There’s something about chocolate that just makes everything a little better. Whether you’re looking for a box of chocolates to give for Valentine’s Day or simply want to treat yourself, these local chocolate shops have a treat for every sweet tooth and occasion.
Choklat
Local chocolate maker Brad Churchill opened Choklat in 2008. Along with milk and dark chocolate bars that come in multiple varieties, Choklat also puts the power in your hands by offering made-to-order truffles. You can create your ultimate truffle by choosing from dozens of fillings and coatings, as well as a milk, white or dark chocolate dip. Drinking chocolate and other chocolate confections are also available.
3601B 21 St. N.E., 403-457-1419, choklat.com
Cococo Chocolatiers
Calgary-based Cococo Chocolatiers has several locations across Canada, including 11 in Calgary alone. On the shelves, you’ll find a mix of products from the Chocolaterie Bernard Callebaut brand, which they own, as well as Cococo Chocolatier products. You can pick up everything from specialty chocolates to baking products to items like dessert sauces and chocolate letters.
Various locations, cococochocolatiers.com; bernardcallebaut.com
Coppeneur
Downtown Calgary is home to the only Coppeneur chocolate shop in North America. Head downstairs to try one of its single-origin chocolate bars, filled bars, truffles, pralines and other treats. If you’re unsure of what to get, you can’t go wrong with the Dominican white chocolate bar with vanilla, which was entered into the World Chocolate Awards in 2015 and earned three stars.
Lower level, 805 1 St. S.W., 587-351-6115, coppeneurchocolate.com
Cochu Chocolatier
Calgarians aren’t the only ones who love Cochu Chocolatier; over the last few years, owner Anne Sellmer’s chocolates have won numerous accolades from the International Chocolate Awards, The International Chocolate Salon and the Academy of Chocolate. Her creations range from ginger caramels to the Screwdriver bonbon featuring Eau Claire Distillery Three Point Vodka. She also makes chocolate bars (try the caramelized white bar) and treats like sponge toffee and pretzels covered in chocolate. Click here for a list of retailers that carry Cochu Chocolatier products.
Epiphanie Chocolate
Epiphanie Chocolate has been around for more than a decade and makes more than 30 kinds of specialty chocolates (divided into signature and classic collections) in its Beltline shop. Try flavours like the Tahitian blonde, salted caramel and the passion fruit heart.
1417B 11 St. S.W., 403-370-4592, epiphaniechocolate.com
Olivier’s
This chocolate and candy shop has been in business for more than a century, so it’s safe to say it knows more than a thing or two about sweet treats. Stop by its Inglewood store to try the huge range of treats, which includes pretzel rods, enrobed and molded chocolates, peanut or coconut brittle, chocolate bark and more.
1316 9 Ave. S.E., 403-275-5195, oliviers.ca
Master Chocolat
Master chocolatier Bernard Callebaut is behind this chocolate company. If his name sounds familiar, it’s probably because he also founded the Chocolaterie Bernard Callebaut brand a few decades ago. At Master Chocolat, choose from individual chocolates, bars in white, milk or dark chocolate and other confections. You can pick up Master Chocolat treats at its Calgary Farmers’ Market stall or at various retailers around the city.
Calgary Farmers’ Market, 510 77 Ave. S.E. and other retailers, masterchocolat.com
The Chocolate Lab
We have a feeling The Chocolate Lab hears that its chocolates are “almost too pretty to eat” a lot. But with these vibrant, colourful bonbons, the look is only part of what makes them so appealing. With flavours that incorporate ingredients like strawberry white chocolate ganache, pink peppercorns and ginger syrup, they also taste as good and unique as they look. Several of The Chocolate Lab’s bonbons, including the Orange Dreamsicle, the Strawberry Lemonade and the Midnight Special, have won awards at the International Chocolate Awards.
202D Centre St. S.E., 403-455-3022, thechocolatelab.ca