Seasons of Bowness Park

I’ve had multiple bad experiences with this place. I just moved to Bowness and I was so excited to try this place! My fiancé and I are getting married and we strongly considered this place for our venue. We reached out for details about the venue, I asked a ton of questions and let them know my amount of guests (I said it was flexible) and they just responded with “that’s too many people” and that was all. So we are taking our business elsewhere with that. As well, today, in -30 weather, my partner and I booked a reservation online to have brunch for our anniversary, the reservation is confirmed 3 times with me, all good. But we arrive via Uber, we’re a bit early- so the doors are locked still. We wait and wait and it turns out they just aren’t opening. It doesn’t say they are closed anywhere. So we had to stand in -30 for 30 minutes waiting for another Uber to take us home. We are both hungry, annoyed and freezing. Terrible communication and service. And I’ve not ever eaten here. Do better. We’ve seen other folks locked out before on our walks in the park too. This place is very unprofessional.

My mother was very impressed. Beautiful ambiance with real boughs on the beams for the holidays. Warm and festive. Very flavourful dips for Bread and Dips. Definitely order a second portion of bread as dips were in large quantity. A very personable server who gave us many options even though it was happy hour. As a bonus, a very efficient window washer who blessed us with crystalline views of Bowness Lagoon.

We just booked our 2020 wedding at The Seasons. Anna (the owner) and her staff are great! Answered all our questions, did a site visit with us, had us in for a tasting (which was amazing) and very flexible with all our requests. It's a small venue with room for 50. It was so much more affordable than similar venues in Calgary. We think it's just perfect and can't wait to share the day with our family and friends

Update: Our 2020 wedding at The Seasons went ahead (although with many modifications). Anna and her team did everything they could to keep everyone safe while still making the day special and beautiful. It was a night to remember! We've gone back since for our 1st anniversary and last night, for our 3rd anniversary. The Seasons is a magical place for us - we will continue to go back. It never disappoints! This time, I had the mushroom risotto with salmon and my husband had the steak. Delicious!

We had a very enjoyable fall afternoon here. It was a destination cycle expedition from downtown for me and my daughter roller bladed. We spent the afternoon here enjoying well earned culinary delights! Beef and barley soup, the kids had the kids salmon dish. Next time we will try the pizza. We also treated ourselves to the pumpkin spice fritters, they were delicious! As well as the various sorbets and the berry chocolate dessert which was not my favorite.

Staff was very friendly, and the food was really great. We enjoyed the bread dip a lot. The total bill was very reasonable.

We were trying to stay here and order some food. Unfortunately, nobody met us at the front. Waitress, was not friendly at all. After we asked for menu and nobody came to take an order, we left.

There was one server available. The service horrible, the food came so late and the food was tasteless, cold and bland. I will never ever go there again

Our second time trying Seasons after a less than stellar initial visit; unfortunately, this time was much the same.
The space and surrounding area of this restaurant is clearly the back bone to its success in staying open. The patio is phenomenal, both ample shade and sunny spaces with terrific views and right on the lagoon.
Sadly however, it feels this operation works in spite of itself. Both visits received sub-par service and unacceptable serving timelines. The first visit for dinner on a Tuesday early evening we had a brand new waitress, working a double due to staffing issues who clearly needed some further guidance as she admittedly did not realize she had to fire our mains for the kitchen to prepare them after our drink/appetizers; we do not fault her for this, as she was lovely, apologetic and tried her best to make up for her mulligan. I hope for her sake, she received some further guidance or found an establishment that she could succeed in as she truly was lovely. This meal for five took 2.5 hours and the meals came out at wildly different times. One of our guests had contacted the restaurant the following day to give some feedback as we felt it would be appropriate, however the discussion clearly fell on deaf ears.

Our second visit with a different group (4) for lunch went nearly the same. Forty minutes for our mains to arrive, one arrived a full twelve minutes after the rest. It was clear two had been sitting for some time as soft poached eggs were now a medium-firm from the heat lamps. Our server was polite, however had zero opportunity to be anything more as she was clearly spread far too thin with most of, if not all, the tables on the patio. We overheard two tables question timing of their meals, one even requested to cancel an order as they needed to leave.
Again, I do not fault the service staff but after the second visit, I do fully fault management and ownership. Staffing is incredibly tough right now understandably, however having a hostess polishing at the door while one server runs frantically about is a lack of leadership and direction, and I would have been appalled by this in my restaurant at the time.

When it arrived, our food was adequate, apart from the Benny’s arriving overdone. Fish and chips were well portioned, coleslaw was nicely lightly dressed and the chicken sandwich was, too, well portioned and decent.

Seasons is far too great a location to have this level of service, or lack there of and I strongly encourage ownership to review their management and operation strategy as this space has fantastic opportunity with someone that knows what they’re doing.

