We explored everything Calgary’s Scotiabank Saddledome had to offer and it was unforgettable! Find out why.
Scotiabank Saddledome is practically my best friend’s second home. His love for the Calgary Flames knows no bounds and he tries to watch games in person as much as his schedule permits.
With news of the arena getting replaced in a couple of years, I knew I had to go with him and see what makes this place so special. But as someone who doesn’t go here regularly, I knew I had to make the most out of my visit.
I didn’t want to just sit in on a game. I wanted to see as much of the arena as I possibly could. Turns out, there are a ton of things you can do there to entertain yourself (besides supporting the Flames, of course).
If that sounds intriguing, then you’re in luck. I’ve listed down all the fun things you can do in and near the area of Calgary’s iconic Scotiabank Saddledome.
Where is Scotiabank Saddledome?
Scotiabank Saddledome is located at 555 Saddledome Rise SE. It can be found in Stampede Park, towards the southeast part of downtown Calgary.
How to Get to Scotiabank Saddledome
Via Light Rail: You can get to Scotiabank Saddledome by taking the C-Train. The nearest station is at Victoria Park/Stampede, which is about a 5-minute walk from the arena.
Via Bus: Bus routes 1, 10, 17, 24, 30, 69, 300, 302, and 307 all pass by Scotiabank Saddledome. The nearest stops are at Eb 12 Av @ Olympic Wy SE and Nb Mcleod Tr @ 17 Av SE.
Via Private Car: Set your GPS to ‘Scotiabank Saddledome’ to find the best route going there. The arena provides paid on-site parking and accessible spots for its visitors.
What to Do in Scotiabank Saddledome
Go behind the scenes with a tour
– Media credit: celi__h
Being as historic as it is, the Scotiabank Saddledome offers an insider look into its different areas and secrets.
The venue tour will bring you to places that you’ll likely recognize from TV, as well as others that give insights on what goes into televising a game. This includes the press box, dressings rooms, the broadcast booth, and of course, the main arena.
What sports fans love the most though is that the tour lets you walk the path that hockey players pass on their way to the rink. During my time there, I couldn’t help but be awestruck while thinking of all the amazing players that have graced those halls.
Public tours are available from June to August, every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and they take around an hour to complete. Unfortunately, the tour isn’t very wheelchair-friendly since it involves a lot of walking and stair-climbing.
Show your support for the Calgary Flames
– Media credit: brettholmesphotography
Even if you’re not from Calgary, there’s one quick way to be one of us during a Calgary Flames game — be a part of the ‘C of Red’.
All you have to do is dress in red (the Flames’ signature color) and cheer loudly whenever the players score a goal. Don’t worry if you don’t have a red shirt at home, there’s a merch stand in the Saddledome with jerseys for every player.
In case you’re not updated with the current lineup, you can choose to show up a bit earlier than the puck drop. The teams will come out to warm up and you can spend some time familiarizing yourself with their names and faces.
Here’s a pro tip: bring a cap that you’re ready to part with. If one of your team’s players scores a ‘hat trick’, or his third goal of the game, you can fling your cap onto the ice along with the rest of the crowd as a way to celebrate.
Say hi to Harvey the Hound
In Calgary, game days are a family event. And here at Scotiabank Saddledome, the kids love Harvey the Hound.
Harvey is actually the first-ever mascot in the NHL and he’s been a mainstay ever since. This hound has been around for over 35 years and he’s always happy to give Flames fans a high five or a hug.
Although the kids always find his silly antics hilarious, I wouldn’t want to be on the receiving end of his taunts and playful jests whenever the Flames are scoring too much.
With him always being present during games, he’s pretty much our lucky charm and not-so-secret weapon.
Get in on the excitement with a 50/50 ticket
– Media credit: flamesfoundation
Your team’s players don’t have to be the only victors on game day. With the 50/50 raffle, you can go home a winner as well.
Every time the Flames play, they host a 50/50 raffle from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM of that day. It’s called the 50/50 because the winner gets to claim 50% of the jackpot and the remaining will be donated to charitable institutions.
I’m not a very lucky person when it comes to contests. But now I’m pretty tempted to join after learning that the Flames always include extra rewards. Besides signed merch or upcoming game day tickets, they also raffle off vacations from time to time.
If I had known long ago that just watching a match could make me a jackpot winner with free vacation tickets, I would’ve never missed a Flames game at all.
