The Beltline’s Beautiful Begonia Bakehouse

Two days earlier, I’d never heard of the place. But here I am at Begonia Bakehouse on a Sunday mid-morning, and there’s a line of young Beltliners stretching to the door.

Some are here for a Monogram-roasted coffee. But they’re all picking up delectable pastries—twice-baked croissants, egg brioche, kouign-amann—and loaves of naturally leavened sourdough bread.

A sweet treat

Indeed, Begonia is one of a handful of Calgary bakeries producing both high-end pastries and artisan breads. Owner and SAIT graduate Elizabeth Reimer opened this little bakeshop in 2023 and is constantly introducing new creations such as a pastry apparently containing apples from her mother’s yard.

I manage to score the last loaf of sprouted sourdough; no such luck with the cherry pistachio sourdough. But I do claim a wee table to devour a sublime almond croissant and a “Canadiano”.

A delectable hazelnut fig loaf

Looks like I’ll have to show up earlier for future visits.

Followup: A week later, I’m there at 9 am and able to score a delightfully chewy hazelnut fig loaf ($8, available Saturday only), a decadent pain Suisse ($5.25) and, what the heck, a substantial made-to-order turkey sandwich to go, a $9 bargain. And the busy staff are so friendly!

A made-to-order turkey sandwich

After only two visits, Begonia is my new, favourite Calgary bakery.

Begonia Bakehouse
1502 14 Street SW, Calgary
Wednesday to Saturday 8 am-3 pm, Sunday 8 am-2 pm. Closed Monday and Tuesday
587-355-7768