Calgary is breathtakingly geeky. A city that embraces a cosplay parade, and runs a four-day long STEM/STEAM party, is a city I want to visit often.
Here are quick links to all the fun available in Calgary to level up your nerd cred:
THE GEEK EXPERIENCE
Escape Rooms
Want a different kind of adventure? Immerse yourself into a mystery (usually up to an hour), one that you’ll want to escape as soon as possible! These games are not easy, with an average completion rate of roughly 20% overall.
- The Locked Room (3 locations: NE, Southland, SE)
- Escape Capers (4235 16 St SE)
- Confined Escape Rooms (Bay L – 2020, 32 Ave NE)
- Escape Hour (Canada Calgary, Unit 200, 3016 19 St NE)
Vulcan Tourism & Trek Centre
Live long, and prosper!
Okay, so this experience takes you 1.5 hours south-east of Calgary, but it would be absolutely remiss of me to not mention Vulcan, Alberta.
Thousands of Star Trek fans have made this pilgrimage over the years to enjoy all things Vulcan, and beyond.
The tourism space-station/museum is filled with on-set Star Trek memorabilia, photo opportunities, and a fantastic gift shop.
It is so special that Leonard Nemoy once visited and even lead a parade in this tiny town, back in 2010.
To commemorate that occasion, you’ll find a Mr. Spock bust and a rather large hand-print on Centre Street.
SHOPS
Another Dimension Comics
424 B – 10th Street NW (Next to Sunnyside LRT stn)
Comic-Kazi
4307 Macleod Trail SW
Comics, trades, manga, anime, toys and statues, TV themed merchandise.
Phoenix Comics
1010 16th Avenue NW
Specializes in trade paper back/graphic novels. If you can’t find the book you’re looking for, chances are they can order it for you!
Redd Skull Comics
720A Edmonton Trail NE
FOOD & DRINKS
National on 10th
341 10th Avenue SW, Calgary AB
Incredible place for good beer, good food, and bowling! When I visited back in April 2017 during the Calgary Expo, we were treated to tater tots! Tater tot poutine that made me never want to leave the table, because OMGOSH so good! Paired with this epic Capt Electro’s Root Beer, and a fun time was truly had that night.
There might be one thing better than poutine tater tots… BOWLING. National on 10th’s bowling alley is a trendy location. No faux-comfortable plastic chairs from typical alleys found here. Instead, your rump is treated to the soft cushioning of a comfortable couch.
Oh, and I won that night, heh!
REGRUB
625 11th Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2R 0E1
Come for the epic burgers (try the Space Case), but stay for the milk-shake based desserts that will stare back at you. Making these delicious treats takes serious talent. Imagine puncturing a rice-cake with a straw! Some people do that every day, and they’re my hero.
The Cheesy Burger & Heart Cookie (Smile!)
Yellow Door Bistro
119 – 12 Avenue SW, Calgary AB
The death star breakfast is an annual event held during the Calgary Expo, and it’s a delicious way to start your con mornings right! There is a booth in this bistro that was also used in filming the TV series Fargo!
HOTELS
Hotel Arts
119 12 Ave SW, Calgary, AB
The boutique Hotel Arts is the place to be, especially when visiting Calgary for their annual comic & entertainment expo!
The Yellow Door Bistro with the Death Star waffle is attached, so you’ll enjoy a great breakfast to start your nerd-journey.
If you’ve seen Fargo, think of that elevator scene, and then take a ride in that same box to your hotel room!
POP-CULTURE EVENTS, COMIC CONS & EXPOS
Beakerhead
Check out what to see and do for Beakerhead 2018!
POW! Parade of Wonders
The Calgary Comic and Entertainment Expo
Calgary Stampede Park
1410 Olympic Way SE, Calgary, AB
This directory of all the fun & geeky ways to experience Calgary will grow when I’ve found more to share. Have a location you’d like me to include? Give me a shout!
