Canadian National Barista Championships brings a crowd to Calgary
Calgary is playing host to some of the best coffee makers in the country this weekend.
The annual National Barista Championships are taking place at Eight Ounce Coffee on Saturday and Sunday.
A dozen of the best baristas from across Canada are competing in front of judges to see who can create the best cup -- and who has the best technical skills. They'll be judged on their presentation, interaction and knowledge.
"They are competing to represent Canada in the World Barista Championship that'll be happening in a few weeks in Athens, Greece," host Tyler Hagan said. "It's an incredible opportunity to gather the coffee community here in Calgary and celebrate coffee."
The participants will present three unique drinks to the judges: an espresso course, a milk course and a signature beverage.
One local contestant says he's excited to represent Calgary.
"This is the best city of speciality coffee in Canada," Paprik Liu told CTV News. "For me, it's very cool and it's also an honour to represent Phil and Sebastian -- I can't do everything by myself."
The finals wrap up Sunday evening.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
10 people shot outside a Queens, N.Y., nightclub; 4 suspects at large
Ten people were injured in a shooting outside a nightclub in Queens, N.Y., on Wednesday night, according to the New York Police Department.
DEVELOPING
DEVELOPING Weather warnings issued in 6 provinces and territories
Wintry weather prompted warnings in six provinces and territories early Thursday morning.
DEVELOPING
DEVELOPING U.S. Army veteran who killed 15 in New Orleans attack was inspired by Islamic State
A U.S. Army veteran who drove a pickup truck into a crowd of New Year's revelers in New Orleans, killing 15 people, had posted videos to social media hours before the carnage saying he was inspired by the Islamic State group and expressing a desire to kill, the president said.
Here's how immigration rules are changing in 2025
Canada's federal government is changing course on immigration with a wave of tighter caps on newcomers and new rules for permanent and non-permanent residents.
Who are Canada's top-earning CEOs and how much do they make?
Canada's 100 highest-paid CEOs earned $13.2 million on average in 2023 from salaries, bonuses and other compensation, according to the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.
Jocelyn Wildenstein, 'Catwoman' socialite known for her extreme cosmetic surgery, dies
Jocelyn Wildenstein, the Swiss-born socialite famous for the surgery-enhanced feline features that earned her nicknames in the American press like 'Catwoman,' has died.
opinion
opinion 7 tips to give yourself a financial restart this new year
The start of a new year is the perfect time to take control of your finances and set yourself up for success, says personal finance contributor Christopher Liew in a column for CTVNews.ca.
Canadian government watering down promise to fully scrutinize firearms before sale, group says
A leading gun-control group is accusing the Liberal government of watering down a promise to ensure firearms are properly scrutinized before entering the Canadian market.
North Atlantic right whales should live past 100 years old. They're dying around 22
North Atlantic right whales should live well past 100 years, but threats to the endangered species, including from commercial crab and lobster fishing, have cut their lifespan to a fraction of that, a recent study suggests.
Edmonton
-
'Noon Year' mocktail party serves as non-alcoholic way to ring in 2025
Sober Edmontonians rung in the new year Wednesday with a "Noon Year" celebration at a mocktail bar.
-
Calgary woman was planning to leave husband when he killed her and her father, brother says
The brother of Ania Kaminski, who was murdered by her husband on Dec. 29, described her as one of the most amazing human beings in the world.
-
'You feel pretty badass': 3 fitness trends to make good on your 2025 fitness goals
If you're looking to bring the spark back into your active life, here are some of last year's popular workouts and why you may want to add them to this year's routine.
Lethbridge
-
2 charged with first-degree murder in Lethbridge motel death
Lethbridge Police have charged two people with first-degree murder, after a body was found in a southside motel room last weekend.
-
University of Calgary Dinos win University Challenge Cup ringette championship in Lethbridge
Eleven ringette teams from across Canada were battling it out all week in Lethbridge for the University Challenge Cup, leading to Tuesday’s final between the University of Calgary Dinos and the University of Ottaawa Gee-Gees.
-
Lethbridge police warn about increase of online scammers
The Lethbridge police is asking residents to safeguard their bank accounts following an increase in reports of suspicious transactions involving compromised accounts.
