Whether you’re a student, freelancer, or have a remote gig, getting work done at home can sometimes be a challenge. Sure, we love crushing our to-do list in our pyjamas, but there are days when a jaunt out of the house feels… necessary. Luckily, there are loads of great work spots around Calgary for those kinds of days.
Do you love the constant white noise of coffee shop chatter? What about a quiet spot to focus, but still see people who aren’t your family or roommates?
We will put in a disclaimer that yes, a lot of the spots on this list are coffee shops, but we have a few tricks up our sleeves! Read on for a few of our favourite spots around Calgary to get some work done.
Maybe one of these will become your next go-to.
Deville Coffee
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A local staple for many Calgarians, you really can’t go wrong with a Deville coffee to get the productivity flowing. The reason it’s on this list is purely for accessibility. There are SO many Deville locations across Calgary, so you’re almost guaranteed to have one nearby. Each spot is a little unique while still preserving the down-to-earth roaster vibe, so it’s a great spot to work, sip a latte, and enjoy an almond croissant… speaking from experience.
Where: Multiple locations in Calgary
Regal Cat Cafe
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Maybe your landlord doesn’t allow pets, but there’s still a way to enjoy some work-break-snuggles. This cafe has coffee, baked goods, and (best of all) cats! Step into the adjacent room and decompress between meetings with the adorable resident furballs. It’s like therapy, but cheaper. Appointments are recommended if you’re planning to visit on an evening or weekend.
Where: 303 10th St. NW, Calgary
Calgary Public Library
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That’s right, public libraries are still a thing, and they are a great place to hole up and focus for a few hours. The downtown Central Library has multiple floors with ample work areas, comfortable seating, outlets galore, and free Wi-Fi. There’s even a little coffee stand on-site if you need a midday fix. While we’re partial to the downtown location, the Calgary Public Library has multiple branches throughout the city, so check out the one closest to you.
Where: Multiple locations in Calgary
Bell’s Cafe
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Not that we’re trying to distract you or anything, but having a bookstore on-site to browse whenever you need a break is pretty tempting. Enjoy great coffee, delicious food that’s made in-house, and a quieter atmosphere on account of its neighbourhood location. An added bonus is that parking is much easier to come by compared to the more central coffee shops on this list.
Where: 1515 34th Ave. SW, Calgary
Devonian Gardens
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A mall might not be the first place you consider when looking for a spot to work, but the Devonian Gardens are definitely worth checking out. Located on the top floor of the CORE Shopping Centre in downtown Calgary, you can enjoy lush surroundings, plenty of tables, and ample natural light on account of the enormous windows and skylights. While you might have to hunt a little for an outlet (tip: start the day with a fully charged laptop), you’re right by the food court, which means tons of lunch options for when you get hungry.
Where: Top floor of CORE Shopping Centre – 317 7th Ave. SW, Calgary
Philosafy Coffee
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Located right on 17th Ave. Philosafy is very central without being smack in the middle of the office-heavy downtown, which can mean less competition in scoring a table. There’s plenty of seating, great coffee, and unmatched people watching for when you need a screen break. The windows are huge, so there’s lots to see.
Where: 632 17th Ave. SW, Calgary
Do you have any local haunts for productive days? Share your favourite work spots around Calgary in the comments below.