Every Alberta club in our directory is in one of the province’s two largest cities: two in Calgary and six in Edmonton. This guide gives each club’s address and sums up the provincial and city rules that apply to these venues, using official sources.
How exotic entertainment is regulated in Alberta
The rules come from two levels of government. Any venue that serves alcohol is licensed by the province through Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC). Its Liquor Licensee Handbook covers every type of liquor licence, and one section deals with nude entertainment. AGLC reviewed the handbook in December 2020 and said that section’s requirements had been reduced. In 2015 AGLC also stopped treating exposed female breasts as “nude”: under its policy, nudity means exposing the genitals, and the rule is the same for men and women.
The cities license the performers as well as the venues.
Calgary. Exotic entertainers come under a separate Exotic Entertainers Bylaw (47M86). The City’s adult entertainment guide says an applicant must:
- be at least 18 and live in Calgary;
- show proof of employment from a licensed agency;
- complete a statutory declaration and present two pieces of ID, one government-issued with a photo;
- get a police security clearance and collect a City photo ID card in person.
The bylaw says no one may work as an exotic entertainer between 2:30 a.m. and 7 a.m., and no one may hire an unlicensed entertainer. It also has a clear no-contact rule: entertainers may not touch anyone while performing, operators may not allow it, and patrons may not touch the entertainer.
Edmonton. Edmonton’s Business Licence Bylaw 20002 has three separate categories: Exotic Entertainer, Exotic Entertainment Agency and Exotic Entertainment Venue. An entertainer must provide a police information check, proof of being 18 or older with valid government photo ID, a photograph, every stage name they use, and the agencies and venues they work with. Entertainers must show their licence number in any advertising. Venues may use only licensed entertainers for nude or semi-nude performance, must keep a list of performers with stage names and licence numbers and a log of the dates each performed, and must keep anyone under 18 off the premises. The bylaw’s exotic entertainment sections do not contain a touching rule like Calgary’s, though clubs set their own house rules.
Calgary
Both Calgary clubs share an address on 9 Avenue SW downtown.
- Cathouse — 907 9th Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 1L3
- Boudoir Rouge — 907 9 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 1L3
Cathouse’s listing says it opens Monday to Saturday from 6pm and is closed on Sunday, and that groups can book a free limousine pickup in advance. Boudoir Rouge’s listing describes male entertainers on Friday and Saturday nights. Both listings say a dress code applies.
Edmonton
Edmonton has six listings, two of them on 105 Street downtown.
- Chez Pierre Entertainment — 10040 105 Street NW, Edmonton
- Shade Gentlemen’s Club — 10148 105 St NW, Edmonton
- Pinky’s Show Palace — 11845 Wayne Gretzky Dr, Edmonton, AB T5B 4R4
- Eden Exotic Edmonton — 13120 97 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5E 4C6
- Saint Pete’s Exotic Show Bar — 11125 156 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5M 1X9
- Diamonds Gentlemen’s Club — 4635 Gateway Blvd, Edmonton
Chez Pierre describes itself as Edmonton’s longest-operating strip club, with more than 40 years in business.
What to check before you go
- Bring government-issued photo ID. Both Calgary listings say photo ID is required with no exceptions, and Edmonton venues are legally required to keep anyone under 18 out.
- Know the contact rules. In Calgary, the bylaw bans touching in both directions during a performance. In Edmonton the bylaw is silent, so ask the club about its house rules before you pay for a private dance.
- Confirm hours and dress code. Hours, guest lists and dress codes differ from club to club. Calgary’s bylaw ends exotic entertainment at 2:30 a.m. even where the bar stays open later.