Armadillo Games

We take pride in offering a diverse selection of board games, puzzles, and accessories for both locals and visitors, helping them find the perfect game for any occasion. But we’re more than just a store—we’re an active part of the Bow Valley community, hosting events, supporting businesses that run public game nights, and sponsoring local initiatives to bring people together through gaming.

Our History

Sonja’s toy shop, Hijinx opened in 2005. While originally intended to be only for kids to age 10, it quickly started to stock board games and Magic the Gathering cards for an older group of customers. By 2013 it was getting too crowded, so Armadillo was born. This way both stores could specialize and serve the demographic more distinctly.

As Armadillo Games became better known in the Valley, communities of enthusiasts started asking for more specialized products as well as events. Even though the space was very small, Friday Night Magic started up. The essential ingredient which grew this community event and brought more niche products to satisfy the locals’ needs, was the right staff. Riley Lambe started work in 2014 and soon proved to be an invaluable asset. His passion and knowledge for table-top games was clear from the beginning, and his knowledge grew fast, so that he is now a guru of all things table-top.

Our Expansion

In 2021 an opportunity arose to expand the store’s square footage which led to the Den, a dedicated area at the back of the store to host events. Riley very soon filled the week with events; the timing was excellent as Dungeons and Dragons took off thanks to Stranger Things!

  • Sonja

    As the store owner, Sonja loves gathering around the table for a board game night with family and friends. She’ll be the first to admit she’s not quite as nerdy as the rest of the team, but she’s always up for a game or a puzzle night in!

    Favorite Games: Two Player Games & Challenging Puzzles (2000 pieces or more!)

  • Riley

    A lifelong Bow Valley local and the board game guru of Armadillo Games, Riley has over a decade of experience helping players find the perfect game. Whether you're looking for a quick card game or a deep strategy experience, Riley always has a great recommendation. If it’s a game-related question, odds are Riley has the answer.

    Favorite Games:Magic: The Gathering, La Viña, Zombicide, Poetry for Neanderthals

  • Chadwick

    A sales associate and our resident D&D expert, Chadwick is all about building epic campaigns, running engaging events, and diving deep into all things tabletop RPGs. Beyond roleplaying games, they have a wealth of board game knowledge and love helping customers find just the right game to bring to their next game night.

    Favorite Game: Dungeon & Dragons

  • Aidan

    The newest member of our sales team, Aidan is a Magic: The Gathering expert and enthusiast who’s always ready to chat about deck strategies, card combos, and the latest sets. A passionate board gamer and RPG fan, he brings a welcoming energy to Armadillo Games and is always happy to help customers find their next favorite game—whether it’s a board game, an RPG, or the perfect Magic deck upgrade.

    Favorite Game: Magic: The Gathering