know-about-marda-loop

Everything You Need to Know about Marda Loop

The first time I wandered into Marda Loop, I told myself I’d “just browse” the boutiques and grab a quick coffee. Three hours, two shopping bags, and one too many lattes later, I realized this neighborhood is dangerously delightful. 

From quirky shops that make you want to redecorate your whole house to patios perfect for people-watching (or, let’s be real, dog-watching), Marda Loop is a treasure trove of charm.

Curious about where to shop, sip, and soak it all in? Keep reading to uncover all the best spots this lively Calgary neighborhood has to offer!

Where is the Marda Loop?

where-is-the-marda-loop

Marda Loop, situated in Calgary’s southwest quadrant, encompasses several neighborhoods, including Garrison Woods, Altadore, River Park, South Calgary, and Marda Loop itself.

How to Get to Marda Loop

By public transit: the city’s transit system provides reliable bus and light-rail services. Key bus routes serving Marda Loop include Max Yellow BRT and Routes 7, 20, 22, and 66.

By Car: starting on Barclay Street, turn left onto 2nd Street and 6th Avenue. Make a slight right to stay on 6th Avenue, then continue onto Bow Trail SW and take the ramp. 

Merge onto Crowchild Trail and take the 33rd Avenue exit. Follow the signs toward Marda Loop and turn left onto 33rd Avenue to reach your destination.

What to Do and See in Marda Loop

Explore River Park

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Address: Riverview Park SE

Phone: +1 403-268-2489

Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 5am to 11pm

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River Park offers stunning views of the Elbow River Valley and downtown, making it a favorite for scenic strolls and wide-open spaces. Dogs often take a dip while people float by on rafts, creating a lively yet laid-back vibe. 

The park is dotted with benches and serene spots perfect for daydreaming or some deep life pondering. It’s also an excellent training ground for pups learning to coexist with joggers and cyclists, who are impressively dog-friendly.

Visit Sandy Beach Park

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Address: 4500 14a St SW

Phone: +1 403-268-2489

Operating hours:  Monday to Sunday: 5am to 11pm

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Sandy Beach Park is the ultimate spot for a day out with family or friends, thanks to its picturesque riverside setting. With picnic tables, BBQ stands, fire pits, playgrounds, and scenic pathways, it has everything you need for a laid-back outing. 

Seasonal washrooms and a water fountain add extra convenience. The park boasts plenty of lush green space and towering trees, plus an off-leash area where your furry friends can let loose. 

If you’re craving a coffee or ice cream, Britannia Plaza is just a short trek uphill on the river’s west side—a sweet way to cap off your visit!

Discover the Vibrant Arts Hub of cSPACE

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Address: 1721 29 Ave SW

Phone: +1 403-476-2025

Operating hours: Monday to Saturday: 8am to 8pm 

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cSPACE is a vibrant hub for artists, galleries, and creative minds, buzzing with independent boutiques and event spaces that exude charm. With a small theatre, artistic organizations, and a gallery, this place is an absolute treasure trove of inspiration.

Wander through the second-floor painting exhibit, admire the photo gallery on the third floor, and don’t miss the art shop filled with impressive and delightful pieces from Alberta’s talented artists.

Sweat at YYC Spin Cycle Studio

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Address: 3505 14 St SW #101

Phone: +1 403-984-9006

Operating hours:  

  • Monday: 5:30am to 8pm
  • Tuesday to Thursday: 5:30am to 9:15pm
  • Friday: 5:30am to 7pm
  • Saturday and Sunday: 7:30am to 1:30pm

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If you’re ready to pedal your heart out, YYC Spin Cycle Studio is the go-to spot. With a warm welcome, a stellar lineup of instructors, and a packed schedule of classes, you can crush your workout in no time.

They’ve got you covered with earplugs, towels, weights, and shoes—just bring your water and a can-do attitude. Whether you’re a seasoned spin pro or hopping on the bike for the first time, YYC Cycle makes sweating it out feel like a home away from home.

Attend the Marda Gras

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Address: Marda Loop, on 33rd Avenue SW between 19th and 22nd street

When: Yearly on the second Sunday of August

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Marda Gras is Calgary’s longest-running family-friendly street festival, drawing over 35,000 visitors in just one vibrant day. With colorful parades and lively street performances, the energy in Marda Loop is absolutely electric.

It’s the perfect way to spend a few hours soaking up the festive vibe—chatting with friendly faces, discovering new experiences, learning about the neighborhood, and supporting the vibrant Marda Loop community.

Enjoy FREE Beverages at Sip and Support Local

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Address: multiple venues

When: November 23rd – December 21st, every Saturday from 10am – 5pm 

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Sip and Support Local is the ultimate festive shopping adventure, packed with exclusive deals, live demos, fashion shows, and mouthwatering food tastings. 

It’s more than just shopping—it’s an experience!

As a bonus, warm up with FREE hot beverages every weekend—be one of the first 50, and your drink’s on them!