Was excited to go for lunch here as it's a beautiful restaurant right in the park, with lovely views. Our server was friendly and welcoming, but the food was subpar. We shared a bowl of borscht and the fish and chips. The soup was barely hot, and the bread it was served with- a slice of white sandwich bread with garlic butter- was served right in the bowl, soaking up all the broth and turning into a soggy mess. It should have been served on the side, especially since so many people have issues with wheat gluten these days. As for the fish, it was obvious that it had been cooked earlier and re-fried, as it was so hard the batter snapped off and went flying to the floor when I tried to cut it, and the fish itself was tough and chewy in parts. Disappointing as the prices are on the higher side, I definitely expected better quality. Another point is the salad- there are several on the menu but none of them include protein, and adding a bit of chicken or salmon is expensive. A lunch salad with protein would be $26.00- $30.00, this is just too high for a little cafe-style restaurant. Seasons was not busy at all, in fact we were the only table most of the time we were there, and after sampling the food I can see why. It's too bad because this spot has really great potential, but the menu and kitchen need improvement.

Came here to try their YYC hot chocolate fest drink. It was good, and despite being busy the service was very quick. Perfect place to grab a drink while you walk around bowness park!

So I had read reviews that said the staff were rude but Syndy was anything but she was polite and gracious. I had read that the service was slow but we were in and out of there in an hour with 2 mains. Oh the pear martini was wonderful.

We stopped in mid afternoon, and were seated on the patio. We waited for over 20 minutes, with an almost empty restaurant, and received no service. I guess the high prices make up for the customers that walk out.

It's a nice location for dinner especially on a warm summer night. Food is okay but on the pricey side for what you get.

This place is a hidden gem, the view, ambience, service, food and cocktails are just amazing!

3 tables full inside, 5 tables outside. Vacancy of about 75% or so when my family and I walked in without a reservation. She asked at the door in what looked like a completely empty restaurant if we had a reservation. We said we didn't and she turned us away saying they weren't accepting walk-ins. Screw this place.

Tried their in house lavender ice cream: (Crystals of super sweet ice, half melted. Disappointed and don’t recommend. For $9 you can get a scoop of much bette ice CREAM: (

We had a great experience at Season’s. Gracie our server was fantastic. A stop by Alex for a chat was great. The location was super. We will return and we will make sure make reservations prior so we can sit upfront with the best view.

First, they didn't want to let us in despite it being almost empty saying we had to have a reservation, then it turned out to be one of those places that will not sell you kid's menu items, after that it took 40 minutes to get an adult's burger and vastly over-salted fries and in the end, they brought a bill with 20% tip already counted in. The mandatory tip against my will for such poor service was the straw that broke the camel's back.

I dined there with friends this summer. It was all good until I pointed out the drink on the bill which was not received. It was a private conversation with my table mates and the server overheard. She was so aggressive and rude that I will never go back.

What a gem! Though it's on a pricey side, you feel like somewhere in Europe. Very cozy. Lots of people paddling/boating that day on the river.

The service was not up to par. The pasta was bland and the portions small. Waited almost half an hour before receiving our bill, after asking for it 3 times.

Under-staffed and food is mediocre.

We visited the smaller cafe that serves coffee, tea, sandwiches, ice cream - and between my sister and I spent $30 on very overpriced ice cream sandwiches / baked goods. After we had finished our food I stepped back inside and asked for a small cup of water for my baby. It was +27 outside & we had run out of water. She told me she needed to ask because they “charge for water. ” I asked if I could just bring my own water bottle in & have them fill it for me. She said yes. Once inside the owner (?) shut that idea down saying “well, if we fill your water bottle we would be filling water bottles all day! ” There was nobody in there - but she insisted it was a hassle and “we sell water you can buy. ” I literally wanted a tiny coffee cup of water for my baby, and I said that, “hey, can you just fill a cup and I’ll pour it in myself? ” ‍️ Not to mention I had just spent an insane amount of money on 2 small items. The woman was rude, dismissive and repulsed that I dare ask for water? She then went on to tell her staff about “Covid” and that’s why they don’t fill water bottles. Again… I needed a small cup of water to pour ON MY OWN into my water bottle. It seemed like such a big deal for such a small ask. I won’t be returning here, that woman ruined it for me. I went into the bathroom and filled my water bottle there… for free. Don’t waste your time or money here.

Absolutely gorgeous area but the service was extremely slow. We waited more than 90 minutes for dinner and it was not worth it. The salmon and tuna salad were both small portions, the gumbo was basic, and the burger was standard for a pub. You can get better service and hot food somewhere else.

My wife and I stopped in for a bite to eat, we each had the Park Salad, My wife had the Salmon and I had the chicken and we both had mimosas.
The chicken was over cooked and very salty to much salt and very spicy.
My wife enjoyed the Salmon but I tasted it and found it to be a little bland for my liking. Now, we have had the very same at other restaurants for a very reasonable price but I have to say at $74 plus tip I was left feeling like I had been robbed. We have had similar salads at other restaurants and drinks and have paid a very reasonable $42 plus tip. I will say that the vinaigrette for the salad was very well balanced and tasty and the service was very good. Many visitor to the restaurant including ourselves were excited to try the fish and chips to which they were out of. Now when I say many I am speaking of at least six customers including my wife and I, yes I was listening to other orders from other table out of interest.occupational habit you might say. Honestly, this is far from a five star establishment and if you are going to charge outrageous prices for your food you should at the very least have a well stocked menu not excuses as to why that menu item isn't available. I am a Chef in a restaurant and if I open with so much as one item missing from the menu I would be unemployed no highway options. I would have sent an underling for a quality replacement to keep my customers happy.
Hopefully, you reader and foodies like myself will agree, when we spend our hard earned money on food we have expectation of quality not lunch bag letdown.

