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10 Beautiful Churches in Calgary That Will Captivate You
Calgary is diverse, and that includes religious practices. It’s home to beautiful churches that stick out impressively among skyscrapers and residential neighbourhoods.
Religious or not, it’s impossible not to turn your head when passing by beautiful churches in Calgary. They’re places of worship for many locals and tourists dropping by, but they’re also design masterpieces that architecture aficionados marvel at.
We’ve visited our fair share, which we’re showing you because these churches deserve to be seen. If you want to attend mass in the city or want to capture beautiful images, we’ve got the most incredible churches in Calgary!
Knox United Church
Media credit: knoxunitedcalgary
Location: 506 4 St SW
Contact: 403-269-8382, [email protected]
Mass Hours:
- Sunday: 10:30 am
- Wednesday: 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm
It’s impossible to miss Knox United Church in downtown Calgary. The impressive Gothic Revival structure is an architectural marvel, as its historical style stands out in the midst of modern high-rise buildings.
Its interior is captivating as well. It feels like you’ve travelled back in time, as every corner of the church was meticulously designed— it feels like a traditional church but it’s evident that there have been some modern accents.
This gorgeous church is not just for attending mass. It’s also an event space for weddings and concerts, accommodating up to 650 guests.
After mass, walk for about five to eight minutes to the CORE to eat and shop with your family.
Pro Tip:
If you plan on getting married here, contact the staff immediately for availability. Bookings are usually done a year in advance, but they can squeeze you in a tad earlier if the schedule permits (they can do several weddings in a day).
Commons Church
Media credit: commonschurch
Location: 2404 Kensington Rd NW
Contact: 877-360-0365
Mass Hours: Sunday: 9 am, 10:30 am, 12 pm, 7 pm
Website
Calgary’s Common Church is a place where Jesus is at the centre— it hosts various events aimed at helping and bringing the community together. There are collaborative dinners, sports events, marriage courses, and outreach programs.
Located on the corner of Kensington Road NW, this neighbourhood church hosts services every Sunday. It also hosts Sevenpm, an inclusive Sunday night meeting for young adults.
The exterior is simple, with its white walls and blue accents. It was built in the 1950s and has been renovated to offer accessibility features— it has an accessible entrance with a ramp, an automated door, and a gender-neutral bathroom.
Pro Tips:
If you’re visiting with kids, don’t worry if they become fussy. Your children can join the fully staffed classroom every Sunday morning right after music.
Don’t worry about donations during service because you’re not required to. But if you want to show your support, you can drop your donations at the box in the back room or do so on the website.
The Lantern Community Church
Media credit: valeriaortizblogs
Location: 1401 10 Ave SE
Contact: [email protected]
Mass Hours: Sunday: 10 am
Website
A must-visit is The Lantern Community Church, which was built in 1912 by its people when Inglewood’s blue-collar families gave part of their modest income to build a church that would accept anyone, even if they weren’t wearing their Sunday best.
Since then, this Calgary church has provided a safe haven for struggling members of the community, especially during the Great War when many men were deployed and didn’t return to their families. Anyone is welcome here, both locals and tourists.
This place of worship is open to events, including candlelight concerts. Yes, aside from attending mass, you can purchase tickets to watch talented musicians play instrumental music of popular artists and movies.
After attending the service, you can find restaurants nearby for lunch. There are several places to choose from along 9th Avenue.
Pro Tips:
This community church is small, so any seat is good if you plan on watching a candlelight concert.
If you want to attend mass but physically cannot, you can still do so by tuning in to the Lantern Community Church YouTube page.
The Cathedral Church of the Redeemer
Media credit: downtowncalgary
Location: 604 1st St SE
Contact: 403-269-1905, [email protected]
Mass Hours:
- Sunday: 9 am, 10:30 am
- September – June, every 3rd Sunday of the month: 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 9 am
Situated in downtown Calgary, The Cathedral Church of the Redeemer was completed in 1905, but the original church opened in 1884. It has a rich history, being the first Anglican church built in what is now recognised as the Diocese of Calgary.
It has a height of 45 ft from the ground up to the pine ceiling and measures 145 ft long and 70 ft wide. In it is the cathedra of the bishop, a chair or seat of ecclesiastical.
There are many opportunities for worship at this magnificent church, available every Sunday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Additional services are posted on the website, so check it out during advent and Christmas time.
Pro Tip:
It’s not hard to reach this church. It’s right across Olympic Plaza, and you can ride the C-Train or bus. If you’re driving, you can park for free around the church.
Sacred Heart Church & Columbarium
Media credit: errolredsebs
Location: 1307 14 St SW
Contact: 403-244-2741, [email protected]
Mass Hours:
- Monday – Friday 12:05 pm
- Saturday: 9 am, 5 pm
- Sunday 7:30 am, 9 am, 11 am, 5 pm
- Columbarium Masses: 2nd Saturday of each month: 9 am
Sacred Heart Church & Columbarium’s history can be traced back to 1910 when the Oblate Fathers built the church’s frame structure and opened it for regular services. From the 1950s to the 1990s, the church was developed more by adding decorations.
