Stronghold Tattoo

Amazing day with Katie getting a small-ish custom tattoo. Lovely little shop, really warm welcome from all the artists, and Katie was brilliant to work with. Responsive, talented, and a pleasure to spend the afternoon with. Will absolutely come back to see her.

Ryan is the best! Got my first tattoo there last week and Ryan was very professional, knowledgeable and helpful with everything and best part is my tattoo looks AMAZING. Will definitely be back very soon!

Top notch little shop owned by Ryan Gagne. Such a solid dude and legendary tattooer. Highly recommend.

This is a top notch tattoo shop. Ryan is awesome and really down to earth. If you're looking for amazing work in a great shop, check out Stronghold Tattoo. You won't be disappointed!

I have a few traditional style pieces from Ryan Gagné. The most recent is about 10 years old, but the ink is still vibrant (I also wear sunscreen). I went back today on one of the monthly walk-in Sundays and it was a great decision. Fast, clean and a quality design. A+

Ryan and Natalie, both very friendly and professional made the first appointment I had with them super easy. Ryan helped with everything from placement to design and was the most efficient tattoo artist I’ve seen so far! Extremely well kept shop with great staff and super friendly environment. Would recommend to anyone in the city and will definitely be going back!

This place is incredible. Everyone is super friendly and personable. I had my tattoo done by Ryan. He was quick yet very detail oriented, and the pricing was very fair. He did a fantastic job and really took his time to work with me and figure out exactly what I wanted. I would highly recommend this place to anyone!

This was my first and definitely not last visit at the shop and I could not have asked for a better experience. Even from the second I walked in I got greeted with a warm genuine greeting that led to a full conversation rather than just a simple "hello" and leaving it at that.
I got my tattoos from Ryan and not for even a single second did I ever feel insecure, worried, unsafe, doubtful, bored. And that wasn't just through the tattoo process, that was the conversations that we had for the entire duration that just flowed from topic to topic as if speaking with an old friend.
The artwork is just phenomenal and speaks for itself. I can't find words that won't fail to live up to the beauty and original artwork that comes out of that shop.
It really felt like an experience of getting to know somebody and connecting with somebody instead of a tattoo appointment.
I really could go on forever, so just let me say that I cannot recommend this shop or it's artists any higher, and I will definitely be returning.

Great experience with Ryan doing my tattoo. It turned out even better than I had imagined. He was very professional and made sure I felt comfortable. Would definitely recommend to anyone. Really genuine and awesome guy.

Ryan has been tattooing me for many years now. Glad he's finally settled down and has his own shop in the place I call home. But if you don't live in Calgary it's totally worth the trip, Always a good chill clean environment with rock solid tattoos!

Katie is a great artist, & a lovely person! So happy with my tattoos from her, & it was a great overall experience! Will be back for more tattoos for sure.

Got my first tattoo from Ryan at Stronghold a few days ago. Being a first timer, I didn't know what to expect from the process. Everything was excellent. Initial consult was great, his design was PERFECT.exactly what we discussed and ever better than I expected with beautiful colors and serious attention to detail. Tattooing went very smoothly and I'm healing up nice following his instructions. Would recommend.an artist I trust and hope to get more work from.

If you are in the market for traditional tattoos, please go to Stronghold Tattoo and get tattooed by Ryan Gagne, you will be getting a very high quality tattoo! Ryan was amazing to get tattooed by, super professional, very friendly and personable. The amazing colours and quality of the tattoos speak for themselves! I drove up from Edmonton and will definitely be making the trip again sometime soon for more!

Had such a great experience here. Ryan was so kind and welcoming, and I’m absolutely in love with my tattoos! Will definitely be returning:)

Ryan did an excellent job and was super professional from the initial consult down to the actual appointment!

I’ve been tattooed regularly for the last 17 years, and had heard good things from my brother about Ryan. I checked out his work and booked in, and had him tattoo my head. It was one of the best tattoo experiences I’ve had. He was an professional, and welcoming to everyone who walked through the door regardless of what they were after. I couldn’t possibly recommend Ryan and his crew enough.

Ryan’s shop is a perfect example of how a tattoo shop should be. Communication is excellent, shop is clean, walls are covered in wicked flash and Ryan does THE best work. He took my idea and turned it into exactly what I was wanting (no re-draws, no changes, just perfection). Ryan is also super easy to talk to about literally anything (Korean food, yup. Watches and horology, sure why not. The silliness of yachts, that too. Literally anything). He is in demand for a reason but definitely worth a little bit of a wait. If you want a clean traditional tattoo that will heal perfectly, this is the place and Ryan is the guy.

