One of our favourite things to do in the summer is grabbing a bite from somewhere local and enjoying a picnic. Whether it be in the park or by the river, here are some options to enjoy.

Banh mi

Vietnamese Sub

Arancini Margherita

Arancini Margherita

panini

Panini

Flamin’ Cheeto Chicken Sando

Flamin’ Cheeto Chicken Sando

stuffed peppers

Stuffed Peppers

samosa

Samosas

Banh Mi Thi Thi and Prince’s Island

Grab a Vietnamese Sub from Banh Mi Thi Thi, a Calgary institution. The tiny storefront close to the Harry Hays building has been around for 32 years and has an assortment of subs, like sate beef and sate chicken. Then pop over the Prince’s Island to enjoy.

The Italian Centre and Sue Higgins Park

Make a stop at the Italian Centre, and grab something from their Tavola Calda. They have a variety of Italian favourites like Arancini Margherita or their pasta with meatballs. Then grab the pooch and head over to Sue Higgins park for lunch.

Savona’s Pizza and Crescent Road

Pizza is the perfect portable snack. Savona’s serves up pizza by the slice and the lines in the evenings are a testament to how delicious their pizza is. Definitely try a slice of their donair pizza with a side of garlic sauce. Then head down Centre St. to Crescent Road for lunch with a view.

Fraser & Fig and Riverdale Park

We love a good charcuterie and Fraser & Fig makes it easy to take it with you. They have a variety of sizes and their individual box contains 2 cheeses, 2 meats, 1 jam and 1 mustard along with some fruit and veggies. Then hop over to Riverdale Park and Sandy Beach for your picnic.

Lina’s Italian Supermarcato and New Brighton Central Park

If you’re longing for the freshness of a caprese panini, you can head to Lina’s and grab one to go. The panini is filled with tomato, boconccini, basil and balsamic – simple and delicious. New Brighton Central Park is just a hop, skip and a jump away from the 130th Ave. location.

First Avenue Corner Store and Bridgeland Picnic Area

Behind Shiki Menya, you can find First Avenue Corner Store where you can pick up something delicious for your picnic. Their Flamin’ Cheeto Chicken Sando is a crustless Japanese sandwich with breaded chicken cutlets, veggies, kewpie mayo, spicy buffalo sauce and crushed Flamin’ Hot Cheetos – spicy! Bridgeland has its own little park right off 1st Avenue at which to enjoy your snack.

Village Pita and Dover Ridge

Village Pita has been a staple for Mediterranean cuisine in Calgary. Their pita meat pies are made with lean ground beef mixed with ground tomatoes, onions and a signature blend of ten spices. Perfect with a can of Vimto. Pop over to Dover Ridge to enjoy your snack while taking in a great view of downtown Calgary.

The Italian Store and Plane Watching

Stop in at the Italian Store and grab items from La Cafeteria. Their roasted stuffed peppers are made with hand stuffed beef and rice along with Italian seasoning. Be sure to grab a fork! Then go watch planes land at the Laborde Airplane Watching Area (McKnight Blvd. and Aviation Rd. – between Deerfoot Tr. and Barlow Tr.).

The Samosa Factory and Nose Hill Park

The Samosa Factory makes it easy to enjoy samosas in the park. Grab their ready-to-go samosa packs or a lunch box and choose from vegetable, beef or chicken samosas. The northwest location is close to the fourth-largest urban park in Canada…Nose Hill!

Pepino’s and Tompkins Park

Grab an Italian sub from one of Peppino’s six locations. They have so many sandwiches to choose from. Try their Vesuvius with calabrese salami, capicollo and banana peppers. Visit the 17th Ave. location and pop over to Tompkins Park for your picnic. You can enjoy movies in the park on Saturday and Sunday afternoons all of September, 2022.