Where to Eat and Drink in Marda Loop

Belmont Diner

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Address: 2008 33 Ave SW #19

Phone: +1 403-242-6782

Pricing: $ 

Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 7am to 3pm

Good to know: breakfast and lunch staples

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If you’re craving a hearty breakfast in Marda Loop, Belmont Diner is the place to be for a classic diner experience. With just five tables and ten bar seats, it’s cozy—and yes, you might have to wait during busy times, but it’s worth it.

Don’t miss Calgary’s Choice Omelette or the Crab Cake Eggs Benedict. We went all in on the omelette, adding every single topping, and it was a flavor-packed masterpiece loaded with fresh veggies and heaps of meat. 

Diner Deluxe

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Address: 2252 33 Ave SW

Pricing: $ 

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Thursday: 8am to 2pm
  • Friday to Sunday: 8am to 3pm

Good to know: Great for breakfast

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Diner Deluxe is the perfect spot for a delicious brunch with a side of charm. This new location is stunning, featuring warm wood accents and vintage trinkets that add to its cozy vibe. 

Just a heads-up—arrive early because the waitlist can get pretty long! While the cinnamon bun is definitely a treat, the real standout for us was the lamb merguez sausage—absolutely unforgettable!

Sammie Café

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Address: 2205 33 Ave SW #113

Phone: +1 403-457-9682

Pricing: $$ 

Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 8am to 4pm

Good to know: Ideal for brunch

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Sammie Café serves up the best French Toast in Calgary—no contest. While most are basic and flat, this one’s a flavor-packed masterpiece where every ingredient just clicks.

The sesame beef benedict was a hit, the raspberry French toast struck the perfect balance of sweetness, and the hibiscus iced tea and iced London Fog? Pure refreshment in a glass!

Annabelle’s Kitchen

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Address: 3574 Garrison Gate SW

Phone: +1 403-454-0268

Pricing: $$ 

Operating hours: 

  • Sunday to Thursday: 11:30am to 9pm
  • Friday and Saturday: 11:30am to 10pm

Good to know: Wide variety of fresh pasta

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Annabelle’s Kitchen is a cozy neighborhood gem with a beautiful interior, warm and friendly service, and seriously great food. Whether you’re planning a date night or catching up with a friend, it’s the perfect spot.

Our top picks are the Caesar salad, rigatoni, and Mind Your Manners pizza—all absolutely divine. Ideal for both lunch and dinner!

Globefish

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Address: 2009 33 Ave SW Suite 1

Phone: +1 403-249-8866

Pricing: $$ 

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Friday: 11:30am to 9pm
  • Saturday: 12pm to 9pm

Good to know: Fresh sushi and izakaya

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Globefish is a must-visit for sushi lovers in Marda Loop, offering authentic, mouthwatering sushi at reasonable prices with generous portions. We’re big fans of their Tempura Udon and Beef Teriyaki—both are fantastic! The rolls are always on point.

Parking can be a bit tricky, but once you’re inside and indulging in those perfect sushi bites, you won’t care how far you walked to get there!

Pegasus Greek Restaurant

Address: 4824 16 St SW

Phone: +1 403-229-1231

Pricing: $ 

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Friday: 5pm to 9pm
  • Saturday and Sunday: 5pm to 10pm

Good to know: Greek platters for sharing

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Pegasus Greek Restaurant may not be fancy, but it’s as authentic as it gets. Honestly, it serves the best Greek food I’ve ever had—the house-made pita bread is absolutely incredible.

The calamari, moussaka, and spanakopita were standout dishes, and we also tried the Giovetsi and another moussaka variant, both bursting with unique and delicious flavors.

La Diperie 

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Address: 1829 33 Ave SW

Phone: +1 587-320-3892

Pricing:

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Thursday: 4pm to 11pm
  • Friday: 4pm to 12am
  • Saturday: 2pm to 12am
  • Sunday: 2pm to 11pm

Good to know: 30 different ice cream dips

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La Diperie is a must-visit for any ice cream lover. With so many options available, every visit is a chance to try something new.

We went for a small Oreo ice cream with cheesecake dip and Oreo and Heath bar toppings—definitely a safe bet, but there are probably thousands of flavor combos to explore, from sweet to fruity and everything in between.

My Favorite Ice Cream Shoppe

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Address: 8561 8A Ave SW

Phone: +1 403-234-7100

Pricing:

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Friday: 12pm to 9pm
  • Saturday and Sunday: 12pm to 10pm

Good to know: 72 ice cream flavors

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Such a cool little spot with a nostalgic vibe inside. The real highlight is the incredible variety of ice cream flavors—they’ve got so many to choose from!

We highly recommend the double scoop of cotton candy and mint chocolate chip. The only tweak we’d suggest is making the chocolate chips in the mint ice cream a bit chunkier for that extra bite!