Had an absolutely lovely experience with Katie - I went to her for a very personal and meaningful memorial tattoo and was blown away by her talent. She was attentive to detail and extremely compassionate in knowing how much this piece meant to me. The shop is super clean and is good vibes all around! 12/10 would recommend!

This shop blew my mind away! I had come to see Katie a few weeks ago at her new shop, and I was absolutely stunned by the welcoming atmosphere and artistically beautiful design of stronghold tattoo! I really love the location and accessibility of the shop to those with low mobility like myself, and Katie was a dream to work with and very accommodating to my needs and comfortability throughout our session:) I had also met the shop owner Ryan and appreciate such an inviting space he has provided, and he was the cherry on top of an amazing shop and business/tattoo experience. I hope to come back soon for some more gorgeous art and will definitely recommend:)

I can’t speak highly enough of Ryan! I have been searching for an amazing traditional artist for a long time and boy did I find one. Also a really cool guy to sit down and chat with. I will definitely be back for more!

Ryan Gagne is one of Calgary’s best. He operates under the utmost professionalism with ‘classic’ written all over. Getting a tattoo in Ryans shop is like going to a punk concert in a 50’s diner. It’s very rad! Highly recommended and very worth it. Super nice crew and great chats whilst getting stabbed. Thanks for the killer experience Stronghold.

RYAN GAGNE IS THE MAN! One of the most straight up genuine and realest tattooers around. A phenomenal artist, who will rock any idea you bring him, and bust it out better than you’d imagine! That’s what he did for me. Super friendly, professional family man, dedicated to his craft. A true master of tattoo art. I would highly recommend seeing him for your tattoo needs! His shop is also killer, clean, plus full of great tattoo history and an awesome environment to be in. Thanks man!

Amazing experience, I was made to feel comfortable in Ryan’s space; and with the entire afternoon throughout.
10/10 great guy, and history packed shop. Worth the trip and I will be back.

Went to Katie a few days ago and had an amazing experience! I usually get bad anxiety before/during appointments but she made me feel extremely comfortable from start to finish and was very accommodating. I'm already looking forward to coming here again! The shop was also very nice and clean! Can't recommend them enough.

I had the most amazing experience at Stronghold! Katie is a phenomenal artist and such a kind human. She really understood exactly what my vision was and executed it beyond my expectations. It was such a pleasure being in the shop, it has a great vibe and was very welcoming. Highly recommend!

I had complete faith in Ryan’s artistry and for good reason, the cover up piece he created for me is amazing and I’m obsessed with it. Would definitely recommend and will go back in the future.

Ryan has been my go-to guy for tattoos for years now. His professionalism and welcoming demeanour make getting a tattoo a great experience. I recently went to his new shop, Stronghold Tattoo, for the first time and have nothing but great things to say about the experience. The shop is clean, well taken care of, and filled with beautiful art to check out. Ryan is the best in the business and I look forward to getting tattooed by him at Stronghold for years to come.

The sign in Ryan’s shop doesn’t lie, you can rest easy knowing you’ve found the best. Whether it’s Ryan himself or anyone he has guesting there you can be confident you’re getting an amazing piece. His knowledge and skill in tattooing extends far beyond application and placement, and is only exceeded by his passion for the art. I will absolutely be going to Stronghold and Ryan for many years to come!

(The photo is a day old and slightly scabby, also was washing my sheets)

One of the top tattoo experiences I've ever had. I felt super safe and comfortable the entire time.

The tattoo also healed better than any tattoo I've ever had, and that is saying a lot considering it is a giant knee tat.

10/10 would do again.

I have been tattooed by a few good artists but I don't think anything will ever beat my experience getting tattooed by Ryan.

First time travelling for a tattoo and I won't lie I was pretty nervous. Ryan was very professional and very accommodating with my tattoo and made me feel welcome in his shop. He did such an amazing job with the tattooI honestly couldn't be happier with the experience. I am looking forward to getting more pieces from Ryan in the future!

This place is the best, so good. Ryan is extremely professional. I would use and recommend Ryan again without a doubt. First class!

Super good tattoos by a super good dude! Always a treat to be in the shop! You won’t be disappointed!

Great shop and experience. Have been getting tattooed by Ryan for over ten years, and always have a great time.

From the initial meeting, to the completion of my tattoo, Ryan was so professional and showed that he cared, as much or more than I did. I am so happy with the result and having spent the better part of an afternoon with a really great guy.

Just went for my first tattoo with Ryan, and i couldn't be happier with the results. Not only does his quality and professionalism stand out in his incredible work, but also in the atmosphere of his shop. Very clean and welcoming to everyone. I couldn't recommend stronghold Tattoo enough!

