Iconic Eats of Calgary Food Tour

The Iconic Eats of Calgary Food Tour offers an engaging dive into the city’s culinary scene for just $131.02 per person. Spanning approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, this fully-guided experience takes you through downtown Calgary, with a focus on its most beloved foods and beverages. The tour is ideal for those who enjoy delicious tasting experiences combined with cultural stories and appreciate a manageable easy 1.5-kilometer walk. The group remains small, with a maximum of 12 travelers, ensuring a personal and relaxed atmosphere.

One of the key strengths of this tour is its stellar venues and well-curated tastings that include 2 savory and 2 sweet offerings. It’s perfect for food lovers eager to explore Calgary’s culinary diversity without feeling rushed. The guide’s local expertise shines, especially as they share vivid stories about the city’s history, art, and culture. Keep in mind, the tour does not include hotel transportation, but the meeting points are conveniently located in downtown Calgary, near public transit options.

Key Points

• Fully-guided tour with a local professional guide sharing Calgary’s history and culture
• Two and a half hours of food and beverage tastings across four different venues
• Includes 3 sit-down tastings and 1 standing tasting featuring Alberta staples and local sweets
• Starts at Hawthorn Dining Room & Bar with a chef’s demo and ends at Cucina Market Bistro
• Minimal walking (1.5 km total), suitable for most travelers
• Tours are booked about 59 days in advance, emphasizing its popularity

Starting at the Hawthorn Dining Room & Bar with a Chef’s Demo

The tour kicks off at Hawthorn Dining Room & Bar, located at 133 9 Ave SW. Here, a hands-on food demonstration introduces guests to two of Alberta’s signature foods. This initial stop sets a lively tone, blending culinary expertise with tasting. The chef’s demo allows guests to learn directly from culinary professionals before moving on to the next stops. This location also offers a taste of Alberta’s local flavors in a relaxed, friendly setting.

The timing at Hawthorn is about one hour, giving enough time to enjoy the demonstration and tastings without feeling rushed. As the tour proceeds, guests walk through Stephen Avenue, a lively downtown pedestrian street, taking in Calgary’s vibrant city atmosphere.

Exploring Stephen Avenue and the Calgary Tower

As the tour moves along Stephen Avenue, guests pass by Calgary’s iconic Calgary Tower. Though there are no specific stops at the tower, the walk provides an opportunity to take in the architecture and historical ambiance of the city’s core. Strolling this stretch offers a glimpse into Calgary’s urban character and serves as a scenic backdrop for the food tastings ahead.

This easy walk, approximately 1.5 kilometers, keeps the pace relaxed and accessible, making it suitable for most participants. The avenue itself is known for its historic buildings and vibrant retail and dining scene.

Chocolate Lab: Crafting Award-Winning Chocolate

Next, the tour visits Chocolate Lab on Stephen Avenue, where the focus is on award-winning chocolates. This stop lasts around 20 minutes and features a standing tasting of some of the best chocolates in Calgary. The Chocolate Lab is renowned for its quality bean-to-bar chocolates, which make for a delightful sweet interruption mid-tour.

Guests get a chance to sample chocolates crafted with care, offering a contrast to the savory elements of the tour. The chocolate tasting underscores Calgary’s artisan food scene and highlights the city’s premium craft chocolate options.

Finishing with Traditional Family Recipes at Cucina Market Bistro

The final stop takes place at Cucina Market Bistro, a hidden gem on Stephen Avenue. Here, the focus is on a delicious family recipe that brings the tour to a satisfying close. The 30-minute seated tasting offers a hearty, homestyle experience that showcases local culinary traditions.

Guests will find this venue offers a cozy, welcoming environment that perfectly complements the tour’s theme of local flavors. It’s an ideal way to leave full and content, with a chance to reflect on the journey through Calgary’s food culture.

Sampling Alberta Staples at Annabelle’s Kitchen Downtown

The tour continues at Annabelle’s Kitchen, a renowned Calgary restaurant on Stephen Avenue. Over about 40 minutes, guests sample an Alberta staple in a vibrant downtown setting. This stop emphasizes local ingredients and regional culinary favorites.

The tastings at Annabelle’s Kitchen are designed to be satisfying and memorable, with the restaurant’s iconic reputation adding to the experience. Guests also get a glimpse of Calgary’s dining scene at one of its most celebrated establishments.

All-Inclusive Tastings and Beverages

Throughout the tour, guests enjoy 3 sit-down “fork and knife” tastings and 1 standing tasting, all included in the ticket price. The culinary craft beverage pairings enhance each stop, adding a layer of local drinks that complement the food. These pairings are carefully curated to highlight Calgary’s food and drink scene.

The all-inclusive nature of the tour ensures that guests leave well-fed and with a deeper appreciation for Calgary’s culinary offerings.

Practical Details: Meeting Points and Booking

The tour begins at Hawthorn Dining Room & Bar, located at 133 9 Ave SW, in downtown Calgary. It starts promptly at 3:00 pm and concludes at Cucina Market Bistro at 515 8 Ave SW. The group size is limited to 12, ensuring a personalized experience.

Booking is generally made about 59 days in advance, reflecting its popularity. The tour operates rain or shine, so dressing appropriately for the weather is advised. Smart casual attire is recommended, and service animals are permitted.

Guide Expertise and Guest Experience

The guides are praised for their wealth of knowledge about Calgary’s food, history, and culture. Reviews consistently mention guides like Lisa as being extremely knowledgeable and friendly. Guests appreciate the well-chosen venues and the generous portions at each stop, with many noting the food is of top quality.

The tour balances informative storytelling with delicious tastings—making it a rich, enjoyable experience that doesn’t feel rushed. The minimal walking makes it accessible for most, and the small group size fosters a comfortable atmosphere.

Final Words on the Iconic Eats of Calgary Food Tour

This tour offers a comprehensive introduction to Calgary’s culinary landscape, blending local history with authentic foods. The curated stops ensure a flavorful journey from Alberta staples to sweet treats, making it perfect for foodies and culture seekers alike.

While the tour doesn’t include hotel transportation, its downtown meeting point and short walking distances make it easy to access. It’s especially suited for those wanting a relaxed, engaging way to explore Calgary’s food scene in a small-group setting.

The Iconic Eats of Calgary Food Tour scores perfect reviews for its delicious tastings, knowledgeable guides, and city-focused storytelling. It’s a rewarding experience for anyone eager to taste Calgary’s best foods while learning about its history and culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Where does the tour start and end?
It starts at Hawthorn Dining Room & Bar (133 9 Ave SW) and ends at Cucina Market Bistro (515 8 Ave SW).

How many stops are included?
There are four main stops featuring four tastings—including two savory and two sweet.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Yes, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, and some allergies can be accommodated if advised at booking.

Is walking involved?
Yes, the tour involves a 1.5 km easy walk through downtown Calgary.

What is included in the ticket price?
All taxes, fees, and culinary beverage pairings are included, along with three sit-down tastings and one standing tasting.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, the tour is usually booked about 59 days in advance due to its popularity.

Is transportation provided?
No, hotel pick-up and drop-off are not included. The meeting point is centrally located.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

What makes this tour special?
The combination of expert guides, carefully curated venues, and a focus on Calgary’s iconic foods makes this tour a standout dining experience in the city.