The more the city welcomed new residents, the more families attended services at the church. Nowadays, it has not only provided mass services but also programmes for the youth, making it an ideal church for families.
The church will wow you, just like it did us. The interior is beautiful and peaceful— the stained glass windows are spectacular when the light hits it just right.
It’s also a columbarium where our loved ones can find their final resting place. It has separate visiting hours, which is every day except for statutory holidays.
Pro Tip:
For Filipino immigrants in Calgary, you can attend the Filipino mass every Sunday at 1 pm.
St. Mary’s Cathedral
Media credit: cmcalgary
Location: 219 18 Ave SW
Contact: 403-228-4170, [email protected]
Mass Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 7:30 am, 5 pm
- Wednesday: 7 pm
- Saturday: 9 am, 5 pm
- Sunday: 8 am, 10 am, 12 pm, 4 pm
- Statutory holiday: 9 am
St. Mary’s Cathedral is a beautiful Roman Catholic church. In 1889, the original sandstone structure was built, back when Calgary prominently used the material in major constructions.
The original structure was demolished, and the gorgeous modern and Gothic Revival architecture we see now was completed in 1957. The interior is a stark contrast to the exterior, which is more simple but still looks traditional.
Its rich history is enough to convince many to visit. But another reason to drop by is for mass, which is offered seven days a week— confessions are available daily except Monday.
Pro Tip:
Check the complete operating hours on the website. Some days are dedicated to SFXC, a dedicated space for young adults.
Our Lady Of Perpetual Help Church
Media credit: cbcgwun
Location: 400 Edmonton Trail NE
Contact: 403-265-7926
Mass Hours:
- Monday – Saturday: 9 am (English)
- Saturday: 5 pm (Mandarin)
- Sunday: 8:30 am (English), 10 am (English and Cantonese), 11:30 (Cantonese)
One of the oldest ethnic churches in the city, Our Lady Of Perpetual Help Church (OLPH) is a Chinese Catholic church that first opened its doors almost 70 years ago. And yes, you can attend mass even if you don’t speak the Chinese language.
If you’re an immigrant looking for a strong sense of community in a country you just moved to, this is a church you can check out. Services are held in English (most of ‘em actually are), Mandarin, and Cantonese.
It combines Chinese traditions with Canadian culture, providing a safe space to bring the community together. You can find it on Edmonton Trail— the red brick structure is easy to see, and there’s a bus stop in front of the parking lot.
Pro Tip:
If you want to hone your English language skills, Sunday mass at 10 am is conducted in English and Cantonese.
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church
Media credit: assumption_ukrainian_church
Location: 704 6 St NE
Contact: Contact form
Mass Hours:
- Sunday: 9 am (Ukrainian), 11 am (English)
- Monday – Friday: 10 am
- Holy Days: 10 am
The beautiful Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church is a neighbourhood church in Calgary and its surrounding areas. It hosts Ukrainian religious and traditional events.
It has a beautiful yet modest brick-stone structure. The interior is anything but— it’s decked out with gold accents and its walls are intricately painted with images of Jesus Christ and notable religious figures (even the ceiling is painted!).
The atmosphere is impressive, which is even more spectacular once the amazing choir starts singing. Sure, you can’t see the church anytime you like, but you can attend the English mass every Sunday at 11 am.
Pro Tip:
Check out the website’s bulletin page for additional services on weekdays.
St. Francis Catholic Church
Media credit: St. Francis of Assisi Church, Calgary
Location: 211 6 Ave SE
Contact: 403-266-2512, [email protected]
Mass Hours:
- Tuesday – Friday: 12:05 pm
- Saturday: 5:30 pm
- Sunday: 9 am, 11 am, 4:30 pm
When you visit Calgary, a downtown stop is a must! And that’s where you’ll find St. Francis Catholic Church, a small triangular church in the middle of two high-rise buildings.
It opened in 1957 and has continued to welcome Catholics from all over the world (it’s perfect for tourists who are here on business). Calgarians also flock here, as it opens its doors to people from all walks of life.
It’s different from the Catholic churches we’re used to— it’s small, very simple, and it doesn’t even feel like you’re attending mass in Calgary’s downtown area. But the small space provides a sense of belonging, even if this isn’t the church you usually go to.
Pro Tip:
There’s no parking area near the church, so we suggest taking public transit or walking. Try to attend mass on weekdays since weekends are when a lot of people usually come.
Calgary Alberta Temple
Location: 9802 Rocky Ridge Rd NW
Contact: 403-241-4250
Mass Hours: By appointment
Website
The Calgary Alberta Temple is the 140th dedicated temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It serves Calgary and its surrounding cities, including Drumheller and Banff.
Once you see it, you’ll be in awe at how massive it is— the site is a total of 10.17 acres, and the structure is three stories tall, encompassing 33,000 sq ft. The beautiful white exterior is made from grey granite, which definitely makes this temple eye-catching.
It is not open to the public, though, so visits are limited to seeing the outside structure. Church services are strictly for members of Latter-day Saints (LDS) only.
Pro Tip:
LDS members must book an appointment to attend services. This is strongly recommended because even though walk-ins can attend, wait times will be long.