Went in for a couple tattoos from Ryan a few weeks back. It was a great experience, he's a super cool professional guy, made sure I was comfortable the whole time. Both tattoos turned out amazing and he had a pretty light hand so it was a pretty chill experience. Overall he's a great tattooed and a super cool guy to chill with and chat with for a few hours while you get inked, definitely recommend him

Cant say enough good things about my experience at stronghold. Ryan is an incredibly talented artist I absolutely love my piece. The shop has a really great vibe to it very clean and very welcoming Ryan is also a great guy. Was having such a great time I booked my next tattoo with him before he finished the one he was working on! Strongly recommend Ryan and stronghold tattoo!

Ryan was extremely accommodating and easy to work with. He suggested some adjustments to my initial tattoo location without being pushy and was very thorough. Obviously the art speaks for itself.one of the best in Calgary talent wise but also a great guy. Would recommend him and the shop to anyone looking to get a tattoo. Professional and honest. Keep up the good work!

I've gotten 4 tattoos from Ryan and each one of them exceeded me expectations. Can't recommend him enough.

Ryan is an absolute gem. He's an incredible artist, one of the best in western Canada in my opinion, and is super sweet and humble to boot. I've had two tattoos done by him. He works hard to make sure you're happy with the design and placement, and goes out of his way to make sure you're feeling comfortable and at ease. His shop is clean and painted bright pink, too! What else could you ask for?

I have been tattooed by Ryan on multiple occasions. His professionalism and attention to detail are second to none. He is not only an excellent tattoo artist but he is kind hearted and a genuine family man. Two attributes I greatly appreciate and respect. I would not hesitate in recommending Ryan and Stronghold Tattoo to all my family, friends and clients.

If you take one look at Ryan's portfolio, you will see that hIs work is top notch. His shop is clean and every session I've had with him has been a great experience. No egos here, just great tattoos.

Ryan Gagne is a tattoo legend & is back on home turf. He kills it every time and always puts his heart and soul into his work. Couldn’t be more happy with what’s he has done for me, and can’t wait to get more from him.

I was tattooed by Ryan back when he was in Parksville, and I can't recomended him enough. Not only does he do amazing tattoos, but he's such a kind, genuine person. Can't wait to visit his new shop Calgary someday!

Have spent many hours being tattooed by Ryan. Can't recommend him enough! If you want a super clean, vibrant, distinct, quality tattoo look no further. Ryan kills it and you will be stoked with what you get to wear.

Ryan did a fantastic Cthulhu tattoo for me years ago when he was with another shop here in YYC. From start to finish it was a great experience with a great artist. Highly recommended!

Ryan has tattooed myself, my partner and many of our friends. He did a solid black rose on my partner's elbow that healed unbelievably well - no touch-ups required (elbow tattoo experiences may vary.haha). Just a solid dude and a family man. You could introduce a biker and your grandmother to Ryan in the same afternoon and they would both say "what a nice young man. " I would happily recommend anyone I know to this shop.

I have been tattooed many times by Ryan, amazing dude, this shop is amazing. Can’t wait to go see him ASAP!

I’m lucky enough to have a couple of tattoos from Ryan and they are still holding bold and bright. One of the best and we are very lucky to have him and his family settled into Calgary.

I have had the pleasure of working alongside Ryan early in his career, now 10yrs later he is still steadfast in the quality in which he provides. Do not let the fact he wears Crocs sway you from getting tattooed, he has great taste in all other areas that matters.

Great tattoos that are bold and bright. Great dude who is professional and knowledgeable. Great clean space to get tattooed in.

I can't say enough good things about my experience with Ryan at Stronghold Tattoo. Booking and consulting about tattoo was easy right from the start. His response time was always quick, and his input into the tattoo was honest and very helpful. I can honestly say that it was my best experience ever getting tattooed. Ryan was easy to talk to and an all around solid guy. The shop itself was clean, comfortable and a great relaxed enviroment. I had the honor of being the first client at Stronghold and I couldn't have been happier with my tattoo. I can't wait to go back and get more in the future. Clean solid tattoos without all the BS!

Ryan is an exceptional tattoo artist and an equally good human. He is trustworthy, kind, professional and an amazing artist. My tattoo from Ryan is one of my favorites and the colour is still perfect on it years later. It healed perfectly. He only uses top quality ink and machines. Go see Ryan at Stronghold! World class tattoo artist for sure.

Ryan provides a wonderful service, and upholds the quality, care, safety and that raise the bar for this industry. More creative than he ever gives himself credit for, and kind beyond words. I admire his dedication to his friends and family, calgary is lucky to have such an establishment. Check out his instgram page if you need more evidence!