Applicants are encouraged to visit MyBusiness in advance of submitting an application to learn more about starting a business, and the tools and resources available to new and existing business owners.

Types of vendors permitted

The Seasonal Vendor Program supports vendors that enhance park visitor experiences, encourage the use and enjoyment of parks and greenspaces, and complement existing park amenities and activities.

Examples of eligible vendor activities may include:

• Equipment rentals that support recreation and active park use, such as bicycles, snowshoes, cross-country skis, games, and sporting equipment.
• Recreational, cultural, or educational services appropriate to a park setting, such as guided tours, recreational instruction, environmental education programs, art workshops, and other activities that encourage participation and enjoyment of parks and greenspaces
• Food and beverage services operated from approved mobile vending units, such as coffee carts, ice cream carts, beverage carts, snack carts, and bicycle-cart based vendors.
• Other seasonal goods and services that contribute to vibrant, welcoming, and active public spaces

Please note:

• Food and beverage vendors operating under the Seasonal Vendor Program are typically approved to provide pre-packaged food and/or non-alcoholic hot and cold beverages that complement the park experience.
• Food trucks are not included in the Seasonal Vendor Program. Vendors wishing to operate a food truck from a designated parking stall must apply through the separate Food Truck Stall Program.  Visit Booking Food Truck Stalls for more information.

Vendors are encouraged to operate in many of our parks and greenspaces. However, due to capacity such as parking and congestion, some parks cannot accommodate any further vendors. Several of our parks are at capacity, and vendors may be directed to parks other than their preferred choice.

 The following locations are not available through this program:

• River Park
• Prince’s Island Park
• Glenmore Reservoir or lands adjacent for activation in the Reservoir
• East Village
• The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland (previously Fort Calgary)
• St. Patrick’s Island
• Poppy Plaza

 *River Parks Vendor Permit applications will be reviewed; however, permit availability is subject to capacity and operational limitations.

Electrical access is limited in park settings; electrical connection to on-site power may require a City electrician and material at an additional cost to the vendor.

Use of a generator in a park settings is discouraged for public safety and environmental reasons. A request to use a generator is to be noted in the application and must be approved by The City.

Waste and recycling, grey water removal and disposal, and other utilities are the vendor’s responsibility.

All applications are subject to a non-refundable $50 application administration fee.

Additional information about permit fees, fee structures, and payment requirements can be found in the Seasonal Vendors in Parks Program Guidelines.

• New Vendor applications for the spring/summer 2026 season begin April 1, 2026.
• Applications can take 6 - 8 weeks to review and are processed in the order they were received.
• To avoid processing delays, please ensure your application includes all of the necessary information and required documents. Failure to do so may result in the denial of your application.

1. Please review the Seasonal Vendors in Parks Program Guidelines.
2. Submit an application; ensure all Seasonal Vendor Required Documents are attached to your application. 
3. Applicants will receive an automated confirmation email once an application has been submitted. 
4. A Calgary Parks representative will contact an applicant if additional information or a site visit is required as part of the review process. All other applicants will be notified via email of the status of their application within 6-8 weeks.  
5. Successful applicants will be expected to provide the following documents prior to their expected commencement date: 
   • Signed seasonal vendor agreement 
   • Negotiated seasonal vendor fee in full 
   • Damage deposit in full (only applicable when operating from a City of Calgary facility) 
   • Approved Building and/or Development permit if required – please contact Planning, Development and Approvals 
   • Approved Pathway Access and Proximity permit if required - apply via the myID web portal
     
     If these requirements are not submitted prior to the expected commencement date, the vendor will forfeit their desired park location for the season.
      
6. Provided all the requirements have been met, the successful applicant begins operation on the expected commencement date.