River Café, Calgary

Located in the middle of Prince’s Island Park, on the lagoon where the Bow River passes though downtown Calgary, River Café has featured “Seasonal Canadian Cuisine” since the mid-1990s.  

Inspired by the natural setting of the Bow River Valley, the restaurant has the feel and nostalgic appearance of an old Rocky Mountain fishing lodge with an open-hearth fieldstone fireplace and panoramic views of the park and Calgary’s dramatic cityscape beyond. Fly-fishing artifacts honour the Bow River’s reputation as a world famous fly-fishing destination.

Owned by Sal Howell (at right), who also owns Deane House, River Café fosters an environment among its employees where they’re encouraged to fully engage in the creative process. This culture based on connectivity is evident in the way food is viewed and cultivated at River Café- growing their own produce, sustainably harvesting ingredients, and sharing their culinary creations..

The food is exquisite…regional, organic, free range from local farmers and producers and from their organic garden at Highwood Crossing in High River.