Vancouver
-
'Cash poor' businesswoman is worth at least $20M, can pay off mortgage debt, B.C. court rules
A Vancouver businesswoman who claimed to be too "cash poor" to pay off a roughly $3 million mortgage debt – despite having claimed a net worth in excess of $94 million as recently as 2018 – has been ordered to pay up.
-
8 impaired drivers caught on New Year's morning in Abbotsford, B.C., police say
For some partiers in B.C.'s Fraser Valley, New Year's Eve celebrations lasted well into Wednesday morning – until police pulled them off the road for drunk driving.
-
B.C. teen with Canada's first human case of avian flu no longer in ICU
The B.C. teenager who became infected with Canada's first human case of H5N1 avian influenza was transferred out of intensive care and taken off supplemental oxygen last month.
Vancouver Island
-
B.C. teen with Canada's first human case of avian flu no longer in ICU
The B.C. teenager who became infected with Canada's first human case of H5N1 avian influenza was transferred out of intensive care and taken off supplemental oxygen last month.
-
Suspicious fire under investigation at Vancouver Island school
Emergency crews were called to douse a suspicious fire that broke out at a school in the Vancouver Island community of Duncan on New Year's Eve.
-
BC Ferries cancels 6 New Year's Day sailings due to 'mechanical difficulty'
For the second day in a row, BC Ferries has cancelled sailings to and from Horseshoe Bay due to a "mechanical difficulty."
Saskatoon
-
Saskatoon mayor optimistic about what's to come, despite challenges
As Saskatoon welcomes 2025, Mayor Cynthia Block begins the year with optimism, reflecting on 2024's accomplishments.
-
Sask. women between 47 and 49 now eligible for breast cancer screening
More Saskatchewan women are now able to access breast cancer screening as the province takes a phased approach to lower age eligibility.
-
Here are the top feel-good stories of Sask. in 2024
Unpleasant headlines often dominate the news and 2024 was no exception. Despite the darkness, some stories always emerge to attempt to show humanity at its brightest.
Regina
-
New Year's Day Levee returns to Government House
Government House of Saskatchewan opened its doors to the public once again for the annual New Year's Day Levee on Wednesday.
-
Here are the top feel-good stories of Sask. in 2024
Unpleasant headlines often dominate the news and 2024 was no exception. Despite the darkness, some stories always emerge to attempt to show humanity at its brightest.
-
Regina welcomes first baby of 2025
Regina’s first baby of 2025 is a girl.
Toronto
-
2 seriously injured in fire at Toronto apartment building
Two people suffered serious injuries following a fire at a residential building in Toronto’s Seaton Village neighbourhood, paramedics say.
-
Man stabbed in Toronto's Oakwood Village neighbourhood: police
A stabbing in Toronto’s Oakwood Village neighbourhood has left one man seriously injured, police say.
-
Toronto saw a rash of brazen crime that shocked and unnerved residents last year. Is the city still safe?
Community leader Walied Khogali Ali was devastated when gunfire broke out in his Regent Park neighbourhood earlier this year, killing a father and his adult son.
Montreal
-
From industrial highway to developer's paradise, Montreal's Lachine Canal turns 200
It used to be that on New Year’s Eve, people living along Montreal’s Lachine Canal would throw open their doors to hear the nearby factories blow their horns when the clocks struck midnight.
-
What's happening in Montreal on the first weekend in 2025? Here's a guide
From Leonard Cohen to Cinderella to an all-Canadian Habs v. Canucks game at the Bell Centre, CTV News had your events guide for the first weekend of 2025.
-
From Celine Dion to Pope Francis, here are some new year's wishes to take into 2025
The start of a new year has inspired some of the world's high-profile figures and organizations to share messages about hope, gratitude and goodwill.
Atlantic
-
Police investigate suspicious deaths in Halifax
Police are investigating a pair of suspicious deaths that took place on New Year’s Eve in Halifax.
-
Man facing several charges after alleged assault, multiple false 911 calls in New Glasgow, N.S.
Police in New Glasgow, N.S., have arrested a man after he allegedly made multiple false calls to 911 earlier this week.