May you all have excellent adventures in dinning.
Chef Pierre

The venue is beautiful
and service was really good but the food was not great. I ordered gumbo and although it was very tasty, there were no prawns and only one tiny piece of sausage. When I finally got the server’s attention, he came back with a bowl full of sauce, two tiny “prawns” and two more tiny pieces of sausage. This was a fairly expensive entree and I was expecting at least a little more protein. Not sure I’ll go back or recommend.

My friends and I came to Calgary on a friend's trip after a Covid and I wanted to treat them to a nice supper. Unfortunately I picked this place the portions where not anywhere worth the price especially when the food was way over seasoned and many of the spices where burnt on top. This was appernt in the salmon which my friend said felt like eating sand. The over spices actually ended up giving my friend nausa. The roasted sunchoke was undercooked. The steak was also tiny for a 36 dollar price point. The liguni tasted worse than kraft dinner.

Excellent service, friendly informative staff and food that was top-notch. Only thing missing from the menu according to one of the group was cider.

Just tried their Guanciale Spaghetti Carbonara for dinner - tasty but its price was quite pricey.

Would recommend that you come over during hot summer months because their dining area has a fabulous view of the Bowness River.

Was alright besides service! However, the male hostess needs to learn better customer service skills. Not polite. Everything else was good. Like I said, disappointed in the service though.

Worst hospitality. The staff was rude and impolite in behaviour. Not recommend just because of the staff.

Took Family there for dinner as we do every month. There was a new server who took our order wrong. Ended up getting a pepper corn steak rare-med-rare instead of the fillet medium we ordered for our son. The kicker is the server blamed my wife and I was the one that placed the order. Took over 40 minutes to get our entire order in a empty restaurant, and there over all attitude was that they could not give a s*#t. We were regulars and we will not be back for a very long time if ever.

Recently came here with my wife for dinner, I found our server to be rude. She was often making comments under her breath and was not very helpful. She also seemed to be confrontational with other tables.

Food and service was excellent. The restaurant is such a nice cozy and cool place. Right in the middle of Bowness Park.with all the lights and people skating.it's like out of a movie. Service was excellent with no gaps between drinks. They serve a very good old fashioned here btw. The starters, main course we're excellent.we had risotto balls and coconut shrimp.and tenderloin for main.very good. Only downside was someone walked away with my gloves.which I had for 3 years and were my favourite. Anyways, we will return again.

The coffee shop here is amazing. I've never ate at the restaurant but the vanilla latte here is the best in the city by far!

We sat at a beautiful, peaceful river side table. The filet mignon was not as good as our first visit a year earlier. Then, it was one of the best servings of beef I had ever had, and was a factor when inviting friends to join us. The salmon has been delicious each time. We will return another time, hoping the filet was an abheration. The river side table is definitely worth it, especially on a warmer day, as it is shaded. Inside dining in winter is fine, too.

So beautiful in the fall, there's some construction right now but you're still able to walk along the paths.

We visited the Bowness Park around the lunch hour on a weekday, and enjoyed a wonderful lunch after walking the area for an hour. The waterfront location is stunning, and seating is available inside as well as outside; both settings are superb. The servers were attentive, courteous, professional and pleasant, and our orders were accurate.
We ordered a hamburger and it was excellent - freshly cooked, with superb french fries. The salad with salmon and feta was very good, except that fewer greens would be preferred. The appetizers served prior, complimentary, were excellent. Bodum coffee accompanied the salad, and it was most enjoyable.
The items served are pricey, but worth it. We are very glad we visited this establishment!

The food seems like it's for your grandparents. Underseasoned and over cooked and dry meat. Nothing had salt, everything was kind of just bland. This was the consensus of everyone at our table, not just one dish. The staff were nice and beer was good.

How is this place not one of the best restaurants in Calgary? My partner and I went for dinner last night at the last minute and were easily able to get a reservation on the drive over. We sat on their patio which is on the banks of the Bowness lagoon. Such a beautiful spot. We ordered the duck spring rolls and arancini to start, the tenderloin at the recommendation of Dan, our waiter and finished it off with the Tiramisu. The food was stellar, everything was cooked perfectly and Dan was the best, you could tell he loves being there. We had such a good experience we will absolutely be back again.

Great location and great food. Deutschie's service was impeccable and the lamb shank excellent. Try to get a spot on the terrace overlooking the water b

The service was great, thanks to Dan and the food was super tasty. I had the Lamb shank and it definitely exceeded my expectation. Will be coming back soon.