Calgary food trucks: how to find them and what to expect

Calgary's food truck scene took off in the early 2010s and has become part of summer in the city. Trucks serve everything from tacos and arepas to mini doughnuts, perogies, burgers and Asian fusion, and they turn up wherever crowds gather: festivals, breweries, markets, concerts and office parks. Here is how to find them and make the most of them.

Where can you find food trucks in Calgary?

Food trucks move around, but they tend to appear in a few kinds of places:

• Festivals and events, including the Stampede, folk and music festivals, street festivals and sporting events.
• Breweries, especially in Inglewood and the Barley Belt, where trucks often park outside tasting rooms on busy days.
• Food truck gatherings, where many trucks line up together, often called frenzies.
• Farmers markets and community events.
• Office areas and parks at lunchtime in summer.

How do you track food trucks in Calgary?

Most trucks post their daily location on social media. There are also online maps and apps that show where Calgary trucks are parked in real time, and organizations that coordinate trucks for events. Check before you go, since schedules depend on weather and bookings.

When are Calgary food trucks open?

The main season runs from late spring to early fall, when the weather allows. Some trucks keep going into the colder months at indoor events, breweries or private bookings, but far fewer. Lunch and early evening are the most common hours, plus events running into the night.

What kinds of food do Calgary food trucks serve?

Kind	What to expect
Tacos and Latin American	Tacos, burritos, arepas, pupusas
Burgers and barbecue	Alberta beef burgers, smoked meats
Comfort food	Perogies, poutine, grilled cheese
Asian	Bao, noodles, fusion dishes
Sweets	Mini doughnuts, ice cream, crepes
Coffee	Espresso trucks at markets and events

What is a food truck frenzy?

A food truck frenzy is a gathering where many trucks park together, often with music and seating, so you can try several at once. They have been held at different locations around the city in summer. Expect lines at the most popular trucks, especially at lunch and on weekends.

How do you pick a good food truck?

1. Look for a short menu, which usually means fresher food.
2. Watch the line, and whether locals are in it.
3. Check what others are eating.
4. Ask what is most popular.
5. Look for a clear specialty.

Do Calgary food trucks get inspected?

Yes. Food trucks in Alberta are subject to public health rules and inspections like other food businesses. Alberta Health Services posts inspection information for food facilities online. A clean truck, staff handling food carefully and hot food served hot are good signs you can see yourself.

How do you pay at a Calgary food truck?

Most trucks take cards and tap payments, and many take cash too. A few are cash-only or card-only, so it is worth carrying both. Tipping at food trucks is optional; many people leave a little for good service. Alberta adds only the 5 percent GST, with no provincial sales tax.

Why did Calgary's food truck scene take off?

Calgary allowed street food trucks to operate more widely in the early 2010s, and the idea caught on quickly in a city full of office workers looking for fast lunches and families looking for summer outings. Trucks gave cooks a way to start a business without the cost of a full restaurant, and several popular trucks later opened bricks-and-mortar locations. Today the trucks are a regular part of summer events, from neighbourhood festivals to brewery weekends.

Where do you sit when eating from a food truck?

It depends on the setting. Food truck gatherings and festivals usually provide picnic tables or seating areas, and breweries let you eat at their tables. At lunchtime spots downtown, people often eat standing, on a bench or in a nearby park. Bring napkins and hand wipes; truck food can be gloriously messy.

Can you eat at food trucks with dietary needs?

Many trucks offer vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free options, but small kitchens make cross-contact likely. If you have a serious allergy, ask the staff directly about ingredients and preparation.

How do Calgary food trucks cope with the weather?

Calgary's weather is a big part of food truck life. Summer days can bring hail or thunderstorms with little warning, and spring and fall can swing from warm sunshine to snow in a day. Trucks often cancel or move at short notice when the forecast turns.

As a customer:

• Check the truck's social media on the day before making a special trip.
• Expect shorter menus on very busy or stormy days.
• Bring a layer, since you will usually eat outdoors.
• Look for trucks at breweries, where you can take your food inside if the weather turns.

Where can you eat food truck food during the Stampede?

The Stampede grounds are filled with food vendors every July, and the midway is famous for outrageous fair food. Many food trucks also set up at Stampede events around the city. Lines can be long, so share and plan your stops.

On Mosey, you can rate the trucks you tried and the dishes you ordered, with photos, and keep a list of favourites to track down next summer.

More guides to read next:

• A food day trip from Calgary to Canmore and Banff
• Halal food in Calgary: where to find it and how to check
• Happy hour in Calgary: drinks, specials and Alberta liquor basics

More in the Canadian food guides and the ranked lists of places.