-
Cape Breton police charge third person in homicide investigation
Cape Breton Regional Police charged a third person in connection with the disappearance and murder of Kenneth “Justin” MacDonald.
Winnipeg
-
Maternity unit closure averted at Brandon hospital
A 24-hour disruption in maternity services at Brandon Regional Health Centre has been averted after the hospital managed to secure medical provider coverage.
-
Gas tax returns to Manitoba
Manitoba’s gas tax holiday has now come to an end.
-
Winnipeg, Brandon welcome first babies of 2025
On Wednesday, just two minutes after the clock struck midnight, Winnipeg welcomed its first bundle of joy of the new year.
Ottawa
-
ByWard Market restaurant closes after more than 35 years
Blue Cactus has closed its doors in Ottawa's ByWard Market after serving customers for more than 35 years. A sign on the restaurant's door at 2 ByWard Market Square says Blue Cactus will be "closing its doors effective immediately."
-
Cold temperatures to arrive in Ottawa for first weekend of 2025
A cold first weekend of 2025 is in the forecast for Ottawa, which could be good news for people hoping for cold weather to help freeze the Rideau Canal Skateway.
-
NEW THIS MORNING
NEW THIS MORNING What’s happening in Ottawa during the first weekend of 2025
CTVNewsOttawa.ca looks at things to do in Ottawa during the first weekend of 2025.
Northern Ontario
-
Charges after transport driver in northern Ont. fixed window with duct tape
A transport truck driver has been charged after a motorist alerted police about a commercial motor vehicle that had duct tape covering the driver's side window.
-
Here's how immigration rules are changing in 2025
Canada's federal government is changing course on immigration with a wave of tighter caps on newcomers and new rules for permanent and non-permanent residents.
-
DEVELOPING
DEVELOPING U.S. Army veteran who killed 15 in New Orleans attack was inspired by Islamic State
A U.S. Army veteran who drove a pickup truck into a crowd of New Year's revelers in New Orleans, killing 15 people, had posted videos to social media hours before the carnage saying he was inspired by the Islamic State group and expressing a desire to kill, the president said.
Barrie
-
Snow squall warning - 60 cms of snow
Environment Canada has issued a Snow Squall warning for Barrie and surrounding townships.
-
Sudden death criminal investigation in Alliston
Police are asking for the public's help during this investigation.
-
Motorists passing collision charged with distracted driving
Several motorists face charges after a pickup truck rolled into a ditch in Collingwood on Tuesday, including two drivers who weren’t involved in the crash.
Kitchener
-
Heavy snow and snow squall warnings for parts of southwestern Ontario
After a weekend of mild and wet weather, winter is making its return to southwestern Ontario, with Environment Canada issuing heavy snow and snow squall warnings for Waterloo Region, Stratford, Wellington County and Brant County.
-
What’s open and what’s closed over the holidays
A detailed guide to what’s open and closed between Dec. 24 and New Year's Day.
-
Two suffering serious injuries following assault in Cambridge
Officers responded to the area of Water Street North and Dickson Street around 2 a.m. Sunday after a 24-year-old man and a 26-year-old woman were assaulted.
London
-
32-year-old Central Huron resident dies in crash
OPP say a 32-year-old Central Huron resident has died after a two-vehicle collision in the Municipality of Huron East.
-
'Lock windows and doors': overnight shelter in place warning lifted by OPP in West Lorne
A man is in custody, and there is a no longer a “threat to public safety” for residents in West Lorne, Ont. according to provincial police.
-
First baby of 2025 revealed by London Health Sciences Centre
London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) announced the first baby of the New Year was born at 12:05 a.m. on Wednesday.
Windsor
-
WRH announces 'out of this world' arrival as 2025 New Year’s baby
Windsor Regional Hospital announced the first baby of 2025 arrived just over an hour past midnight.
-
Recognize her? Woman wanted for alleged retail and grocery thefts
Windsor police officers are asking for the public’s identifying a suspect wanted after thefts from a retail store and grocery store.
-
Car theft suspect wanted on 27 charges: Windsor police
An arrest warrant has been issued for a suspect wanted by Windsor police on 27 charges related to an ongoing auto theft investigation.
