Why Saddle Ridge is One of Calgary’s Best Neighbourhoods 2025

by avenuecalgary

People stand under a monument in the Saddle Ridge neighbourhood. — Photo by Jared Sych.

Saddle Ridge’s development encompasses the many uses of this area through time. Standing on the traditional grounds of the Blackfoot Territory, the land that is now Saddle Ridge was annexed by Calgary for ranching in 1894. The community has since grown to a population of 24,365 residents, 62 per cent of whom are newcomers to Canada. This longstanding heritage combined with a diverse community exemplifies Calgary’s cultural mosaic as well as its past, present and future.

Community activity revolves around the Genesis Centre. Although the centre technically lies in neighbouring Martindale, it serves various Northeast Calgary residents and was partially funded by the Saddle Ridge Community Association.

It’s common to find the young and elderly gathering at the centre, which also hosts a range of cultural celebrations and events, from youth chess leagues and soccer games to Indigenous markets and Diwali celebrations.

Saddle Ridge features easy access to many amenities. Getting errands done is a breeze with a visit to Saddletowne Circle. Within walking distance of Saddletowne Station, highlights include South Asian grocer Chalo! FreshCo and Vattan Halal Meat.

Among Saddle Ridge’s numerous playgrounds, the community also boasts two prominent greenspaces, Saddlecreek Ponds and Bear Park — which includes a playground, picnic area and numerous pathways ideal for both walking and cycling.

Unique Challenge

While Saddle Ridge has ample parks and greenspaces, as with many newly developed communities, it lacks the large trees found in longer established neighbourhoods. However, last September, the community benefited from a Neighbourhood Tree Planting initiative by The City of Calgary. The City planted more than 500 container trees on public land as a result. — S.C.

What the Neighbours Say

“We have a very diverse community here…. The Genesis Centre plays a part in that because we have cultural festivals there quite frequently, which is a chance to learn what our neighbours celebrate.” — Judy Brown, who has lived in Saddle Ridge for 25 years.

Neighbourhood Highlights

Lovely Sweets Street Eat at Savanna Bazaar

A box of sweets and baked goods in a yellow box — Photo by Jared Sych.

Step into the aromatic whirlwind that is Lovely Sweets Street Eat, where Calgary gets its fix of authentic Indian street food magic. Since 2021, this buzzing spot has been doing double duty, with one side churning out everything from sizzling Indo-Chinese creations to perfectly spiced regional curries, while the sweet shop tempts with towers of colourful treats.

The air is thick with the heavenly scent of fresh naan, and every dish (each one crafted from scratch) comes dressed to impress with just-right garnishes. From the curries like peppery, creamy shahi paneer to the zing of street-style pav bhaji, and the golgappe counter that has everyone hungry, Lovely Sweets captures all the beautiful chaos of India’s food scene.

Chalo! FreshCo

A grocery store storefront — Photo by Jared Sych.

Step into Chalo! FreshCo, where the hunt for South Asian ingredients becomes an exciting one-stop adventure. Part of the Sobeys family, these bright and bustling stores have transformed the international grocery experience from a multi-store expedition into a single vibrant destination. The aisles are full of treasures from across Southeast Asia, the Middle East and beyond, while the produce section tempts with ever-changing deals on fresh fruits and vegetables. Halal meat, an impressive fish selection and walls of spices sit alongside Western groceries in spotless, well-organized displays.

Genesis Centre

The Genesis Centre, a 225,000- square-foot marvel of recreational and community opportunities, has become the neighbourhood’s gathering place. You’ll find kids shooting hoops in the massive 30,000-square-foot event centre and aunties sharing family recipes in the community kitchen. The Genesis Centre is a perfect reflection of the neighbourhood itself, a mix of cultures where residents bring their diverse heritage to life through events, sports and celebrations.

With two indoor field houses, a community gym and numerous multi-purpose rooms, there’s space for everyone to play, learn and connect. The Genesis Centre includes a YMCA and a Calgary Public Library branch. This is where business meetings happen down the hall from cultural festivals, where trade shows set up shop next to family celebrations, and where you might hear conversations in any number of the 165 languages spoken in Calgary. — L.K.