We spend more time at Calgary’s Southcentre Mall than we do at home. This guide tells you why.
As much as it pains me to admit, I’m not good at online shopping. The clothes I buy always end up looking off, despite them looking great on the models online.
This is why I still visit the mall almost every weekend. Nothing beats actually trying on the clothes and seeing how they fit in person. Plus, I get to invite friends to go with me and grab a cup of coffee.
One of our favorite shopping centers to go to is Southcentre Mall. I’ve been here so many times that I know it like the back of my own hand.
I’ve written this guide to help those who aren’t as familiar with the place or who want to learn about the lesser-known shopping spots. Below, you’ll find the best stores, activities, and restaurants available at Calgary’s Southcentre Mall.
Where is Southcentre Mall?
Southcentre Mall is located at 100 Anderson Road SE. It can be found at the intersection of Anderson Road and Macleod Trail, spanning 1.1 million sq. ft.
How to Get to Southcentre Mall
Via Light Rail: The Anderson Light Rail Station is around a 10-minute walk away from Southcentre Mall. You can get here by taking the C-Train light rail system.
Via Bus: Several buses make stops around Southcentre Mall. You can take transport lines 10, 29, 81, 92, and 713 to get there.
Via Taxi or Ride-Sharing Service: Find a taxi or locate one using a ride-sharing app (like Uber and Lyft). You can select any of Southcentre Mall’s entrances as your drop-off point.
Via Private Car: You can use your car’s GPS or a navigation app (like Waze) to get directions. Southcentre Mall provides complimentary parking for its visitors.
What to Do in Southcentre Mall
Shop at Calgary-exclusive stores
– Media credit: crateandbarrelcanada
There are no rules when it comes to souvenirs, so why not get something functional?
Southcentre Mall is home to two Calgary-exclusive luxury furnishing stores: Crate&Barrel and Restoration Hardware. I personally think that they’re a great source of keepsakes.
Most people probably buy magnets and keychains as memorabilia but how often do you find yourself using those? Instead of that, you can just buy something high-quality that you can use every day, like a towel or an apron.
Plus, Crate&Barrel offers personalization services that you can avail of to add a name or a monogram to make an item extra special.
Satisfy your cravings at the food court
– Media credit: southcentremall
Southcentre Mall’s food situation is interesting. More than any restaurant, you’ll hear shoppers praising the food court the most.
We can’t blame them, it really is a culinary paradise. It’s always clean and the seats are very comfortable — perfect for resting after lots of shopping.
The food selection is also impressive. They offer all kinds of international cuisine, from snacks to full meals. So whether you’re craving something sweet or savory, you can just head to the Southcentre Mall food court to find what you’re looking for.
Bring your kids to Roar
– Media credit: southcentremall
Retail therapy may not be as fun for kids as it is for adults, but we guarantee that they’ll be thrilled with Roar.
Roar is an indoor playpark where kids can safely run around and play. There’s plenty of equipment in here that’s both entertaining and engaging.
When the kids in my family were much younger, we went here a lot. They loved identifying as many animals as they could from the vibrant murals on the walls. They also made friends with all the other children that were there with them.
The best thing about it though is that kids can enter the playpark for free.
Be ready for anything with Sporting Life
– Media credit: sportinglifeca
I’m not a very athletic person, but browsing Sporting Life has convinced me that I can become an Olympian within a year.
This store has everything you can ask for when it comes to being active. Just looking at their stock of high-quality equipment makes me want to take up all kinds of sports, from tennis to skating.
Sporting Life isn’t just for athletes though, it’s also for those who love the outdoors. They’ve got all the equipment you’d need for a fun weekend of roughing it in the woods or hiking the Rockies.
Where to Eat near Southcentre Mall
Caesar’s Steak House – Willow Park
– Media credit: caesarssteak
Address: 10816 Macleod Trail #110
Phone: +1 403 278 3930
Pricing: $$$
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM
- Friday – 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM
- Saturday – 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Sunday – Closed
You can’t call yourself a foodie if you haven’t tried Caesar’s Steak House. This Calgary institution has been around since the 70s and it’s still going strong.
From the moment you enter, you know that you’re in for something life-changing. The dark wood decor and burgundy leather seats just scream opulence.
If you still haven’t tried escargot, this is the best place to have your first taste. Even the pickiest eaters develop a taste for this dish once they have it Caesar’s-style.
But of course, steak is what you’re here for so that’s what your entree should be. Their steaks are the reason why they’ve been around for over 50 years. Once you have a bite, you’ll start praying that they stick around for 50 more.
Broken Plate – Greek Restaurant YYC
– Media credit: brokenplateyyc
Address: 10816 Macleod Trail SE #590
Phone: +1 403 225 9650
Pricing: $$
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday – 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Sunday – 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Monday – Closed
Whenever we dine at Broken Plate, we have to remind ourselves that we’re still in Calgary and not in Santorini. For 20 years, this restaurant has been serving traditional Greek food but with a modern twist.
Here’s a pro tip: try and dine here on a Wednesday. They have Wine Wednesdays where all bottles are reduced to half price.
As for the food, Broken Plate really shines when it comes to seafood. The calamari, seafood linguine, and lobster ravioli are all worth writing home about.
And to complete your Greek dining experience, it’s a must to get the baklava. It’ll satisfy your sweet tooth but it’ll also have you wanting to come back here as soon as you can.
Where to Stay near Southcentre Mall
Delta Hotels Calgary South
– Media credit: deltacalgarysouth
Address: 135 Southland Drive SE
Phone: +1 403 278 5050
Pricing: $$
Operating Hours:
- 24-hour front desk
Families are going to love their stay at Delta Hotels Calgary South. Kids and kids-at-heart parents will find many opportunities for quality bonding time at this hotel.
We’re sure that all members are going to spend hours at the two hot tubs and the two indoor pools. Just be prepared to make a splash since they have the largest waterslide in Southeast Calgary.
When it comes to meals, the Southland Yard Bar and Table is the place to be. Besides some yummy food, they’ve got an arcade bar with exciting games that are great for some friendly competition.
The hotel beds are also divine. The pillows are soft enough for a good night’s sleep, but still firm enough for an impromptu pillow fight for the children.
Hotel Blackfoot
– Media credit: hotelblackfoot
Address: 5940 Blackfoot Trail SE
Phone: +1 403 252 2253
Pricing: $$
Operating Hours:
- 24-hour front desk
Hotel Blackfoot should be considered a Calgary attraction at this point. Guests are spoiled with entertainment options without them ever having to step foot outside.
Firstly, there’s the comedy club that plenty of locals go to. It hosts world-class shows that’ll have you rolling on the floor and dying of laughter.
But if you prefer something more relaxed, they also have an outdoor pool and a hot tub. One soak in the latter and you’ll feel all your worries wash away.
Humans aren’t the only ones who get to enjoy this hotel. Pets are more than welcome — they’re even treated like VIPs! Just let the staff know about your furry companion beforehand and they’ll set up food bowls and treats before you arrive.