s more raucous side – there are steak houses and bars aplenty, including honky‐tonk venues that specialise in country and western music. But Downtown is no one‐trick pony; located west of Victoria Park is Calgary’s bourgeoning cocktail neighbourhood.

After a slow start, Calgary is giving Vancouver and Toronto a run for their money in the mixology department, largely thanks to the influx of raw talent that has spread across the city in recent times – both domestic and imported. Calgarians aren’t known for their modesty; it’s their boundless energy and optimism that makes them such enthusiastic and passionate bartenders. Calgary has diverse offerings that include nooks by a fire, dive‐bar karaoke venues, Irish pubs, upmarket wine bars, throbbing dance music, and much more.

If you tire of the city centre, the urban villages of Kensington and Sunnyside have a smattering of relaxed pubs and lounge bars. The up‐and‐coming hipster paradise Mission district is even further off the beaten track, while 17th Avenue SW, between 2nd and 14th streets, boasts the city’s largest concentration of upmarket clubs. The longer you stay in this undiscovered gem, the more there is to surprise you.

Click through the following pages to see our top bars in Calgary, Canada.

*Some of these bars may be temporarily closed due to government restrictions as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic

Cannibale

813 1 Ave NE

Cannibale is a Calgary classic: quirky, fun and impossible to dislike. A barber shop by day, it moonlights as a chic cocktail bar complete with dark wood furniture and soft lighting. The cocktails are first‐rate and the atmosphere is agreeably buzzy yet chilled.

Proof

1302 1 St SW

Proof is our ideal Calgary cocktail bar, with friendly service and an excellent list of innovative cocktails, which include film‐inspired drinks such as Dune, featuring mezcal, añejo rum, coffee, melange, citrus, agave, pepper and wasabi. It claims to be one of the best bars in Calgary, and who are we to argue?

Simmons Rooftop Bar

618 Confluence Way SE

Grab a seat, order a cocktail and then lounge in this chic space admiring the vista from a fabulous rooftop terrace. It offers sweeping panoramas of Calgary’s city centre, which is particularly breathtaking at sunset.

Sub Rosa

200 8 Ave SW

This place has become a Calgary landmark, complete with its classy dark wood interior, tuxedo‐clad bartenders and extremely upmarket vibe. Thankfully, it’s very much a case of substance over style at Sub Rosa, where the mixologists serve up a masterful collection of bespoke drinks and classic cocktails.

Shelter

1210 1 St SW

Shelter is one of Calgary’s hidden gems. Described by the owners as ‘The Best Bar You’ve Never Heard Of’, Shelter deserves massive acclaim – although that would ironically spoil the experience for everyone. It remains a quintessential speakeasy bar; discreet, elegant and timeless. It’s a place for sophisticates, with eye‐catching lighting, attentive – but not pretentious – service and a very relaxed vibe.

The cocktail list makes full use of unconventional ingredients, offering modern spins on classic concoctions, and unique mixes, all designed to amuse the senses and intrigue the mind. An easy contender for Calgary’s best cocktail bar.

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