What are the opening hours?

Tuesday 9:30am - 5pm Wednesday 9:30am - 5pm Thursday 9:30am - 5pm Friday 9:30am - 5pm Saturday 9:30am - 5pm

Chinook Optical

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Canada
Calgary, AB
Chinook Optical

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Purveyors of Fine Eyewear since 1916. Located in the Britannia Shopping Plaza, Calgary, Alberta, Can Our business was founded by Dr. E.S. His son, B.J.S.

Tharp as Consolidated Optical, located in the Leeson & Lineham Block building (209 -8th Avenue SW) in 1916 in Calgary, Alberta. Tharp, became a doctor of Optometry after serving in the navy in WWII. He founded Chinook Optical in 1960 and now the next two generations are continuing the business. Chinook Optical is proud to be a small and independent business in Calgary, Alberta. The store was one of the original tenants in Chinook Center when the mall opened, yet for almost a decade now we have enjoyed our current location in the Britannia Shopping Plaza. We are proud of our history serving the Calgary community for more than 100 years and look forward to the next century of eyecare in our city. Our exceptional team of licensed opticians, students of opticianry and licensed doctors of optometry are continuing our tradition of excellence in health service.

11/11/2026

Remembrance Day has always held a personal significance for our family.

My grandfather, Dr. B.J.S. Tharp, served as a decoder in the Royal Canadian Navy during the Second World War before returning home to become an optometrist.

His naval portrait remains in our office today. It has prompted countless conversations with patients whose own families have histories of service. These stories are a privilege to hear and a reminder of the importance of remembering.

We will be closed Wednesday, November 11, in honour of those who served, those who sacrificed, and the families who carry their stories forward.

Lest we forget.

11/09/2026

Some histories are kept in books. Others live among us.

My grandfather, Dr. B.J.S. Tharp, served in the Royal Canadian Navy during the Second World War before returning home to become an optometrist.

His portrait still sits in our office today. A familiar presence, and a reminder that the history of Chinook Optical is inseparable from the people who shaped it.

As Remembrance Day approaches, we remember his service, and honour all those whose sacrifices made our lives today possible.

Lest we forget.

11/07/2026

THE COLLECTION / 015

Some accessories complete a look. Others define it.

Jacques Durand available at Chinook Optical.

11/04/2026

Chinook optical is Calgary’s oldest independent optical.

Independence is the freedom to do things differently.

To choose with intention. To make it personal. To have a point of view, and the conviction to stand behind it.

A little less ordinary. A lot more character. (Anything but corporate).

Independent by design. Since 1916.

11/02/2026

A familiar name. An enduring point of view.

Rooted in Calgary. Shaped by generations. Always looking forward.

Since 1916.

10/30/2026

THE COLLECTION / 015

Not everything beautiful needs to be understated.

Sabine be available at Chinook Optical

10/28/2026

Beautiful eyewear is only part of what we do.

The adjustments, the repairs, the little things and the big things that make a difference. Because what you choose to wear deserves the attention it takes to keep wearing it.

The business of seeing well. The art of choosing well. Since 1916.

10/26/2026

Some doors become part of a city’s memory.

The people change. The fashions evolve. The conversations continue.

But through it all, the pleasure of welcoming someone through our door remains.

Rooted in Calgary, since 1916.

10/24/2026

THE COLLECTION / 014

Not quite conventional. Entirely intentional.

MASAHIROMARUYAMA available at Chinook Optical.

10/24/2026

THE COLLECTION / 014

Not quite conventional. Entirely intentional.

MASAHIROMARUYAMA available at Chinook Optical.

Address

813 49th Avenue SW
Calgary, AB
T2S1G8

Opening Hours

Tuesday	9:30am - 5pm
Wednesday	9:30am - 5pm
Thursday	9:30am - 5pm
Friday	9:30am - 5pm
Saturday	9:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+14032521961

Website

http://www.chinookoptical.com/

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