When you’re out exploring Calgary’s parks, trails and greenspaces, why not add a dash of local flavor to your next adventure? Shopping within our local businesses is about more than just picking up a souvenir — it’s about embracing the spirit of our city and supporting the passionate makers, growers and entrepreneurs who call it home.
That’s why we proudly promote the people, parks, places and partners that make our city unique.
Every time you visit a local cafe, shop at a farmers’ market or attend a nearby event, you’re not just experiencing something that is uniquely Calgary — you’re helping our community stay diverse, vibrant and alive! Plus, you might just stumble upon a hidden gem that makes your outing even more memorable.
So the next time you’re out of the house, check out some of the incredible local businesses we have right here in our communities — from cute cafes and well-equipped shops, to relaxing experiences and educational activities.
Find more local businesses like these on Partner Plaza and the Adventure Atlas.
Want to see your business listed here? Email us at kelsey@parksofcalgary.com to apply now!
Grab Food & Drink To-Go From The Bullet Coffee House
When To Visit: Open year-round. Best in spring/summer/fall when you can relax on the picnic tables outside (or bundle up for winter!).
Nearby Adventures: Nose Hill Park, Confederation Park, West Confederation Park
The Bullet Coffee House has been a mainstay in Calgary’s northwest since 2000. Their roaster of 24 years Rudy retired in 2024, and now Ryan of Barrow Coffee is roasting for them, having mentored under Rudy for 8 years and bringing his own unique style to the same blends and new creations. They now have a light roast called The Poet!
Bullet is well known by the locals for their daily fresh baked muffins, warm breakfast bagels, signature drink menu and extensive ‘tea fog’ menu. One of their drinks, the Calgary Fog, was named after one of their loyal customers, a police officer named Constable Ray. She came in regularly to order this exact drink, so they named it after her, and even gave her a basket of baby items when she went on maternity leave.
So whether you’re simply driving by or you’re looking for a local outdoor hangout spot, stop in at this family-owned and operated coffee shop for a drink and a snack. They’re open from 7:30am-3:30pm, 7 days a week.
Find Bullet’s location, website, social media channels + Parks Of Calgary’s exclusive community member freebie on Partner Plaza here.
Prepare For The Outdoors By Stopping At Briden Solutions
When To Visit: Open year-round. Best when you’re preparing for an upcoming trip, or whenever you need a quick and lightweight meal.
Nearby Adventures: 12 Mile Coulee, Paskapoo Slopes, Bowness Park, Baker Park
While many of these local businesses are great to stop at while you’re already on an adventure, we recommend visiting Briden Solutions BEFORE your next outing (or on your way!). They’ve been our go-to stop before any camping trip, backpacking weekend or mountain getaway, thanks to their convenient location just off Highway 1 west of the city.
In their cozy shop, you’ll find a wide selection of freeze-dried foods, from meals and snacks, to individual canned ingredients and even desserts (check out their homemade freeze-dried candy!). We always find something new to try when we pop in, and we still haven’t had a meal we didn’t like. Amongst the food options, you’ll also find an assortment of camping gear, outdoor tools and emergency supplies.
In fact, Briden Solutions has been Canada’s Emergency & Outdoor Food Headquarters since 2009, because they want to make sure you’re as prepared as possible for your next outing or emergency situation. They even offer free, online emergency preparedness courses so that you’re ready for whatever life may throw at you.
Find Briden’s location, website, social media channels + access to the free emergency preparedness course on Partner Plaza here.
Browse Custom Blends & Teawares At The Naked Leaf
When To Visit: Open year-round. Best when you’re ready to cozy up with a warm cup, or looking for cold summer tea inspiration.
Nearby Adventures: Riley Park, McHugh Bluff, Prince’s Island, Senator Patrick Burns Memorial Rock Garden
Kensington has to be one of our favourite areas of the city — the murals, the nearby parks, the eclectic shops. And The Naked Leaf is always high on our list! The owner Jonathan is always busy creating new custom blends, and his staff can help you find a tea to suit any taste or preference.
Walking into this shop is like entering a world of art — from beautiful teawares and tea-lined walls, to funky decor and locally-made goods. The Naked Leaf proudly co-creates tea-infused products with local businesses, like True Buch Kombucha, Village Brewery, the Beehive and others. Each year, they accept submissions from local artists, and select 50 to have their work featured on their tea tins.
So whether you’re a tea-drinker yourself, or you’re looking for a unique local gift, pop into The Naked Leaf for a local tea experience. Smell the blends, browse the goods and chat with the staff — you won’t be disappointed! Can’t get to Kensington right away? No problem — they deliver!
Find The Naked Leaf’s location, website, social media channels + Parks Of Calgary’s exclusive community member freebie on Partner Plaza here.
“Does shopping local really help our city?” Here are 7 reasons why supporting our fellow Calgarians makes a HUGE difference — for them, and for you.
Learn About Farmyard Animals At Butterfield Acres
When To Visit: Open year-round. Best in the summer / fall when they’re hosting themed camps, nights and events.
Nearby Adventures: Royal Oak Park, 12 Mile Coulee, Convergence, Scenic Acres Off-Leash
Find this local farmyard on the northwest edge of the city, and experience the countryside like it was your own backyard. Butterfield Acres is packed with hands-on experiences perfect for the whole family. You’ll get to meet farm animals, like fluffy bunnies, playful goats, and curious ponies, all while learning about their daily routines and care.
Plus, don’t miss your chance to hop on a tractor-pulled wagon ride, explore the pumpkin patch in the fall, and even try your hand at milking a cow! They’re always hosting themed events and activities, like summer camps, date nights, Harvest Pumpkin Fest and more.
Whether you’re looking to teach kids about farm life or you just want a fun, relaxing day out, Butterfield Acres offers a chance to connect with nature, experience farm living, and create new memories.
Find out more about Butterfield’s location, website and social media channels on Partner Plaza here.
Rest & Recharge At Wisp Hair Salon & Spa
When To Visit: Open year-round. Best when it’s raining, chilly outside, or anytime you need some well-deserved RnR.
Nearby Adventures: Richmond Green Park, Sandy Beach Park, Earl Grey Park, Bankview Off-Leash
Amidst your outdoor adventuring and city-wide exploring, sometimes you need to take a beat. That’s when prioritizing self-care and a visit to Wisp Hair Salon & Spa comes in. Unwind in a serene, modern atmosphere after a long hike or bike ride, where you can pop in for a fresh haircut, rejuvenating facial, specialized spa service, the works!
The owner Evi started working with hair in 1997 and moved to Canada in 2012. Her goal has always been to help people look and feel their best, but no salon compared to the one she’d created back in Albania. So she opened her very own salon in Marda Loop in 2021, and has become a community haven for locals when they need some “me time.” Learn more about Evi’s journey to opening her dream self-care business right here in Calgary.
The next time you need a breather, treat yourself to a little luxury at Wisp — your adventure-loving body will thank you! Rest, relax and recharge so you’re ready for your next outdoor escapade.
Find Wisp’s location, website, social media channels + Parks Of Calgary’s exclusive community member discount on Partner Plaza here.
Discover more local businesses like these to liven up your city-wide adventures on Partner Plaza and the Adventure Atlas (many of them include exclusive discounts for Parks Of Calgary community members — that’s you!).
Want to see your business listed here? Email us at kelsey@parksofcalgary.com to apply now!