WOW Bakery

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Address: 2002 34 Ave SW

Phone: +1 403-640-0273

Pricing: $ 

Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 9am to 5:45 pm

Good to know: Great variety of Korean bread

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WOW Bakery is a spotless gem with a delightful selection of baked goods. The cakes here have a delicate, airy, and artistic vibe—light in flavor, yet generously topped with their house-made whipping cream.

Located in Marda Loop, it’s the perfect stop to satisfy your sweet tooth. On a colder day, grab a coffee and enjoy one of their treats indoors for a cozy experience!

Marda Loop Brewing Company

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Address: 3523 18 Street SW

Phone: +1 403-764-7008

Pricing: $$ 

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Friday: 11:30am to 9:30pm
  • Saturday and Sunday: 11:30am to 10:30pm

Good to know: Trivia nights on Tuesdays

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Marda Loop Brewing Company Inc. is a hidden gem, tucked just a few blocks off the main strip. With great beers, awesome prices, and a cool vibe, it’s a perfect place to unwind. Plus, their fries with tasty dips are a must-try!

They’ve got a solid selection of merchandise, so you can take a little piece of the experience home. The outdoor patio is a fantastic spot to kick back, especially with the great music setting the perfect atmosphere.

The Mash

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Address: 1535 5 St SW

Phone: +1 403-455-1775

Pricing: $$ 

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Thursday: 3pm to 9pm
  • Thursday: 11:30am to 11pm

Good to know: Uniquely flavourful pizzas

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Half Hitch Brewing serves up fantastic beers, but the real star here is the pizza. People travel from near and far just to get a taste. 

We tried the wild mushroom pizza, and wow—it was absolutely delectable with four kinds of mushrooms and perfect flavors.

For a lighter beer, try their Papa Bear, and don’t miss the bacon and dill pickle pizza. Sounds surprising, but trust us—it works, and it’s delicious!

Phil & Sebastian

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Address: 414 3 St SW

Phone: +1 403-261-1885

Pricing:

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Thursday: 7:30am to 3pm
  • Saturday: 7:30am to 2pm

Good to know: Great date spot

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Phil & Sebastian serves up excellent coffee—definitely on the pricier side, but totally worth it for the best brew in Calgary.

They’ve also got a small selection of doughnuts, and you can tell they’re freshly made every day. The options change daily, so there’s always something new to try! 

Neighbour Coffee

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Address: 4038 16 St SW

Phone: +1 403-471-8102

Pricing: $$ 

Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 8am to 4pm

Good to know: dog-friendly patio

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Neighbour Coffee is a charming spot—quiet, peaceful, and stylishly done. The coffee is great, and the straightforward drink menu perfectly complements the tasty meals and snacks they offer.

The food menu is diverse, featuring everything from rice bowls and soups to tostadas and unique homestyle sandwiches with a twist.

Monogram Coffee

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Address: 420 2 St SW

Phone: +1 403-455-3696

Pricing: $ 

Operating hours:

  • Monday to Friday: 6am to 4pm
  • Saturday and Sunday: 8:30am to 2:30pm 

Good to know: Cozy interior, perfect for hangouts

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Monogram Coffee is the perfect spot for a cup of joe while you’re downtown, especially if you’re starting your day early. The coffee is top-notch, and the breakfast sandwiches are always fresh!

Their seasonal Vanilla Cinnamon Latte was a standout—mildly sweet, a bit spicy, and with a perfect texture. Definitely try their seasonal flavors if you’re in the mood for something new!

Where to Shop in Marda Loop

Kricket’s

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Address: 3518 Garrison Gate SW

Phone: +1 403-244-9330

Pricing: $ 

Operating hours:  

  • Monday to Saturday: 10am to 6pm
  • Sunday: 10am to 5pm

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Kricket’s is the ultimate stop for quirky cards, fun gift items, stationery, socks, mugs, and so much more! You’ll find the perfect gift for anyone, and it’ll be something totally unique.

This little gem is especially great for pet lovers and anyone looking for something special. With local products and artwork featured, there’s no shortage of cute and whimsical finds you won’t want to leave without.

Blush Lane Organic Market Marda Loop

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Address: 2044 33 Ave SW

Phone: +1 587-535-6713

Pricing: $ 

Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 9am to 9pm  

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Blush Lane Organic Market in Marda Loop offers an incredible selection of organic goodies, especially fresh fruits and vegetables. They also carry health products like face creams, vitamin supplements, soaps, and shampoos.

The organic cheese selection is top-notch, and they even price match, which saves you trips to other stores. With great sale prices, we were especially thrilled to see they price-matched their peaches!

Tres Marias Mexican Food Market

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Address: 3514 19 St SW

Phone: +1 403-243-5335

Pricing: $$ 

Operating hours:  

  • Monday to Friday: 9am to 7pm
  • Saturday: 10am to 5pm

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Tres Marias store has everything you need to whip up your favorite Mexican dishes. They offer a mix of delicious food products, some unique and others you’ll find at regular grocery stores.

The café has a great menu with breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. Breakfast is served Monday through Thursday from 9-11, and ALL DAY on Fridays and Saturdays.

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