Where to Eat near Scotiabank Saddledome
The Saddleroom Grill
– Media credit: cseceats
Address: 555 Saddledome Rise SE
Phone: +1 403 777 3694
Pricing: $$
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 4:45 PM to 8:00 PM
What better way to get energized for a game than to actually eat inside the Saddledome? The Saddleroom Grill is proof that stadium food isn’t always so-so.
Situated on the terrace, you’ll be overlooking the ice arena or the Elbow River, depending on which way you turn your head. The place opens two hours before the puck drop for Flame Games so you’ve got time to enjoy your meal.
Their menu changes per event but it’s common consensus that their seafood is the way to go. During the times that we dined here, the salmon and the scallops were always a hit.
But our meal wouldn’t have tasted as good without the impeccable service. They’re so prompt and attentive that you might forget that you’re in a stadium instead of somewhere with high ceilings and a chandelier.
CHARCUT Roast House
Address: 899 Centre St S
Phone: +1 403 984 2180
Pricing: $$$
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM
CHARCUT Roast House is the place to go when you feel like celebrating a win (hopefully a Flames victory). The food here is so good that it’s better than any other treat or reward that you can think of.
They offer a blend of Italian and Portuguese cuisine, with a few Canadian classics on the menu. You don’t have to be an expert to realize that they only use high-quality ingredients for all their dishes.
If you’re from out of town, do yourself a favor and order their poutine; we promise you’ve never had it this good. Not only will you be getting a taste of Canadian flavors, but it’ll also be one of the things you never forget about your trip.
Embarcadero Wine & Oyster Bar
– Media credit: embarcaderooysterbar
Address: 208 17 Ave SE
Phone: +1 403 263 0848
Pricing: $$
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Friday – 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Saturday – 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Sunday – 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Despite the restaurant’s name being straightforward, there’s nothing simple about the flavors you’ll encounter at Embarcadero Wine & Oyster Bar.
They have a great selection of oysters, always featuring at least 6 varieties at any given time. I know I’m not the only one who can be quite picky with oysters but these were so fresh that I lost count of how many I’d eaten at one point.
What truly surprised me though was that they also served steak that was mind-blowingly amazing. Normally, I’d be hesitant to dine at a restaurant with such a diverse menu, but this place proved me wrong by being masters of both land and sea.
Where to Stay near Scotiabank Saddledome
Calgary Marriott Downtown Hotel
– Media credit: calgarymarriott
Address: 110 9 Ave SE
Phone: +1 403 266 7331
Pricing: $$
Operating Hours:
- 24-hour front desk
Calgary Marriott is a great choice for those who don’t want to sweat the details. You just have to check in and everything else will be taken care of for you.
Apart from the helpful staff, you can request for maid service to come every day. After all, nothing beats sinking into a freshly made Marriott bed.
The hotel’s location in downtown Calgary means you get a striking view of the city. In the mornings, you can do some yoga or stretches in front of the window with the Calgary Tower in sight.
However, the best way to wake up here is by ordering a meal at Bistro Novelle. Their Bistro Breakfast is so good and filling that you just might end up coming back for lunch and dinner as well.
Hotel Arts Downtown Calgary
– Media credit: hotelartsyyc
Address: 119 12 Ave SW
Phone: +1 403 266 4611
Pricing: $$
Operating Hours:
- 24-hour front desk
Inspiration will surely strike during your stay at Hotel Arts Downtown Calgary. Each corner has been decorated to look creative and full of whimsy. It’s sure to make even the most serious of business trips feel like a tropical vacation.
The pool will further enhance the scene, with it looking enticing to swim in even in the colder months. It’s always sheltered and set at a comfortable temperature, so you can enjoy the water all year round.
If you prefer to stay on land though, you’re probably going to end up spending lots of time in the lobby. The vibes there are always cozy, thanks to the fireplace and the relaxing music.
Seeing your room is the cherry on top of the entire experience. Not only are the rooms stylishly furnished, but the hotel staff usually leave little gifts such as chocolates, flowers, or balloons just as an extra way to make guests feel cared for.
Apps to Download for a Trip to Scotiabank Saddledome
Calgary Flames App: The latest stats, game-day info, and updates on the Calgary Flames
Calgary Transit: App for planning trips, buying transport passes, and tracking public transportation
Waze: GPS map that provides directions and real-time traffic updates
GasBuddy: Online database with information on the closest and cheapest gas stations in the area